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G-log
Why Your First Cleanse Deserves a Better Formula: The K-Beauty Cleansing Oil Edit
The oil-first double cleanse isn't just tradition — it's free real estate for actives most cleansers waste. Introduction Every K-beauty routine's most repeated rule is "double cleanse" — and yet the first half of that instruction, the oil step, is the one most people rush through or skip entirely. That's a mistake, because the oil-first cleanse is one of the few skincare steps where more contact time automatically means more benefit: while the oil is dissolving your makeup and sunscreen, it's also sitting on your skin long enough to deliver whatever actives the formulator built into it. Korean cleansing oils have leaned into that window hard. Instead of treating the first cleanse as a purely functional step, K-beauty formulators pack it with the same kind of ingredient thinking that goes into a serum — pore-care botanicals, brightening extracts, barrier-supporting actives — so the 30 to 60 seconds you spend massaging isn't wasted. This week's G-log rounds up three Korean cleansing oils currently on Nuriglow, each built around a different "something extra": pore care, gentle nourishment, and brightening on a budget. Here's what each one brings to the table — and how to pick the right one for your skin. Three Korean Cleansing Oils Worth Adding to Your Routine All three of these dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum on contact — that part is table stakes. What sets them apart is what else they're doing while they're on your skin. 💡 Routine tip: All three are formulated for the oil-first step of a double cleanse. Follow up with a gentle foam or gel cleanser to fully clear away any residue, especially if you're using sunscreen daily. Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil — $29.00 USD | 200ml Best for: Oily, acne-prone, and blackhead-congested skin Beplain built its entire identity around the mung bean — a K-beauty pore-care staple most Western brands have never touched. This cleansing oil leads with Mung Bean Extract to purify clogged pores and manage excess sebum, then backs it up with Panthenol and Allantoin so the barrier stays protected instead of stripped. The lightweight oil melts on contact and rinses clean, with zero sticky residue. Key ingredients: Mung Bean Extract, Panthenol, Allantoin Best used: PM (as the first step of double cleansing) Certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Fragrance-Free, Clinically Tested NEEDLY Mild Deep Cleansing Oil — $27.00 USD | 240ml Best for: Normal, sensitive, and easily-irritated skin NEEDLY takes the plant-oil-blend route — Camellia, Green Tea Seed, Argan, Sunflower, Olive, and Rice Bran oils layered together for a formula that feels more like a facial oil than a makeup remover. It's built specifically as the opening move of a double-cleanse routine, dissolving sunscreen and blackhead buildup without the tightness that stronger surfactant-based removers can leave behind. Key ingredients: Camellia Oil, Green Tea Seed Oil, Argan Oil, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Jojoba Oil Best used: PM (as the first step of double cleansing) Certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-Comedogenic, Fragrance-Free, Clinically Tested SUNGBOON EDITOR Green Tomato Double Cleansing Ampoule Oil — $9.90 USD (60% off as of July 9, 2026, regular $25.00) | 200ml Best for: Congested, oily, and dull or uneven-toned skin Sungboon Editor takes a different route into the first-cleanse step, leading with a 10,000ppm concentration of Green Tomato Fruit Extract rather than a single calming botanical. Paired with the brand's pore-focused "Anti Sebum P" complex — Pine Needle, Elm Bark, Evening Primrose, and Kudzu Root extracts — the formula is built specifically to target sebum buildup and congestion at the source, not just wipe it away. Turmeric Root Extract adds an antioxidant, brightening note that's unusual to see in a cleansing oil, while Jojoba and Moringa Seed Oils keep the massage step from feeling stripping. Multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid are folded into the formula to backfill moisture the instant the oil rinses away, so congested or oily skin doesn't have to trade "clean" for "tight." At well under half the price of the other two picks here, it's proof that budget-friendly K-beauty doesn't mean a stripped-down formula. Key ingredients: Green Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Fruit Extract, Turmeric Root Extract, Jojoba Seed Oil, Moringa Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid Best used: PM (as the first step of double cleansing) Which One Should You Pick? Product Best For What It Adds Beyond Cleansing Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil Oily, acne-prone, congested skin Pore care + sebum control NEEDLY Mild Deep Cleansing Oil Normal, sensitive skin Nourishing multi-oil blend, zero tightness SUNGBOON EDITOR Green Tomato Double Cleansing Ampoule Oil Congested, dull, uneven-toned skin Pore + sebum complex, brightening turmeric Your First-Cleanse Routine at a Glance Step 1 is a choice, not a sequence — pick the oil that matches your skin's biggest complaint, then follow with Step 2 to fully clear residue. Step Product When Key Concern 1 Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil PM Pore congestion + sebum control 1 NEEDLY Mild Deep Cleansing Oil PM Gentle nourishment, zero tightness 1 SUNGBOON EDITOR Green Tomato Double Cleansing Ampoule Oil PM Sebum + brightening on a budget 2 Follow with a gentle foam or gel cleanser PM Clear remaining residue Note: All three Step 1 options do the same core job. Choose based on your skin's biggest concern — sebum control, sensitivity, or budget-friendly brightening — not on format alone. Why K-Beauty Treats the First Cleanse as a Skincare Step The core principle is simple chemistry: oil dissolves oil, so an oil-based first cleanse will always outperform a water-based one at removing sunscreen, sebum, and makeup — that part isn't up for debate in either hemisphere. What's specifically Korean is the decision to not waste that contact time. Since