Ingredient Glossary

Every product in the Noiréa line starts with a clinical question: what does this ingredient actually do at the cellular level, and does the evidence support its use? This glossary covers the active compounds you will find across our formulations. Use it as a reference when building your routine or evaluating new products.

A

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains over 75 bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and salicylic acid. Its primary function in skincare is calming acute inflammation and delivering lightweight hydration to compromised or overheated skin.

Aloe accelerates epithelial cell migration, which speeds surface repair after sunburn, peels, or microneedling. It also creates a thin moisture barrier without clogging pores, making it suitable as a post-treatment recovery base.

Found in: Glutanex Aloe Booster Gel

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, including the collagen, elastin, and keratin that form your skin's structural framework. Topical amino acid blends support the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), which is responsible for maintaining hydration levels in the stratum corneum.

When taken as targeted supplements, amino acid complexes support protein synthesis from within. The body uses specific amino acid combinations to produce collagen, support connective tissue integrity, and maintain the metabolic processes that keep skin functioning at its baseline.

Found in: NOIRÉA Ascend Amino Blend, NOIRÉA Elán Wellness Blend, NOIRÉA Elán+ Wellness Blend, NOIRÉA Elán Pure Metabolic Support Blend, NOIRÉA Lumi Luxe Skin & Beauty Blend

C

Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Centella asiatica has been used in wound healing for centuries, and modern dermatology has validated why. Its four active triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid) stimulate collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier by increasing ceramide production.

Cica is the ingredient of choice for compromised barriers, post-procedure recovery, and reactive skin. It calms redness without suppressing immune function and supports structural repair at the dermal level.

Found in: Dr. Drawing Cica Revival Ampoule, Glutanex Cica Cream, Merikit Cica Perfect Suncream

E

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)

Epidermal Growth Factor is a polypeptide that binds to receptors on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, stimulating cell division and accelerating skin turnover. It was first isolated in research that earned a Nobel Prize in 1986, and Korean skincare has been at the forefront of incorporating it into topical formulations.

EGF is most effective on skin that has slowed its natural renewal rate. When turnover slows (typically after age 30), dead cells accumulate on the surface, creating dullness and uneven texture. EGF reactivates that renewal cycle.

Found in: Dr. Drawing EGF Whitening Complex Ampoule

G

Glutathione

Glutathione is the body's most abundant intracellular antioxidant. It exists in every human cell and plays a direct role in neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating melanin synthesis. When applied topically, glutathione inhibits tyrosinase activity, which controls melanin production. The result is brighter, more even-toned skin over time.

Glutathione also recycles other antioxidants (vitamins C and E), amplifying their protective effects. For skin that has accumulated sun damage or uneven pigmentation, glutathione addresses the mechanism behind the discoloration, not just the surface appearance.

Found in: Glutanex Glow Therapy Ampoule, Glutanex Glow Therapy Milky Serum, Glutanex Glow Therapy Toner, Glutanex Glow Therapy Pore Pads, Glutanex Glow Therapy Sheet Mask, Glutanex Glow Therapy Gel-To-Foam Cleanser, Glutanex Lip Glow Balm, Glutanex Soap Brightening & Clarifying Bar, Glutanex Spot Cream

H

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Your skin produces it naturally, but production declines steadily after age 25. Topical application draws moisture into the epidermis and supports the extracellular matrix that keeps skin plump and resilient.

Different molecular weights serve different purposes. High-molecular-weight HA forms a hydrating film on the surface. Low-molecular-weight HA penetrates deeper layers to support structural hydration from within. The most effective formulations use multiple weights together.

Found in: Dr. Drawing HY Control Hyaluronic Acid Aqua Ampoule

P

Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the skin. Different peptide sequences trigger different responses: some stimulate collagen synthesis, others relax facial muscles (similar to the mechanism behind injectable neuromodulators), and others inhibit enzymes that break down structural proteins.

B-Tox peptides, used in Korean anti-wrinkle formulations, target expression lines by modulating neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. They do not paralyze muscle tissue. They reduce the intensity of repetitive contractions that deepen wrinkles over time.

Found in: Dr. Drawing B-Tox Anti-Wrinkle Ampoule, Curenex Salmon DNA & Multi-Peptide Rejuvenating Mask

Phosphatidylcholine (PPC)

Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid derived from soybean lecithin that disrupts the structural integrity of adipocyte cell membranes when delivered at therapeutic concentrations. In aesthetic medicine, PPC-based solutions target localized subcutaneous fat deposits that resist diet and exercise.

