Jae Won Jeong, Founder of HaruHaru

 

Photocred: Jae Won Jong @jae_haruharu

With a history stretching back centuries ago, fermented skincare is more than just a fun fad. It is a tradition that has deep roots in Korean culture. Its ability to target everything from inflammation to a weak skin barrier was discovered, and today, fermented ingredients are in some of K-Beauty’s best and most internationally loved products. Fermentation helps to break down compounds, allows enhanced absorbency of ingredients, and makes way for even more effective ingredients such as organic acids and antioxidants. Black rice has 30x the antioxidants as white rice, and HaruHaru’s formula instantly moisturizes and conditions the skin for optimal absorption.

Black Rice Toner - $22

 

 

@official_haruharu 

Rooshy Roy, founder of Aavrani

 

Photocred: Rooshy Roy

Tumeric skin treatments originate from Ayurvedic medicine which is a medicine system native to India. Ayurvedic medicine has had many important contributions to research about helpful skincare ingredients. Aavrani’s glow activating exfoliator is a dual-purpose face mask and cleanser made with turmeric and jojoba that gently exfoliates and evens skin tone. 

Glow Activating Exfoliator - $29.00

 

@aavrani

Taran and Bunny Ghatrora, founders of Blume

 

Photocred: Blume

Blume was made with the intention of destigmatizing taboo issues around femininity. To eradicate the shame, embarrassment, and life-long self-confidence issues that stem from puberty, Bunny and Taran Ghatrora created the movement of Blume, a purpose-driven brand dedicated to making sex education, hygiene products, and contraception more accessible. Blume hopes to instill girls and women with self-acceptance, confidence, and a deeper sense of understanding of themselves and their bodies through beauty, quality hygiene products, and conversations. The Meltdown Acne oil is hydrating and made with rosehip, black cumin seed, and blue tansy to help clear hormonal breakouts.

Meltdown Acne Oil - $28

 

@blume

 

 

Ritika Jayaswal, Founder of Nourish Mantra

Photocred: Ritika Jayaswal

The first neem crops were cultivated and optimized for skincare by South Asian agriculturalists. They also introduced it to the rest of the world. Today, the neem crop is well established in several countries worldwide, and has become a staple in skincare products that help with acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Nourish Mantra’s neem mask was formulated to unclog pores, to rejuvenate the and clarify oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

Holy Basil & Neem Vardaan Mud Mask - $46

 

@nourishmantra

 

 

Ju Rhyu, founder of Hero Cosmetics

 

Photocred: Ju Rhyu

Hydrocolloid was created in the 1980s to create a moist environment for wound healing, and it was later discovered that hydrocolloid could be used to treat acne. Ju Rhyu was the first to introduce acne patches as a beauty solution to the U.S. market in 2012. Hero’s acne patch blends into the skin, gently absorbs gunk from pimples, and reduces their appearance. 

Let’s show her gratitude for advancing OTC acne treatment in the US! 

Mighty Patch - $12.99 (36 count)

 

@herocosmetics

 

Hyungseok Dino Ha, Founder of I Dew Care 

 

Photocred: Dino Ha

Matcha isn’t just a trendy drink or skincare ingredient with no origin. Powdered matcha tea originates from China, and both Chinese and Japanese traditions have contributed to the discovery of Matcha’s vitalizing and healing benefits. Because matcha contains chlorophyll, it does not only help remove excess oils from your skin, but it also helps eliminate the bacteria. Matcha mood is wash-off and formulated with vitamin B3 to enhance your radiance. 

Matcha Mood Soothing Wash-off Mask - $25

 

@idewcare

 

 

Jinwoo Kim, Founder of Isntree

 

Photocred: Isntree

Essence formulas have been central to beauty rituals in Korea for centuries because they provide hydration deep within the skin and restore PH balance. Instree’s 8% AHA acid is 4% glycolic acid and 4% lactic acid that help penetrate deeply into the skin, to hydrate, and to sweep away dead cells. Popular skincare regimens in Korean countries often include multiple steps like the application of an essence. Before these customs globalized, American consumers were originally more attached to straightforward regimens with a cleanser and moisturizer. While we enjoy K-beauty creations and innovative skincare regimens, it’s important to recognize and celebrate cultural contributions to skincare.

 

ISNTREE 8% AHA Acid - $13.33

@isntree

 

 

Kapua Browning, Founder of Honua Skincare

 

Photocred: Honua Skincare 

Hibiscus is a foundational skincare ingredient that was discovered by indigenous Hawaiians. Botany has been at the heart of Hawaiian culture for ages, and hibiscus is now widely used as a natural alternative for anti-aging treatments. Because it is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), AHAs are known to help exfoliate, it can help control oily skin and clogged pores. Hibiscus has great anti-aging benefits because it can help decrease the activity of elastase, an enzyme that breaks down our skin’s natural elastin. Honua’s cream cleanser is a gentle and exfoliating formula that includes seaweed extract, chamomile, sage, and rosemary. 

 

PA'AKAI Cleansing Cream - $24

 

@honuaskincare