the oil is already sitting on skin for 30–60 seconds of massage before it's ever rinsed away, K-beauty formulators treat that window as free real estate for actives — botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, brightening agents — that would otherwise need a separate serum step to deliver. It's the same "why do one thing when a formula can do three" mentality that shows up throughout Korean skincare, from toner pads to sheet masks. None of it makes the cleanse itself gentler by accident; it's a formulation choice made on purpose, which is why K-beauty's oil-first philosophy has been quietly reshaping how the rest of the world thinks about step one. Final Thought If all you want out of a first cleanse is "makeup gone," any well-formulated cleansing oil will get you there just fine. But if you want that step to also do something for your skin, that's where the ingredient list actually matters — pore care, gentle nourishment, or brightening on a budget. Pick the oil that matches your skin's biggest complaint, not just your makeup load. And if sebum control and pore congestion are a bigger priority than which format you cleanse with, our Korean acne skincare guide digs deeper into K-beauty's full approach to breakout-prone skin. Shop the full Nuriglow Cleansers Collection and find the first-cleanse formula that's actually doing something for your skin. All products are available at nuriglow.com! FAQ Q. What's the difference between a cleansing oil and a cleansing balm? A. Mostly texture. A balm starts solid and melts into oil on contact with warm hands; a cleansing oil is already liquid. Both dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum the same way, and both should always be emulsified with water before rinsing — so the right pick comes down to formula and feel, not format. Q. Can oil cleansers be used on oily or acne-prone skin? A. Yes — "oil cleanses oily skin" isn't a contradiction. Oil dissolves oil, which is why formulas like Beplain's mung bean oil are specifically built for congested, sebum-heavy skin. Skipping the oil step and going straight to foam cleanser often leaves sunscreen and sebum only partially removed. Q. Do I need to double cleanse every day? A. If you wear sunscreen or makeup, yes — an oil-based first cleanse is the most reliable way to fully remove SPF, which foam cleansers alone can't always break down. If you're bare-faced, a single gentle cleanse is fine. Q. Which of these is gentlest for sensitive skin? A. The NEEDLY Mild Deep Cleansing Oil, thanks to its fragrance-free, multi-plant-oil formula with no exfoliating or brightening actives that could sting. The Beplain oil is a close second — just patch-test first if your skin reacts to mung bean or panthenol-forward formulas. Q. How long should I massage a cleansing oil before rinsing? A. Most K-beauty cleansing oils, including all three here, are designed for a 30–60 second massage on dry skin before adding water to emulsify. Rushing this step is the most common reason people feel like oil cleansers "don't work" — the massage time is what gives the oil a chance to fully bind to makeup, sunscreen, and sebum before it's rinsed away. Q. Can a cleansing oil replace makeup remover wipes? A. Yes, and it's the better option. Wipes drag across the skin and often leave a film of unremoved makeup and preservative residue behind, especially around the eyes. A properly emulsified cleansing oil rinses completely clean and is gentler on the delicate eye area — one of the easiest single swaps for anyone still using wipes as their main makeup removal step. References Images: Unplash Written by Sena Lee for the G-Log — Nuriglow's K-beauty edit for real skin.
Fermented Black Rice The K-Beauty Ingredient haruharu wonder Built an Entire Routine Around
Most K-beauty brands feature fermented ingredients as a supporting note. haruharu wonder made fermented black rice the through-line of every single product they make — and there's a good reason why. Fermentation is one of those K-beauty concepts that sounds like a trend but is actually rooted in centuries of Korean practice. The fermentation of crops and botanicals for skin and health goes back to the Joseon era, where fermented rice water was used as a daily skin treatment. What's changed is the science: modern fermentation technology can now isolate and concentrate specific bioactive compounds from ingredients like black rice in ways that weren't possible even twenty years ago. haruharu wonder is a brand that has taken this idea and committed to it fully. Unlike many K-beauty brands that treat fermented extracts as one ingredient among many, haruharu wonder uses fermented black rice — specifically, Oryza Sativa (Black Rice) Extract processed through their proprietary fermentation method — as the base of their entire lineup. Every product in the range starts from the same place: the fermented grain that's been a part of Korean food and wellness culture for centuries. This week's G-log walks through three haruharu wonder products that are new to Nuriglow, plus a brief look at two others from the line you may have seen here before. Together, they build a complete routine from cleanse to treatment — all built on the same fermented foundation. The haruharu wonder Routine haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel — $17.00 USD | 100ml Best for: All skin types — especially sensitive, dehydrated, or barrier-compromised skin that dries out after cleansing A lot of cleansers that claim to be gentle still disrupt the acid mantle by washing at too high a pH, which leaves your toner and serum working harder to compensate. This one formulated specifically to avoid that: the pH is 5.35, which sits just below the skin's natural range and supports a healthy acid mantle rather than disturbing it. The surfactant base is coconut-derived (Coco-Betaine and Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate), which is a gentler choice than typical sulfate-based cleansers, and it creates a mild lather that lifts impurities without feeling stripping. Fermented Black Rice Extract and Bamboo Extract add the brand's signature antioxidant and brightening properties even at the