Meet The Next Beautiful Clean K-Beauty To Love

Gone are the days when only glass skin was a fascination, the Korean beauty philosophy that focused on a complexion that appeared exceptionally smooth, deeply hydrated, and luminous, resembling a pane of glass. Well, it’s still a dream for many, but there’s more to it than just the aesthetics. The growing concern for sustainability, animal cruelty-free, 0% plastic, and ethical production has been on the radar and is gathering pace. And our next beauty trend is looking like Clean K-beauty. Meet Yepoda, a Clean K-beauty B Corp brand, bringing leading-edge clean Korean skincare to all with a clean story behind it. It is celebrating the launch of the Skinject Effect and its certification as a B Corporation. To know more, read Meet The Next Beautiful Clean K-Beauty To Love, here.

K-Beauty Skincare

Just in case you didn’t know, the phenomenon of K-beauty, or Korean skincare, began gaining traction in the UK around the mid-2010s with the introduction of BB creams. Its popularity surged significantly between 2020 and 2021, driven unsurprisingly by social media, with trends toward skin-barrier health. Korean skincare routines stereotypically have a lot of steps, which can feel quite daunting. Usually made up of two distinct areas: cleansing the skin and resetting the skin pH, before moving on to targeting skin concerns and locking in moisture. Now this phenomenon is moving to its next level. So, that was phase one, but now it’s time for the next phase.

What is a B-Corporation?

Being a B-Corp company means adhering to strict, audited standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. With a minimum score of 80 on the B Impact Assessment and a legal commitment to take all stakeholders into account, it evaluates a company’s full impact. Companies choose to undergo this rigorous process, with a non-profit network (B Lab) overseeing the certification, aiming to redefine business success for a more inclusive economy. The core value is to demonstrate commitment to purpose beyond profit.

Korean Skincare meets BCorp standards

Yepoda Korean Skincare house officially became a Certified B Corporation in October 2025.  The Berlin-based K-Beauty brand announced this milestone as a significant achievement in their mission to build a sustainable, purpose-driven company, joining the B Corp community in the same year they secured their Series B funding. This highlights that they adhere to stringent, validated requirements for accountability, transparency, and social and environmental performance.

Yepoda Skincare

So, how did this skincare journey start? Well, it was one fine day in 2020, a European couple decided to bridge the gap between Europe and the ever-growing desire for clean K-beauty in Europe. This is how Sander Joonyoung van Bladel and Veronika Strotmann gave birth to their brand. Yepoda’s emphasis on moisture, plant-based, and creative formulations connected spectacularly well with the European consumers, who are frequently looking for more natural and mild ingredients.

Starting with what became known as ‘The Starter Set, ‘ it established a basic, five-step, effective K-Beauty routine, including a double cleansing balm and an exfoliating cleanser, a face mist, face oil, a hybrid oil-based serum and a moisturising day cream. When Yepoda introduced the Skinject Effect earlier this year, it gave birth to a next-generation skincare essence which revolved around vegan PDRN. What is vegan PDRN?

PDRN polydeoxyribonucleotide therapy

PDRN is a regenerative substance made from salmon DNA, which is often used in Korean cosmetics and dermatology. It is often used in therapeutic serums and revitalising, injectable ‘skin boosters’ because it functions as a cellular stimulant to accelerate healing, enhance skin suppleness, and moisturise.

Vegan PDRN

Vegan PDRN, which has become the latest plant-based substitute, replaces Salmon DNA with a microorganism-derived alternative. Surprisingly enough, these plant-based alternatives also reap similar skin benefits, such as collagen production, repairing the skin barrier, created without the use of animal products to moisturise, soothe, and renew skin. It is made up and includes a mix of marine algae-derived PDRN, kimchi exosomes, and freshwater sponges called vegan spicules

“Bringing breakthrough skincare innovations to our community has always been at the heart of Yepoda. While PDRN is one of the most exciting ingredients in skin regeneration, it’s usually derived from salmon DNA– which didn’t align with our values. We researched and developed a vegan alternative derived from marine algae that delivers the same rejuvenating benefits, making this next-generation skincare innovation accessible within a fully vegan, Clean K-Beauty routine.”

