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Innisfree releases limited edition items to celebrate environment month May 26, 2011

 

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Innisfree will be releasing two limited edition items to celebrate the Environment Month in June.

1. Innisfree Green Tea Mineral Mist 150ml / 11,000 won 그린티 미네랄 미스트

 

100% organic green tea . 10% of proceeds will be donated.

2. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum 160 ml / 29,000 더 그린티 씨드 세럼

2x the normal capacity ( 80ml ). Provides moisture to the skin, while green tea is an excellent antioxidant.

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In addition, Innisfree will be giving away free Yoona (from SNSD) Handkerchiefs to customers who purchase above 10,000 wons on Innisfree items. The campaign is to encourage people to ‘use handkerchiefs instead of tissues’ to help save the environment. Signature of SNSD’s Yoona will also be printed on the handkerchiefs.

 

Updated! : Amore Pacific VS LG Household Corporation May 18, 2011

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Two of Korea’s largest Cosmetics company have always been head-on competition with each other.

Let’s go through the rundown on both companies.

Amore Pacific Inc. (formerly PACIFIC, or Tai Pyung Yang) was a small family cosmetic business until September 9, 1945 when it adopted the name ‘PACIFIC’ and became a full fledged company. In the 1970’s, PACIFIC branched out into the tea business, growing into a company symbolizing both beauty and health. 


Amore Pacific has been a manufacturer and purveyor of cosmetics since the 1930s. The 1960s saw AMORE PACIFIC become fully established. In 1963, the company sent beauty consultants to shops where Amore Pacific products were sold to train their employees and to learn first hand about the needs of customers. Door-to-door sales effort was also introduced after the launching of the Amore brand in 1964.


For the complete history of Amore Pacific, please refer to : here

LG H&H was found in 1947, South Korea LG Group founded in 1947, LG Household & Health Care was the first company in Korea to produce and sell toothpaste, synthetic detergents, and other household supplies and products. In 1959, LG Electronics created the beginnings of Korea’s electronics industry by developing the nation’s first radio. Only in 1984, LG Corporation expanded into the cosmetics business, and is now developing as a world-class manufacturer of household and health care products. 

It was established in 1947 as LUCKY Chemical Industrial Co and began production of the LUCKY Facial Cream . In 1950 , the company set up the first Cosmetics Research Laboratory. The company produced toothpaste, soap, detergent in the 1960s and released their first cosmetic line DEBON in 1983.

In 1995, LG Cosmetics established a joint venture company in China and changed it’s name to LG Chemical Ltd.


Round 1 : Sulwhasoo VS History Of Whoo

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Sulwhasoo’s ( the name of Amore Pacific’s founder : Sung Hwan Suh – coincidence? ) history dates back to 1960s though the brand Sulwhasoo was only introduced in 1987 as ‘Sulwha’. Every researcher in Amore Pacific R&D Centre thoroughly examined as many books from Korea, China and Japan as they could find and listed around 500 oriental herbal ingredients that are helpful to the skin. Then, they eliminated the ones with strong smells, intense colors, or ones that degrades easily, and used the remaining herbs to launch SULWHA in 1987, and eventually Sulwhasoo in 1997. 


In 2009, Sulwhasoo went through it’s second advancement. They introduced a new packaging design and reinforced the formula of its products containing more fresh and fermented medicinal plants.


The brand revolves around their ‘star’ ingredient called the Jaeumdan – a unique and original formula that supplements the energy and keeps the skin refined and beautiful.


Jaeumdan is Sulwhasoo’s original mixture of five oriental plants -Paeonia Albiflora, Nelumbo Nucifera seed, Polygonatum Officinale, Lilium Tigrinum and Rehmannia Glutinosa- representing the Five Elements. The new 2009 Jaeumdan applied the principle of mixture of the fresh and the fermented for better effects.


The root of Paeonia Albiflora dried under sunlight fills up the Yin in the liver and contains tannin and Paeoniflorin for tranquility and anti-inflam mation. According to Donguibogam, Paeonia Albiflora is known to stimulate blood circulation, comfort the internal organs, and treat every illness of women.


The matured seed of Nelumbo Nucifera enhances energy and treats fever. Fills up the Yin in the mind and smoothes skin through moisturization and blood circulation. Replenishes blood circulation to revive the face tone.


