For Professionals / Education INGREDIENT GLOSSARY

The actives behind CRL

A quick reference to the key ingredients across the CRL line: what each one is, what it does for the skin, and the names to look for on our labels.

Showing 40 ingredients

Adenosine

ANTI-AGING

What it is: A naturally occurring compound recognized in Korea as a functional anti-wrinkle ingredient.

What it does: Helps smooth the look of fine lines and supports firmer-looking skin.

ON THE LABELAdenosine

AHAs (Glycolic & Lactic Acid)

EXFOLIATION

What it is: Alpha hydroxy acids that loosen the bonds between dead surface cells.

What it does: Gently resurface for smoother texture, a brighter look and better absorption of the products that follow.

Pro tip: Exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity. Remind clients to wear SPF daily.

ON THE LABELGlycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, Tartaric Acid

Allantoin

SOOTHING

What it is: A skin-conditioning compound originally found in the comfrey plant.

What it does: Soothes and softens, helping calm skin that feels sensitized or dry.

ON THE LABELAllantoin

Alpha-Arbutin

BRIGHTENING

What it is: A stable brightening ingredient related to compounds found in bearberry.

What it does: Helps fade the look of dark spots and supports a more even-looking tone.

ON THE LABELAlpha-Arbutin, Arbutin

Arnica

SOOTHING

What it is: An extract from the arnica flower, a long-time botanical for comfort.

What it does: Helps calm the look of redness and soothe skin, especially after treatment.

ON THE LABELArnica Montana Flower Extract

Azelaic Acid

BRIGHTENING · CLARIFYING

What it is: A naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley and wheat.

What it does: Helps even out tone, refine the look of pores and clarify blemish-prone skin.

ON THE LABELAzelaic Acid

Bakuchiol

ANTI-AGING

What it is: A plant-derived antioxidant often described as a gentle alternative to retinol.

What it does: Helps smooth texture and reduce the look of fine lines, with less irritation potential than retinoids.

ON THE LABELBakuchiol

BHA (Salicylic Acid)

EXFOLIATION · CLARIFYING

What it is: An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that works inside the pore.

What it does: Clears congestion, refines the look of pores and smooths rough texture.

ON THE LABELSalicylic Acid, Betaine Salicylate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract

Biotin & Scalp Actives

SCALP

What it is: A blend of biotin, a biotin-peptide and plant compounds formulated for the scalp.

What it does: Supports a healthier-looking scalp and the look of fuller, thicker hair.

ON THE LABELBiotin, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Apigenin, Oleanolic Acid, Diaminopyrimidine Oxide, Panax Ginseng Root Extract

Centella Asiatica (Cica)

SOOTHING · RECOVERY

What it is: A K-beauty staple herb, used in CRL as an extract and as plant-derived vesicles.

What it does: Calms the look of redness and supports skin's recovery after stress or treatment.

ON THE LABELCentella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Vesicles

Ceramides

HYDRATION & BARRIER

What it is: Lipids that make up much of the skin's barrier, paired here with cholesterol and phytosphingosine.

What it does: Replenish and reinforce the barrier, helping skin hold moisture and stay resilient.

ON THE LABELCeramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine

Collagen

HYDRATION & BARRIER · ANTI-AGING

What it is: A structural protein, used in skincare in smaller hydrolyzed forms that work on the surface.

What it does: Attracts and holds moisture for skin that looks smoother, plumper and more supple.

ON THE LABELHydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen Extract

Copper Peptide

ANTI-AGING · RECOVERY

What it is: A peptide bound to copper, one of the most studied peptides in skincare.

What it does: Supports the look of firmness and skin renewal, and helps skin look recovered.

ON THE LABELCopper Tripeptide-1

Ectoin

HYDRATION & BARRIER · SOOTHING

What it is: A protective molecule produced by microorganisms that survive extreme environments.

What it does: Helps shield skin from environmental stress, lock in moisture and calm sensitized skin.

ON THE LABELEctoin

Exosomes & Extracellular Vesicles

ANTI-AGING · RECOVERY

What it is: Tiny vesicles that carry lipids, proteins and signaling molecules. CRL uses salmon-derived exosomes and plant-derived vesicles.

What it does: Support the look of skin renewal and vitality, especially in post-treatment care.

ON THE LABELSalmon Testis Exosomes, Camellia Japonica Callus Extracellular Vesicles, Centella Asiatica Leaf Vesicles

Expression-Line Peptides

ANTI-AGING

What it is: Peptides designed to target the look of lines formed by repeated facial movement.

What it does: Help soften the look of expression lines around the eyes and forehead.

ON THE LABELAcetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

Fermented Ingredients

HYDRATION & BARRIER · BRIGHTENING

What it is: Ingredients broken down by yeast or bacteria, a hallmark of K-beauty formulas.

What it does: Hydrate and condition skin for a smoother, more radiant-looking complexion.

ON THE LABELGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment Filtrate

Ferulic Acid

BRIGHTENING · ANTI-AGING

What it is: A plant-based antioxidant often paired with vitamin C.

What it does: Helps stabilize vitamins C and E and boosts their antioxidant protection.

ON THE LABELFerulic Acid

Firming Peptides

ANTI-AGING

What it is: Signal peptides that mimic fragments of the skin's own structural proteins.

What it does: Help skin look firmer and smoother and reduce the look of wrinkles.

ON THE LABELPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37, Hexapeptide-9, Tripeptide-1

Glutathione

BRIGHTENING

What it is: An antioxidant made of three amino acids, found naturally in the body.

