The selection process aims to choose works that are on par with other Fellowship projects in scholarly merit.

There are some caveats about which texts may be chosen for translation, as fiction is not included in the plans.

The NIF's translation fellowships represent a new beginning in a field previously considered neglected.

At the end of the fellowship, it is expected that all projects will be published and available to a global audience.

A participant in the fellowship program lives in New Delhi.

By using the site related to the fellowship, users agree to its privacy policy.

A greeting was issued to readers for a January 2022 visit during a period of inclement weather.

A teacher or leader is described as a central reason for motivation at a school.

The statement "Language should be used to unify" was highlighted.

Educational resources like a World Languages Coloring Book for Kids and Factory Sachi are mentioned.

A Turkish proverb says, “one language, one person, two languages, two people,” to express the transformative power of bilingualism.

The author has personal reflections on returning to Turkey after 52 years.

There is both enjoyment and seriousness to language, relating to knowledge and culture.

Language is described as the lens through which people perceive the world.

The author recalls learning Spanish in high school and later losing proficiency.

Familects are discussed as a blend of family and dialect, contributing to language evolution and personal expression.

There are challenges in language instruction due to limited resources and access.

The Hoocąk Waazija Haci Language Division Program and the UW AIIS program contribute to revitalizing the Hoocąk language in Wisconsin.

An app is described as a learning tool and resource for the Hoocąk language.

Pormpuraaw's Kuuk Thaayorre language uses absolute cardinal directions rather than relative ones.

Some languages, like Matses, require speakers to be specific and factual, such as in reporting how many wives a man has.

The selection process aims to choose works that are on par with other Fellowship projects in scholarly merit.

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Interview: Niraja Gopal Jayal, Trustee, New India Foundation

The NIF’s Translation Fellowship programme announced earlier this month aims to make important works of non-fiction written in regional languages accessible to a more diverse audience
By Simar Bhasin
UPDATED ON AUG 20, 2021 06:27 PM IST

What’s the story behind the NIF translation fellowship programme?

The translation fellowship programme is actually a logical outgrowth of the book-writing fellowships programme, which as you know is the flagship activity of the New India Foundation, aimed at nurturing high-quality scholarship on post-independence India. The first continuity between them then is the focus on modern Indian history, society and politics. However, while the book-writing fellowships are about India after 1947, the qualifying period for the translation fellowships is twentieth century India, even the late nineteenth century depending on the text. This is because there are many important works in Indian languages that could illuminate the longer period but to which readers of the English language, or indeed of other Indian languages, would not have access.

Secondly, the NIF has supported at least one translation as part of its book-writing fellowship programme. This was Ayesha Kidwai’s translation, with a superb introduction, of her grandmother Anis Kidwai’s book Azadi ki Chaaon Mein, which was published by Penguin in 2011, with the English title In Freedom’s Shade. At least two other books by NIF Fellows draw heavily upon sources and literature in regional languages – Akshay Mukul’s The Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India and SV Srinivas’s Politics as Performance: Social History of the Telugu Film Industry. Both these books, about different forms of cultural production, are deeply anchored in, respectively, Hindi and Telugu.

Tell us about the selection process? What are you looking for in applications?

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We are looking for proposals that bring together interesting books and good translators. This year, in the first round, we are inviting applications for translations from 10 languages: Hindi, Urdu, Bangla, Kannada, Assamese, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Malayalam and Tamil. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2021. The applications – which must include a sample translation - will be assessed by language experts, on the basis of which the shortlist will be compiled, followed by interviews and the selection of three Fellows.

We propose to constitute a Language Expert Committee, with one member for each of the three selected proposals, who will mentor the Fellows and help them structure and shape their work. We see these works as being on par with the other Fellowship projects in terms of their scholarly merit. We expect them to have a comprehensive introduction that provides the social, political and cultural context of the work, thorough annotations and a bibliography that could help the reader explore the terrain further.

Are there any caveats as to the texts that may be chosen for translation?

No fiction, no poetry, no drama. The focus will be on history (including social and cultural history), politics, society, biography, memoirs, and so forth.

What according to you are some of the challenges facing translators linguistically when it comes to expounding ideas contained in regional texts into the English language?

Ideally, any translation should be able to stand on its own, approximating the excellence of an original work. This is why translation is typically viewed as an art, rather than something mechanical. For this, translators have to be imaginative in how they render into English ideas or nuances that may be specific to the language with which they are working. Cultural differences can pose a challenge to translators who need not just felicity in the two languages they are working with, but also familiarity with the world of sociocultural meanings in both – else you can fall into the ‘lost in translation’ syndrome!

There is, of course, a very rich scholarly field of translation studies, with debates on language as identity, the politics of language, authenticity, and so on.

Do you feel that the outcomes of this fellowship will challenge and disrupt the conception of largely West-oriented notions of what constitutes a liberal public sphere?

That is not the driving motivation of the fellowship, but it could potentially do so, depending of course on the texts. Introducing readers to works in different languages should certainly contribute to an appreciation of the rich diversity of languages in our country; to recover indigenous debates on ideas that we have encountered only through the western canon; to encourage us to embrace our natural bilingualism, and perhaps also to value multilingualism.

Do you think that there is a lack of institutional support to translation projects from languages of the global South? What is required to encourage such projects?

I can’t speak to the global South, but certainly there is a lack of support for translation projects in the Indian languages. Quite a lot of fiction finds translation. As far as non-fiction goes, there is the Murthy Classical Library of India which has brought us fabulous English translations of great classics from the past two millennia. There is also the National Translation Mission that commissions translations, mainly of textbooks. The translation fellowships of the NIF represent a new beginning in a field that we believe has been largely neglected so far.

In its present form, the fellowship focuses on works of non-fiction in 10 languages. Are there any plans for more languages and for fiction works also to be included in the near future?

As of now, we envisage an expansion of the languages in the second round to include, for instance, Punjabi, Konkani, Manipuri, Bhojpuri, etc. We do not have plans to include fiction.

At the end of the fellowship, will all of the projects be published and available to a global audience?

Publication is the objective. As with the book writing fellowships, we would connect Fellows to publishers. We already provide in-house editorial help to our Fellows to shape and polish manuscripts into their final form, and this would be available to the translation Fellows as well.

To know more about the translation fellowships: https://www.newindiafoundation.org/nif-translation-fellowship

For queries, write to info@newindiafoundation.org

The link to apply : https://translationfellowships.paperform.co/

Simar Bhasin is an independent journalist. She lives in New Delhi.

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There are some caveats about which texts may be chosen for translation, as fiction is not included in the plans.

The NIF's translation fellowships represent a new beginning in a field previously considered neglected.

At the end of the fellowship, it is expected that all projects will be published and available to a global audience.

A participant in the fellowship program lives in New Delhi.

By using the site related to the fellowship, users agree to its privacy policy.

A greeting was issued to readers for a January 2022 visit during a period of inclement weather.

Title:

Content: Greetings dear friends and gentle readers and welcome back for our final January 2022 visit here on the Front Porch, where the sun is expected to rise at 6:59 a.m. and set at 5:02 p.m. and where I imagine we'll still be digging out from the weekend's blizzard!

I am writing this on Saturday morning — while the winds swirl and the snow mounts, and as the weather reports and warnings keep rolling in — so, like you dear readers, I have no idea what havoc this storm (the one named Kenan) will wreak. Since power outages are predicted, I guess I'd better zoom along!

Let's begin with a big brava to Westerly High School senior Chiara Andrews, the daughter of Jeff and Silvana Andrews, who earned a noteworthy honor last week. Chiara is one of only two students to receive the Student of the Year Award from the Rhode Island Foreign Language Association.

I heard the news from World Languages teacher Íde Motherway Koulbanis, who teaches French and World Cultures and who called Chiara a hero and a young woman that she is "fiercely proud of."

"I cannot wait to watch her achieve great things," Íde said, adding that "Chiara is truly an inspiration to the WHS World Languages Dept. She spends most of her day with language students and teachers and has brought a positive light to the dept. in the toughest of times in the education profession. She is truly our 'why' this school year. This is such an achievement!"

Sarah Steverman, Westerly Public Schools World Languages program coordinator, said in a press release: "A Westerly High School senior who has excellent achievement in French (level II), Spanish (level II), and Italian (AP), including successes in all national exams. She is also self-studying German. Chiara brings many cultural opportunities to her school as the President of the International Club, including a Chinese tea ceremony and an International Film Festival. Most impressively, Chiara's senior project paper is on the topic of language acquisition and she is currently interning in the Westerly School's middle and elementary schools as a world language intern! Chiara is interested in continuing her language study in college with the possibility of becoming a world language teacher!

