How to Read illiyoon Ingredient Labels｜Names, Purposes, and Order

Read the illiyoon ingredient list from the top

Japanese ingredient lists generally begin with ingredients used in larger amounts. Ingredients at 1% or less may appear in a different order. A single ingredient near the end cannot define the formula’s overall feel.

First, identify water, humectants, and oily ingredients. Next, check whether the product is a rinse-off wash or a leave-on lotion. The formulation purpose of an ingredient can vary with the product type.

The Korean term 전성분 means the full ingredient list. Its Japanese equivalent is 全成分, which has the same meaning. The same material can look different when written under Korean and Japanese naming systems.

Use these three checks when reading a list.

• Review the leading ingredients for the formula’s basic structure
• Note where humectants and oily ingredients appear
• Check for fragrance or any ingredient you prefer to avoid

Ingredient label names and formulation purposes

The ingredients below are examples of common label names. Whether a product you buy contains them should be checked on that product’s full ingredient list.

Glycerin is included for humectancy. It mixes readily into water-based lotion and cream formulas.

Panthenol is included for humectancy and skin conditioning. It is easy to add to water-based formulas.

Shea butter appears as 시어버터 in Korean and シア脂 on Japanese labels. Its formulation purpose is emollience. It helps formulators control the oily feel and spread of a product.

Dimethicone is used for skin conditioning and sensory adjustment. Its spreadable texture allows it to be used in lotions as well as creams.

Jojoba seed oil is included as an emollient. Tocopherol serves as an antioxidant, while carbomer controls viscosity. Ingredients beyond humectants also support stability, texture, and application.

Ceramide NP appears as 세라마이드엔피 in Korean and セラミドNP in Japanese. Its purposes are humectancy and skin conditioning. It can be incorporated into formulas that combine water and oils.

Korean routines may layer products from toner through cream. Formulas therefore combine ingredients for moisture, texture, and viscosity. Read the complete formula instead of focusing on one featured ingredient.

Adjust the amount and order to how it feels

Follow each product’s label for the amount to use. Then adjust based on how your skin feels after application. Add a thin layer of cream only where more is needed.

When skin tends to feel sticky, start with a smaller amount. Skip areas that feel greasy and add more only where it feels dry.

Avoid starting several new products at once. Adding one at a time makes it easier to check how each one feels.

For products suitable for the face, apply lotion or cream before sunscreen. Let it settle, then apply sunscreen. Makeup follows sunscreen.

At night, cleanse and gently press away excess water. Rinse a wash thoroughly rather than leaving it on the skin. Follow cleansing with lotion and then cream.

Try this routine today.

1. Wash the intended area with lukewarm water and pat away moisture.
2. Dispense lotion according to the label and spread it in a thin layer.
3. Once it has settled, identify any areas that still feel dry.
4. Add a small amount of cream only to those areas.
5. In the morning, apply sunscreen after the moisturizer has settled.

Product examples for comparing formulas

Consider the products in the order of wash, lotion, and cream. Checking volume and unit count also helps define where each product will be used.

Top-to-toe wash is a Korean product term corresponding to a full-body cleanser in Japanese. As a rinse-off product, it has a different contact time from a moisturizer. Lotions and creams remain on the skin after cleansing.

Products sharing a line name can have different sizes and set contents. When buying, first match the size and unit count against the table, then read the full ingredient list on the container or box from the top.

Check for formula changes on the item you purchased, not on the examples shown here.

Precautions

Before using a new product broadly, it is common to test a small amount on a limited area such as the inner arm. Check that no redness or itching appears. Do not leave cleanser foam sitting on the skin, and rinse it away thoroughly.

Stop use if redness, swelling, itching, irritation, or any other unusual reaction occurs. Rinse the area immediately when the product can be removed with water. Consult a dermatologist or another medical professional if symptoms continue.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose a product when ceramide NP is near the end of the list？

List position alone does not determine product quality. Ingredients at 1% or less may be shown in varying order. Consider product type, application area, and finish together.

Do I need to use both lotion and cream？

Using both is not required. Apply lotion first. Once it has settled, add cream only where dryness remains.

Can I apply them after sunscreen or makeup？

In the morning, use lotion or cream before sunscreen. Let it settle, apply sunscreen, and then continue with makeup.

Summary

• Read the leading ingredients together with the product type
• Match Korean and Japanese names for the same ingredient
• Follow the label for amounts and adjust to how it feels
• Layer moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup in that order