-Sander Joonyoung van Badel & Veronika Strotmann, founders of Yepoda

Designed for nightly use, the Skinject Effect is a next-generation regenerative essence designed to act like a clinical filler to boost, firm, and refine skin texture. Like most Clean K-beauty lines, Yepoda also emphasises light-weight ingredients. Now, why in a serum? These exosomes act as micro-couriers to transfer active ingredients, which has led to their popularity in serum-like formulations, particularly in ecological and vegan skincare lines.

Considered eco-friendly due to their sustainable production methods, utilisation of agricultural waste and biodegradable nature, the derivation of Kimche exosomes is rather intriguing. They are produced by lactic acid bacteria that ferment plants like cabbage, offering a natural, vegan substitute for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Well, as per Korean beauty standards, double cleansing has always been a part of the skin ritual. What is the purpose of double cleansing? The idea of like attracts like has actually been put into practice here. Yes, the first step of double cleansing focuses on applying an oil-based cleanser to dry skin, which is intended to remove oil-based debris, such as excess sebum, waterproof sunscreen, and tenacious makeup.

Yepoda brings to us The Clam Balm cleansing balm. How about a gentle yet powerful cleansing balm as the first skincare step as part of the double cleansing ritual? The Calm Balm is actually made of ingredients such as Olive oil, Coconut oil and Shea butter, known for antibacterial, cleansing, moisturising and nourishing skin, respectively.

Now, the second step includes a water-based cleanser. And why so? A water-based cleanser, such as foam, gel, or cream, is used to dampen skin after the oil has been rinsed away to eliminate water-based contaminants, such as perspiration, grime, and any leftover residue from the initial cleanse.

To deep cleanse and as a final cleansing routine after The Calm Balm, use The Bubble Double, an exfoliator that prevents impurities, all while staying a pH-balancing cleanser. A PH balance is important as the skin should naturally be around 5.5, so keeping it as close to that as possible is important.

One of the main ingredients in The Double Bubble is Pomegranate and Salicylic acid. While Pomegranate is widely known to be a strong antioxidant that can fight sun damage, hyperpigmentation and age spots with astringent properties, it also tightens and shrinks pores. The Salicylic acid acts more as an exfoliator in this step.

Hence, the collective motive of double cleansing is always creating a clear canvas-like skin, which allows subsequent products like toners, serums, and moisturisers to be more effective.

Now what comes after cleansing and exfoliating? Toner or skin mist is a must-have in K-beauty skincare. Toners or face mists, often interchangeable, are designed to optimise moisture, maintain the PH balance of the face, and prime the skin for improved skin absorption for ensuing products, such as serums and essences.

We still need to consider the major difference between a face mist and a toner, though. Mists provide a portable way to stay hydrated throughout the day, whereas toners are typically part of the daily regimen right after cleansing.

Yepoda introduced The Mist Have as part of the next skincare ritual, which can be used anytime of the day, whenever you feel a need for refreshment!

It is more of a face mist than a toner. Still, it may be your go-to remedy for dry skin because it contains potent nutrients, including Hyaluronic acid, Aloe Vera, revitalising Ginseng, Witch Hazel and Green tea. Your skin and senses are calmed by the soothing combination of Lavender and Green tea—ideal as a perfecting mist, makeup prep, toner, or refresher.

Citrusy with a fresh hint of Lavender, makes your skin feel deeply refreshed and hydrated. It contains the ideal blend of nutrients to revitalise and rejuvenate your skin as the second overall step towards getting the skin-palette ready.

Now, let us look at what Yepoda has for us as the next step towards hydrating and nourishing. Yepoda brings to us the experience of The Repair Hero probiotic-infused and niacinamide serum.

Yepoda’s probiotic and niacinamide serums are a multipurpose “skin barrier repair” remedy that helps to balance, moisturise, and brighten the skin. Probiotic ferments, which support the microbiome, and niacinamide (Vitamin B3) are combined in these serums to address common skin issues like irritation, enlarged pores, and uneven tone.

What probiotics have been used in this serum? Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments combine, increasing skin elasticity with peptides and vitamin B12 while providing hydration and defence against external elements, including UV radiation.

Conversely, vitamin B3 is another name for Niacinamide. It is well known for improving skin tone, minimising wrinkles, and refining pores.

The next step in the skincare routine involves a higher intensity moisturising substance to hydrate skin on a deeper level. It usually involves a moisturising cream or a facial oil. Hereby, Yepoda has done something unique to maximise the hydration experience of this skincare step. As the first step towards nourishment, Yepoda introduced The Glow Hero Oil, a serum hybrid with Bakuchiol.