cleanse step, while Beta-Glucan and Trehalose support barrier function and moisture retention through the rinse. The inclusion of Panax Ginseng Root Extract is worth noting — ginseng is a trusted K-beauty ingredient for its antioxidant content and long association with skin revitalization. It's a small but deliberate nod to the brand's Korean botanical roots, and another example of how haruharu wonder layers purpose into what most brands treat as a purely functional step. Key ingredients: Fermented Oryza Sativa (Black Rice) Extract, Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark (Bamboo) Extract, Beta-Glucan, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Trehalose, Coco-Betaine (coconut-derived surfactant) pH: 5.35 Best used: AM + PM 💡 Pro tip: Pair this with a cleansing oil as your first cleanse to double-cleanse properly — haruharu wonder recommends their own Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil as a pre-step for a complete oil-to-gel routine. haruharu wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner Free of Alcohol Fragrance — $18.00 USD | 150ml Best for: Sensitive, reactive, or fragrance-intolerant skin that needs reliable deep hydration without any potential irritants This is the alcohol-free and fragrance-free version of haruharu wonder's bestselling Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, built for those who react to even the trace amounts of alcohol or fragrance often present in essence-type toners. It uses a highly concentrated essence-type formula rather than a watery base, which makes it feel noticeably more substantial than typical first-step toners. Fermented Black Rice sits as the primary active alongside multiple forms of Hyaluronic Acid for layered hydration at different skin depths. Bamboo Shoot Extract adds its own moisture-binding properties alongside antioxidant support, and Ginseng Root Extract continues the brand's consistent anti-aging nod through the line. The result is a toner that functions closer to an essence: plumping, slightly viscous, and immediately visible in how it affects the next product's absorption. For the sensitive skin community in particular, this has become a reliable staple — it's free of alcohol, artificial fragrance, drying sulfates, mineral oil, and the full list of K-beauty 'seven free' criteria. The absence of those potential triggers doesn't make it a lesser product; the formula just puts the active ingredient budget toward things that actually help skin rather than things that make it smell nice. Key ingredients: Fermented Oryza Sativa (Black Rice) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Phyllostachys Pubescens Shoot Bark Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Bamboo Extract Best used: AM + PM 💡 Routine tip: Apply two thin layers of this toner rather than one heavier coat — the 2-3-4 skin method of layering lightweight hydration gives fermented actives more contact time with skin, which improves absorption versus one thick application that sits on the surface. haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist — $22.00 USD | 80ml Best for: All skin types looking for an anti-aging treatment step that doubles as a hydrating mist — especially useful for travel or on-the-go routines A serum mist is a format you see occasionally in K-beauty but rarely executed with this much ingredient density. This one contains 2% NAD+ — the cellular coenzyme we covered in last week's G-log on EQQUALBERRY's NAD+ line — alongside a 5 Ceramide Complex, two strains of probiotics (Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate and Bifida Ferment Filtrate), fermented black rice, Panthenol, and Squalane. For reference, 2% is a higher NAD+ concentration than most leave-on serum formulas. The probiotics in this formula are worth singling out. Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate is one of the most well-studied ferment filtrates in K-beauty, clinically shown to improve skin radiance, reduce sebum, and refine surface texture. Bifida Ferment Filtrate specifically targets the skin microbiome, supporting the beneficial bacteria that maintain a balanced and resilient barrier. Together they form a probiotic layer that most serums — and essentially all mists — simply don't include. Functionally, it can slot into the routine wherever you need it: after toner as a serum step, over makeup as a midday refresh, or spritzed on during travel to rehydrate depleted skin. The ultra-fine mist format means it absorbs without disrupting anything underneath, which makes it one of the more genuinely versatile products in the haruharu wonder lineup. Key ingredients: NAD+ (2%), 5 Ceramide Complex, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Filtrate (Probiotics), Fermented Black Rice Extract, Panthenol, Squalane Best used: AM + PM — or as a midday refresh over or under makeup Want the Full Routine? Two More haruharu wonder Products to Know These two haruharu wonder products have been featured in depth in previous G-log articles. If you're building the complete routine shown in the table below, they complete it — but follow the links to read the full breakdowns. 📌 Previously featured: Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence ($28 | 120ml) — featured in our Glass Skin guide. The ceramide-forward essence that builds the barrier foundation the rest of the routine layers onto. A triple-ceramide complex (3:1:1 ratio), Galactomyces, and Bifida Ferment Filtrate for elasticity and texture. Read the full breakdown in our Glass Skin guide on the G-log. 