The root of Polygonatum Officinale, dried under sunlight, stops the thirst inside your body to treat dryness and create body fluids. Contains various minerals to improve skin resilience and stops thirst inside the body.


Lilium Tigrinum helps your lung stay healthy and treats nonproductive cough. Evenly distributes energy and body fluids inside the body to tranquilize the mind and to refine the skin. Donguibogam’s Brewed Medicine Part introdu ces the method of using brewed Lilium Tigrinum to cleanse wounded areas.


The root of Rehmannia Glutinosa is the essence of the five internal organs, energy and blood circulation, and balance of Yin and Yang in human body. It manages fluid circulation and has an outstanding moisturizing effect. It is also helpful for pigmentation or dullness caused by aging and relieves thirst caused by fever.


Launched only in 2003 to grab Sulwhasoo’s dominance on the Korean herbal cosmetics share, Whoo is a modern interpretation of the royal court secrets. It’s logo – – a Chinese character which translates to ‘empress’ in English, it based on beauty secrets and prescription handed down from Ancient China’s Imperial Royal Family.  

Therefore, the History Of Whoo is a combination of prescriptions from Ancient China and the Korean Technology. Like Sulwhasoo’s ‘Star’ ingredient –Jaeumdan , Whoo also has it’s own called Gongjindan a well known treasured skin perfecting formula created for emperors and empresses in ancient China.


Gongjindan contains many functional herbal ingredients which has properties such as anti-oxidants, anti aging, anti-fatigue, neurotransmitters and immune agents. ‘Dong-Eui-Bo-Gam (Korea’s medical book) describes ‘Gong-Jin-Dan’ as follows:
“If a man is sickly even after growing up, he is constitutionally weak. In such a case, body fluids should be increased but body heat should be cooled down. Other medicines are inefficacious against it, but this medicine is effective to harmonize internal organs with each other and to prevent various diseases.”


Prescribed for the first time by wiyeokrim in China’s Yuan Dynasty, Gongshindan was recorded in seuideukhyobang (old Chinese medical book). It has been widely used for diseases associated with convalescent weakness and liver function deterioration.


– “Shin” of “Gongsin” represents Polaris, the center of the northern sky; it means having the effect of improving the vigor, which is central to human life. It was called Gongshindan or Gongjindan.
– Record of Gongshindan in Donguibogam
"Intake of Gongshindan reinforces vigor, improves kidney function, and decreases heart burn and protects against diseases.”

Round 2 : IOPE VS OHUI


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Both focuses more on the ‘western’ and modern cosmetic aspect and technology , and ‘cell’ science. OHUI is exceptional in the Stem Cells department.

OHUI even has an english site : here


Round 3 : Hanule/Hanyul VS Sooryehan


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If Sulwhasoo and History are for Queens, Hannule ( Amore ) and Sooryehan ( LG ) are for princesses. Aimed at a younger age group, both brands also focuses on chinese/korean medicine.


Round 4 : HERA VS ISA KNOX


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HERA is more well known for their make up products while ISA KNOX is a pioneer in the skincare section. Isa Knox is also one of LG’s earliest brands that exist to this day. Both brands have an elder age group focus. Isa Knox’s spokesperson, Lee Hyori, is Korea’s most famous female singer ever and they even managed to rope in Hollywood Jessica Alba as a spokesperson.


Round 5 : ETUDE HOUSE VS LACVERT


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Both are brands that cater to young girls. Etude House has more selection when it comes to make-up.  Both uses famous idols.


Round 6 : Primera VS Belif


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Both brands are based on the naturalism, organic and natural concept.

Round 7 : Innisfree/Mamonde VS The Face Shop

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Here you have 3 brands that are also catered to teenagers to young adults. Innisfree also claims to be an all natural brand and both brand uses the most famous Korean teen idols today. These 3 brands are also lower-end brands.

Round 8 : Mirepa VS Vonin

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Both are brands for men though Vonin is a lot more famous than Amore’s Mirepa. I personally love both the male spokesperson for these two brands. Hehe..

Round 9 : Hyosia VS Su:m 37

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Both brands are based on fermentation science. Have

not managed to get any information regarding Hyo Sia, but LG has done a stellar job on Su-m 37’s marketing as it has managed to become a famous brand in such a short span of time and Amore’s Hyosia is still… unknown.

