SATURDAY SKIN
Renowned Korean Expertise x Effortless Western Rituals
With its clean, modern packaging, unfussy products and promises of fresh, rested, glowing weekendlike skin every day, this South Korean brand is an Instagram dream and catnip for millennials.
But despite its playful image, Saturday Skin is backed by the R&D might of its Seoul-based parent company, Chaum. An upscale medical and wellness centre, research institute and anti-ageing clinic rolled into one, Chaum has been around for more than 60 years and boasts a clientele that reportedly includes celebrities and royalty from around the world.
Saturday Skin arose from a desire to make Korean skincare approachable for consumers who might be put off by lengthy rituals and bewildering product variety. Its executive vice-president, Sidney Baek, who has worked in the beauty industry for more than two decades, was constantly asked about the secret to the Korean woman’s flawless skin. It started her thinking about creating an appealing and simplified Korean skincare line, combining Chaum’s accrued knowledge with the simple, less-ismore routines of the West.
The collection is relatively small and targeted. It has 12 products (nine are currently available in Singapore) skewed towards preventive care for younger skin, covering basic needs such as cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and brightening. The formulas are nourishing and clean, with no harsh sulphates, parabens, artificial colours or fragrances. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan.
The brand is keen to highlight its scientific chops, specifically with the exclusive seven-peptide mix it calls Cha-7 ES Complex. Derived from natural ingredients, the cutting-edge complex is said to increase collagen and elasticity in skin, thereby boosting suppleness, hydration and tone, as well as improving texture through the skin’s process of renewal.