📌 Previously featured: Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream ($24 | 50ml) — featured in our Mugwort & Pore Care guide. An encapsulated 5-ceramide moisturizer that releases into the lipid barrier on contact for targeted repair. Fragrance-free, pH 6, and compatible with every step in this routine. Read the full breakdown in our Mugwort guide on the G-log. The Full haruharu wonder Routine at a Glance Step Product When Key Concern 1 Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel AM + PM Barrier-safe cleanse + antioxidant prep 2 Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner AM + PM Deep hydration + elasticity 3 Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist AM + PM Cell renewal, barrier reinforcement 4† Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence AM + PM Barrier foundation (see Glass Skin guide) 5† Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream AM + PM Seal + long-term barrier repair † Previously featured products. Start with Steps 1–3 if you're new to the line; add Steps 4 and 5 to build out the full barrier-focused routine. Why Fermented Black Rice Specifically? Black rice — called 'forbidden rice' in ancient China because it was reserved for royalty — is nutritionally distinctive among grains because of its exceptionally high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give the grain its deep purple-black colour, and they're also potent antioxidants with well-documented anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. The fermentation process takes those compounds and breaks them down further, increasing their bioavailability — meaning the skin can actually absorb and use more of what the ingredient contains rather than having it sit at the surface. Fermentation also produces additional beneficial byproducts: organic acids that gently exfoliate and refine texture, amino acids that support barrier proteins, and postbiotics that contribute to skin microbiome balance. In practice, that means fermented black rice extract is doing something more complex than simply delivering antioxidants — it's also refining the surface, supporting barrier structure, and contributing to the microbial environment that healthy skin depends on. For a broader look at how fermentation shows up across K-beauty brands and ingredients, our Barrier Repair guide and Sensitive Skin routine guide both cover products and approaches that share a ferment-forward philosophy. Final Thought haruharu wonder's approach — building every product on the same fermented base, then layering complementary actives (NAD+, ceramides, probiotics, hyaluronic acid) on top of it — results in a line where every product reinforces every other product. There's no ingredient conflict to worry about, and no step that feels like it belongs to a different routine. That kind of internal coherence is genuinely rare, and it's part of what makes the brand worth committing to fully rather than picking up a single product. Shop the full haruharu wonder collection at Nuriglow and find the routine that fits your skin. All products are available at nuriglow.com! FAQ Q. What is fermented black rice extract and why is it used in skincare? A. Fermented black rice extract is derived from Oryza sativa (black rice) through a controlled fermentation process that increases the bioavailability of the grain's natural compounds — anthocyanins, amino acids, and organic acids. Fermentation breaks these down into smaller molecules that the skin can absorb more readily, making the antioxidant, brightening, and barrier-supportive properties more effective than unfermented extract. Q. Is haruharu wonder suitable for sensitive skin? A. Yes — it's one of the more consistently sensitive-skin-friendly brands in K-beauty. All five products at Nuriglow are fragrance-free, free of drying alcohol, and clinically tested for low irritation. The Hyaluronic Toner and Cleansing Gel specifically are formulated to the highest sensitivity standards in the lineup. Q. What makes the NAD+ Serum Mist different from a regular face mist? A. Most face mists are primarily water or floral water with minimal actives. This one is formulated at serum density — 2% NAD+, two probiotic strains, five ceramide types, fermented black rice, and Squalane — in an ultra-fine mist format. It functions as a treatment step, not just a hydration top-up. Q. Do I need to use all five products, or can I start with just a few? A. The three new products — Cleansing Gel, Toner, and NAD+ Serum Mist — work well as a standalone cleanse-tone-treat routine. The Barrier Essence and Ceramide Cream add a more comprehensive barrier-repair layer and are worth adding as the next step if you want a full five-product routine. Q. Is haruharu wonder cruelty-free and vegan? A. Yes. haruharu wonder is certified vegan and cruelty-free. Their 'Better Vegan for All' brand philosophy extends to all five products currently available at Nuriglow. Q. Can I use the haruharu wonder line alongside other K-beauty actives like vitamin C or retinol? A. Generally yes. The fermented black rice base and the ceramide and hyaluronic acid layering in this line are compatible with most actives. If adding vitamin C or retinol, introduce them separately and patch test — not because of the haruharu wonder products specifically, but as standard practice when mixing actives from different brands. References Images: haruharu wonder Written by Sena Lee for the G-Log — Nuriglow's K-beauty edit for real skin.
NAD+ Skincare: The Anti-Aging Coenzyme K-Beauty Is Already Building Routines Around
Before NAD+ supplements took over the wellness aisle, K-beauty labs were already formulating the coenzyme into toners, serums, and creams — here's what it actually does for skin, and where to start. If you've spent any time on skincare or longevity TikTok in the past year, you've probably seen NAD+ mentioned — usually in the same breath as supplements, IV drips, and cellular aging. What's gotten less attention is that NAD+ skincare has quietly been developing in Korean labs for a while now, formulated into leave-on toners, serums, and creams rather than pills or injections. That's a very K-beauty move. Korean formulators have a track record of taking ingredients with strong cellular-level science — PDRN, peptides, fermented actives — and finding a way to deliver them topically, then layering them with complementary actives so the whole routine works together instead of relying on one hero ingredient to do everything. This week's G-log covers a full NAD+ anti-aging routine built entirely around EQQUALBERRY's NAD+ Peptide Boosting line, plus one supporting product that fills a gap the NAD+ formulas don't cover. We'll break down what NAD+ actually does in skin, how to build the routine, and whether it's worth adding to what you're already