PPC works by emulsifying fat cell membranes, releasing stored triglycerides into the interstitial space where the body's lymphatic system processes and eliminates them. Results develop over a series of treatments as the body metabolically clears the released fatty acids.

Found in: Dr. Lipo+, Dr. Lipo+ V, Lipo Lab PPC Solution, Silhouette Body

R

Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol converts to retinoic acid in the skin, where it binds to nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression for cell turnover, collagen production, and melanin distribution. It is the most extensively studied anti-aging topical in dermatology, with decades of clinical evidence behind it.

Retinol accelerates the shedding of damaged surface cells and stimulates new collagen in the dermis. The tradeoff is an adjustment period: most skin types experience temporary dryness, flaking, or sensitivity during the first 2-4 weeks. Starting with lower frequencies (every other night) and pairing with barrier-supportive ingredients reduces that transition.

Found in: Glutanex Retinol Eye Cream

Rice Extract

Rice bran and rice water have been used in East Asian skincare for centuries. The active compounds (ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, phytic acid, and inositol) brighten skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation, and provide gentle exfoliation without irritation.

Rice extract is rich in B vitamins and minerals that support the skin barrier. It is one of the mildest brightening actives available, making it appropriate for sensitive skin types that cannot tolerate acids or retinoids.

Found in: Merikit Grain Rice Foam Cleanser

S

Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into pores and dissolve the sebum and dead cell buildup that causes congestion. It is the gold standard for acne-prone skin because it works inside the pore, not just on the surface.

Beyond clearing breakouts, salicylic acid reduces inflammation and has mild antibacterial properties. At concentrations between 0.5% and 2%, it exfoliates without disrupting the barrier when used correctly.

Found in: Dr. Drawing AC Control Salicylic Acid Ampoule

Salmon DNA / PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)

PDRN is a bioactive compound extracted from salmon DNA that activates the A2A purinergic receptor, triggering cellular regeneration and anti-inflammatory responses. It accelerates fibroblast proliferation, stimulates collagen and elastin production, and improves microcirculation in treated tissue.

Originally developed for wound healing and tissue repair in medical settings, PDRN has become one of the most studied regenerative ingredients in Korean aesthetic medicine. It delivers measurable improvements in skin elasticity, hydration depth, and fine line reduction.

Found in: Dr. Drawing Salmon DNA Rejuvenation Ampoule, Dr. Drawing SD Control Salmon DNA Rejuvenation Ampoule, Curenex Daily Care Skin Booster, Curenex Salmon DNA & Multi-Peptide Rejuvenating Mask, Dermaline Bio-Activating PDRN Eye Patches

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a triglyceride-rich fat extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. It contains high concentrations of oleic acid, stearic acid, and vitamins A and E. These compounds create an occlusive layer that prevents transepidermal water loss while delivering fat-soluble nutrients directly to the stratum corneum.

Shea butter is particularly effective on thin, delicate skin (lips, under-eyes, hands) where the barrier is naturally thinner and more prone to moisture loss.

Found in: Glutanex Lip Glow Balm with Shea Butter & Glutathione

Snail Mucin (Snail Secretion Filtrate)

Snail mucin is a complex bioactive secretion containing glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and zinc. It accelerates wound healing, promotes cellular turnover, and delivers deep hydration without occluding pores. Clinical studies show measurable improvements in skin texture and fine line reduction over 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

Unlike synthetic humectants that sit on the surface, snail mucin penetrates the stratum corneum and supports the skin's own repair mechanisms. It works across skin types, including acne-prone and sensitized skin, because it calms inflammation while hydrating.

Found in: Dr. Drawing Total Care Snail Mucin Ampoule

Stem Cell Extract (Plant-Derived)

Plant stem cell extracts used in skincare come from undifferentiated cells at the growth tips of select botanicals. These extracts contain concentrated growth factors, peptides, and antioxidants that signal human skin cells to increase proliferation and collagen output.

Stem cell technology in Korean skincare focuses on creating an environment that supports your skin's own regenerative capacity. The extracts do not replace human stem cells. They provide the signaling compounds that aging skin produces less of on its own.

Found in: Dr. Drawing SC Control Stem Cell Anti-Aging Ampoule, Dr. Drawing Stem Cell Booster Ampoule, Ronas Stem Cell Serum, Ronas Stem Cell Hydro Cream, Ronas Stem Cell Rich Cream, Ronas Stem Cell Solution