News

The History of Korean CosmeticsThe origins of Korean beauty and skincare rituals date back to antiquity. The Coreana Cosmetics Museum, located south of Seoul, unveils the cultural richness and historical evolution of Korean cosmetics, presenting a collection of over 5300 items that narrate this history from antiquity to the modern era.In the past, Koreans believed that their appearance could influence their inner selves, attributing significant importance to it. Thus, both men and women devoted themselves to their outward appearance, shaping a distinctive culture around cosmetics and accessories. They crafted scrubs, lotions, creams, facial oils, as well as colored powders, lipsticks, and brow ink, showcasing true expertise in the art of embellishment.Ground mung beans ("Jodu" in Korean), rich in saponin, an effective cleansing agent, were used in the production of cleansing soap by mixing the obtained powder with water. Post-facial cleansing lotions were crafted from plant juices, including pumpkin stems.Oils or extracts from plant seeds, such as castor oil and camellia oil, were frequently used as solvents, cherished for their delicate fragrance and non-sticky texture. Apricot and peach oils were favored for fading pigmentation spots, while safflower oil, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, was used to enhance skin hydration and radiance.Traditional cosmetics made from herbs and grains emitted distinct scents. Therefore, Korean women added fragrance, primarily crafted from dried clove buds, acting as a medicinal deodorant during baths and believed to reduce stress and mental fatigue. Various perfume methods are mentioned in the "Gyuhap Chongseo" (Encyclopedia of Women) from 1809, written during the Joseon Dynasty.Ground rice and millet were used as powders. Eyebrows were a crucial feature, a trend that still persists today. Brow ink, composed of plant ash and indigo soot in various shades of black, blue, or dark brown, allowed for the drawing of different shapes, with crescent and willow leaf shapes being the most popular. Lastly, "Yeonji," a red extract from the safflower plant, was applied to the cheeks and lips.