doing. The NAD+ Peptide Lineup EQQUALBERRY NAD+ Peptide Boosting Toner — 21.99 USD | 150ml Best for: First signs of sagging, dehydration, and dullness — anyone starting an anti-aging routine from scratch This toner is the entry point to the whole NAD+ line, and it's doing more work than a typical first-step toner. Past the usual hydrating base, it's formulated with NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) alongside niacinamide and a 12-peptide complex, so the anti-aging signal starts at the very first step of the routine rather than waiting for serum. The supporting cast matters here: ceramide NP for barrier support, adenosine (a well-studied wrinkle-softening ingredient in its own right), and a blend of pomegranate, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry extracts for antioxidant coverage. There's also a small dose of stable vitamin C derivative and B-vitamins, which is a nice touch — most toners this hydration-focused skip brightening support entirely. Texture-wise it's a light, slightly viscous toner with a soft pink tint (a EQQUALBERRY signature). It preps skin without any tackiness, which matters since it's meant to be layered under a serum and cream from the same line. Key ingredients: NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), Niacinamide, 12-Peptide Complex, Ceramide NP, Adenosine, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Pomegranate & Berry Extract Blend Best used: AM + PM 💡 Routine tip: Apply this toner with your hands rather than a cotton pad — patting it in helps the peptide and NAD+ actives absorb instead of sitting on the surface where a pad could whisk them away. EQQUALBERRY NAD+ Peptide Boosting Serum — 24.99 USD | 30ml Best for: Fine lines, loss of elasticity, and sagging along the jawline or cheeks This is the centerpiece of the line, and the one getting the most attention online for its hot-pink bottle and ingredient list. It pairs NAD+ with NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) — both coenzymes involved in cellular energy production — alongside a 14-peptide complex that includes Copper Tripeptide-1, a well-researched peptide known for supporting collagen, elastin, and overall tissue repair. What makes the formula feel complete rather than just trend-chasing is the supporting structure: five ceramide types plus vegan collagen for barrier reinforcement, and the same pomegranate-and-berry antioxidant blend found in the toner, so the line builds on itself rather than repeating actives without purpose. Squalane keeps the texture lightweight and fast-absorbing, which makes it easy to layer under a heavier moisturizer without feeling greasy. Reviewers consistently mention the same thing: a noticeably firmer, bouncier feel within the first few weeks, even before any visible line-softening shows up. That tracks with how peptides typically perform — texture and firmness changes tend to show before deeper wrinkle changes. Key ingredients: NAD+, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), 14-Peptide Complex, Copper Tripeptide-1, 5 Ceramide Types, Vegan Collagen, Squalane Best used: AM + PM EQQUALBERRY NAD+ Peptide Boosting Cream — 25.99 USD | 50ml Best for: Sealing in the routine — best for normal to dry skin that needs the firming actives locked in with a richer texture The cream closes out the NAD+ trio, and its job is less about introducing new actives and more about making sure everything underneath actually stays put. It carries NAD+ and a 13-peptide complex forward from the serum, plus niacinamide and the same pomegranate fruit juice for continued antioxidant support, all suspended in a richer base built around plant extracts (mushroom, jute, yam, and lotus root among them) that Korean formulas often use for their moisture-binding and skin-conditioning properties. The texture sits in that satisfying middle ground — rich enough to feel like a proper moisturizer, but not so heavy that it pills under makeup. For drier skin types, it's substantial enough to be a one-step moisturizer; for normal or combination skin, it works well as a PM-only finishing step over the serum. Key ingredients: NAD+, 13-Peptide Complex, Niacinamide, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Juice, Phyto-Mucin Plant Extract Blend Best used: AM + PM 💡 Pro tip: If you only have budget for one product to start with, the serum is the highest-concentration NAD+ step. Add the toner and cream once you know your skin tolerates the line well. The Supporting Product EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol Plumping Serum — 24.99 USD | 30ml Best for: Anyone who wants a retinol-alternative cell-turnover step alongside the NAD+ routine, especially sensitive or retinoid-cautious skin 📌 Note: This product does not contain NAD+ or NMN. It's included here as a cell-turnover companion, not a NAD+ delivery step. Bakuchiol works through a different mechanism — gene-expression activity similar to retinol, without the irritation — and its niacinamide, peptide, and ceramide base means it layers cleanly with the NAD+ line without any compatibility concerns or pH conflicts. Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, and it's earned its 'gentle retinol alternative' reputation honestly: clinical comparisons have found that 0.5% bakuchiol used twice daily performs comparably to 0.5% retinol for fine lines and photoaging, with meaningfully less irritation. This serum uses bakuchiol at 5,000ppm (0.5%), the concentration most of that research is based on. Where it earns its place in this routine specifically: the NAD+ line is built around coenzymes, peptides, and antioxidants, all of which support collagen indirectly. Bakuchiol adds a direct cell-turnover signal that the NAD+ products don't provide, which is the one gap in an otherwise complete routine. It shares the same niacinamide-and-ceramide base as the rest of the EQQUALBERRY lineup, so there's no risk of layering conflicts. Key ingredients: Bakuchiol (5,000ppm), Niacinamide, 13-Peptide Complex, 5 Ceramide Types, Adenosine, Allantoin Best used: PM, 3–4x per week to start Your NAD+ Anti-Aging Routine at a Glance Step Product When Key Concern 1 NAD+ Peptide Boosting Toner