Korean skin care brand freemay pins hope on hype and popularity of ionised ampoule masks for Japan launch

06-Nov-2023 - Last updated on 06-Nov-2023 at 02:06 GMT

K-beauty brand freemay has entered the Japanese market on the back of increasing popularity of its mineral ions-infused masks. ©freemay

Related tags K-Beauty Skin care Mask Japan market entry

K-beauty brand freemay has officially entered the Japanese market following domestic success and on the back of increasing popularity of its mineral ions-infused masks.

Developed with a focus on at-home skin care during the pandemic, freemay’s first product range, “Ionize Ampoule Mask”, debuted in South Korea in October 2020.

The cumulative sales of this mask series, which consists of four SKUs, have exceeded 180,000 pieces in the domestic market to date.

Exclusively imported and distributed by KOLLECTION Co Ltd in Japan, the brand has captured the attention of local consumers for its catchphrase — “ionised water that your skin can drink” — since its entrance in September this year.

The Ionize Ampoule Mask claims to utilise mineral ions from seawater to help moisturise the skin. Each pack contains 30ml of ampoule to enhance moisture absorption and adhesion.

Also in September, a new range called “Moisture Ampoule Mask” was released in Korea, with a Japan launch slated for mid-October.

Prior to that, KOLLECTION Co Ltd showcased the new products at the 4th International Cosmetics Exhibition Osaka 2023 held from September 27 to 29.

“We exhibited the Ionize Ampoule Masks that were already on sale, as well as all five types of the new Moisture Ampoule Mask and products that have not yet arrived in Japan. We plan to continue bringing in various skin care products that are suitable for self-care at home,” the firm said.

freemay is currently stocked at more than 250 cosmetics retail stores in Korea, including Olive Young, Shinsegae Duty Free, and Lotte Tower Duty Free Shop.

In Japan, it is available via KOLLECTION’s website, nationwide drug stores, and e-commerce platforms such as Qoo10 and Rakuten.

Targeting different skin concerns

The new Moisture Ampoule Mask range comprises five types of mask aimed at addressing various skin concerns, with each packaging colour representing a different function.

For instance, the Blue Moisture Ampoule Mask contains eight types of hyaluronic acid for an elevated hydration boost, while the Yellow Vitamin Ampoule Mask is formulated with eight types of vitamins, including retinol, and natural fragrances such as pear fruit extract, to cater to people with oily skin and uneven skin tone.

In addition, those with dry skin and rough texture could use the Olive Deer Calming Ampoule Mask and the Real Biome Deer Calming Daily Mask.

Both products are made with extracts from Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), a medicinal plant known to calm sensitive skin, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing.

The Real Biome Deer Calming Daily Mask also contains Bifidobacterium culture solute, which reportedly reduces skin sensitivity and improves skin barrier function.

“For freemay’s products, both the mask sheet and ampoule are made from 100% plant-derived ingredients to gently care for the skin.

“The mask sheet is made using natural bamboo, which is a certified vegan material that is hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. It has excellent moisturising properties and elasticity, suppresses evaporation of the ampoule, and adheres firmly to the skin. Because of that, it has better moisture transfer than traditional mask packs.”