107 Korean skincare stands out in the crowded K-beauty market with its unique focus on fermented vinegar as a core ingredient. The brand, founded in 2015 by esthetician Chloe Kwak, blends centuries-old Korean fermentation traditions with modern skincare science.
The brand’s signature ingredient is aged vinegar sourced from the renowned Hanega natural fermentation vinegar brewery, which has been perfecting its craft for over 30 generations. Some 107 products feature vinegar aged up to 30 years. This long fermentation process creates prebiotics and probiotics that help balance your skin’s microbiome.
107 offers serums, cleansers, and treatments that use fermented ingredients such as rice, ginseng root, and soymilk, along with its hero vinegar. The brand has built a reputation for being gentle on acne-prone and eczema-sensitive skin. However, results can vary from person to person. While there aren’t many clinical studies on vinegar skincare yet, plenty of users say their skin feels smoother, less red, and more balanced after sticking with 107 products for a while.
- 107 Korean skincare products use aged fermented vinegar as their main ingredient, sourced from a traditional Korean brewery with over 30 generations of expertise
- The brand’s fermented formulations contain prebiotics and probiotics that may help balance the skin’s microbiome and benefit acne-prone or sensitive skin.
- 107 combines traditional Korean fermentation methods with modern skincare science to create gentle products suitable for various skin types
What Is 107 Korean Skincare?
107 is a Korean skincare brand that brings traditional fermentation into the modern world. They focus on aged vinegar as the core ingredient in everything they make.
Brand History and Philosophy
Esthetician Chloe Kwak co-founded 107 in 2015, deeply inspired by traditional Korean fermented ingredients. The brand’s philosophy is deeply rooted in hanega, a tradition of making artisanal vinegar for health, which they have upheld with every product they create. This commitment to tradition is what makes 107 a brand that you can trust and feel connected to.
They use handcrafted vinegar made according to recipes that date back 36 generations. This vinegar can be aged for up to 30 years before use in a skincare formula.
107’s approach is a testament to their dedication to creating gentle products for various skin types. They blend Asian beauty traditions with modern science, ensuring that every product is clean and gentle, deriving its power from the art of fermentation. This dedication to gentle skincare will reassure you of the brand’s commitment to your skin’s quality and care.
The brand leans on fermentation secrets passed down through the years. Every product shows off the dedication of traditional vinegar artisans.
The Meaning Behind the Name
107’s name ties back to Korean solar terms and seasonal cycles. It refers to soseo, the 11th solar term that starts on July 7.
During soseo, vinegar artisans wake up at dawn to start new fermentation batches. This tradition inspired the brand’s SoSEO skincare line and its product development approach.
The number 107 reflects a commitment to timing and tradition in skincare. It’s a nod to the seasonal wisdom Korean artisans have relied on for ages.
K-Beauty Brand Distinctions
107 stands out in K-beauty by sticking to aged vinegar as its star ingredient. While other brands chase trends, 107 keeps its lineup consistent.
They offer two main lines: Essentials for simple daily routines and Soseo for more intensive treatments. Both feature the signature fermented vinegar.
107’s focus on sustainable vinegar sourcing and traditional, handcrafted production reflects their commitment to ethical practices. They blend prebiotic and probiotic ferments with their aged vinegar base, ensuring that every product is not only practical but also environmentally conscious. This focus on sustainability will make you feel aligned with the brand’s values.
Their minimalist approach sets them apart. Instead of endless steps, they focus on four core products that work together. This minimalist approach to skincare not only simplifies the consumer’s routine but also ensures that each product is carefully formulated and effective, making it easier for consumers to achieve their skincare goals.
Core Ingredients and Unique Formulations
107 Beauty builds its entire skincare line around aged vinegar, fermented for over seven years using traditional Korean methods. They pair this with natural ingredients and modern formulations, aiming for a balance between old-school wisdom and today’s skincare needs.
Aged Vinegar and Fermentation
Their signature Hanega vinegar is fermented for more than 7 years, following a recipe that’s been passed down for 36 generations. This process creates compounds that brighten and hydrate the skin.
The vinegar ends up rich in amino acids and organic acids from its long fermentation. That’s a big part of what makes it special.
