The Brand Story
Korean skincare is crowded with buzzy ingredients, but rarely does a brand commit so completely to a single, extraordinary botanical. Launched in 2012 by founder Kim Yoonjin, Skin1004 (pronounced "Skin Angel," as the numbers "1004" translate to cheon-sa or "angel" in Korean) was born out of a desire to create clean, hypoallergenic skincare that genuinely respects the skin barrier. The brand's philosophy is rooted in "untouched nature," focusing on minimal, effective formulas rather than kitchen-sink ingredient lists that can trigger inflammation.
At the heart of the brand's DNA is Centella Asiatica—often referred to as cica or tiger grass. But Skin1004 didn't just source any cica; they traveled to the island of Madagascar, home to what is considered the purest, most ancient, and highest-grade Centella Asiatica in the world. Their meticulous harvesting process ensures that the active components—like madecassoside and asiaticoside, known for their wound-healing and soothing properties—remain incredibly potent. This hyper-focus on a single, premium ingredient has allowed the brand to formulate products that calm, repair, and hydrate even the most reactive skin types.
Today, Skin1004 stands as a pillar of the global K-beauty phenomenon, proving that efficacious skincare doesn't need to be overly complicated or exorbitantly priced. With a strict adherence to clean beauty standards, the brand formulates without parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances. Their commitment to ethical practices extends to their manufacturing, proudly boasting PETA certifications for being entirely cruelty-free and vegan. It's a beautifully edited lineup that acts as a soothing reset button for your complexion.
Why Editors Love It
We test thousands of products, which means our skin barriers are perpetually on the brink of collapse. Skin1004 is the soothing antidote we keep coming back to when our faces need a break. It has achieved a massive, cult-like following—particularly on TikTok—because the formulas are incredibly elegant and weightless, never leaving behind a greasy residue or white cast. It's that rare, accessible brand that manages to deliver on the "glass skin" promise for acne-prone and highly sensitive skin, making it a universal crowd-pleaser that beauty editors confidently recommend to everyone in their group chats.
The Hero Products
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule: Formulated with 100% Centella Asiatica extract, this minimalist, watery serum immediately extinguishes redness and acts as a safety blanket for compromised barriers.
- Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++: This viral, featherlight sunscreen feels like a refreshing drink of water for the face, offering rigorous UV protection with zero white cast or sticky finish.
- Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil: A luxurious yet non-comedogenic blend of Centella and botanical oils that melts away waterproof mascara and daily grime without leaving a greasy film behind.
- Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam: The perfect second-step cleanser, it foams into a soft, pH-balanced lather that deeply cleans pores without leaving your skin feeling stripped or tight.
- Madagascar Centella Soothing Cream: A glorious gel-cream hybrid packed with ceramides and squalane that locks in hydration and repairs the skin barrier while remaining entirely breathable.
- Madagascar Centella Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask: A genius, mess-free clay mask in a twist-up stick that draws out impurities and minimizes the look of pores while soothing the skin simultaneously.
- Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule: A fast-absorbing treatment featuring micro-capsules that gently tackle hyperpigmentation and dullness, revealing an even, radiant complexion without the sting of harsh acids.
At a Glance
- Founded: 2012
- Country of Origin: Seoul, South Korea
- Price Range: Highly accessible (typically $15 to $30)
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Yes, fully PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan.
- Where to Buy: Brand website, Amazon, YesStyle, Stylevana, iHerb, and Beauty Bay.
What does the name Skin1004 mean?
In Korean, the number 1004 is pronounced "cheon-sa," which is a homonym for "angel." The brand's name translates to "Skin Angel," reflecting their mission to be a guardian angel for your skin by using pure, gentle, and safe ingredients.
Is Skin1004 good for acne-prone skin?
Absolutely. Because the entire brand is formulated around Madagascar Centella Asiatica—an ingredient famous for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and wound-healing properties—it is exceptional for calming active breakouts, reducing redness, and fading post-acne marks without clogging pores.
Are Skin1004 products truly cruelty-free and vegan?
Yes! The brand is deeply committed to ethical beauty. They are fully PETA-certified (Beauty Without Bunnies), meaning all of their products are 100% cruelty-free and contain no animal-derived ingredients.
Does the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum leave a white cast?
No, and that is exactly why it is constantly selling out. It is a chemical sunscreen that utilizes non-nano filters, absorbing instantly into the skin with a serum-like texture. It leaves a hydrated, glowing finish on all skin tones without any chalky residue.
Where does the brand source its Centella Asiatica?
Skin1004 exclusively sources its Centella Asiatica from 17 specific regions in Madagascar. They chose this location because the pristine, untouched environment produces the purest and most potent form of the plant, maximizing its soothing and restorative skincare benefits.
Where to Buy
Skin1004 has rapidly expanded its global footprint, making it wonderfully easy to find. Shoppers in the US and internationally can purchase directly from the brand's official website or their dedicated Amazon storefront. K-beauty enthusiasts can also effortlessly restock via trusted Asian beauty e-tailers like YesStyle, Stylevana, and Olive Young Global. For those in the UK and Europe, platforms like Beauty Bay, Skinsider, and iHerb carry extensive selections of the brand's cult-favorite formulas.
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