Well done Chiara!!! And well done also to the language association, which, according to its website, is dedicated to "promoting and encouraging the teaching and study of foreign languages, literatures and cultures in the Rhode Island area."

Additionally, the organization states: "We understand that language has power and should be used to unify and not to attack or marginalize. We also believe that the racial and ethnic diversity of the United States is a force that does not weaken but instead enriches us as a country. We condemn the use of hateful language and violence against any person or community based on race or ethnicity and stand in solidarity with all victims of hate crimes and bigotry."

Such inspirational, encouraging words to read! "Language should be used to unify." Music to my ears. Thank you Íde and Chiara! If not for Chiara's award, I might not have visited the Rhode Island Foreign Language Association website and read those words which seem so timely right now. "Unify" is a good word.

Speaking of good words, how many of you have caught the Wordle bug? Let me hear from you if you're among the thousands of people who try to guess the correct five letter word each day!

Speaking of culture, as I mentioned last week, it's soupy-making season in Westerly, the time where folks gather to ceremoniously mix red and black pepper, salt, paprika and other personal secret ingredients with massive amounts of ground pork butts and shoulders, stuff them into the casings (or, as my pal Henry Fiore Jr., enjoys saying, the famous "stendines") then hang the completed sticks of soupy in a cool, dark place until Easter time.

Days after I wrote about soupy last week, and urged readers to send in photos of their soupy-making adventures — a big thank you to Maria and Jeff Pucci for sending in photos (see them at right!) that included some favorite Front Porch folks (Aaron Bliven, Derek Vacca, Nick DeLauro, Luke Arnold, John and Debbie Pucci, Sara Gabriele and Maria and Jeff of course!) — a slim book arrived on my desk in the newsroom with the title, "Making Sopressata."

The booklet was written by a fellow named Alex Cournoyer, who sent the booklet a good month ago (but since I am working mostly from home these days, I only retrieved it the other day!) Cournoyer, who lives in Portsmouth, writes that he has learned a lot about making soupy from Fr. Giacomo Capooverdi and Angela Larson of Westerly. Next week, after I've had a chance to read the book, I'll share more!

Until then dear readers, get boosted if you can, mask up when necessary, wash your hands, stay safe, be kind, ponder that word "unify" and ciao bella!

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Content: There were 841 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 395,048 in the last 365 days.

'World Languages Coloring Book for Kids,' Now Available

World Languages Coloring Book for Kids

Introduces children how to say “Hello”, and count “One, Two, Three” across 15 different languages

Free eBook Promotion of “World Languages for Kids" between May 4 and May 5, 2024 on Amazon KDP

Kids can learn world languages and diverse cultures through Factory Sachi's latest release, with coloring activities that inspire curiosity.

TORONTO, ON, CANADA, May 3, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Factory Sachi is excited to announce the release of "World Languages Coloring Book for Kids," a new educational tool that opens the door to a world of languages for young learners. This coloring book is designed to make learning fun and interactive, combining the joy of coloring with the discovery of diverse cultures and languages.

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To enhance this launch, Factory Sachi is also promoting the award-winning original series "World Languages for Kids." Between May 6 and May 7, 2024, the e-book version will be available for free download on Amazon Kindle. This promotion encourages deeper exploration into the languages featured in the coloring book.

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Book Details:
Title: World Languages Coloring Book for Kids
Producer: Factory Sachi
Category: Children’s Coloring Book
Page Count: 66 pages
Target Audience: Ages 4-8
ISBN for Paperback: 978-1-7770108-7-4

Embark on a linguistic and cultural journey with the "World Languages Coloring Book for Kids," where learning meets creativity and global exploration.

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Factory Sachi
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A Turkish proverb says, “one language, one person, two languages, two people,” to express the transformative power of bilingualism.

Title:

Content: Bir lisan, bir adam…

In Turkish, that begins the saying, “one language, one person, two languages, two people,” meaning that we are literally different human beings when we fluently use another language.

I am thinking about this because I am going back to Turkey this week, for only the second time in 52 years. I’m brushing up on the language, words and phrases coming to mind after long absences. “Fark etmez,” I automatically answer when someone asks whether I want coffee or tea — “Makes no difference.”

And when a friend comes down with COVID, I say “gecmis olsun” — “may it pass quickly” — like I would have 50 years ago. We don’t have anything that handy in English.

That’s the fun of it, but there is a serious side to language and its relation to knowledge and culture. Author Wade Davis says in his 2009 book, “The Wayfinders: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World,” that of the 7,000 languages then spoken in the world, half of them were not being carried down to the next generation. Every two weeks, he said, an elder was dying and taking the last syllables of a language with her/him. He likened this loss to the loss of biological diversity. As we lose languages, we lose ways of seeing the world, ways of relating to other people. We lose part of the store of human knowledge.

I’m reminded that Alvin Josephy said over 50 years ago that the Americas had been inhabited by humans for more than 20,000 years, perhaps as many as 40,000. And he wrote that the population might have been as many as 90 million when Columbus hit the shore. He based his thinking on languages. Linguists told him how long it took for a language to break off and become unique, and the explorers and missionaries and settlers with language curiosity documented approximately 2,500 languages spoken on the two continents in 1492. Linguists have measured and followed the dispersion of peoples across the continents with language from then until now.

In Alvin’s time, archeologists were spouting the Bering Land Bridge theory, postulating a crossing from Asia about 12,000 years ago. And many anthropologists said that the population, from Arctic to the tip of South America, could not have been more than 10 million, that there were maybe one million inhabitants in what is now the United States.

They were wrong. Too many languages; too many peoples. There is now good documentation that 70%-90% of tribal populations were killed in early years of contact by European diseases to which they had no immunities. We have new findings on the Salmon River of 16,000-year-old settlements, and footprints in sand in the Southwest that date to 23,000 years ago. Coastal migration from Asia is now the theory. And modern DNA research shows migration patterns that follow the ways of language Josephy wrote about in “The Indian Heritage of America” — in 1968!

Language is the lens through which we see the world. My mother saw her world in Norwegian first, and then, embarrassed that his daughter didn’t know English, Grandpa Hagen said that they’d speak English at home. Mom hung onto the language enough so that she could talk secrets with her Minnesota friends in front of me growing up. I didn’t learn it.

I spent a summer working on a farm with Mexican laborers who’d come to California for the higher wages — 90 cents an hour. I had two years of high school Spanish and that summer of Tex-Mex Spanish. What a pity that I let it go.

***

The first colonists, from the British Isles, understood the confluence of language and culture. They saw Anglo-America as the arrow of civilization, led the new government with borrowings from England, engulfed immigrant populations with school and church English and sought to totally incorporate and assimilate American Indians by taking children from parents and putting them in boarding schools, outlawing their languages.

The wheel has turned, and American Indians are openly speaking old languages and reviving ones at the edge of extinction — about 250 individual languages, among them Nez Perce and Umatilla. I wish I knew enough to understand their complex family relationships — I only know that brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles have no direct translations and broader meanings than anything in American English.

And, thanks to an old Turkish roommate who has prodded me regularly on the phone for 50 years, and to a wonderful trip back in 2004, my four years of living in that language in that country is coming back — not totally of course, but enough to say please and thank you, to know what to call elders and children, to say “Hos bulduk” — “I find my coming back good,” when I arrive on Saturday.

———

Rich Wandschneider is the director of the Josephy Library of Western History and Culture.

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Familect: Unveiling the Secret Language of Families and Its Cultural Impact

Explore the fascinating realm of familects - the fusion of family and dialect. Delve into how these unique linguistic creations form bonds, spark creativity, and reveal the essence of family communication.

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The phenomenon of familect, a term that blends 'family' and 'dialect', was first introduced by linguistics professor Cynthia Gordon in 2009. It emphasizes the unique linguistic fabric that families weave through the repeated use of specific words and phrases, crafting a distinct identity. This intriguing aspect of communication was thrust into the spotlight by a BBC TV show in 2021, showcasing its significance in both linguistic evolution and personal expression.

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The Genesis of Familect

Professor Cynthia Gordon's seminal work, 'Making Meanings, Creating Family', delves deep into how familects are not mere linguistic anomalies but pivotal in forging a family's identity. Through pet names, inside jokes, and creatively altered words, familects enable a deeper connection and mutual understanding among family members. This unique form of communication often originates from the need to name new concepts or streamline conversations, incorporating both fun and functionality.