 

Round 9 : Ryoe VS  Re-En

 

 

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Amore’s Ryoe and LG’s ReEn are battling it out too for the personal care market. Both brands are herbal oriental hair care!

 

Innisfree releases wine jelly line May 17, 2011

 

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Amore Pacific’s organic line ‘Innisfree’ will be releasing a new wine line called the ‘Wine Jelly’ which is a gentle exfoliating/peeling line.

It features our very own French wine – Chateau Margaux – one of the four wines to achieve Premier Cru status. Wine contains high concentration of polyphenols/resveratrol which gives vitality to the skin, due to it’s high antioxidant properties.

The line consists of 4 products :

1. Innisfree Wine Jelly Mask Set 와인 필링 젤리 마스크

2. Innisfree Wine Peeling Jelly Softener 와인 필링 젤리 와인 필링 젤리 소프너

3. Innisfree Skin Peeling Jelly Scrub 와인 필링 젤리 젤리 스크럽

 

4. Innisfree Wine Jelly Sleeping Pack 와인 필링 젤리 와인 젤리 슬리핑 팩

 

 

Innisfree Eco Safety No Sebum Sunblock April 10, 2011

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Amore Pacific’s natural and ECOCERT certified organic brand Innisfree – will be releasing a new sunblock called the Eco Safety No Sebum Sunblock SPF 35 / PA +++.

100% physical sunscreen, the sunblock keeps the sweat and sebum at bay under the hot sun.

ECOCERT certified Sunflower Oil protects the fragile skin from harmful ultraviolet light.

It will retail for 12,000 wons 50ml.

 

To purchase, type 에코 세이프티 노 세범 선블록 on Gmarket.

 

Updated with Details : Innisfree promotes new mineral melting Foundation February 23, 2011

Filed under: Innisfree — Hope In A Blog @ 8:21 am
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Amore Pacific’s Innisfree spokesperson, the gorgeous YOONA from Korea’s most famous girl group in history Girl’s Generation or SNSD , was featured in Innisfree’s  latest product – the Mineral Melting Foundation.

This mineral foundation contains organic green tea extracts planted in Jeju Island. The foundation does not clog pores and lets your skin breathe freely. It is paraben free, mineral oil free, alcohol free and is touted to be the first ever ‘solid foundation’ which is a 4 in one product – sunscreen, foundation, BB Cream , and moisturiser. The cream also has a SPF 32, PA ++

TO purchase it on Gmarket, search for 미네랄 멜팅 파운데이션


The ad was released, so check it out :

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Innisfree adds 4 new items to it’s white tone line February 15, 2011

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Innisfree will be introducing 4 new products to it’s White Tone line. Introducing the White Tone Up Spot Essence, White Tone Up Cream, White Tone Up Sleeping Pack and last but not least White Tone Up 3D Sheet Mask.

 


The line features 5 kinds of natural berry extracts and Vitamin B3 ( Niacinamide) that prevents oxidation of melanin in the skin to give you a clear white skin.

 

 

 


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Innisfree launches new anti-wrinkle product December 30, 2010

Filed under: Innisfree — Hope In A Blog @ 4:48 pm
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Scheduled for a January 2011 release, the Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence (25ml ) features marine plants from the Jeju Ocean.


So what’s the scoop about this anti-wrinkle cream?

 


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2010 Best Selling Products Of Various Korean Skincare Brands December 21, 2010

Filed under: Amore Pacific,Baviphat,Beauty Credit,Danahan,Hannule,Holika Holika,Innisfree,IOPE,It's Skin,LG Household Care Corporation,Missha,Nature Republic,Skin79,SkinFood,Sooryehan,The Face Shop,The Saem,Tony Moly — Hope In A Blog @ 12:00 am
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As 2010 comes to an end, Korean skincare/cosmetic companies have ranked their Best-Selling items throughout 2010.


Did your favourite Korean skincare products made it into the top 5?


Click here to find out more..

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Paraben Free, Alcohol Free, Artificial Preservatives Free, Artificial Color Free, Mineral Oil Free, Talc Free, Silicone Free, Fragrance Free, Organic Natural BB Cream December 4, 2010

Consumers these days are getting more and more wary of what they are putting on their face. Paraben-free, alcohol-free, mineral-oil free : these words are no stranger to us anymore. However, most consumers do not even know the reason behind these words – what they do know is that they are not good for our skin, but are they really dangerous as everyone puts them to be? Or are these just marketing ploys made by ‘organic’/’natural’ companies to destroy the reputation of other brands who employ the use of these ingredients?