AM + PM Hydration foundation + first NAD+ delivery 2 NAD+ Peptide Boosting Serum AM Firming, collagen signaling, elasticity 3 Bakuchiol Plumping Serum PM (3–4x/week) Cell renewal, fine lines, pore tightening 4 NAD+ Peptide Boosting Cream AM + PM Barrier seal, moisture lock, long-term firmness Note: Bakuchiol and the NAD+ serum can both be used at night — alternate them rather than layering both on the same evening while your skin adjusts. Why K-Beauty Gets to NAD+ Before Everyone Else NAD+ (and its precursor NMN) have been wellness-world buzzwords for a few years now, mostly tied to supplements and IV therapy aimed at cellular energy and longevity. Korean skincare's contribution has been figuring out how to put that same coenzyme science into a leave-on topical — something the supplement industry, focused on oral and intravenous delivery, hasn't prioritized. That reflects a broader pattern in K-beauty formulation: take an ingredient with strong cellular-level research, then build the rest of the formula around making it work topically and pairing it with synergistic actives — peptides for collagen signaling, ceramides for barrier support, antioxidant fruit extracts for environmental protection — rather than launching a single-active product and calling it done. EQQUALBERRY's own brand philosophy (the name blends Equal, Quest, and Berry) leans into that same idea of balance over a single hero ingredient. For more on how K-beauty layers actives for compounding results, see our Peptides in K-Beauty guide and our PDRN skincare guide on the G-log, both of which cover other cellular-science ingredients K-beauty got to first. Final Thought NAD+ skincare is still new enough that the long-term topical research is thinner than it is for retinoids or peptides on their own — but the early signs are promising, and the formulation logic here is sound: pair a cellular-energy coenzyme with proven peptides and a barrier-supporting base, then add a direct cell-turnover step alongside it. This four-product routine covers all of that without a single redundant step. Shop the full Nuriglow Anti-Aging Collection and find the NAD+ and bakuchiol formulas that fit your skin. All products are available at nuriglow.com! FAQ Q. What does NAD+ actually do for skin? A. NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. In skincare, it's used to support cell renewal and resilience, and is typically paired with peptides and ceramides to provide visible firming and barrier benefits alongside its cellular-level effects. Q. Is NAD+ skincare the same as NAD+ supplements or IV therapy? A. No. Supplements and IV NAD+ work systemically to support cellular energy throughout the body. Topical NAD+ skincare is formulated to act at the skin's surface and upper layers, and is better thought of as a topical antioxidant-and-peptide-support ingredient than a substitute for systemic NAD+ therapy. Q. Can I use NAD+ skincare with bakuchiol? A. Yes — they work through different mechanisms and don't conflict. Many K-beauty routines layer a coenzyme/peptide step with a separate cell-turnover step like bakuchiol or retinol, similar to how niacinamide and Vitamin C are commonly paired. Q. Is NAD+ skincare safe for sensitive skin? A. Generally yes. NAD+, peptides, and ceramides are well-tolerated by most skin types. Bakuchiol is also considered gentler than retinol, though as with any new active, patch testing is recommended before full use. Q. How long does it take to see results from a NAD+ routine? A. Most people notice firmer, bouncier-feeling skin within 3 to 4 weeks. Visible changes to fine lines and elasticity typically take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use, which is in line with how peptide-based anti-aging routines generally perform. Q. Do I need to use all four products, or can I start with just one? A. The serum carries the highest concentration of NAD+ and peptides, so it's the best single starting point. The toner and cream build on that foundation, and the bakuchiol serum is optional depending on whether you want a direct cell-turnover step alongside the coenzyme-based routine. References Images: Eqqualberry Written by Sena Lee for the G-Log — Nuriglow's K-beauty edit for real skin.
Panthenol in K-Beauty: The Quiet Overachiever Your Skin Has Been Waiting For
It doesn’t trend. It doesn’t glow in a serum bottle. But Korean skincare has used panthenol (vitamin B5) as a foundational ingredient for decades — and once you understand why, you’ll never underestimate it again. Introduction There’s a certain category of skincare ingredient that never gets a campaign behind it. No viral before-and-afters, no influencer launch events, no serum named after it (well, almost none). Panthenol — the stable, cosmetic form of vitamin B5 — is that ingredient. It’s been a fixture in Korean skincare formulations for decades precisely because it works too well and too quietly to need a spotlight. K-beauty formulators don’t use panthenol as a headline ingredient because it’s already doing its job in every other formula: holding moisture, soothing inflammation, and quietly rebuilding the skin barrier while the named actives get all the attention. In last week’s G-log, we looked at niacinamide and how K-beauty pairs it with unexpected co-ingredients. The NEEDLY Panthenol Water Gel Cream appeared as a supporting product — and more than a few readers asked about it. So this week, we’re giving panthenol the standalone feature it deserves. If you’re dealing with sensitivity, dehydration, redness, or a barrier that just won’t hold onto moisture, panthenol is very likely the piece you’re missing. This guide covers three panthenol-forward products at Nuriglow: a soothing prep toner, a clinically-formulated B5 serum, and the gel cream that’s been a quiet favorite on the site for months. Three products, one ingredient philosophy, and a complete routine built around it. The Products: A Panthenol Routine Built for Real Skin ASIS-TOBE Forest Relaxing Facial Toner — $9.90 USD | 200ml Best for: Sensitive, reactive, and combination skin; redness, irritation, barrier imbalance Every good skincare routine starts with a canvas that’s calm enough to receive