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The broader cultural recognition of familects, highlighted by their feature on the BBC TV show Quite Interesting, underscores their role beyond the confines of familial communication. Bill Lucas from the English Project celebrates the creativity inherent in familects, noting how they inject humor and novelty into everyday language. This public acknowledgment has spurred interest in how familects contribute to the dynamism of language, encouraging the adoption of new expressions within wider societal discourse.

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Familects serve as a testament to the fluidity and adaptability of language. They are not only a source of amusement or a means of efficient communication but also a mechanism for language evolution and personal expression. As families invent and adopt unique linguistic forms, they contribute to the tapestry of language, influencing its growth and transformation. Additionally, familects offer insights into the values, experiences, and histories of the families they originate from, serving as linguistic markers of identity.

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There are challenges in language instruction due to limited resources and access.

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Content: Hoocąk language organization preserves Indigenous culture

Language division offers services, apps to teach people to speak Hoocąk

· Oct 5, 2023 Tweet

Abby Cima/The Badger Herald

Of the nearly 8,000 enrolled members in the Ho-Chunk Nation, there are currently less than 40 who can speak the Ho-Chunk language (also anglicized as Hoocąk). This is due to past removals and relocations of Indigenous Americans, Hoocąk Waaziija Haci Language Division Program Manager Adrienne Thunder said.

According to The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, between 1869 and the 1960s, the American government sent Indigenous children to more than 350 Indian boarding schools. Students at these schools were forced to assimilate to a Westernized way of life. Several decades later, the repercussions of these institutions are evident through the dwindling number of Hoocąk speakers, according to NNABSHC.

Organizations like the Hoocąk Waazija Haci Language Division are working to change that. According to the division’s website, the group offers a range of programs including an online Hoocąk Academy, a Hoocąk language apprenticeship program and classes for local high schools. But these programs have a limited reach.

“I would say most families probably don’t have direct access to someone who can speak the language very well,” Thunder said. “And so even with our instructors, the ones that we have right now, it’s hard to reach everyone.”

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There are only about a dozen instructors for the 3,500 Hoocąk tribal members in Wisconsin, which makes covering the language and cultural education difficult. Additionally, not everyone can take the classes when they are offered, which compounds the challenge of preserving the Hoocąk language, Thunder said.

In response, the division has partnered with The Language Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving endangered Indigenous languages, to expand the division’s virtual Hoocąk dictionary, Thunder said. These forms include a public website and app.

Also in development is an E-learning app for individuals to learn and speak Hoocąk. The plan is for the beta version of the app to be released this fall, with the final product set to release sometime this winter, Thunder said.

Thunder said the purpose of the app is to provide a base for individuals to start with Hoocąk. This could generate more interest and give people some information to work with before needing to work with an instructor.

“We’re hoping this gives people something to work with, and to be able to help them learn to the point where if they’re ready for further learning, then we have instructors who will be able to pick up from there or to be able to enhance their own instruction with the use of the app,” Thunder said.

While there are native speakers that can convey this immersive oral experience, Director of the University of Wisconsin American Indian and Indigenous Studies program Denise Wiyaka said that to teach a course on campus, instructors usually need a master’s degree.

“Most of the native speakers don’t have college degrees,” Wiyaka said. “And so we sometimes will pair them with somebody who does, we’ve done that in the past — paired them with a person who does have a PhD or Master’s [degree] and they’ll co-teach the course then, but it’s hard to find people with a Master’s who can teach.”

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UW’s AIIS program offers five Indigenous languages including Hoocąk as well as a certificate in which students can take classes about the literature, culture and folklore of American Indian Groups. Wiyak said that though the majority of students in these classes are Native American students, the number of non-Native students interested in learning Indigenous languages is increasing.

For these students, Wiyaka said the value for apps like the one the Hoocąk Waazija Haci Language Division is developing and believes they align with the evolution of teaching.

“I think it’s a tool for learning,” Wiyaka said. “So I think having an app is a good idea. And I think a lot of tribes are going that route. Because you know, everybody has a phone with apps on it.”

Wiyaka also said it is important to preserve native languages in order to preserve culture that has been passed down. Through events such as the Annual Evening of American Indian Storytelling, the AIIS program highlights the importance of having native speakers speak to students in their native tongues. During the event, elders from tribes all over the world are invited to narrate and act out stories in their native languages while being translated into English. By hearing and seeing stories acted and spoken out in their original form, listeners are able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the preservation of Indigenous languages, Wiyaka said.

According to Thunder, the biggest difference between Hoocąk and English is the descriptiveness of the languages. Compared to English, Hoocąk is much more dimensional and offers a more immersive experience due to what are known as positionals. Positionals provide insights into the orientation of actions and are added to the end of a sentence to inform the reader of the position of the subject.

The work done by the Hoocąk Waazija Haci Language Division Program as well as the UW AIIS program are steps toward a revitalization of the Hoocąk language around Wisconsin. For Thunder, this means keeping the Hoocąk’s relationships and connections alive through spoken word.

“All of that history — all of those relationships, all of those events, everything is encapsulated in our language,” Thunder said. “And so I just think it’s important that we try to keep that going as long as possible to continue to tell those stories.”

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This article was published Oct 5, 2023 at 9:00 am and last updated Oct 1, 2023 at 11:09 am

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The Hoocąk Waazija Haci Language Division Program and the UW AIIS program contribute to revitalizing the Hoocąk language in Wisconsin.

An app is described as a learning tool and resource for the Hoocąk language.

Pormpuraaw's Kuuk Thaayorre language uses absolute cardinal directions rather than relative ones.

Title:

Content: Language and Thinking~II

In Pormpuraaw, a small Aboriginal community on the western edge of Cape York in northern Australia, people speak Kuuk Thaayorre language which does not have any words for relative directions like left, right, front or back, but only absolute cardinal directions of north, south, east, west, etc.

In Pormpuraaw, a small Aboriginal community on the western edge of Cape York in northern Australia, people speak Kuuk Thaayorre language which does not have any words for relative directions like left, right, front or back, but only absolute cardinal directions of north, south, east, west, etc. Even a child is able to identify these cardinal directions with absolute certainty, which many of us would not be able to do readily. It would appear that while language may not be the determinant of thought, it still moulds our thinking and world views and plays a causal role in shaping our cognition. But overall, modern research on crosslinguistic differences tends to suggest that the relationship operates both ways. There are languages scattered around the world, from Polynesia to Mexico, from Namibia to Bali, which rely primarily on geographical coordinates.

An Australian aboriginal tongue, Guugu Yimithirr, also has no relative directions, but only cardinal directions. To indicate where exactly they left something in the house, they’ll say, “I left it on the southern edge of the western table.” When shown a film on television, if it was facing north and a man on the screen was approaching, they would say that the man was “coming northward.” To be able to think like these people, one needs to have a compass somewhere in the mind all the time. Regardless of visibility conditions and regardless of where they are indoors or outdoors, stationary or moving, they have a spot-on sense of direction, and for this they don’t need to look at the Sun. They simply feel where north, south, west and east are. Guy Deutscher narrated how a speaker of Tzeltal from southern Mexico was blindfolded and spun around more than 20 times in a darkened house, but being blindfolded and dizzy, still pointed the geographic directions accurately.

We cannot conceive how they experience the world, or whether it influences their sense of identity: if a Guugu Yimithirr speaker is pointing at himself, it may be not to draw attention unto himself as we would, but maybe, to point at a cardinal direction behind his back, his own existence being irrelevant. To understand the role of language in thought, let us look at how different languages treat gender, or time. In English, if one says “I dined with my friend”, one need not specify the sex of the friend. This is not the case with French (amie (f) /ami (m)), or German (Freundin(f ) /Freund(m)). But English is particular about the time of dining (dines/dined/ dining/ will dine, etc.), while Chinese, for example, does not oblige its speakers to specify the exact time of the action ~ the same verb form is used for past, present or future actions.

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It does not mean that the English do not understand the difference between sexes or that the Chinese do not understand the difference between past, present and future ~ but it does mean that they are not obliged to think about timing while describing an action. Similarly, Matses in Peru want their speakers to be precise about facts they are reporting. A Matses man when asked how many wives he has, unless he can actually see them at that moment, would have to answer in the past tense, like “There were two the last time I saw.” He must be absolutely certain that one of them hasn’t died or run off with another man since he last saw them, even if this was only five minutes ago. When one is obliged to specify certain types of information, it forces one to be attentive to those details. Since such habits of speech are inculcated from childhood, it is only natural that they will become habits of mind that go beyond language and shape experiences and perceptions, feelings and memories. The question is, is it supported by hard evidence?

