Sometimes the best substances that work wonders on the skin come from unexpected places. Give birch sap, also known as birch sap and birch water. It is a common component of many Korean beauty products (and now in the West), comes from birch, and “has a wealth of amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, and minerals that help your skin retain moisture and protect the skin’s barrier function,” so Dr. to Charlotte Cho, founder of the popular k-beauty site Soko Glam. It is also said to bring more moisture into the skin than hyaluronic acid, which has long been praised for its moisture-promoting properties.

“Birch Juice (betula platyphylla japonica juice) has been one of the top trending K-beauty ingredients in the last two years because of its gentle yet effective moisturizing properties. It continues to be a prominent adjunct to Korea’s skincare products, as it’s often used to To replace water in skincare formulations, “Cho adds. Birch sap is incredibly light, wears well under makeup and can be worn by all skin types – even daily.

And beyond the world of skin care, it has a wealth of medical uses and has been used to treat lung, stomach and kidney problems. Pretty impressive, right? On the beauty front, we have put together our favorite products – moisturizers, essences and more – with the skin-friendly ingredient. Think of it as your cheat sheet to a glowing complexion.