Aromatica

About Aromatica

Aromatica is a South Korean beauty and lifestyle brand founded in 2004 by Kim Young-kyun, also known as Jerry Kim. Kim, a first-generation aromatherapist in Korea, was inspired to start the company after discovering aromatherapy during a trip to Australia in 1997. He realized many products contained synthetic petroleum-based fragrances and wanted to create safe, effective products using natural, plant-based ingredients for his own family. Initially, Kim started a business importing and distributing essential oils to major cosmetic companies but founded Aromatica when these companies were hesitant to adopt pricier natural ingredients.

The company operates on a philosophy of "Save the Skin, Save the Planet," positioning itself as a leader in clean, vegan, and sustainable beauty. Its business model involves direct control over its entire production process, from sourcing raw ingredients globally to in-house manufacturing at its own eco-friendly smart factory in Osan. This allows Aromatica to ensure ingredient safety and transparency, a key differentiator from brands that outsource manufacturing. The product lineup, based on the principles of aromatherapy, includes skincare, haircare, and body care products that use essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. The brand is known for its Rosemary and Tea Tree lines.

Aromatica's commitment to sustainability is a core part of its identity. The company has pioneered the use of eco-friendly packaging in the Korean beauty industry. It was the first Korean beauty brand to use 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) transparent plastic and 90% recycled glass containers. To further promote a circular economy, Aromatica launched refill stations in Korea where customers can bring their own containers to purchase products, reducing plastic waste. The company has received numerous certifications, including from the Vegan Society and ECOCERT, and was the first Korean brand to be named a "Safe Cosmetics Champion" by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Primarily selling directly to consumers through its website and online marketplaces like Amazon, Aromatica has expanded globally to over 20 countries, including the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, with about 20% of its revenue coming from overseas sales.