Science-Backed K-beauty, but with the receipts.
PPM = parts per million. How much of one active ingredient is in the formula.
● 1,000+ = standard concentration
● 5,000+ = premium tier
◆ 10,000+ = treatment-grade ★ the one to look for
▶ Under 1,000? Probably marketing
Which peptides actually matter
Not all peptides are the same. Pick the peptide for the problem.
● Copper peptides → anti-aging gold standard
● PDRN → salmon DNA, barrier repair
● Argireline → "Botox-lite" for expression lines
◆ Matrixyl 3000 → well-studied anti-wrinkle
The niacinamide sweet spot
Most products overuse it. The sweet spot is 2–5%.
● 2–5% = brightening sweet spot
▶ 10%+ = marketing flex, not real benefit
★ Higher % = more irritation, same result
96% snail mucin = real deal
Snail mucin is hydrating + repair-focused. Concentration matters.
★ 96% (COSRX) = the cult classic
● 50%+ = worth buying
▶ Under 50% = a regular serum with a marketing story