After extensive research online, we will be putting up a list of various BB Creams which are ALL paraben free, alcohol free, artificial preservatives free, and artificial colouring free. However some are not talc or mineral oil free – and mostly non are silicone free.


Before we get into the list, we will go through these so called ‘dangerous’ ingredients, you be the judge. These sources are compiled from different sites on the net.


Paraben-Free

Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in personal care products; they stop fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in your favourite creams and makeup, especially in the moist, warm environment of a bathroom.Their names are a mouthful—methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben. But over the past few years, a debate has been building among scientists, product safety regulators and cosmetic manufacturers about whether these ubiquitous chemicals, used for almost 70 years, may actually be harmful to our health.


Some of the questions being asked: Is the rising incidence of breast cancer linked in part to the fact that parabens, which have a weak ability to mimic estrogen, have been found in breast cancer tumours and can be isolated from other body tissues? Are declining sperm counts and increasing rates of male breast cancer and testicular cancer related to the fact that these chemicals can be absorbed into our skin, potentially disrupting our endocrine systems?


One recent Danish study, however, raised concerns. It showed that parabens could be detected in the blood and urine of healthy young male volunteers a few hours after paraben-containing lotions were applied to their skin. The authors concluded that since the chemicals could be absorbed, metabolized and excreted, they “could potentially contribute to adverse health effects.”


But Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), a U.S.-based industry-sponsored panel of experts that evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, have all deemed that parabens are safe at current exposure levels. The CIR examined parabens in 1984 and again in 2005, and both times concluded that parabens at the low levels found in personal care products are not a concern. In 2005, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products confirmed that the use of methyl- and ethyl-paraben is safe as regulated. It is gathering data on other parabens.


Companies are increasingly switching to non-paraben preservative systems. Not because they believe that there is any dangers to them, but because it increases their marketability. With the rampant so-called dangers of parabens hitting the media, companies will use any reason to position themselves to take advantage of the situation. Even the companies will admit that they believe parabens are safe, but they want to open up another option. So please understand this: just because some companies maybe shifting away from parabens, this doesn’t mean that they are acknowledging any dangers associated with them!


My idol, Dr Leslie Baumman wrote a great article on Parabens. here / here

To read more about parabens and their controversies, click on these sites : here , here , here , here.

Alcohol-Free

There are two types of alcohol – one that are good for the skin, the other bad.


There’s also two theories of alcohol – one is that alcohol is very irritating, drying and damaging to the skin, and that the other is that that alcohol evaporates once it is applied to the skin so it is just a carrier and doesn’t in fact make any difference.


There is a difference between alcohols. Some are good for the skin and don’t dry them out, some dry the skin out completely.


Read about the different types of alcohol here : here

To read more click : here, here, here, here,

Butylene/Propylene Glycol-Free

Propylene Glycol (PG, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are all petroleum derivatives that act as solvents, surfactants, and wetting agents.  They can easily penetrate the skin, and can weaken protein and cellular structure.  In fact, PG penetrates the skin so quickly that the EPA warns factory workers to avoid skin contact, to prevent brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.  PG is present in many stick deodorants, often in heavier concentration than in most industrial applications. (Nyack, Dr. Vin, Ph.D., Biochemist; personal communication).  And Propylene Glycol is what is used to carry the “active” ingredients in those transdermal patches INTO YOUR BODY.

Imagine a bottle of Anti-Freeze in a picture with shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpastes?


Read more : click here


Mineral Oil Free

Known also as paraffin oil/wax, liquidum  paraffinum.


Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin’s ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.


Breast cancer and impurities. EWG’s assessment of product ingredient labels and data on cancer-causing chemicals identified three common impurities in personal care products that are linked to mammary tumors in animal studies — ethylene oxide, PAHs, and 1,3-butadiene. Since September 2004 the EU has banned the use of petroleum jelly due to the carcinogenic contamination found in products containing petrolatum. The ingredients for which these impurities are of concern are used in one of every four personal care products on the market.


However, there are also different grades of Mineral Oil – so it really depends.


Read more about it here, here, here, here.

Artificial Coloring Free

Synthetic Colors — The synthetic colors used to supposedly make a cosmetic “pretty” should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No. 6. Synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents. If a cosmetic contains them, don’t use it.


