Rows of cosmetic cream, gel and serum texture swatches on glass

Ready-to-Market K-Beauty Formulas

GDK WEBZINE is where GDK COSMETICS shares beauty trends together with formulas brands can launch. Each formula below was proposed with a matching ingredient story and, where relevant, a matching container. All formulas can be customised for your brand.

Overview

FormulaCategoryKey ingredientProposed packageSource
Rice Milky TonerTonerRice bran extract–Vol.2
Rice Sediment MaskWash-off maskRice lees extract–Vol.2
Ssukddeum (Mugwort) CreamWash-off maskMugwort leaf extract–Vol.2
Firming Bean SerumSerumBlack soybean seed extract–Vol.2
Age Signal Exosome AmpouleAmpouleGinseng root extract–Vol.2
Fermented Herbal Nourishing CreamCreamCheongjindan (12 fermented herbs)–Vol.2
Light Sun SerumSun careSPF 35, PA+++Paper-PE blend tubeVol.1
Musk Cream Body WashBody cleanserCream-to-foam basePaper refill pouchVol.1
Phyto Peptide Eye SerumEye careHigh level of moisturisersMassage-ball applicatorVol.1
Caffeine Scalp TonicScalp careCaffeine 10,000 ppm, GREENNOLSilicone massage headVol.1
Traditional Korean ingredients on a dark wooden table

GDK WEBZINE Vol.2: K-beauty from traditional Korean ingredients

Six formulas built on traditional Korean ingredients.

“The most Korean is the most global.” K-beauty brands that carry the beauty of Korean heritage are drawing attention worldwide. Vol.2 turned this trend into six formulas, each built on a traditional Korean ingredient. Read about the ingredients.

Rice Milky Toner

Inspired by the traditional Korean practice of washing the face with rice water. Rice bran — which holds about 95% of rice's nutrients — gives an extract that helps moisturise dry skin. The milk-like texture fills the skin with deep moisture and leaves a glowy finish, and it never feels heavy even when layered several times. Ideal for dry-season moisture launches.

Rice Sediment Mask

Made with rice lees extract, the sediment left after brewing makgeolli (Korean rice wine). The extract contains antioxidant components and is used for skin elasticity and tone care. The mask recalls the texture and scent of rice lees, feels moist while on, gently removes dead skin cells and impurities when rinsed, and leaves the skin smooth and fresh.

Ssukddeum (Mugwort) Cream

Named after ssukddeum, the traditional Korean mugwort heat therapy. Mugwort leaf extract is proposed to soothe sensitive skin. The green gel turns into a white cream as it is massaged on the skin, gives a warming feel, washes away impurities and leaves the skin texture refined. A strong concept for seasonal-change soothing lines.

Firming Bean Serum

Korean black soybeans — heuktae, seoritae and seomoktae — contain roughly four times more anti-ageing-related components than ordinary soybeans. The Firming Bean Serum uses soybean seed extract from black soybeans in a bouncy essence texture that absorbs quickly and finishes lighter than expected, supplying nourishment and moisture for firm, resilient-looking skin.

Age Signal Exosome Ampoule

Ginseng is Korea's best-known traditional herb, rich in antioxidant components such as ginsenosides and saponins that help protect skin from free radicals and keep it firm. This deep-coloured ampoule with ginseng root extract absorbs quickly, finishes fresh without stickiness and leaves skin smooth and soft.

Fermented Herbal Nourishing Cream

Built on Cheongjindan, a complex ingredient made by fermenting 12 traditional herbal ingredients — including soybean, plum and omija (schisandra) — with lactic acid bacteria or yeast. Fermentation enhances the antioxidant effect of the herbs and helps active components absorb quickly. The light, pink cream absorbs smoothly, leaves a silky finish and a radiant, moist glow.

Serum dropper bottle with Korean black soybeans for the Firming Bean Serum formula
Milky white toner bottle with rice grains for the Rice Milky Toner formula
Sustainable and functional cosmetic packaging lined up on stone

GDK WEBZINE Vol.1: packaging trends with matching formulas

Three packaging trends, each with a matching formula.

Vol.1 looked at three packaging trends — sustainable materials, smart functional containers and collectible special packaging — on the view that differentiated packaging is as much a competitive advantage as an effective formula. Each formula was proposed together with its container. See packaging options.

Light Sun Serum (SPF 35, PA+++)

A lightweight moisturising serum that adheres smoothly without stickiness and leaves a subtle glow. Proposed in a tube made from a blend of paper and PE that reduces plastic use. Sun care manufacturing.

Musk Cream Body Wash

A cream-to-foam body wash: soft cream turns into rich foam with water, and a moisturising film stays on the skin after washing. Proposed with a paper refill pouch so consumers can refill and reuse the original bottle.

Phyto Peptide Eye Serum

A light water-serum containing a high level of moisturising ingredients, easy to roll on with a device. Proposed with a massage-ball applicator that dispenses the serum when pressed, for hygienic use, eye-area puffiness care and absorption of active ingredients.

Caffeine Scalp Tonic

A moist serum-type tonic that fixes the run-off problem of water-type tonics. Formulated with caffeine 10,000 ppm and GREENNOL, a natural complex extract, to keep the scalp and roots comfortable, and proposed with a silicone massage head so users massage while they apply. Hair & scalp care manufacturing.

Paper-textured cosmetic tube with a light sun serum swatch in sunlight
Scalp tonic bottle with a silicone massage head applicator and coffee beans

Frequently asked questions

Can I launch one of these formulas under my own brand?
Yes. These are GDK formula proposals for brands. Texture, scent, claims and package are customised through GDK's development process, starting from samples.
Which formulas change texture during use?
The Musk Cream Body Wash turns from cream into rich foam when it meets water, and the Ssukddeum (Mugwort) Cream turns from a green gel into a white cream as you massage it.
Which formulas suit hot and humid seasons?
The Light Sun Serum, the Phyto Peptide Eye Serum (a fast-absorbing water serum) and the Fermented Herbal Nourishing Cream all have light textures.
Where can I read GDK WEBZINE?
GDK WEBZINE is published on GDK's Korean website. Vol.1 covers cosmetic packaging trends and Vol.2 covers K-beauty inspired by traditional Korean beauty. Contact our overseas team for the English summary and samples.