SKIN1004

SKIN1004 (read as "skin one-oh-oh-four") launched in 2017 with a niche that became a movement: centella asiatica skincare with a single-source supply chain. While most "cica" K-beauty brands buy centella extract from generic Korean ingredient houses, SKIN1004 contracts directly with one organic farm in Madagascar (Itasy region, ~140km west of Antananarivo). The plants are harvested at a specific maturity, dried within 6 hours, and shipped to Korea for extraction.

That sourcing detail matters because centella's active compounds (madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid) vary dramatically by growing conditions. The Madagascan harvest reportedly contains 2-3x the madecassoside concentration of Korean- or Chinese-grown centella. The Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum — a 50ml SPF50+ that earned cult status on r/AsianBeauty — is built on that higher-potency extract.

SKIN1004 is privately held, Seoul-based for R&D, with a separate Madagascar operations arm. They publish supply-chain photos and harvest dates on the brand site (rare for K-beauty). The catalogue intentionally stays narrow: ~25 SKUs, all centella-led or centella-adjacent (Tea Tree, Royal Honey for barrier complement).

Where SKIN1004 has been honest: the brand does not claim centella alone treats serious skin conditions. Marketing focuses on barrier repair and soothing, which is what the clinical evidence supports. Independent dermatology reviews consistently rank the Hyalu-Cica line in the top 5 K-beauty centella products globally.