Some of you probably know by now, at Kansoskin, we focus on providing gentle skincare solutions for dry, sensitive skin, including those with eczema and psoriasis who typically depend on topical steroids for relief.
For our first skincare product, we decided to launch a moisturiser because we wanted to create something more than just a basic moisturiser. Simply Better Barrier™, our hydrating relief cream moisturiser, took us a year to formulate (we have been secretly preparing for the next product).
Most moisturisers in the market that are designed for sensitive skin do a great basic job of protecting and moisturising the skin. But we’ve gone a step further by creating a hardworking multi-tasker that is going to help to fortify the skin barrier and support its natural functions.
When formulating Simply Better Barrier™, besides having hydrating and moisturising ingredients, we made use of time-tested botanical extracts from the Asian region. These plant-derived ingredients are loved by many and are still widely used today because of their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We then combine them with modern pre-and probiotic complex to balance the ecosystem of bacteria that lives on the surface of our skin (also known as the skin’s microbiome). More importantly, we made sure to include skin-identical ingredients in optimal ratios to replenish those naturally found in the skin – squalane, cholesterol, phytosphingosine, and ceramides.
Ever wondered what goes behind the creation of a new skincare product? Well, let us take you on a little ride on our humble journey
Right from the start, we wanted Kansoskin to be a community-led brand. So, we gave out surveys to many of our friends and families to get their feedback on their likes and dislikes in a moisturiser. This includes packaging utility, the texture of the cream, and its convenience factor.
After endless nights of extensive research, conceptualisation, and coming up with the formulation recipe, we needed to find a reliable manufacturer to bring them to life!
Initially, we considered a few countries within Asia to manufacture our product. This includes Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. For each country, we connected with about 2 to 3 different manufacturers and considered the respective pros and cons of each manufacturer.
For us, the biggest deal-breaker is the limitation in raw materials of our choice. Since we focus heavily on the use of time-tested botanicals from Asia, we had limited options as these ingredients are not widely available with the majority of manufacturers that we were in touch with.
Thankfully, after a long and arduous search, going through many unsuitable manufacturers (including nearly getting ripped-off by one), we are extremely grateful to eventually found our existing manufacturer – it’s truly been a God-sent!
We are currently working with a Cosmetics Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified manufacturer based in South Korea.
Communication with the entire team has been very smooth sailing and hassle-free. They have been very helpful and supportive in keeping up with our stringent demands, redoing the samples numerous times upon our request to make sure we are fully satisfied with the final formulation and the overall sensorial experience.
They listened attentively to our needs and managed to meet all our expectations right from the start. In fact, we were so pleased when they finished the first sample. Needless to say, they did a great job and we only had to make minor adjustments to the overall formulation.
Going through dozens of samples fresh from the lab
When it came to version 6, everything was perfect, except for the pH, which was slightly on the higher side (Yes, we test everything!).
Comparing textures
They made adjustments and viola, we have ourselves the final product! In total, we had gone through 6 versions before finally settling on version 7!
The final sample that came out perfect
When it came to the design of Simply Better Barrier's packaging, we are so lucky to know an artistic friend in Singapore who managed to design it so beautifully! We did minor refinements and the final draft was sent to our manufacturer for print!
Finalising packaging details
Comparing pantones for tubes
Printing of paper boxes using FSC-certified paper (non-laminated)
Our final packaging design in real life!
Something's brewing!
Our giant broth is filled with skin-respecting goodness!
Throughout this journey of creating our first baby, we had a very steep learning curve, with plenty of self-doubt and anxiety. We are so thankful for having a strong support system of family and friends who reassured us when we were not sure of ourselves and the creation of this product.
Filling in progress
Holding our firstborn in its fully glory!
There were even times when we thought of giving up but the idea of potentially helping so many people with compromised skin conditions feel better and be more comfortable in their own skin made us persevere and push on.
Packing our babies in their homes
Simply Better Barrier™ all ready for shipment
We are so happy to hear from so many of you who have tried Simply Better Barrier™ moisturiser, loved it and shared amazing testimonials with us. Many of you are even returning customers, which is a great testament to the efficacy and quality of our product – this truly makes all the blood, sweat, and tears worthwhile!
Simply Better Barrier™ The Ultimate Hydrating Relief Cream
We hope you enjoyed the story on our journey so far and thank you so much for your support, we truly cannot have done this without all of you!
We are so excited to share with you more of our journey and the progress of our upcoming product. Is there anything you would like to see or hear from us? Feel free to let us know, we'll be taking notes! :)
