Bare Hand Wash Behind Story

Hi everyone! Today, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to explore the creation of our Bare Hand Wash with Mark from the Marketing team, along with Tini and Koeun from the Product Development team. Let’s dive in!

Mark: Hi, Tini! Can you briefly describe what the Bare Hand Wash is?

Tini: As the pandemic continues, many of us have maintained our hand-washing habits. I wash my hands before eating, after coming home, or whenever I get the chance. The Bare Hand Wash is made with gentle, plant-based ingredients, leaves behind a subtle scent of Melixir’s signature fragrances, and, most importantly, gives your hands a fresh, clean feeling after use.

Mark: That’s right! I’ve been paying more attention to hand washing myself lately. The name “Bare Hand Wash” is interesting—what does “Bare” signify?

Tini: “Bare” reflects the essence of this hand wash. It conveys the idea that nothing is left behind after washing your hands—no harsh residues. At the same time, we ensure that your hands retain moisture. The rich, frothy lather, the gentle yet effective formula, and the fresh, moisturized feeling after use are the key strengths of Bare Hand Wash. We use Saponaria (also known as soapwort flowers) and ceramides as core ingredients to boost both cleansing power and hydration.

Mark: I see! I tried it too, and I noticed how it cleans well without stripping my hands of moisture. It’s rare to find a vegan hand wash. Does it have any special features because it’s vegan?

Koeun: Absolutely. Like all Melixir products, the Bare Hand Wash is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Unlike other hand washes that focus heavily on scent, we prioritize using safe, eco-friendly, vegan ingredients. This is especially important because our hands often touch our faces. Many artificial hand washes leave residue that can irritate the skin when transferred. Our Vegan Bare Hand Wash uses mild ingredients that don’t leave a residue, so there’s no risk of irritation.

Mark: That explains the unique natural ingredients. This is the first time I’ve heard of Saponaria. How do you decide which ingredients to include?

Tini: I’ve kept a secret notebook for years, where I jot down the benefits and properties of various botanicals I’ve encountered. When we develop a new product, I always refer to my notebook first. We look for ingredients that align with the product’s main function. Each Melixir product is carefully formulated with plant-based raw materials to ensure it’s gentle and suitable for everyone.

Mark: A secret notebook? That sounds so cool! As you mentioned, the main functions of Bare Hand Wash are to cleanse and hydrate. Were there other reasons behind its creation?

Tini: Yes! About a year ago, I received a bottle of hand wash as a gift and brought it home to use with my family. One day, I noticed that even after washing, my hands didn’t feel completely clean—there was still foam residue and a slippery after-feel. Even before the pandemic, we were encouraged to wash our hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs. With the pandemic, my family grew concerned about the effectiveness of our hand washes. That’s when I decided to develop a product that cleans thoroughly and can be used safely with loved ones. And that’s how Bare Hand Wash was born.

Mark: That’s such a heartwarming story! I heard the development process involved a lot of changes to adapt to different needs.

Koeun: Yes, especially in terms of design. When I first designed the bottle, I wanted it to blend naturally into any environment. Whether the space was bright or dim, the bottle had to fit in while standing out among other products on the market. Since hand wash bottles often come into contact with water, I chose a glossy finish over a matte one. I also selected a brown color to protect the formula from potential sunlight exposure. This brown tone has become a signature color for Melixir. Every time I see the finished product, I feel proud of the thought and care that went into its creation.

Tini: We also put a lot of effort into perfecting the formula. The Bare Hand Wash took the longest time to develop out of all our products—over a year! We went through numerous iterations to achieve the right balance of cleanliness and softness. It’s incredibly rewarding to have created something that aligns with Melixir’s values and resonates with our customers.

Mark: I’m amazed at how long it took to develop! You must have felt immense pride when the positive feedback started pouring in.

Tini: Absolutely! One of the most rewarding parts of product development is hearing that customers love what we’ve made. I remember a review where someone said the subtle, calming scent lifted their mood—it made me emotional. Another review I think about often was from a customer who visited a café called "More Than Less" near Hyochang Park. After using the hand wash, they felt like they were in a forest, which motivated them to find us online and buy a bottle. These kinds of comments fill me with gratitude.

Mark: It sounds like a lot of people love Melixir’s signature scents! Koeun, I know you’re a fan of perfumes. Do you prefer Dreaming Youth or Untamed Nature?

Koeun: I prefer Untamed Nature. This scent was inspired by a team member, Matt, who experienced the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. Surrounded by carved rocks, cliffs, and lush greenery, he felt deeply connected to nature. I wanted the fragrance to evoke that same freshness and tranquility. I also love brands like Patagonia and Gregory, which blend nature with sophistication. That’s why I’m drawn to the earthy, herbal, and woody notes of Untamed Nature. It’s refreshing and calming, almost like being in the forest.

Mark: Finally, can you recommend any Melixir products that pair well with the Bare Hand Wash?

Tini: I’d recommend our Vegan Herbaceous Gel Cleanser. Before washing your face, it’s important to clean your hands first to avoid transferring germs. Many people overlook this step. If you wash your face with unwashed hands, you risk introducing bacteria that could aggravate your skin. By using the Bare Hand Wash first, you can then safely use the Herbaceous Gel Cleanser for a cleaner, more sanitary routine.