Key fermentation benefits:
- pH balancing for a healthier skin barrier
- Natural exfoliation thanks to gentle acids
- Antioxidant activity from fermentation byproducts
Vinegar production follows the Korean solar calendar. Artisans kick off new batches during soseo, when summer heat helps fermentation along.
Exclusive Main Ingredient Profile
107 doesn’t stop at vinegar. They also use fermented rice filtrate for moisture, without making skin feel heavy.
Soymilk ferment filtrate pops up in several products, offering protein and softening skin. It fits right in with their focus on traditional Asian beauty staples.
Primary fermented components:
- Hanega aged vinegar (7+ years fermentation)
- Rice ferment filtrate
- Soymilk ferment filtrate
- Panax ginseng root ferment filtrate
Ginseng root ferment brings an energizing boost, supporting skin vitality and adding antioxidants to the vinegar base.
Natural and Clinically Proven Components
Probiotic ferments join the signature vinegar to help balance your skin’s microbiome. These living ingredients keep good bacteria thriving on your skin.
Safflower extract appears in some formulas for its soothing botanical benefits. It works well with the more active fermented ingredients.
107 keeps its ingredient lists short—fewer ingredients mean a lower risk of irritation and more focus on what works.
They avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, relying on natural ferments to get results.
Innovative Secret Formulas
107 says it uses 107 secret natural ingredients across its line, though it doesn’t reveal the complete list. They blend traditional fermentation know-how with modern skincare science.
They pay close attention to pH balance, making sure products play nice with your skin’s acid mantle. Each formula keeps acidity in the ideal range for absorption.
Formulation principles:
- Low pH (usually 4.5-5.5)
- Minimalist ingredient lists
- Synergistic combinations
- Old meets new in formulation
Product development is hands-on and iterative. They tweak and test until they land on formulas that are gentle enough for daily use but still deliver visible results.
Signature 107 Skincare Products
107’s lineup centers on fermented vinegar formulas that balance pH and hydrate without being harsh. Every product uses its signature aged vinegar, paired with ingredients targeting specific skin needs.
Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner
The Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner is 107’s lightweight hydrator. It preps skin for whatever comes next, using 7-year-aged vinegar, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
This toner delivers moisture quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. People use it right after cleansing to balance pH and give their skin a hydration boost.
Key benefits include:
- Instant moisture
- pH balancing
- Better absorption for other products
- Light, non-greasy finish
It’s great for dehydrated skin or anyone who wants a refreshing first step. If your skin’s extremely dry, it might not be enough on its own.
The toner sinks in quickly, creating a smooth base for serums and moisturizers. Sensitive skin types tend to get along with it just fine.
Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser
The Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser keeps your skin’s acid mantle intact while washing away daily grime. It’s a gel cleanser with fermented vinegar, Centella asiatica, and mushroom-derived chaga extract.
Its pH is around 5.0-5.5, which is within the range for healthy skin. That means it won’t strip your face like some harsher cleansers can.
Primary features:
- Gentle foaming
- Protects the skin barrier
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Good for sensitive skin
It takes off sunscreen and light makeup easily, but you’ll need a second cleanse for heavy or waterproof makeup. Chaga provides antioxidants, while its low pH helps keep your skin resilient. People with acne-prone or compromised skin often find it a good fit.
Everyday Plump Hydro Cream
The Everyday Plump Hydro Cream offers deep moisture with ceramides, squalane, and fermented vinegar. It’s rich but soaks in fast, focusing on barrier repair and lasting hydration.
The cream layers several hydrating ingredients to lock in moisture all day. Ceramides strengthen your skin’s barrier, and squalane adds lightweight nourishment.
Core ingredients:
- Fermented vinegar extract
- Ceramides for barrier support
- Squalane
- Amino acid complex
It works under sunscreen and makeup without pilling. Normal to dry skin types love it, but it may feel a bit much for very oily skin.
People often notice a smoother texture and less dryness with regular use. The cream also supports anti-aging goals by maintaining a healthy, hydrated barrier.