what comes next. ASIS-TOBE’s Forest Relaxing Facial Toner is designed for exactly that job — and it earns its place as the first panthenol step in this routine. It’s a lightweight, water-clear toner that works by addressing two things simultaneously: soothing active irritation and rebalancing the skin’s pH after cleansing so that every product you apply afterward absorbs properly. At $9.90 for 200ml, it’s one of the most accessible entry points into panthenol skincare on the site. The formula centers on Birch Sap (10,000 ppm), which functions as a deeply hydrating base rich in minerals and amino acids — a calming first layer before any actives. Centella Asiatica and Madecassoside provide targeted soothing for redness and irritation, while panthenol strengthens the barrier and helps retain the moisture the toner delivers. Hinoki Leaf (Japanese cypress) and Bamboo extract add forest-derived botanicals with antioxidant and skin-calming properties. It’s a simple, fragrance-free toner that does what a prep toner should: calm, hydrate, and open the skin to receive the next step. Key ingredients: Birch Sap (10,000 ppm), Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, Panthenol, Hinoki Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate pH: N/A (formulated for skin balance) Best used: AM + PM 💡 Routine tip: Apply the Forest Relaxing Toner immediately after cleansing, while your face is still slightly damp. It absorbs in seconds and creates an ideal base for the B5 serum that follows. Can also be used with a cotton pad as a gentle wipe-down toner on congested days. DERCENT Pro Derma Hydrating Aquaporin B5 Serum — $44.50 USD | 30ml Best for: All skin types; dry, dehydrated, sensitized, and post-procedure skin If panthenol is the hero ingredient of this routine, the DERCENT Pro Derma Hydrating Aquaporin B5 Serum is the delivery vehicle that takes it seriously. DERCENT is a Korean derma-skincare brand built on a single philosophy: replenish what skin is actually missing, using ingredients that mirror its own natural components. This serum is their flagship panthenol formula, and the approach is methodical. Rather than relying on panthenol alone, the formula uses a dual-action hydration system: panthenol (vitamin B5) for barrier repair and moisture binding, and Glyceryl Glucoside — an aquaporin-activating active — to literally improve the skin’s own water transport channels from within. Aquaporins are protein channels in skin cells that regulate the flow of water in and out of the cell. As skin ages or is stressed, aquaporin activity decreases, and hydration becomes less efficient even when you’re applying products diligently. Glyceryl Glucoside has been shown in clinical studies to upregulate aquaporin-3 expression — meaning this serum doesn’t just add moisture, it improves your skin’s ability to move and retain moisture at the cellular level. Seven types of hyaluronic acid complete the formula, providing hydration at multiple molecular weights and depths. For anyone whose skin perpetually feels dry despite a consistent routine, this addresses the underlying mechanism rather than just the surface. Key ingredients: Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Glyceryl Glucoside (Aquaporin Activator), 7-Type Hyaluronic Acid Complex, Allantoin, Ceramide NP pH: 5.5 ± 1.0 Best used: AM + PM 💡 Pro tip: The DERCENT B5 Serum pairs exceptionally well with post-exfoliation or post-retinol skin. Panthenol’s wound-healing and barrier-repair properties make it one of the best calming actives to apply after any treatment that temporarily compromises the skin surface. Apply one to two pumps, press gently into the skin, and allow 60 seconds before the next step. NEEDLY Panthenol Water Gel Cream — $24.00 USD | 50ml Best for: Oily, combination, and dehydrated skin; anyone wanting moisture without heaviness The NEEDLY Panthenol Water Gel Cream has been quietly earning its reputation on the G-log since it first appeared as a supporting mention in our niacinamide guide. Now it gets the full feature. NEEDLY is a Korean clinical skincare brand with a strong following in dermatology-adjacent K-beauty — they formulate to a standard, not a trend — and this gel cream is a perfect example of their approach. The goal is simple: deliver meaningful panthenol concentration in a texture light enough for oily skin, functional enough for dry skin, and pH-balanced precisely for daily use. The texture is the first thing you notice — a water-burst gel that melts on contact and absorbs without any sticky residue or heavy film. Panthenol is the lead active, working to bind moisture in the epidermis, calm inflammation, and repair micro-damage in the barrier. Niacinamide in the supporting cast addresses tone and pore appearance, while Sodium Hyaluronate and Hyaluronic Acid hold surface hydration. The pH is balanced at 5.61 — close to skin’s natural pH range — which means it supports barrier health rather than disrupting it. For oily or combination skin types who have always found moisturizer to be the hardest step to commit to, this is the one that makes the case for not skipping it. Key ingredients: Panthenol (High Concentration), Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Betaine pH: 5.61 Best used: AM + PM Your Panthenol Routine at a Glance Step Product When Key Concern 1 ASIS-TOBE Forest Relaxing Facial Toner AM + PM pH reset + barrier prep 2 DERCENT Pro Derma Hydrating Aquaporin B5 Serum AM + PM Deep panthenol hydration + barrier repair 3 NEEDLY Panthenol Water Gel Cream AM + PM Moisture seal + shine-free finish Note: This three-step routine is intentionally streamlined. All three products are lightweight enough to layer quickly and work for AM and PM use. For maximum barrier repair, use the full sequence consistently for four weeks. Why K-Beauty Has Always Known About Panthenol Panthenol (D-Panthenol, or provitamin B5) converts to pantothenic acid — vitamin B5 — in the skin. That conversion triggers a cascade of effects: increased moisture retention in the stratum corneum, accelerated wound healing and barrier repair, reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and anti-inflammatory activity that calms redness and