You get the best of both worlds with this. This unique oil serum has been designed by Yepoda to be both deeply nourishing like an oil and efficacious like a serum.

Bakuchiol is a mild, plant-based substitute derived from the Babchi plant for retinol that evens out skin tone, increases collagen, decreases wrinkles, and improves skin’s elasticity. It offers anti-ageing effects without irritation, dryness, or sun sensitivity that typical retinoids cause, making it perfect for sensitive skin as well.

Jojoba oil is a great skin softener that helps smooth dry skin, avoid flakiness, and increase skin elasticity because it is very similar to sebum and contains a lot of Vitamin E. As many of us may have witnessed, Jojoba oil is frequently included in hair, lotion, and makeup products. One of the other ingredients included is Bisabolol. What is Bisabolol? Bisabolol is a natural substance made from Chamomile flowers.

It mainly reduces inflammation on the skin by blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes such as COX-2. Ideal for sensitive or injured skin, it reduces irritation, speeds up healing, and hydrates and repairs the skin barrier by acting as a humectant.

Last but not least, we are all very well-aware of the Aloe Vera, extracted from the succulent flora, and its inherent properties of hydration, reviving dry and sensitive areas of skin. Hence, it acts as an overall moisturising agent alongside the other natural ingredients.

The final step in Yepoda’s Glass Skin Set routine is the primary goal of a moisturiser, especially in K-beauty skincare, which is to seal in the layers of hydration (toners, essences, and serums) that have already been applied prior to the moisturiser. This protects the skin barrier while sustaining deep nourishment. By acting as a sealer and stopping water loss, it keeps the skin looking full and “glass skin” without even feeling oily.

Yepoda hereby presents The Make My Day Cream as the final skincare step in The Glass Skin Set, which also happens to be a slow-ageing and moisturising day cream. The Make My Day Cream, a rich moisturiser enhanced with the healing properties of the Cica plant, is perfect for accelerating your mornings. Ceramides provide environmental protection against pollution and other elements that might damage your skin, while Jojoba, Shea butter, and Camellia oil provide deep hydration.

One of the most interesting ingredients is Cica. Originating from Centella Asiatica, Cica is a well-known plant-based skincare ingredient that is used to calm, heal, and moisturise inflamed or sensitive skin.

It’s a fun fact that Tigers use this plant to roll around after sustaining injuries in a battle. No wonder this plant has magnificent healing properties, effective in combating impurities, redness and even skin conditions like eczema while providing intense moisture, making it an essential element of most K-beauty products.

Moving forward, another very widely known soothing ingredient is Shea Butter, due to its anti-inflammatory, excellent emollient and moisturising properties. Also, the abundance of Vitamin A in Shea Butter makes up for the calming effect, leaving your skin feeling supple and well-cared for.

Speaking of Camellia oil, what makes this oil stand out, and how does it help our skin achieve the care and pampering it deserves? Known for its non-comedogenic properties, Camellia oil is a great moisturiser for dry skin that absorbs quickly and does not trigger acne.

What is non-comedogenic? Well, it is something that is really being taken into consideration in today’s ultra-informed and ‘skintellectual’ skincare market. A moisturiser or skincare product designed specifically to avoid clogging pores and stop the development of blackheads and whiteheads is called a non-comedogenic cream. These products are perfect for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin types because they are usually lightweight or oil-free. They lessen the likelihood of inflammation, outbreaks, and acne.

Thus, providing a remarkable hydration boost, this oil is especially helpful for dry skin, promising a soft and glowing complexion.

While we make the most of natural resources by substituting chemicals, it is time we ought to consider more serious and rigorous audits throughout the production process. Yepoda won the badge of B-Corp certification, which is a matter of immense pride in the era of eco-friendliness, sustainability and vegan formulae. But, at the same time, is it done and dusted? Or is a step towards thinking about the planet a never-ending process?

Well, they say, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to commitment towards anything! And here, we are talking ‘saving the planet’. What could be more crucial than saving our land?

Find out everything you want to know here at Yepoda.co.uk

If you enjoyed reading Meet The Next Beautiful clean K-beauty To Love, then why not read What Do Beautiful Gentlemen Do When They Perspire? Find Out Here.

.Cent Magazine, London. Luxury Mindset