Sure, they make your favorite products look inviting, but synthetic tints can contain a host of unnamed, and unsafe, ingredients. If you don’t tolerate mystery ingredients in your food, why trust them in your cosmetics? “Why would anyone want blue lotion?” asks Kathleen Lewis, who runs her self-named line of skincare products in Brooklyn, New York, and believes products needn’t be “unnecessarily decorative.” “What’s worse than blue,” says Pangea’s Onysko, “is white. Why does any lotion need to be white?” Many milk-hued “natural” products are made with refined, bleached oils, so just looking for FD&C Blue No. 1 or D&C Red No. 4 may not be enough.

Fragrance Free

The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply say “Fragrance.” Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation by a cosmetic that has the word “Fragrance” on the ingredients label.


The catchall terms “fragrance,” “parfum,” and “perfume” can conceal thousands of synthetic ingredients. Nicole Maust, owner of Talulah Natural Skin Care, says that numerous reports have linked fragrance oils to such conditions as birth defects, cancer, brain damage, respiratory disorders, chronic skin reactions, and environmental damage through waste water. “Many constituents of synthetic fragrances, including phthalates, can be absorbed into the body through the skin, inhaled as fumes, and ingested when they’re in products like lipstick,” she says. But some companies, like Max Green Alchemy (MGA), use the term “parfum” for innocuous essential oils that have no other therapeutic effects. Wil Baker, the vice president of MGA, explains that the FDA allows “fragrance” to include natural as well as synthetic aromas. It might help, he says, to ask manufacturers if they use fragrance “from a plant or a plant in New Jersey.”


Talc Free


Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder in the genital area is associated with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer.

Read more here.

BB Creams (korean names included if you want to purchase it from Gmarket) :


1. 비비야  비비크림 Bibiya BB Cream (BibiyaBB크림 in Gmarket)


2. Skin Ceramic BB Cream 스킨세라믹 비비크림


3. Ecobeau BB  Cream (contains only 0.3% dimethicone)

4. Vichy Aera BB Cream


5. Swanicoco Snail Extract BB cream 달팽이 피부관리 비비크림


6. 자연의벗 BB크림 Eco.Be BB Cream

7. 자연마을 화이트닝 비비크림 Jayeonmaeul BB Whitening Cream

8. Caolion Match Blemish Balm SPF 30 매치 블래미쉬 밤 BB크림

9. Caolion Sensitive BB cream 카오리온 비비크림

10. Isoi 아이소이 Bulgarian Rose BB Cream ( Silicone Free too)

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11. 르샤 비비 크림  Lesha BB Natural Mineral Sun BB Cream Spf 50

12. 프라젠트라 마더스 비비크림 Plagentra Mother’s BB cream – for pregnant mother


13. 클레어스 일루미네이팅 서플 블레미쉬 크림 Klair’s Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream

14. Dr MLE Triple BB Cream 닥터엠엘이 트리플 BB크림

15. 이니스프리 에코 내추럴 그린티 비비크림 Innisfree Green Tea BB Cream

16.  DANAHAN ECOPURE ORGANIC B.B. CREAM SUN BASE SPF 46 / PA++

17. 에코 내추럴 커버 비비크림 Innisfree Eco Natural Cover BB Cream

18. 에코 내추럴 선케어 비비크림 Innisfree Eco Natural Sun Balm

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19. 에코 세이프티 비비크림 포맨 Innisfree Eco Natural BB Cream For Men

 

 

 

 

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Innisfree Windy Lip Balm November 24, 2010

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Inisfree, a naturalistic brand that uses 99% natural  ingredients and under the Amore Pacific Corporation ( Laneige, IOPE, Sulwhasoo etc..)  has released three new lip balm from their Jeju Island line (the other being the Jeju Island Volcanic Pore Mud Mask).

5% of the sales from this item will be donated to the Jeju Island committee to preserve the island.  Ingredients include sunflower oil, palm seed butter, babassu oil/cusi oil – a clear light yellow vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of babassu palm and has similar properties to coconut oil,  and other naturally derived ingredients which makes up of 99% of the composition.

The lip balm is available in 3 flavours – Green Tea (White tube), Camellia ( light red tube), and Tangerine (Orange tube).

Retailed for 8000 won (15ml).

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