Ingredient Glossary

A naturally occurring molecule present in every living cell, used in K-beauty formulas for its impressive anti-aging properties. Adenosine signals skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin, visibly smoothing fine lines and firming the complexion over time. It is recognised by Korean cosmetic regulators as a functional cosmetic ingredient.

A family of eight water-soluble vitamins that function as coenzymes — molecular assistants enabling essential metabolic reactions in skin cells. Each has a distinct role: B1 (thiamine) inhibits glycation; B2 (riboflavine) recycles the glutathione antioxidant pool; B3 (niacinamide) brightens and strengthens barrier; B5 (panthenol) builds barrier lipids and accelerates repair; B6 (pyridoxine) regulates sebum; B7 (biotin) supports fatty acid synthesis; B9 (folic acid) enables DNA repair and cell renewal; B12 (cyanocobalamin) suppresses inflammatory cytokines. They are metabolically interdependent — the full complex functions as a coordinated system rather than isolated actives.

The dried leaves of Camellia sinensis — the same plant used for your morning cup of tea. In skincare, its potent antioxidants (particularly EGCG) neutralise free radicals, calm inflammation, and help regulate oil production. It is the hero ingredient in our Hydrating Teaism mask.

A creeping herb native to tropical Asia and a cornerstone of Hanbang — traditional Korean medicine. Its pentacyclic triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) repair the skin barrier, suppress inflammatory signaling via the NF-κB pathway, and stimulate collagen synthesis through the TGF-β/Smad pathway. The "cica" shorthand in K-beauty is a contraction of cicatrix — a nod to the plant's centuries-long wound-healing history.

The four pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from Centella asiatica, each with distinct mechanisms. Madecassoside and asiaticoside are glycoside forms that suppress NF-κB inflammation and promote collagen synthesis via TGF-β/Smad signalling. Asiatic acid and madecassic acid are the aglycone (unglycosylated) forms with higher membrane permeability, capable of entering fibroblasts more readily. Using all four as separate INCI entries — rather than a generic centella extract — delivers precise, full-spectrum triterpenoid activity.

A naturally occurring tripeptide antioxidant (glutamic acid + cysteine + glycine) synthesised in every human cell. In skincare, glutathione brightens through two complementary mechanisms: it inhibits tyrosinase by chelating its copper cofactor — reducing melanin synthesis at the source — and shifts melanocyte production from darker eumelanin toward lighter phaeomelanin. It also participates in a mutual regeneration cycle with vitamin C, each restoring the other's active form after oxidation.

Known in Korean as ssuk (쑥), mugwort is one of the most culturally embedded plants in Hanbang — traditional Korean medicine — used for centuries in moxibustion therapy, medicinal baths, and topical skin treatment. Its flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercitrin) and phenolic acids deliver potent anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antioxidant effects, making it a key K-beauty ingredient for sensitive, atopic, and reactive skin.

A form of Vitamin B3 found in all three Jindelle masks. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum production, and visibly reduces the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone. It is one of the most studied and well-tolerated multitaskers in modern skincare.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide — DNA fragments extracted from salmon (or plant sources in vegan formulations) and purified for cosmetic use. PDRN activates the adenosine A2A receptor to suppress inflammation, promote collagen synthesis via VEGF, and support cellular repair through the nucleotide salvage pathway. Documented anti-melanogenic effects — inhibiting tyrosinase and MITF expression — make it particularly relevant for post-blemish brightening. On ingredient labels it always appears as "Sodium DNA," a single INCI name that covers both PDRN and the closely related polynucleotide (PN).

The Damask rose (Rosa damascena), cultivated in Bulgaria's Rose Valley for centuries, is one of the most prized botanicals in both perfumery and skincare. Its extract delivers gentle hydration, anti-inflammatory soothing, and a natural fragrance without synthetic additives. It features in all three Jindelle masks as the binding thread of the collection.

An Australian native plant whose distilled leaf oil is one of the most clinically studied antimicrobial botanicals in dermatology. Its primary active, terpinen-4-ol (30–45% of quality ISO 4730 oil), disrupts microbial cell membranes and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α). A landmark 1990 randomised trial found 5% tea tree oil gel equivalent in efficacy to 5% benzoyl peroxide against mild-to-moderate acne, with significantly fewer side effects. Jindelle uses two distinct forms: Tea Tree Extract (water-soluble, primarily anti-inflammatory) in Calming Mindfulness, and Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil (higher terpinen-4-ol, antimicrobial + anti-inflammatory) in Renewal Clarity.

A zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) — an organic acid naturally present in the skin's own Natural Moisturising Factor. Zinc PCA inhibits 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, directly reducing androgen-driven sebum overproduction. Its additional antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and anti-inflammatory properties make it a precision ingredient for blemish-prone and oily skin. The PCA salt form is substantially more bioavailable than zinc oxide or zinc sulfate.