Mark Twain once mocked the pronoun confusions of “the awful German language” ~ a young girl is an “it” while a turnip is a “she”. Most people, however, treat gender assignment in a language as arbitrary without any cognitive content. But experiments suggest that speakers do indeed, on a subconscious level, form associations between non-living (“neuter”) objects with masculine or feminine properties depending on their gender assignment, as in the 1990s experiment with German and Spanish. A German bridge is feminine (die Brücke), for instance, but el puente is masculine in Spanish and the same is true for clocks, apartments, forks, newspapers, pockets, etc., whereas an apple is masculine for Germans but feminine in Spanish, just like for chairs, brooms, butterflies, keys, mountains, etc. When speakers were asked to grade various objects on a range of characteristics, Spanish speakers deemed bridges, clocks and violins to have more “masculine properties” like strength, but Germans tended to think of them as more slender or elegant.

With objects like mountains or chairs, which are “he” in German but “she” in Spanish, the effect was reversed. When they were asked to assign human voices to various objects, French speakers assigned female voices to a fork (la fourchette), while Spanish speakers, for whom el tenedor is masculine, preferred a male voice. This is not to say that speakers did not know that inanimate objects do not possess biological sex, but to look at the inanimate world through the prism of gender may have some emotional connotation. Deutscher wondered whether the opposite genders of “bridge” in German and Spanish, for example, could have an effect on the design of bridges in Spain and Germany. We really do not know how the “emotional maps imposed by a gender system” affect tastes, habits and preferences. In Mandarin, speakers point past in the front and future at the back with their hand gestures, unlike us whose spatial gestures for the past and the future are just the opposite.

In English, for example, we look forward to the future lying ahead, or look back to the past left behind. But for the Chinese, the past gives the strength to move ahead, while uncertainties of the future are better left behind. The question whether language shapes thought probably goes deeper ~ what do we actually mean by thought? Psychology defines thinking as an activity that goes on in the brain while processing information received through senses and stimuli. Thinking involves memory but goes beyond ~ thinking is involved when we form concepts, feel an emotion or physical pain, engage in problem solving, reasoning or decision making. Can we experience a feeling of a sensation without a corresponding word in our language? Can we experience and identify pain without having a concept of pain in the language? Can there be thought without concept, or concept without language? To a large extent thinking may be language-based, but obviously we can think in images. Experimentally, it has been shown that imagining a physical activity stimulates the same regions in our brain that get activated when we actually perform the action.

Rather than being unidirectional, traffic flows both-ways between language and thinking, both of which are again influenced strongly by culture. As linguist Philip Lieberman says, “there are intimate, complex relationships that hold between biology, culture, language, and thought. Biology sets limits on thought, but culture changes biology, language transmits culture, and culture influences language and thought.” That language is a mirror of culture, and not something inherited by a child in the form of Chomskian Universal Grammar, has been convincingly demonstrated by Daniel Everett based on his study of the Piraha people who inhabit the extremely isolated Amazonian regions of Brazil. The language of the Pirahas does not exhibit one characteristic common to all languages, which is recursion ~ the embedding of clauses within clauses seen in most languages and is regarded as the defining characteristic of any human language.

Everett lived with Pirahas for 86 months and observed that they live a simple life, based on bounties on nature, and live on ‘here and now’ without having any sense or need of the past or the future, recognizing ‘the passage of time through wet and dry seasons’ and using ‘the full moon as a simple calendar’. Consequently, their language has evolved to meet the needs of their values, lifestyle and culture. It has no words for numbers ~ only ‘few’ and ‘many’, no words for colours or for markers of time like a week, month or year ~ only seasons, wet or dry. Their language to them is only a tool to negotiate their life which is lived only in the present and without much complexity. Actually, we are as yet far from understanding how the words that we hear or sentences that we read acquire meaning in our minds ~ how the brain’s neurons translate them into perception and thought.

Given that neurons in our brain are responsible for everything we perceive, think or do, we cannot as yet answer how objects, events, ideas, sensations, or people are encoded in the hardware of the brain by the actions of the hundred billion neurons that are tightly packed inside it. We may have shaped our destiny through innovation and creativity, through the use of increasingly sophisticated tools and language that had set us apart from our primate cousins and given us cognitive flexibility far superior to every other animal, flexibility that has led to the astounding diversity of about 7,000 languages around the globe.

But we are at the infancy of our understanding of the relationship between language and thinking. As Alan Moore said in his Promethea, “The only reality we can ever truly know is that of our perceptions, our own consciousness, while that consciousness, and thus our entire reality, is made of nothing but signs and symbols. Nothing but language. Even God requires language before conceiving the Universe. See Genesis: “In the beginning was the Word.””

(The writer is an author commentator and academic)

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Some languages, like Matses, require speakers to be specific and factual, such as in reporting how many wives a man has.


Korean skin care brands cater to all skin types and concerns, with targeted products addressing issues like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and hydration.

Brands such as AESTURA focus on sensitive and compromised skin, using dermatologically tested ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica to strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate, and soothe irritation.

Korean "glass skin" refers to a high level of hydration, radiance, and skin health, which is central to the philosophy of Korean skincare routines.

The Korean approach is considered gentler than Western routines, with notable differences in ingredients, often preferring botanical and skin-calming actives such as ginseng and green tea.

Korean skincare’s global popularity is partly due to government investment in cosmetic innovation and a cultural view that beauty is a necessity, not a luxury.

Virality on social platforms like TikTok, where products such as Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence gained massive popularity, has further fueled international demand.

Korean products are designed with lightweight textures and effective yet gentle formulas, appealing to those with both oily and sensitive skin.

Many Korean brands focus on formulas with minimal water ("waterless beauty"), which increases product longevity and effectiveness.

Innovative trends like double moisturizing and multitasking products make routines suitable for busy lifestyles, promising more value and time-saving benefits.

Landmark deals, like A.S. Watson and Amorepacific’s partnership, reflect a broader movement to make K-Beauty more accessible across Asia and globally.

Products often feature a combination of moisturizing, brightening, and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, niacinamide, and abalone enzyme to target multiple concerns at once.

Korean emulsions, another routine staple, provide adaptable hydration for all skin types and are recommended as part of a customizable, stepwise approach.

Korean skin care brands cater to all skin types and concerns, with targeted products addressing issues like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and hydration.

Title:

Content: What's Hot

The Best Korean Skin Care Product Brands For 2024

K-beauty products have slowly risen to trend, becoming bestsellers on almost all e-commerce platforms. So what is all the hype about? Let us break it down for you along with the best Korean skin care brands below.

Best Skin Care Product Brands Photo: Amazon

Korean people are renowned for their sought-after "glass skin" appearance. With a growing emphasis on skin health, many consumers are turning to the best Korean skincare products for its use of natural ingredients such as ginseng and rice water, along with reliable staples like retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides. From cleansers and moisturisers to face masks and serums, Korean skincare brands provide options for every budget and skin type.

Be it if you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, Korean brands offer a diverse range of products tailored to address specific issues like acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and hydration. This versatility has made Korean skincare a favourite among beauty enthusiasts seeking effective solutions at various price points.

To simplify your search for the ideal skincare regimen, we've curated a list of some of the best Korean skincare products and brands below.

Whether you prioritise gentle formulations, anti-aging benefits, or hydration, these recommendations will help you discover a brand that aligns perfectly with your skincare needs and goals. Explore the world of Korean skincare and achieve radiant, healthy-looking skin with products trusted by millions worldwide.

How to choose the best Korean skincare products

  • Identify Your Skin Type: Determine whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone. Korean skincare offers targeted products for each type.

  • Understand Your Skin Concerns: Whether it's acne, aging signs, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration, prioritise products designed to address your specific concerns.

  • Read Ingredient Lists: Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for brightening, and tea tree oil for acne-prone skin. Avoid products with potentially irritating ingredients if you have sensitive skin.

  • Consider Product Texture: Choose textures that suit your preferences and needs—whether lightweight gels for oily skin or rich creams for dry skin.

  • Check for Certifications: Look for certifications like K-Beauty or EWG Verified, ensuring products meet certain safety and quality standards.

  • Trial Sizes and Patch Tests: Start with trial sizes or samples when possible to test compatibility with your skin. Conduct patch tests to avoid adverse reactions.

  • Create a Routine: Build a comprehensive skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, treating (with serums or essences), moisturising, and sun protection, tailored to your skin's needs and concerns.

How we chose these brands for you

  • Effectiveness: Each brand was evaluated for the efficacy of its products in addressing various skin concerns such as acne, aging, hydration, and sensitivity.