SoSeo Vinbiome Vitamin C Serum
The SoSeo Vinbiome Vitamin C Serum pairs brightening vitamin C with 107’s fermented vinegar tech. It targets dullness and uneven skin tone while supporting overall health.
They use stabilized vitamin C to prevent oxidation. Fermented ingredients help it absorb better and reduce irritation.
Notable benefits:
- Brighter skin
- Antioxidant protection
- Stable, gentle vitamin C
- Microbiome support
The serum glides on and layers well. Most people see a more even tone and extra glow after a while.
The vinbiome approach helps maintain the skin’s microbiome balance, reducing the likelihood of vitamin C-induced sensitivity.
Skin Types and Benefits
107’s fermented vinegar formulas suit a range of skin types, thanks to gentle pH-balancing and barrier-supporting properties. Their amino acid-rich ingredients address concerns such as sensitivity and aging while keeping skin hydrated.
Sensitive Skin Solutions
Sensitive skin tends to respond well to 107’s minimal ingredient approach. The fermented vinegar brings natural anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritation without relying on harsh chemicals.
The brand keeps formulas pH-balanced, usually around 5.0-5.5. This matches the natural acidity of healthy skin.
Many traditional products disrupt this balance, triggering reactions. 107’s aged vinegar delivers amino acids that help strengthen the skin barrier.
A more substantial barrier means skin reacts less to environmental triggers. The gentle formulas skip common irritants, such as artificial fragrances and sulphates.
Key benefits for sensitive skin:
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Strengthens protective skin barrier
- Maintains natural pH balance
- Avoids harsh chemical irritants
The Everyday Cleanser is especially suited to reactive skin types. It removes impurities but doesn’t strip away the natural oils that protect sensitive skin.
Addressing Oily and Dry Skin
Oily skin gets more balance from 107’s gentle approach than from harsh drying treatments. The fermented ingredients help naturally regulate oil production.
They don’t strip skin, which can actually trigger more oil if you overdo it. The Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner gives lightweight hydration and absorbs quickly.
No greasy residue here—so it’s great if you avoid heavy products—dry skin benefits from 107’s amino acid content, which helps skin hold moisture longer.
The ceramides in products like the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream repair damaged barriers.
Benefits by skin type:
| Skin Type | Primary Benefits | Products |
|---|---|---|
Oily | Oil regulation, lightweight hydration | Toner, Serum Mist |
Dry | Deep moisture, barrier repair | Hydro Cream, Cleanser |
Combination | Balanced hydration, pH control | Full Routine |
The brand suits combination skin types, too. These gentle formulas won’t over-dry oily zones or leave dry spots thirsty.
Improving Skin Texture and Barrier
Fermented vinegar brings organic acids that smooth skin texture. These mild exfoliants work gradually and don’t irritate.
They help remove dead skin cells that make skin look dull. Consistent amino acid delivery strengthens the skin barrier over time.
A healthy barrier keeps moisture in and blocks out irritants. This means smoother, more resilient skin as weeks go by.
Texture improvements include:
- Smoother surface feel
- Reduced rough patches
- Better light reflection
- More even skin tone
The minimal ingredient lists help prevent overload. Too many activities damage the barrier and worsen the texture.
Enhancing Skin Elasticity and Reducing Fine Lines
Skin elasticity improves thanks to 107’s antioxidant-rich formulas. Aged vinegar contains compounds that protect collagen from damage.
This helps maintain firmness. Fine lines become less noticeable as skin becomes more hydrated and plump.
The amino acids support your skin’s natural repair processes. 107 doesn’t chase aggressive anti-aging claims, but focuses on prevention and gentle improvement.
Anti-aging benefits:
- Antioxidant protection
- Improved hydration plumping
- Collagen support
- Gentle skin renewal
The fermented ingredients deliver nutrients in forms the skin can easily use. So you get better results from smaller amounts of active compounds.
Regular use helps maintain natural elasticity. The gentle approach avoids irritation, which can speed up aging for sensitive folks.
How to Build a 107 Skincare Routine
Building a good 107 skincare routine starts with understanding the brand’s minimalist philosophy. Consistent daily use and proper layering are key, especially with these gentle, low pH formulas.
