At Melixir, we have a product team dedicated to researching and developing healthy, sustainable cosmetics. The product team operates compactly, consisting of one product developer and one quality manager. “Product development begins with the question, ‘What experience can our products offer to customers who choose Melixir?’ Selecting ingredients and managing quality are all part of the process to answer this question.”

Melixir’s product team thoughtfully considers what kind of products customers need. The journey from planning to commercialization can take anywhere from six months to two years. The team works hard to select quality ingredients and create products that are safe and effective for the skin.

Product Developer, Tini
Tini is constantly searching for better ingredients and skillfully combining them to create effective skincare products—just as the name "Melixir" represents “me + elixir.” His primary tasks include researching ingredients, conducting clinical trials and dermatological tests, and assessing the user experience of products. “While we do use patented ingredients, we also explore medicinal plants that have been used for centuries. There are many ingredients known to benefit the skin, but the challenge lies in how to combine them to create effective skincare products.”

Melixir actively incorporates traditional Korean ingredients into its products, such as rice, green tea, mandarin, and bamboo. “Cleansing is the first step to healthy skincare. Our 'Mandarin Morning Face Cleanser' was inspired by the mandarin fields in Jeju Island, and it contains real mandarin harvested from there. Mandarin is a familiar fruit with a refreshing and sweet aroma, but it truly shines when used as a cosmetic ingredient. Historically, it was a rare delicacy offered to kings, and it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help nourish sensitive skin. By using immature mandarins that would otherwise be discarded, we also contribute to a more sustainable beauty industry.”

For our ‘Vegan Airfit™ Sunscreen,’ we chose rice as a key ingredient, a staple in Korean diets for centuries. “As this product took a long time to develop, I wanted to use the most authentic Korean ingredient. During the renewal process, I was drawn to the benefits of rice extract. Rice is rich in vitamin B1, vitamin E, and minerals, which hydrate the skin, maintain elasticity, and improve skin tone. It was the perfect ingredient for our sunscreen, offering both sun protection and skincare benefits.”

Even after a product is launched, Tini collects and analyzes customer feedback, incorporating it into future improvements. “For both new and existing products, we continuously refine them based on internal and external evaluations. We strive to enhance the positive aspects and quickly address any issues. Every product at Melixir has gone through multiple renewals, evolving over time. Product development is a job that requires persistence and focus.”

Quality Manager, Laura
All Melixir products undergo a systematic quality control process. “We oversee the quality of ingredients and products throughout the production process, following regulations from the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and cosmetics laws. As Melixir grows globally, we ensure that our products meet quality standards not only in Korea but also in countries like the U.S. and Germany.” Laura is responsible for conducting compatibility tests(CT) before product development, reviewing product descriptions according to regulatory guidelines, and overseeing the quality of finished products from manufacturers.

“A CT checks whether the product remains stable and effective when stored in its packaging. Even the best-made products can’t be considered safe if they deteriorate in their packaging. To ensure our customers can use our products with confidence, we expose them to various conditions and test their safety in advance.”

Melixir is also certified under international standards established by the International Organization for Standardization(ISO), including the Quality Management System(ISO 9001) and the Environmental Management System(ISO 14001). “The Quality Management System emphasizes a structured approach to improve customer satisfaction and continuous enhancement. The Environmental Management System focuses on improving environmental performance, complying with environmental laws, and minimizing resource use. Melixir meets both of these systems.”

Laura believes it’s possible to maintain high quality while creating sustainable products. “Melixir has been using eco-friendly materials, such as glass containers and FSC-certified paper packaging. However, we must also ensure these materials maintain the quality and functionality of the products, so they can’t always be applied right away. For example, our 'Vegan Lip Butter' initially came in a plastic container, but after numerous testing phases, it was renewed to use 25% post-consumer recycled(PCR) plastic, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.”

Editor. Alice