irritation. It’s one of the few cosmetic ingredients that has both a humectant effect (drawing moisture in) and an emollient effect (creating a film that keeps it from escaping), making it unusually complete as a hydration active. Korean formulators understood this profile early. Panthenol appears in Korean cosmetic formulations at meaningful concentrations — often listed in the top five to ten ingredients — whereas in many Western formulations it appears much further down the list as a texture modifier or label claim. The distinction matters. At low concentrations, panthenol provides cosmetic feel. At meaningful concentrations, it changes how the barrier functions. This is the difference between panthenol as a supporting note and panthenol as a working ingredient, and K-beauty has consistently leaned toward the latter. The three products in this guide all use panthenol as a working ingredient: the ASIS-TOBE toner primes the barrier before any serum is applied; the DERCENT B5 serum delivers a clinically significant concentration alongside the aquaporin-activating glyceryl glucoside; and the NEEDLY gel cream seals the work in with a formula calibrated to the skin’s natural pH. Used together, they build the kind of barrier resilience that doesn’t require you to keep adding more to your routine. For a deeper look at how layered hydration works in K-beauty, our glass skin guide walks through the full framework. Final Thought Panthenol won’t give you a before-and-after moment. What it gives you instead is skin that gradually stops reacting, stops feeling tight after cleansing, and starts holding onto moisture the way it’s supposed to. It’s the kind of improvement that sneaks up on you — two weeks in, you realize your skin just looks calmer. That’s panthenol doing its job. Start with the ASIS-TOBE toner as your daily prep layer. Add the DERCENT B5 serum if your skin runs dry or is dealing with any kind of barrier disruption. Finish with the NEEDLY gel cream for a clean, shine-free seal. It’s a routine built for consistency rather than complexity — which is exactly the kind of routine K-beauty does best. Shop the more products and find the panthenol routine that works for your skin. All products are available at nuriglow.com! FAQ Q. What exactly is panthenol and how is it different from vitamin B5? A. Panthenol is the stable, cosmetic form of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). When applied to skin, D-Panthenol — the form used in skincare — converts enzymatically into pantothenic acid, which is then used by the skin cells for barrier repair, moisture regulation, and cellular regeneration. The two terms are often used interchangeably in K-beauty marketing. When a product claims “vitamin B5” in its key ingredients, it almost always contains D-Panthenol. Q. Is panthenol safe for sensitive and reactive skin? A. Yes — panthenol is one of the most universally well-tolerated skincare ingredients. It has no known irritation potential and is commonly recommended by dermatologists for sensitive, post-procedure, and eczema-prone skin. Unlike many actives that produce visible results by temporarily irritating or disrupting the skin surface, panthenol works by repairing and reinforcing. It’s a genuine choice for anyone who reacts to most actives. All three products in this guide are fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin compatibility. Q. Can I use panthenol with other actives like retinol, AHAs, or niacinamide? A. Not only can you — you should. Panthenol is one of the best pairing ingredients for any active that temporarily compromises the skin barrier. When using retinol or chemical exfoliants, the skin’s barrier is stressed and TEWL increases. Panthenol applied after these actives accelerates barrier recovery, reduces post-active redness, and prevents the dehydration that often causes people to give up on exfoliation altogether. Niacinamide and panthenol are especially complementary — niacinamide handles tone and pore control while panthenol handles moisture and barrier function. Q. How long does it take to see results from a panthenol routine? A. Panthenol’s barrier-strengthening effects are measurable within 24 to 48 hours of application — which is why it’s used in wound-healing and post-procedure protocols. For general skincare, most people notice that skin feels less tight and reactive within the first week. More significant improvements in overall hydration level, redness, and barrier resilience typically appear after two to four weeks of consistent use. Unlike brightening actives, panthenol’s benefits are cumulative and structural rather than cosmetic — the skin genuinely functions better over time. Q. What’s the difference between panthenol in a serum vs. a moisturizer? A. In a serum (like the DERCENT B5 Serum), panthenol is delivered at higher concentrations and penetrates more deeply into the epidermis, where it does structural barrier work. In a moisturizer (like the NEEDLY Panthenol Water Gel Cream), panthenol helps lock in the hydration from earlier layers and provides a longer-lasting seal on the surface. For the most complete effect, using both — serum first, cream after — delivers panthenol at multiple skin depths, which is exactly the layering approach that K-beauty is built around. Q. Why does the DERCENT serum mention aquaporins? What does that mean for my skin? A. Aquaporins are tiny protein channels in your skin cells that regulate the movement of water in and out of the cell. Think of them as microscopic hydration gates. When aquaporin activity is high, water moves efficiently through the skin’s layers and hydration is more effective — which is why well-hydrated skin looks plump and even-toned. As skin ages, or is stressed by UV, pollution, or over-cleansing, aquaporin expression decreases, and even heavy moisturizer application stops translating into lasting hydration. The Glyceryl Glucoside in the DERCENT B5 Serum has been shown to upregulate Aquaporin-3, improving the skin’s own water transport efficiency from the cellular level up. References Images: Getty Images B6ud3X0CA, Unsplash Written by Sena Lee for the G-Log — Nuriglow’s K-beauty edit for real skin.