  • Customer Reviews: Insights from real users helped gauge overall satisfaction, product performance, and consistency in delivering promised results.

  • Brand Reputation: We considered the reputation and trustworthiness of each brand within the skincare community, focusing on their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

  • Value for Money: We assessed the pricing relative to the quality and benefits offered by each brand, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

  • Ethical Standards: Brands that uphold ethical standards in sourcing ingredients, manufacturing processes, and sustainability practices were given preference.

Below is a comprehensive list of best Korean skin care brands

  1. Glow Recipe

Glow Recipe Photo: Amazon

Glow Recipe is a beloved Korean skincare brand known for its innovative and fruit-forward products. If you're wondering whether it's a good fit for your skin type, you're in luck—Glow Recipe caters to a variety of skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and combination.

Their product range is extensive, featuring everything from cleansers and toners to serums, moisturisers, and masks. Popular items include the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and the Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream. These products are formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients like watermelon, avocado, and hyaluronic acid, which are designed to nourish and hydrate the skin without irritation.

This brand has carved out a strong position in the market, often praised for its fun, colourful packaging and effective formulations. The brand enjoys a solid reputation, frequently highlighted in beauty magazines and loved by influencers.

Products from Glow Recipe worth the hype

2, ILLIYOON

ILLIYOON Photo: Amazon

ILLIYOON is a rising star in the Korean skincare scene, known for its focus on gentle yet effective formulations suitable for sensitive skin types. Their product range spans from basic skincare essentials to targeted treatments, making it a go-to brand for those seeking simplicity and effectiveness.

The brand emphasises natural ingredients known for their soothing and moisturising properties, such as ceramides, panthenol (provitamin B5), and madecassoside (derived from centella asiatica). These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate deeply, and calm irritation—ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

While perhaps not as widely recognized as some major Korean beauty brands, ILLIYOON is dermatologically tested, ensuring safety and efficacy for various skin types, reflecting its commitment to quality and skin-friendly formulations. Feedback from users often highlights the brand’s ability to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and provide long-lasting hydration.

Some of the best products from ILLIYOON range

3. COSRX

COSRX Photo: Amazon

Established in 2014, COSRX has quickly gained a strong reputation among skincare enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their products are often clinically evaluated and tested, ensuring safety and efficacy. They're particularly beneficial for acne-prone, oily, combination, and sensitive skin types, thanks to their gentle yet effective formulations.

They prioritise using minimal ingredients and focus on scientifically-backed actives that deliver results without unnecessary additives.

Their range includes essentials like cleansers, toners, exfoliants (like the popular BHA Blackhead Power Liquid), serums (such as the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence), moisturisers, and acne treatments. COSRX products are formulated with key ingredients like snail mucin, Centella Asiatica, AHA/BHA acids, and propolis, targeting issues such as acne, aging, and uneven skin tone.

The brand's straightforward approach and affordable pricing make it a favourite among those looking for reliable skincare solutions backed by science.

Popular product from this fast forward rising brand

4. LANEIGE

LANEIGE Photo: Amazon

Users have continually praised LANEIGE for its ability to deliver noticeable improvements in skin hydration and texture. Since its inception it has built a solid reputation for combining scientific research with effective skincare solutions.

Their products feature ingredients like Water Science™ technology, which includes mineral water, hyaluronic acid, and proprietary blends like the Advanced Water Science™ technology found in their Water Bank line. Popular items include the Water Sleeping Mask, Lip Sleeping Mask, and the Cream Skin Refiner, all designed to provide intense hydration and nourishment.

Many appreciate the luxurious feel and effective results of their products, especially the overnight masks which leave skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

LANEIGE's commitment to hydration and skincare innovation continues to resonate with customers worldwide, making it a trusted name in the world of Korean beauty.

Their prominent product lineup include

5. belif

belif Photo: Amazon

Belif is a Korean skincare brand that’s revered for its effective solutions, especially for hydration and maintaining a healthy skin barrier. If you're dealing with dryness, dullness, or sensitivity, this brand offers promising remedies.

They cater  to a wide range of skin types, particularly benefiting those with dry, combination, and sensitive skin. Their formulations are free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, appealing to users seeking clean skincare options.

Their lineup includes moisturisers (like the True Cream Aqua Bomb and Moisturizing Bomb), cleansers, serums, masks, and toners. Key ingredients such as comfrey leaf, oats, and calendula help soothe and nourish the skin, while maintaining a gentle approach suitable for sensitive skin types.

The brand continues to be praised for its innovative approach to skincare, making it a favourite among skincare enthusiasts looking for gentle yet powerful solutions.

Standout products include that are under $40

6, innisfree

innisfree Photo: Amazon

Innisfree has cemented its place as a staple in many skincare routines, known for its extensive range of products and dedicated retail outlets worldwide. They offer a diverse array of skincare items including cleansers, toners, essences, serums (such as the Green Tea Seed Serum), moisturizers, masks, and sunscreens.

Their products are formulated with natural ingredients sourced from Korea's pristine Jeju Island, like green tea, volcanic clay, and orchid extracts, catering to a wide spectrum of skin types. The brand is particularly favoured for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, earning a positive reputation among environmentally conscious consumers.

Founded in 2000, Innisfree has grown into a globally recognized name in skincare, praised for its effective formulations rooted in natural ingredients. Reviews highlight Innisfree's ability to deliver noticeable results, from improved skin texture to enhanced hydration and a healthy glow.

Some staples you should include in your skincare routine

7. AESTURA

AESTURA Photo: Amazon

AESTURA has made a name for itself by focusing on products designed for sensitive and compromised skin. Their offerings cater to individuals who need gentle, soothing care, often including those with conditions like eczema or rosacea. The brand boasts a comprehensive range of products, including cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and specialised treatments.

This brand's products are formulated with dermatologically tested ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica, which help to strengthen the skin barrier, provide deep hydration, and soothe irritation.

Their key products, like the Atobarrier 365 Cream and the Theracne 365 Clear Deep Cleansing Foam, are highly regarded for their effectiveness and gentleness.

Feedback highlights the noticeable improvement in skin hydration and overall health, with many appreciating the brand's commitment to gentle yet effective skincare. If you're seeking reliable, dermatologist-approved skincare, AESTURA is definitely worth considering.

Products that may help you achieve that glass skin

AESTURA A-CICA365 Soft Calming Mask Pad

AESTURA A-CICA 365 Calming Cream with Blemish Calming Serum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Korean skincare different from Western skincare?

  • Korean skincare emphasises prevention, hydration, and achieving a luminous complexion through consistent and gentle care. It often incorporates innovative ingredients and practices rooted in traditional Korean beauty rituals.

How should I incorporate Korean skincare products into my routine?

  • Start with a basic routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, then gradually introduce additional products like serums or masks based on your skin concerns. Consistency and patience are important as your skin adjusts to new products.

Are Korean skincare products suitable for men?

  • Yes, Korean skincare brands often offer gender-neutral or specifically formulated products for men. These products focus on hydration, anti-aging, and soothing properties, catering to the unique needs of male skin.

How long does it take to see results from Korean skincare products?

  • Results from Korean skincare products can vary depending on individual skin types and concerns. Generally, users may notice improvements in hydration and skin texture within a few weeks of consistent use.

What does one mean when they say Korean glass skin?

  • Korean glass skin refers to a skincare trend aimed at achieving a smooth, flawless complexion with a reflective, dewy finish. It involves meticulous hydration, exfoliation, and use of lightweight, hydrating products to enhance skin radiance.

Wrapping up

Korean skincare brands offer a pathway to discovering effective and innovative skincare solutions. With a focus on quality ingredients, gentle formulations, and a rich heritage of skincare wisdom, these brands cater to diverse skin types and concerns. By choosing from our carefully curated list of recommendations, you can tap into a world of skincare known for its commitment to hydration, radiance, and overall skin health. Whether you're seeking to address specific skincare issues or enhance your daily routine, Korean skincare offers a holistic approach that blends tradition with modern science, promising visible results and a renewed sense of confidence in your skin.

Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial and produced by a third party partner. Outlook India does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of the content*.

*The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change

Brands such as AESTURA focus on sensitive and compromised skin, using dermatologically tested ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella Asiatica to strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate, and soothe irritation.

Korean "glass skin" refers to a high level of hydration, radiance, and skin health, which is central to the philosophy of Korean skincare routines.

The Korean approach is considered gentler than Western routines, with notable differences in ingredients, often preferring botanical and skin-calming actives such as ginseng and green tea.

