Milan set the stage for a new chapter in Korean beauty. At the Milan Loves Seoul beauty spin-off event, I met designer Kim Dan-ha, best known for her sustainable fashion that fuses tradition with modernity. This time, she introduced Danha Beauty, a line that brings her design philosophy into skincare with innovative vegan formulas, weightless textures, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
In the conversation after her Milan masterclass, Danha shared her vision, the challenges of launching internationally, and why Korean innovation continues to resonate with global audiences.
Korean Heritage and Identity
Q. Your fashion has always embraced Korean heritage. How does that philosophy extend into Danha Beauty?
Danha: Danha Fashion has always embraced Korean heritage in its clothing. With Danha Beauty, I wanted to extend that philosophy by reflecting one of Korea’s strongest identities—Hangeul and the way Koreans express emotions. This is not just about packaging; it’s about delivering authenticity, Korean technological expertise, and the excellence of traditional ingredients through the very experience of using our products.
Q. Does Danha Beauty reflect the balance between Korean tradition and modernity that defines your fashion?
Danha: As I mentioned earlier, the connection between Korean tradition and modernity is deeply embedded in Danha Beauty as well. It’s not just part of our philosophy—it is our identity.
Innovation and Formulation
Q. Your line is described as innovative, with weightless textures. What makes the formulas special?
Danha: Our core technology is breaking ingredients down into ultra-fine molecular units. No matter how good an ingredient is, if it doesn’t absorb into the skin, it’s meaningless. So we developed a way to deliver actives deep into the pores by making them smaller than the pore itself. What’s special is that this method is not chemical—it’s sustainable and eco-friendly—so it can be used safely every day and by people of all ages.
Q. Why was it important to make the line 100% vegan?
Danha: Creating products that are 100% vegan requires much more effort than conventional methods, but the message it delivers is entirely different. I didn’t want anyone to be excluded from using our products simply because they weren’t vegan. That inclusivity and intention are what I hope people will feel when they experience Danha Beauty.
Q. How do you ensure the products are safe for people and the environment?
Danha: Our sun serum is manufactured in a facility in Korea that has been dedicated to natural cosmetics and eco-friendly products for more than 30 years. They’ve consistently researched formulas and raw materials that protect the environment, and we carry that legacy forward. Every step is backed by test reports and official documentation to ensure safety and integrity.
Q. Transparency is increasingly important to consumers. How do you address this?
Danha: We are also working to fully document the formulation process and ingredient traceability, so that this transparency can be shared directly with our consumers.
Global Expansion
Q. What were the biggest challenges in preparing for the European and U.S. markets?
Danha: The biggest challenge was definitely meeting the extensive documentation and strict regulatory standards required in Europe. That process demanded both time and precision.
Q. How has the international audience responded so far?
Danha: We launched in Milan and followed with a pop-up in New York this May. The response was overwhelming—people were truly excited about a brand that carries Korean heritage and history. In fact, every product sold out. We believe international audiences will continue to respond even more strongly moving forward.
Q. What did it mean to launch at Milan Loves Seoul?
Danha: The Milan Loves Seoul team was incredibly professional and provided full support on the ground. I have great trust in them, and launching here means more than just an introduction—it symbolizes a bridge between Milan and Seoul.
Looking Ahead
Danha: Looking ahead, we’re preparing to launch a color line as well as a luxury collection created in collaboration with Korean artisans. I believe Danha Beauty will stand out across different scenes in the global movement toward sustainable beauty.
Korean Innovation, Global Vision
With Danha Beauty, tradition and innovation meet in a way that feels distinctly Korean yet resonates worldwide. From sustainable technology to a philosophy rooted in inclusivity and heritage, Danha shows how beauty can be more than skincare—it can be a cultural bridge.
Key Takeaways
- Heritage at the Core: Danha Beauty extends Korean cultural identity, especially Hangeul and emotional expression, into modern skincare.
- Innovation with Purpose: Ultra-fine molecular technology ensures active ingredients penetrate deeply without chemical methods, making it safe and sustainable.
- Vegan Inclusivity: Every product is 100% vegan, reflecting Danha’s commitment to inclusivity and ethical beauty.
- Rigorous Standards: Meeting strict European regulations was a major challenge, but transparency and documentation remain central to the brand.
- Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: Products are made in Korean facilities specializing in natural, environmentally conscious cosmetics for over 30 years.
Company Snapshot
| Name | Danha Beauty |
| Founder / CEO | Designer Kim Danha |
| Founded | 2025 (launched at Milan Loves Seoul) |
| Mission | Blending Korean tradition with sustainable, vegan skincare for global audiences |
| Headquarters / Markets | Korea; launched in Milan, pop-up in New York; expanding in Europe & U.S. |
| Core Products | Vegan skincare line (sun serum); upcoming color & luxury artisan collections |
| Philosophy | Heritage + modernity, sustainable technology, 100% vegan inclusivity |
| Future Focus | Expansion with new color line and artisan collaborations |
| Website | https://danhaseoul.com/danhabeauty |
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