Less Appreciated Korean Luxury Brands
I know it does not make much sense to spend $100 for a serum, especially when you buy K-beauty products. ╮(╯▽╰)╭We all know Korean cosmetics are known for their great value for money. But reasonably priced, high quality “road shop” brands or internet bestsellers are not all about the K-beauty.╮(╯_╰)╭ Actually, there are a few luxury brands with long history and philosophy that has provided firm ground of Korean cosmetic business’ growth. So today, I’d like to introduce those less appreciated upscale Korean brands.o(^^o) (o^^)o
Whoo (The history of Whoo)
So now we know LG is not all about LCD panel or smart phones. Whoo is a sub-brand of LG Life & Science, the second largest cosmetic producer in South Korea. 0^◇^0)/ The history of Whoo brand has launched in 2003 with the core philosophy of “applying ancient empress’ secret to the cosmetics.” As they claimed, they used lots of oriental medicine extracts and recipes from traditional Chinese/Korean medicine.
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Gongjinhyang: Seul Whitening Cream
Whoo’s one of the most famous brightening cream. Cooling, watery texture is really refreshing and moisturizes skin very well. As they claimed, this cream contains many oriental herb extracts inspired by traditional oriental medicine.
Donginbi
Korean Ginseng Corporation’s upscale cosmetic brand. They have very similar “traditional medicine” concept with Sulwhasoo or The history of Whoo.*^O^* But Donginbi’s mother company has a prominent research facility for ginseng and they developed unique active ingredients for Donginbi such as red ginseng polysaccharide or red ginseng fermented humectants. Panax ginseng water is used as base for most of its products. Donginbi’s Jin or Cho line is known for its great quality and its oil is pretty famous as well.↖(^▽^)↗
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Red Ginseng Daily Preparation Essence
Donginbi’s revitalization essence. It contains red ginseng extract and ginsenoides. Ginsenoide is widely studied anti-aging, skin conditioning agent obtained by steaming and condensing red ginseng. It also contains 2.5% of niacinamide for anti-aging, skin brightening agent. It has a little bit sticky texture but it is absorbed really quickly. It smells like ginseng because of its ingredient, so be aware of it if you don’t like. But I personally think it’s pretty pleasant.
Hera
Hera is one of the main brands of Korean cosmetic tycoon Amore Pacific. The main focus of this brand is cell. As its mother company is the largest cosmetic company in Korea, they invested abundant amount of fund on R&D. As a result, they have patterned molecules like body-fluid analogues (Cell fluid Sync TM) and anti-aging agents Cell OmniFocus. Hera is known for their Cell Bio skincare line or super expensive Signia line.
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Cell Essence
Hera’s best selling first essence with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It contains many unconventional glucose analogues, amino acids and lipids (seemingly they make Hera’s famous Cell Fluid Sync.) It hydrates skin pretty and leaves texture very velvety smooth. For the fun factor, this product is kwon as “Cheon Ji Hyun” essence in Korea. lol ㄟ(≧◇≦)ㄏ
ENPRANI
Compare to LG Life and Sicnece or Amore Pacific, Enprani is a relatively small company but surely they have their own market segment. They are known as Holika Holika’s mother company in US. Enprani uses somewhat unconventional ingredient such as kinetin or ursolic acid for anti-aging agents. Dr. Hilda line for adult acne / Premier cell lifting line are famous.
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Premier cell Volume lifting serum
It contains human adipose tissue driven stem cell medium and they claim it helps restore skin volume. There is not so many scientific researches to prove its efficacy, but I personally feel it helps. Anyway it is an excellent lifting/moisturizing serum as well but it has a little bit oily texture so be aware if this concerns you. ╰（￣▽￣）╭