Title:

Content: Is Korean Skin Care Really Superior? An Investigation

Photographed by Hayleigh Longman
With its shelfie-worthy packaging and a focus on intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water, Korean skincare has been the subject of Western fascination for years. Brands like CosRx, Innisfree, and Laneige have assumed viral social-media status, while Glow Recipe and Dr. Jart+ are now practically household names, thanks to TikTok.
Besides whipping up curiosity, Korean skin care has established a name for itself as one of the most effective and trustworthy categories in beauty. And ahead of winter, it's seeing a serious revival. In the past few weeks, searches for 'Korean skin-care routine', '10-step Korean skin care', and 'best Korean skin-care products' have made up Google's skin-care trends. While on TikTok, the hashtag #koreanskincare has seen a handful of new videos, each raking in millions of views.
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In October, a tweet and TikTok video posted by skin-care blogger @Mul_OVO went viral for showcasing the benefits of switching to Korean skin care. But is Korean skin care really better? Or have we simply got caught up in the hype?
Cosmetic Chemist and Licensed Aesthetician Esther Olu believes our obsession with K-skincare started with 'glass skin' — skin so dewy, it's almost reflective. Olu says that glass skin was the ideal and promoted "healthy-looking" and "luminous" skin standards. "Everyone wanted to have healthy skin," says Olu, "and Korean [skin care] has played a critical role in this mindset."

The Korean approach to skin care is a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists compared to Western products, which can be harsh.

You could argue that the main intent of skin care everywhere is to promote healthy, happy skin. But there are some key differences. Many Western skin-care trends (such as skin cycling, peels, and rediscovering skin toners) tend to home in on ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, for example glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. These are great when used properly and sensibly under the guidance of an expert but they can be notoriously irritating when overdone, as many of us tend to do.
Ask any dermatologist to pinpoint common skin gripes they regularly spot in clinic and they'll almost always reel off perioral dermatitis (a red rash that circles your mouth), burns, irritation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier (redness, tightness, breakouts, rashes) — all a result of overdoing it on harsh ingredients.
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Of course, Korean skin care does feature the aforementioned ingredients. They do work, after all. But the Korean approach seems to be a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists, too, says Olu. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are a lot more popular in Korean skin care, for example. Take Dr. Jart+'s recently launched Pore Remedy range, in which PHAs are the star ingredient. Much like glycolic and salicylic acids, PHAs exfoliate the skin effectively, but what sets them apart from other exfoliators is their large molecule size. They exfoliate at surface level without going too deep and aggravating skin as other acids might. Glow Recipe and CosRx are just a few Korean brands championing them and subsequently promoting a kinder approach to the controversial exfoliation trend.
In fact, Korean skin care has been something of a savior for our irritated skin barriers of late. Much of Korean skin care shines a light on reducing inflammation rather than drying out skin. "Promoting hydration as well as soothing ingredients is a primary focus in Korean skin care," confirms Cosmetic Chemist Ramón Pagán. "This is a contrast to the products we tend to see in the west, which can be more astringent or irritating to the skin with higher percentages of active ingredients."
Pagán explains that thanks to skin-care marketing in the early '00s, the Western approach to skin care has been hooked on stripping skin: getting rid of the 'bad' stuff like excess oil and clogged pores. Conversely, Korean skin care is about nourishing the skin. Reddit's skin-care obsessives concur that Western skin care can be disagreeable, particularly for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
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@hkjennylee #greenscreen and not to mention the dupe has bifida as the FIRST ingredient while the original has it as the SECOND… tea 🙈 #koreanskincare #kbeautyblogger #kbeauty #koreanskincareproducts #kbeautyskincare ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Olu seconds this. "Western skin-care products tend to take a corrective approach," she tells R29. "Specifically, the formulas are dedicated to solving a skin-care concern, whether it is retinol, azelaic acid, or BHAs and AHAs," which are different kinds of exfoliating acids. "[Western skin care] is meant to help with anti-aging and things like redness," explains Olu, "while Korean skin care focuses more on maintenance and skin barrier health."
It's why you'll find excellent ingredients, like ceramides (very moisturizing and hold the skin barrier together), centella asiatica aka cica (a herb that decreases inflammation, redness, puffiness, and swelling) and niacinamide (vitamin B3, which keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces excess oil) in most Korean skin care. The color-correcting cream that recently went viral on TikTok? It includes cica — and of course it's Korean.

A reason why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands to better develop cosmetics.

Redditors also point out that Korean skin care includes 'special ingredients' and technologies that Western products don't. Snail mucin (excreted from snails) is a popular moisturizing ingredient among Korean brands, with influencers and experts extolling the virtues of products like CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel. "This is a great barrier-protecting ingredient," Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa told R29 recently, "but it also gives your skin a great shine."
Then there's allantoin, popular in Korean skin care for locking moisture into the skin, as well as rice extract (said to increase hydration, making skin plump), and bee propolis, a natural substance produced by honey bees that has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors, such as pollution.
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Beyond the more skin-friendly and interesting approach to ingredients, it has been reported that Korean beauty and skin care is one of the country's biggest businesses and exports. As the world's third largest cosmetics exporter, South Korea's cosmetics exports outperformed home appliances, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones in 2020. Data also suggests that South Korea's skin-care market will reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026. Interestingly, one of the reasons why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands in order to better develop cosmetics.
"When K-beauty was introduced to the Western market through popular channels and social media, a phenomenon was awakened, creating demand and opportunity for business," says Nina Vargas, a global business strategist for beauty, fashion, and wellness brands. "This allowed Korean cosmetics companies to obtain help from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)." KITA is a nonprofit organization that helps small and medium enterprises enter markets abroad.
What's more, Dr. Jenelle Kim, Founder and Formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, says that Korean skin care uses the latest science to understand exactly what our skin needs. "It utilizes ingredients in new ways, while remaining committed to formulating with centuries-proven ingredients and, for some brands [like Erborian, Sulwhasoo, and Beauty of Joseon], the powers of herbal medicine." Ginseng and green tea are super popular, for example.
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Dr. Kim adds that our skin's needs change with the climate or environmental factors, like air quality, makeup trends, and hormones. Korean skin care has consistently switched things up in an effort to help us stay in balance. Pagán agrees that heritage surrounds Korean skin care. "Lots of brands use 'hanbang' ingredients, which are based around traditional Korean medicine," he says. "These are often herbal and naturally derived." Post-pandemic, when we're more interested than ever in keeping healthy, highlighting medicinal skin care makes Korean products appear trustworthy and effective, elevating them above others.
In short, skin care is an inherent part of Korean culture. Head to TikTok and you'll see that Koreans view beauty not as a luxury but as a necessity. Countless videos suggest that from a young age, people are taught to take care of their skin and to look at skin care as a preventative measure. Year-round sun protection is also a big trend among Korean skin-care lovers, with a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen said to be one of the most important products in a routine.
Another reason Korean skin care is regarded so highly is because the majority of it is affordable. Head to Reddit and you'll spot skin-care lovers swapping reviews of Innisfree, Tonymoly, and Etude House. The promise of soothed, hydrated skin is their main pull, but so are the relatively low prices, with most cleansers, serums, and creams coming in under $25.
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Amid a cost of living crisis, it makes sense that we want to spend as little as possible on beauty products. When it comes to Korean skin care, though, tightening your purse strings doesn't mean compromising on quality. All the proven skin-care ingredients are there, from retinol to acids, just in gentler concentrations and sophisticated formulas. Some TikTokers even point out that Korean skincare often dupes brands and products that charge hundreds for very similar ingredients and results. "It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $100. If it's K-Beauty, chances are it's great," thinks Vargas.
Over time, the 10-product routine has given way to routines with fewer steps. Excessive layering doesn't work for everyone, particularly if you have a strict budget or your skin is sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone. But Korean skin care is ever evolving and always adapting to consumer needs. Because of this, three- or four-step routines are now trending among Korean influencers. TikTokers are sharing their easy skin-care rituals, which always start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser followed by a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This is a quick and effective routine that dermatologists and skin-care experts often recommend for skin types across the board.
Pagán believes that Korean skin care stays fun and inventive. "It's simple but impactful and you get luxury experiences at affordable prices. You don't see Western brands readily introducing staple Korean concepts, like fermented ingredients or snail secretion." Add to that the serious investment and spotlight on nourishing the skin (rather than getting rid of the 'nasty' stuff) and it's clear to see why Korean skin care is regarded so highly. But is it better? Essentially, the very best skin care is the skin care that works for you. If it happens to be Korean, that's great. But if it's something else entirely, why switch it up?
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This story was originally published on Refinery29UK.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Korean skincare’s global popularity is partly due to government investment in cosmetic innovation and a cultural view that beauty is a necessity, not a luxury.