Daily Use Recommendations
Most 107 products work well when used twice a day. The gentle formulas make them safe for both morning and night.
Morning routine timing:
- Use after cleansing, before sunscreen
- Apply toner first, then serum, then moisturizer
- Wait 30-60 seconds between each step
Evening application:
- Apply after makeup removal and cleansing
- Use heavier products like the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream at night
- The low pH formulas play nicely with other active treatments
The fermented vinegar base includes hyaluronic acid and amino acids. These ingredients work best with steady, daily use.
If your skin is sensitive, start with once-daily use for the first week. Then, as your skin adjusts, move up to twice daily.
Step-by-Step Skincare Regimen
Step 1: Cleanse
Start with the 107 Everyday Cleanser. It’s pH-balanced and removes dirt without stripping natural oils.
Step 2: Tone
Apply Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner with clean hands or a cotton pad. Pat it in gently until absorbed.
Step 3: Treat
Use the Dewy Glow Serum Mist for hydration or layer it with other serums. The lightweight formula fits easily under heavier products.
Step 4: Moisturize
Apply the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream. Ceramides and squalane help support your skin barrier.
Step 5: Protect (morning only)
Always finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.
This basic routine usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The products sink in quickly since they’re so lightweight.
Expert Skincare Tips
Store 107 products in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The fermented ingredients last longer at room temperature.
Layering guidance:
- Go from the thinnest to the thickest consistency
- Press products into the skin instead of rubbing
- Let each layer absorb before adding the next
You can mix the Dewy Glow Serum Mist with natural oils like jojoba or squalane for extra hydration. The formulas blend well with other gentle ingredients.
Always patch test new products on your inner wrist for 24 hours. Even gentle formulas can surprise you if your skin is super sensitive.
Cleanse with lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water can mess with the natural pH balance that 107 products work to maintain.
Frequency adjustments:
- Dry skin: Use products twice daily, every day
- Oily skin: Start with evening use only
- Combination skin: Apply lighter layers to the T-zone
Brand Values: Innovation, Sustainability, and Accessibility
107 Korean skincare combines centuries-old fermentation methods with modern science, all while keeping eco-friendly practices and customer-friendly policies in mind. The brand aims to make premium skincare accessible through sustainable sourcing and convenient shipping.
Tradition Meets Modern Science
107 builds its product line around Hanega-aged vinegar, a traditional Korean ingredient made with ancient fermentation techniques. Artisans follow time-honoured methods, starting new batches during soseo, the 11th solar term that begins July 7.
This traditional approach gets a boost from modern skincare science. The company uses prebiotic and probiotic ferments alongside their signature aged vinegar.
Co-founder Chloe Kwak, a licensed esthetician, launched the brand in 2015 to modernize these old-school beauty secrets. The fermentation process creates gentle, effective formulations that work with your skin’s natural balance.
The ESSENTIALS line really shows off this fusion. It draws inspiration from Hanega’s aged vinegars while using contemporary techniques to make daily skincare products.
Sustainable Practices and Ethical Sourcing
One hundred seven puts sustainably sourced vinegar at the center of its environmental commitment. The brand sources ingredients through ethical channels that support traditional artisan communities.
Their packaging reflects these values too. The pink ESSENTIALS line packaging symbolizes “hyo,” the Korean concept of respect and giving back to elders and the environment.
The company uses cruelty-free formulations and sticks to clean beauty standards. They avoid harmful chemicals and rely on natural fermentation for product effectiveness.
107 supports traditional vinegar artisans by buying directly from small producers. This helps preserve centuries-old knowledge and ensures both ingredient quality and ethical sourcing.
Customer Experience and Free Shipping
107 brings premium Korean skincare to more people with customer-friendly policies. They toss in free samples with every order, so you can try before you buy a big bottle.
Free shipping applies to orders over $40. That makes it easier to get your hands on their fermented skincare if you’re curious but hesitant.
The team’s approach to customer service matches their holistic beauty vibe. They share plenty of product info and ingredient details, so you can actually figure out what you’re putting on your face.
Instead of going hard on sales pitches, their online presence leans into education. You’ll find insights on the perks of fermentation and tips for folding these products into your daily routine.
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