As a Korean American cosmetic formulator working in the indie beauty space, I wanted to create a brand that honors my Korean heritage. My approach blends the K-Beauty philosophy of prevention and daily ritual with the values of indie beauty such as craftsmanship, sustainability, and transparency. This balance allows me to carry forward the traditions I grew up with while reimagining them through clean and modern formulations.
If you grew up with a Korean mother, you were probably exposed to skincare at an early age. In my home, that often meant placing thin slices of cucumber across the face once a week to hydrate and soothe the skin. Simple rituals like that taught me the importance of consistency and care long before I became a formulator.
For me, K-Beauty has always been about prevention and personalization, not about following complicated routines. Living with severe dry skin, I know how quickly fine lines and wrinkles can appear. That experience shaped the way I approach formulation with a focus on layered hydration and gentle, non-stripping products that respect the skin’s natural balance.
But just because I have dry skin does not mean layering always works for me. Skincare is deeply personal, and each person needs to create a routine that fits their own needs. Just because an influencer is layering ten products does not necessarily mean it will work for you. There will be trial and error, and that process is an important part of discovering what your skin truly responds to.
K-Beauty Philosophy
Unlike Western skincare, which often focuses on correcting problems once they appear, K-Beauty emphasizes prevention. The idea is simple: protect and nourish your skin daily so that fine lines, wrinkles, and damage are minimized before they even show up.
The heart of K-Beauty is personalization. It is not about doing every single step. It is about choosing the ones your skin actually needs. Someone with oily skin may focus on lightweight hydration and oil control. Someone with dry or mature skin may prioritize layers of moisture and barrier support.
Because of my own dry skin, I have learned the importance of hydration and gentle care. Cleansing oils that do not strip my skin, toners that restore balance, and nourishing serums that hold in hydration help me maintain skin that feels comfortable and resilient.
Skincare Routine
A skincare routine does not need to be 10 steps. It can be as simple as three to five products: cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, and protect. The key is listening to your skin and building a routine that is sustainable.
The foundation of any skincare routine is cleansing. If your cleanser strips your skin, every step that follows has to work harder to restore what was lost. That is why I created a cleanser that does not strip or dehydrate the skin.
For mature skin, this is especially important because:
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As we age, our skin produces less natural oil, which makes it more prone to dryness.
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A harsh cleanser can weaken the skin barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity.
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Stripped skin often looks dull and feels tight, which can emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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A gentle cleanser helps maintain balance, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively.
This is the philosophy behind our cleansers: formulas that remove impurities while leaving skin soft, comfortable, and ready to receive the next step in your routine.
Skin Flooding
One of the newer K-Beauty inspired trends is called skin flooding. This method involves applying multiple layers of hydrating products such as toners, essences, and lightweight serums to “flood” the skin with moisture. The goal is to saturate the skin with hydration before sealing it in with a moisturizer.
Skin flooding has gained popularity because it offers an immediate plumping effect and helps the skin look smoother and more radiant. For dry or dehydrated skin, it can be especially comforting. However, it may not work for everyone. Those with oily or acne-prone skin might find it too heavy, especially if too many layers are used. If you do not like your skin to feel sticky or notice a residue after layering, then skin flooding may not be right for you. The best method will always be finding the right product based on your skin type.
The important takeaway is not whether you follow a trend. What matters is ensuring your skin is well hydrated and that you lock in moisture with the right products. Keeping the skin barrier strong and hydrated is one of the most effective ways to delay visible signs of aging.
What We Recommend
K-Beauty is more than a trend. It is a skincare philosophy rooted in prevention and personalization. No matter your skin type, you can adapt the approach to create a simple, effective routine that supports healthy, radiant skin for years to come.
The key is choosing products that fit your needs and using them consistently. You do not need 10 steps. Instead, focus on a few essentials that give your skin what it is asking for:
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Start with a gentle cleanse: A cleansing oil or cream cleanser removes impurities without stripping the skin, keeping the barrier strong. We recommend our Double Cleansing Duo.
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Restore balance with toner: A hydrating toner preps your skin to absorb the next steps while boosting moisture. We recommend our Radiant Hydrating Toner.
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Target concerns with serum: Choose a serum that works for your skin type, whether that means hydration, resurfacing, or renewal. We recommend our Regenerate Reviving Serum or Lift Resurfacing Serum.
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Seal it in with moisturizer: A lightweight yet nourishing cream locks in hydration and provides daily comfort. We recommend our Replenish Antioxidant Moisturizer. However, if you are already using our serums, you can skip this step.
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Protect your skin: During the day, finish with sunscreen to prevent premature aging.
Design a skincare routine that is realistic and sustainable. Prevention works best when it feels effortless, and the right products will support your skin at every age.
Photo by Cottonbro Studio