Virality on social platforms like TikTok, where products such as Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence gained massive popularity, has further fueled international demand.

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The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How TikTok Brought Back K-Beauty

While the K-beauty craze of the 2010s has waned in recent years, brands and retailers are seeing renewed interest in the category thanks to TikTok.
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Key insights

  • After K-beauty’s international spike in popularity more than a decade ago, it entered a period of decline at the start of the 2020s.
  • TikTok is leading a K-beauty resurgence. Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon and Cosrx are among brands going viral on the platform.
  • K-beauty-inspired trends are also taking off. “Korean glass skin” saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30.

When Laneige launched at Sephora US in 2017, its K-beauty identity was front and centre.

The Amorepacific-owned brand was featured in the retailer’s K-beauty endcap, a K-beauty menu bar section and multiple K-beauty campaigns. But half a decade later, hype around the category had faded, according to Julien Bouzitat, US brand general manager for Laneige and sister brand Innisfree.

“The first time, it was very successful,” he said. “The second time, not as great … [Sephora’s] takeaway was that the first wave of K-beauty had gone away.”

The K-beauty craze emerged in the US around 2012 with the rise of BB cream, and spurred countless subsequent beauty trends such as sheet masks, 10-step skin care routines and blemish patches. In the mid- to late 2010s, K-beauty fervour was so high that imported labels like Laneige and Tony Moly quickly faced competition from major US brands launching copycat products as well as from new K-beauty-inspired startups like Glow Recipe, Then I Met You and Peach & Lily.

But as K-beauty went mainstream, brands’ use of the term as a selling point died down — until now. Korean brands have TikTok to thank. The hashtag #kbeauty has 9.5 billion views on TikTok. The term “Korean glass skin,” a K-beauty trend that was popular in 2017, saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30, according to data science company Spate and market research firm Circana. Sales of products that help users achieve the Korean “glass skin” look have risen, too. The viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is now the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon after taking off on TikTok. The brand said it has now sold 15 million bottles as of September.

While K-Beauty’s original heyday was driven in part by gimmick marketing and attention-grabbing packaging, its resurgence is due to a new “skintellectual” age group being drawn to product efficacy. Moreover, affordable price points are encouraging cost-conscious and dupe-obsessed shoppers to buy.

“There’s been a second generation which became more [focused on the] brand-building aspect of K-beauty and this Korean skincare expertise,” said Bouzitat.

The Wave Recedes

Since the 1990s, Hallyu — the “Korean wave” — has been growing outside South Korea’s borders, as the South Korean government encouraged international exports globally. The 2010s saw an influx of Korean culture and products, especially entertainment and beauty. US-based Sephora and Ulta Beauty stocked up on Korean beauty brands, while beauty conglomerates acquired them. In 2018, L’Oréal purchased K-beauty brand 3CE parent company Nanda, while the Estée Lauder Companies bought Dr. Jart+ in 2019.

“It took skin care to a whole other level. I don’t think it will ever be the same, thanks to the influence of K-beauty,” said Lindsay Ullman, co-founder of beauty consulting firm The View from 32 and a former merchandising executive at Sephora.

But its popularity kicked off an influx of K-beauty inspired brands stateside. Soko Glam and Peach & Lily both started as e-tailers selling imported K-beauty products before their founders, Charlotte Cho and Alicia Yoon, respectively, expanded with their own skin care brands. Quickly, legacy brands like Lancôme and Clinique began introducing their own versions of BB creams, sheet masks or cleansing oils.

Momentum slowed in the 2020s. Estée Lauder Companies reported in August that Dr. Jart+’s net sales declined during the 2023 fiscal year. In the US, Sephora stopped stocking at least 10 K-beauty brands that it sold in the late 2010s, including Too Cool for School, Neogen, Amorepacific and Son & Park, and no longer highlights its K-beauty section on its homepage. Amorepacific’s profits plunged by 28.5 percent in 2022. Even upstarts like Glow Recipe and Hero Cosmetics, that once traded on being K-beauty-inspired brands, stopped using the term in their marketing and communications.

An Influencer-Led Renaissance

It’s not the multi-step routine tutorials — which were the hallmark of 2010s K-beauty — driving the category’s comeback. Instead, it’s individual viral product crazes sparked by influencers and celebrities.

K-beauty sunscreens with formulas that don’t have a white cast, for example, have been a hit with influencers. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense sunscreen, which went viral on TikTok, was explicitly cited as one of the top-selling products driving Amorepacific Group’s North America growth this year. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen has received 587 million views on TikTok, driven by influencers like Ava Lee, who is working on a collaboration with the brand planned for release in 2024. While the product is not yet approved by the FDA for sale in the US, customers have tried to find workarounds, ordering from cross-border websites or unverified Amazon sellers.

Meanwhile, Laneige is seeing double-digit sales growth in the US, said Bouzitat. The brand has been a hit on TikTok for the past two years thanks in part to its ASMR product videos and high-profile brand ambassador, “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney. The efforts the brand has made on TikTok are part of a broader North America marketing push on the part of Amorepacific Group, which also launched a rebrand campaign for luxury brand Sulwhasoo this year. The company also returned to profitability in the second quarter of 2023, reporting that overseas revenue grew 27 percent, boosted by 105 percent growth in North America.

Unlike prestige predecessors, affordable K-beauty brands have become a draw for TikTok’s dupe-obsessed young shoppers. Beauty influencer Stephanie Valentine, known on TikTok as Glamzilla, prompted a sell out of Innisfree’s Dewy Glow Moisturizer when she offered it as a dupe for Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer. Within 48 hours, the item sold out at Sephora US and Canada as well as on the brand’s website.

“Innovation, no matter what category you’re talking about, clients are going to always be excited about that,” said Ullman. “Korean skin care is such an innovative player, so as long as they keep coming out with new formats, new textures, new ways to talk about skin care, there’s opportunity.”

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Korean products are designed with lightweight textures and effective yet gentle formulas, appealing to those with both oily and sensitive skin.

Many Korean brands focus on formulas with minimal water ("waterless beauty"), which increases product longevity and effectiveness.

Title:

Content: Skincare Sunday

5 K-Beauty Trends To Amp Up Your Spring Skincare Routine

Rosdiana Ciaravolo

There’s a reason that so many of our favourite skincare trends (on TikTok and otherwise) hail from Korea, where they know a thing or two about how to create the juiciest skin. But what’s trending now? Vogue spoke to aesthetic doctor and K-beauty expert, Dr Christine Hall, to learn about the latest ingredients, routines and rituals coming from the place where it all begins – and how to work them into your skincare regimen with products currently available in the UK.

Fermented ingredients

We know how good fermented foods are for our guts, but our Korean counterparts know how good they are for their skin. “They ferment most of their ingredients – for example, red rice, lactic and glycolic acid, are all fermented byproducts,” she says. “Fermenting an ingredient makes it something like four times more potent than it would be in its normal state.”

Drunk Elephant Bouncy Brightfacial Mask

La Mer The Resurfacing Treatment

Purito Fermented Complex 94 Boosting Essence

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Skip-care

Even the Koreans are now shunning the 12-step skincare routine they made so popular. “There’s been a shift away from the very old school multi-step routine,” says Hall. “Skip-care is basically a fancy way of saying that you skip some of the steps. They do that by using products that house a combination of ingredients.” Step hybrid formulas, like Tatcha’s Vitamin C formula, combine different active ingredients (like vitamin C and fruit acids) in one formula. They work harder for the skin and save money and time – what’s not to love?

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum

Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil

Waterless beauty

“In Korea, there’s a real focus on products that don’t have much water in them – which is where the term ‘waterless beauty’ comes from. The idea is that you get way more than what you pay for because they last longer, due to the minimal water in the product,” says Hall. Look at many ingredients lists and you’ll notice “aqua” is often at the top, but the idea with waterless formulas is that, instead of being filled by water, they are packed with more efficacious ingredients and less filler. You’ll often find them in powder format or oils. For the latter reason alone, they’re not for every skin type, but Hall says this move has come from a more earth-friendly approach to beauty in South Korea.

Ethique The Perfector Nourishing Solid Face Cream

Chanel N°1 Red Camellia Powder-To-Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfoliator

Skin flooding

You may have heard about “skin flooding” on TikTok – the term has a cool 2.1 billion views on the platform. The idea really originated with that aforementioned multi-step Korean skincare regime, where layer upon layer of hydration (using different formulas in different textures) were applied to the skin to quench its thirst. To “skin flood” is a similar affair; it involves applying a number of different hydrating products, from serums to lightweight lotions to thicker moisturisers, to deeply moisturise and lock it all in. “Double moisturising is also a big trend for those who are time poor,” adds Hall.