What it does: Helps protect skin from oxidative stress and supports a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

ON THE LABELGlutathione

Growth Factor Peptides

ANTI-AGING · RECOVERY

What it is: Lab-made (bioengineered) peptides designed to mimic growth factors such as EGF, bFGF and IGF-1.

What it does: Support the look of renewal, firmness and recovery, making them a fit for post-procedure care.

ON THE LABELsh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, sh-Polypeptide-16, sh-Polypeptide-22, rh-Polypeptide-4, rh-Polypeptide-58, rh-Polypeptide-60

Hyaluronic Acid

HYDRATION & BARRIER

What it is: A humectant that skin produces naturally, able to hold many times its weight in water.

What it does: Draws moisture into the skin for an instantly plumper, smoother, more hydrated look.

ON THE LABELSodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Kojic Acid

BRIGHTENING

What it is: A brightening ingredient produced during the fermentation of rice for sake.

What it does: Helps fade the look of dark spots and uneven tone.

ON THE LABELKojic Acid

Licorice Root

BRIGHTENING · SOOTHING

What it is: A botanical extract valued for both brightening and calming.

What it does: Helps even out skin tone and soothe the look of redness.

ON THE LABELGlycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Liposomes

DELIVERY

What it is: Tiny lipid spheres, made from phospholipids, that encapsulate active ingredients.

What it does: Help protect delicate actives and support their delivery into the skin's surface layers.

ON THE LABELPhospholipids, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin

Microspicules

EXFOLIATION · RECOVERY

What it is: Fine, naturally derived spicules that create micro-channels in the skin's surface.

What it does: Offer a needle-free resurfacing effect and help the actives that follow absorb better.

Pro tip: A light tingling sensation is normal. Avoid on broken or compromised skin and don't pair with strong exfoliants in the same session.

ON THE LABELHydrolyzed Sponge

NAD+ & NMN

ANTI-AGING

What it is: Coenzymes involved in the skin cells' energy processes.

What it does: Support the look of vitality and help skin look more energized and youthful.

ON THE LABELNicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide

Niacinamide

BRIGHTENING · HYDRATION & BARRIER · CLARIFYING

What it is: A form of vitamin B3 and one of the most versatile actives in skincare.

What it does: Helps even tone, strengthen the barrier, refine the look of pores and balance oil.

ON THE LABELNiacinamide

Panthenol

HYDRATION & BARRIER · SOOTHING

What it is: Pro-vitamin B5, which converts to pantothenic acid in the skin.

What it does: Hydrates, soothes and helps skin feel comfortable and resilient.

ON THE LABELPanthenol

PDRN

RECOVERY · ANTI-AGING

What it is: Polydeoxyribonucleotide: DNA fragments, a K-beauty favorite in professional skincare.

What it does: Supports the look of skin recovery and renewal for skin that looks healthier, smoother and more resilient.

ON THE LABELSodium DNA (PDRN), Sodium DNA, Hydrolyzed DNA

Resorcinols

BRIGHTENING

What it is: Advanced brightening molecules that target the look of discoloration.

What it does: Help fade the look of stubborn dark spots and uneven tone.

ON THE LABEL4-Butylresorcinol, Hexylresorcinol

Retinoids

ANTI-AGING

What it is: Vitamin A and its derivatives, from classic retinol to the gentler next-generation retinoid HPR.

What it does: Support skin renewal for smoother texture and a reduced look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro tip: Recommend use at night with daily SPF. Clients who are pregnant or nursing should check with their physician first.

ON THE LABELRetinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate

Skin-Brightening Peptides

BRIGHTENING

What it is: Peptides designed to target the look of uneven pigmentation.

What it does: Help brighten skin and reduce the look of dark spots.

ON THE LABELTetrapeptide-30, Nonapeptide-1, Decapeptide-12

Squalane

HYDRATION & BARRIER

What it is: A lightweight, stable oil that mimics a lipid naturally found in skin.

What it does: Softens and moisturizes without feeling heavy or greasy.

ON THE LABELSqualane

Tea Tree

CLARIFYING

What it is: An essential oil and botanical water from the Australian tea tree.

What it does: Helps clarify blemish-prone skin and keep it looking clear.

ON THE LABELMelaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf (Tea Tree) Extract

Tranexamic Acid

BRIGHTENING

What it is: A brightening active widely used for stubborn discoloration.

What it does: Helps reduce the look of dark spots and patchy, uneven tone.

ON THE LABELTranexamic Acid

Vitamin C

BRIGHTENING · ANTI-AGING

What it is: A powerful antioxidant. CRL uses several forms, including the ultra-stable 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, in 5%, 10% and 20% strengths.

What it does: Brightens dull skin, helps even out dark spots and provides daily antioxidant protection.

ON THE LABEL3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Vitamin E

HYDRATION & BARRIER · ANTI-AGING

What it is: A fat-soluble antioxidant that's also a natural partner to vitamin C.

What it does: Protects against environmental stress and helps keep skin soft and conditioned.

ON THE LABELTocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate

White Truffle Extract

HYDRATION & BARRIER · BRIGHTENING

What it is: A luxurious extract from the Italian white truffle, rich in nutrients.

What it does: Deeply hydrates and helps skin look renewed, radiant and nourished.

ON THE LABELTuber Magnatum Extract

Zinc PCA

CLARIFYING

What it is: A form of zinc bound to PCA, a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.

What it does: Helps balance oil and keep the look of shine and pores in check.

ON THE LABELZinc PCA

This glossary is for professional education and covers key actives only. Formulas may change; see each product page for its full ingredient list. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.