“The first generation of popular skin care products offered moisturization and second generation offered whitening or UV protection. But now, products are expected to make the skin healthier. The third generation of products target revitalization of the skin. The aging population is a relatively new phenomenon and unlike other organs, skin cannot be transplanted from other donors. It is important to protect the skin from fine dust, pollution and reactive oxygen species. Vitamin C is very effective in protecting the skin from such harmful effects. Vitamin C can be ingested or injected into the body but an excessively large amount of it should be administered to allow distribution in the skin. On the other hand, topical application of vitamin C to desired areas is a more effective and efficient way of vitamin C exposure. Vitamin C is acidic and needs to be stabilized to prevent acidic damage of the skin. Perceived image of the brand sometimes has more impact on the sales than the product’s effect and quality but I believe consumers will eventually choose products that actually work. This is why it’s important to develop safe products with a proven mechanism of action.”

Sam.K offers various other product lines besides vitamin C products.

 

HELIOSⅡ/LOTUSⅡ/HYPERION – Manufacturer: LASEROPTEK(www.laseroptek.com)

 

“We have products that contain pycnogenol, a potent antioxidant obtained from pine trees growing in Southern France. The Small and Medium Business Administration of Korea recently provided us with a government subsidy of KRW 1 billion. We plan to launch a new product line late this year or early next year.”

Dr. Kim gave valuable advice to doctors who are seeking to enter the cosmetics market.

“It is very difficult for a doctor to achieve success in the cosmetics industry. Even if the product is very effective, poor marketing strategy will not make the customers aware of its existence. And if the product does not offer good quality, consumers will not purchase it again. As shown by the much higher stock price of Amore Pacific than that of Samsung Electronics, Korean cosmetics industry boasts world class technology. The next 3-5 years will be a good time to enter the global market. If you want success in this highly competitive industry, you should have original technology and be ready to invest in the brand for the next 10 years.”