Huxley Grab Water Essence

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Line Plumping Water Cream

Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sisley Ecological Compound Advanced Formula

Ren Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep and Plump Essence

Double SPF

And if doubling up on your moisturiser isn’t enough, have you also tried applying your SPF twice? “There’s a real interest in blue light, so the Koreans are finding SPFs that concentrate on blue light, then using another SPF – one that has light-reflecting filters and so on – on top,” says Hall. “This second SPF often comes in the form of make-up, and they’ll wear that as their base instead of applying foundation.” All in the name of excellent sun protection.

Dr.Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm SPF50

Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen 100% Mineral Sunscreen

Innovative trends like double moisturizing and multitasking products make routines suitable for busy lifestyles, promising more value and time-saving benefits.

Landmark deals, like A.S. Watson and Amorepacific’s partnership, reflect a broader movement to make K-Beauty more accessible across Asia and globally.

Title:

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HomeAsian News by Media-OutreachA.S. Watson and Amorepacific Signed Agreement to Bring More K-Beauty to Customers in Asia

A.S. Watson and Amorepacific Signed Agreement to Bring More K-Beauty to Customers in Asia

SEOUL, KOREA & HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 27 June 2023 – Korean beauty, also known as K-Beauty, has left an indelible mark upon the world of beauty from introducing sheet masks, BB creams, and serums to people’s daily skincare routines. A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, and South Korea’s biggest beauty company Amorepacific Group signed agreement in Seoul, Korea to further strengthen the collaboration between the two companies to entice customers around Asia with K-beauty.

Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe), is excited about the agreement, “Our strategic partnership with Amorepacific Group started in 2019 and we’re excited to take it to the next level. K-beauty products are globally lauded for their use of creative ingredients combined with science-backed formulas. We have observed that K-beauty is widely searched, and we continue to see steady increase in demand not only in Asia but also in Europe.”

“For the A.S. Watson Group, we recorded a strong double-digit sales growth for overall K-Beauty products in the 12 months. Leverage our extensive O+O (Offline plus Online) retail platforms across Asia and Europe, I am excited about this strategic partnership with Amorepacific Group to enable our customers to access and experience an even wider range of quality beauty products inspired by the beautiful Korean culture.”

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Sangmok Lee, President of Amorepacific Group, said, “Through strengthening our partnership with A.S. Watson Group, we are poised to forge advantageous synergies between two industry leaders to effectively respond to the increasing diverse needs of customers in beauty care.”

Ngai continued, “We are also aware of the evolving needs of eco-conscious customers hence we will work together with Amorepacific to introduce clean beauty products that minimise environmental damage.”

Double-Digit Growth Opportunity in K-Beauty

According to recent report[1] , global K-beauty products market generated USD8.3 billion in revenue in 2021 and it is projected to reach USD18.32 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2022 to 2030. This highlights the significant potential for the K-beauty market.

With over 16,100 stores under 12 retail brands in 28 markets, A.S. Watson Group offers the trendiest K- beauty products to our customers, making it the go-to destination for K-beauty enthusiasts. Its core customers are predominantly young females who are seeking the latest and trendiest beauty products.

Currently, Watsons is offering Amorepacific’s haircare brands RYO and Mise-En-Scene, as well as beauty brands ETUDE and Innisfree to customers in Asia. Mise-En-Scene has been particularly well-received by customers and has been experiencing a compound sales growth of almost 30% since 2019.

More Beauty Brands Inspired by Korean Culture

As part of the strengthened partnership, A.S. Watson Group and Amorepacific Group will collaborate to introduce more derma and premium skincare brands to A.S. Watson’s customers in Asia and Europe, such as illiyoon and Aestura. This partnership aims to expand the reach of these brands and provide customers with even more innovative and effective skincare options.

[1] Source: K-Beauty Products Market Report by Straits Research (https://straitsresearch.com/report/k-beauty-products-market)

Hashtag: #ASWatson #Amerepacific

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Products often feature a combination of moisturizing, brightening, and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, niacinamide, and abalone enzyme to target multiple concerns at once.

Title:

Content: 7 Best Korean skincare products for dull skin tone

The best Korean skincare products for dull skin brighten a lackluster and tired complexion, making way for skin that glows inside out. A dull complexion that often appears ashy and dry with a patchy and bumpy texture is a sign that the skin needs some extra attention. The good news is that one can rediscover naturally radiant skin with the right dull skin treatment.

Treating dull skin is something Korean skincare products know all too well. Focusing on skin health with products infused with refreshing brighteners like vitamin C, niacinamide, propolis, and hyaluronic acid, they make tired skin glow again.

One can say hello to a more radiant complexion with this roundup of the best Korean skincare products for dull skin.

7 Best Korean skincare products for dull skin tone

1. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water Ex

The skin-rejuvenating effects of ginseng make it a favorite ingredient infused in the best Korean skincare products for dull skin. Formulated with Sulwhasoo’s signature Ginsenomics with steamed ginseng water, it provides intense hydration and nutrition for dry skin.

Coupled with a lightweight gel-in-water formula, it quickly absorbs and induces hydration and firmness, giving one a Korean glass skin glow.

2. Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum

Anyone looking for the best Korean skincare products to transform sad and dull skin into glowy skin can consider Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Serum. Packed with 70% vitamin C from Jeju green tangerines, it delivers a potent brightening effect to minimize dark spots and blemishes for an even skin tone.

Adding to vitamin C are 5% niacinamide and rice bran extract, revitalizing the skin and leaving it soft and glowing. It is available on Amazon for $22.80.

3. Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence

Dull skin is very often caused by dead skin cell buildup. Enriched with 4% glycolic acid and 4% gentler lactic acid, the clear essence is designed for anyone desiring the best Korean skincare products for dull skin. The use of two kinds of AHAs gets rid of skin impurities and dead skin cells, exposing new, more radiant skin. All these AHAs act as humectants to keep the skin hydrated.

Combined with other skin-healing ingredients like Centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol, it helps with overall dullness. It is available on Soko Glam for $18.10.

4. Some By Mi Propolis B5 Serum

Formulated with a high concentration of propolis extract, anybody dealing with dull skin can take advantage of the brightening effects of the serum. Adding to propolis are vitamin B5 and ceramides, creating a trio that locks in moisture and fortifies the skin for a healthier complexion.

The serum’s honey-like, silky texture absorbs nicely into the skin, keeping it hydrated without being sticky. The best propolis product retails for $18.70 on Amazon.

5. I’m From Beet Energy Ampoule

Beetroot is rich in antioxidants, an incredible way to combat the signs of stress and transform even the dullest of skins. Made with 81.5% beetroot extract, the ampoule is packed with revitalizing properties to revive the skin’s glow. Meanwhile, adding niacinamide and squalane helps with hydration and brightening, ensuring the skin is smooth and supple.

With regular use, the ampoule reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improving overall skin texture. Formulated for all skin types, Soko Glam sells the ampoule for $22.00.

6. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyaluronic-Cica Blue Serum

Dull skin due to dehydration can get a transformation from the serum’s signature Hyaluronic-Cica formula. The five layers of hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica work synergistically to give the skin the moisture it needs for long-lasting hydration.

Adding to them is ivy leaf extract, which helps energize dull skin, leaving you with a renewed complexion. It retails for $14 on the official website.

7. Ma:nyo Galactomy Essence Cream

Galactomyces extract is the star ingredient, giving the cream a potent skin-smoothing and revitalizing effect, leaving one with softer, more elastic skin. Adding to it is shea butter to moisturize and protect, niacinamide to help fade dark spots, and abalone enzyme to relieve tired skin.

Although it has a rich and creamy texture, it readily absorbs into the skin for improved hydration without leaving a tacky feeling. Designed for anybody desiring the best Korean skincare products for dull skin, it retails for $35 on the official website.

The lack of skin glow and plumpness may be because of dead skin cell buildup, dehydration, environmental pollutants, aging skin, or UV damage. But, more often, it’s caused by a combination of several of these problems.

Hence, the best Korean skincare products for dull skin, as we mentioned above, have a unique blend of ingredients to provide a multi-tasking skincare action: hydrating, moisturizing, brightening, and protection.

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Edited by Tiasha

Korean emulsions, another routine staple, provide adaptable hydration for all skin types and are recommended as part of a customizable, stepwise approach.