Clean beauty has a new standard, and it starts at the ingredient level. Ongredients is the Korean skincare brand that has built its entire philosophy around one simple conviction: what goes into the formula matters just as much as what stays out. From fragrance-free, fully organic formulations to packaging designed with the planet in mind, Ongredients has quietly become a cult favourite among "skinimalist" beauty lovers who refuse to compromise on purity or efficacy. This International Women's Day, Kiokii and... sits down with Yu-jae Kim, CEO of Ongredients, to explore the values and vision behind one of K-Beauty's most principled brands.
Inside the Brand: An Interview with Ongredients CEO
1. Which product best represents your brand philosophy, and why?
"It would have to be our Calming Lotion. This product is the truest representation of our brand philosophy. In Korea, it is incredibly well-known as a 'makeup-ready' lotion. Our brand name, 'Ongredients,' signifies our intense focus on the ingredients themselves—and this lotion contains all the core elements that define our commitment to quality and effective skincare."
2. What was the original problem that inspired you to create this brand?
"Women generally wear a lot of makeup, and during my brief study of professional makeup artistry, I realized a universal pain point: preventing makeup from caking or 'lifting' during application. To solve this, we created skincare specifically designed to help makeup go on smoothly. Our Calming Lotion is the perfect prep step for a seamless finish. We also developed our specialized cream for those with dry skin—it is exceptionally effective at deeply hydrating and soothing the skin barrier. I highly recommend using both in tandem for the best results."
3. What does "care" mean to your brand when it comes to formulation and design?
"Care extends beyond the formula to the planet. If you look at our packaging, we designed our labels to be easily peeled off to make recycling as simple as possible. Even with the higher production costs involved, we chose engraving on our caps rather than chemical printing to stay eco-friendly. To us, 'care' means being responsible for the entire life cycle of the product."
4. Is there a detail in your products that people often overlook but you're especially proud of?
"I'm particularly proud of the texture of our cream. It is rich and thick because the ingredients are entirely organic. We've deliberately excluded all fragrances and artificial dyes—the primary triggers for skin allergies—which is why our products are hypoallergenic and work beautifully even for the most sensitive skin types."
5. What message do you hope women take away when they interact with Ongredients?
"Every woman has her own unique strengths. Rather than masking yourself with something flashy or artificial, I hope women can use our products to seek out and celebrate their own natural beauty."
Kiokii's Top Picks: Ongredients Essentials
Looking to simplify your routine without sacrificing results? Here are three best-selling Ongredients products currently trending at kiokii.com. Each one a masterclass in organic, skin-first formulation.
1. Ongredients Skin Barrier Calming Lotion
The secret weapon behind a flawless base. This lightweight yet deeply soothing lotion preps the skin to hold makeup all day—no pilling, no caking, no compromise. Formulated with fully organic ingredients and free from fragrance and artificial dyes, it delivers that coveted glass skin foundation while keeping even the most sensitive skin calm and balanced.
Best for: All skin types, especially those looking for a makeup-prep step that's gentle and skin-barrier friendly.
2. Ongredients Deep Calming Cream
Dry and sensitive skin, meet your match. This cream's signature sherbet-like texture melts effortlessly into the skin upon contact, forming a protective moisture barrier that lasts throughout the day. Fragrance-free, fully organic, and formulated without artificial dyes—it's the kind of no-nonsense moisturizer that lets the ingredients do all the talking.
Best for: Dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin in need of deep, lasting hydration.
3. Ongredients AC Balancing PDRN Shot Patch (9 Patches)
Targeted blemish care, powered by cutting-edge ingredients. These precision patches combine PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)—a clinically studied skin-regenerating ingredient—with an AC Balancing complex to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and visibly flatten blemishes without irritation. True to Ongredients' clean formulation standards, each patch delivers concentrated treatment exactly where your skin needs it most.
Best for: Acne-prone or sensitive skin seeking a clean, science-backed solution for active breakouts and post-blemish recovery.
Beauty That Goes Further
At Kiokii and..., we have the deepest respect for brands that hold themselves to a higher standard—not just in what they put into their formulas, but in how they treat the world around them. Ongredients reminds us that true clean beauty isn't a marketing term; it's a commitment that shows up in every ingredient, every texture, and every piece of packaging.
This International Women's Day, we invite you to strip back the noise and rediscover your natural glow.
Ready to explore Ongredients' full collection? [Shop now at kiokii.com →]
Kiokii and... is Canada's premier destination for curated Asian beauty. We bring you the most innovative and trusted brands from across Asia, so your self-care journey is as unique and empowered as you are.