SKIN1004

The Korean Brand That Sources Centella from One Madagascar Farm

SKIN1004 built its entire brand around a single ingredient: centella asiatica, sourced from a specific farm in Madagascar. The brand's flagship product, the Madagascar Centella Ampoule, has sold over 10 million bottles and remains the gold-standard centella product in K-beauty. Most "centella skincare" uses extract at low percentages. SKIN1004 uses 72-hour-extracted Madagascar centella at 100%, which is the highest commercial centella concentration available.

The brand's positioning is ingredient-first dermatology. Every product line is built around Madagascar centella as the base, with different active complexes layered on top: Madagascar Centella (pure calming, the original), Boosting Shot line (centella plus targeted actives like niacinamide, retinol, matrixyl), Probio-Cica (centella plus probiotics for barrier), and Tone Brightening (centella plus vitamin C for pigmentation). The consistent centella base is what unifies the catalog.

What Makes SKIN1004 Different

SKIN1004's Madagascar centella is extracted via a 72-hour low-temperature process that preserves the plant's four key actives: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. Most centella extracts lose significant potency to heat, oxidation, or fast extraction. SKIN1004's process is slower and more expensive, but the final concentration of asiaticoside (the most anti-inflammatory of the four) is genuinely higher than most competitors.

The Boosting Shot line is the smart innovation. Each Boosting Shot pairs centella (the anti-inflammatory, barrier-supporting base) with a more aggressive active (retinol 0.2%, niacinamide 10%, matrixyl 10%). This pairing strategy reduces irritation from the aggressive active while maintaining clinical efficacy. It's a formulation approach most K-beauty brands don't execute this cleanly.

Who Should Use SKIN1004

• Inflammatory or hormonal acne: Madagascar Centella Ampoule 100ml calms active breakouts and post-acne redness.
• Retinol beginners: Madagascar Centella Retinol 0.2% Boosting Shot buffers retinol irritation with centella.
• Stubborn dark spots: Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10% Boosting Shot pairs niacinamide with centella.
• Early anti-aging concerns: Madagascar Centella Matrixyl 10 Boosting Shot for fine lines and firmness.
• Daily SPF for sensitive skin: HYALU-CICA Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ is a K-dermatologist favorite.

Our 5 SKIN1004 Picks

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule 100ml
The brand's flagship. 100% Madagascar centella extract, 72-hour extraction, no added fragrances or fillers. Calms active breakouts, fades post-acne redness, soothes barrier-compromised skin. One of the most clinically-distinctive products in K-beauty at its price point.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot Ampoule 30ml
0.2% retinol buffered with centella. Gentle enough for retinol beginners, effective enough for acne-scar remodeling over 8 to 12 weeks. The centella reduces the typical retinol irritation window. Best as an evening active after the Madagascar Centella Toning Toner.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Niacinamide 10 Boosting Shot Ampoule 30ml
10% niacinamide with centella. Targets dark spots, post-acne marks, and oil control. Niacinamide is barrier-safe, and the centella compounds it. Ideal for combination or oily skin with pigmentation concerns.

SKIN1004 HYALU-CICA Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
Daily sunscreen with hyaluronic acid and centella. Lightweight, serum texture, no white cast. Gentle enough for reactive or acne-prone skin that struggles with standard sunscreens. Often recommended by Korean dermatologists for sensitive skin.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner 210ml
Calming toner with Madagascar centella. Use after cleansing to prep skin for the Madagascar Ampoule or Boosting Shots. pH-balanced, non-stripping, unscented. The gentle base layer of a SKIN1004 routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is centella asiatica really effective for acne and irritation?

Yes, with clinical backing. Centella asiatica contains four active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) that collectively reduce inflammation and support wound healing. It's been used in Korean dermatology for decades and has substantial peer-reviewed evidence. SKIN1004's 72-hour extraction method preserves more of the active compounds than faster extractions common in cheaper products.

Why does SKIN1004 specifically source from Madagascar?

Madagascar-grown centella asiatica has a higher concentration of the four key active compounds than centella grown in other regions. Climate, soil, and growing conditions create this variation. Some K-beauty brands use blended centella; SKIN1004 uses Madagascar-only for potency consistency.

What's the difference between the Ampoule and the Boosting Shots?

The Madagascar Centella Ampoule is pure centella at 100% concentration, built for calming and barrier repair. The Boosting Shots pair centella with a specific additional active (retinol 0.2%, niacinamide 10%, matrixyl 10%) for targeted concerns. If you want general calming, use the Ampoule. If you want targeted treatment, choose the matching Boosting Shot.

Is SKIN1004 cruelty-free and vegan?

SKIN1004 is cruelty-free. Many products are vegan-compatible, particularly the Madagascar Centella pure line. Some Boosting Shots and other lines may contain non-vegan ingredients; check individual products.

Can I layer multiple SKIN1004 Boosting Shots?

Yes, but with care. You can layer two Boosting Shots in a routine (e.g., Niacinamide in AM, Retinol in PM). Avoid layering three or more simultaneously; that's usually when barrier issues start. If you're acclimating, introduce one Boosting Shot at a time, wait 2 weeks, then add the next.

Where is SKIN1004 made?

SKIN1004 is formulated and manufactured in South Korea. The Madagascar centella is sourced from a specific Madagascar farm, imported into Korea for extraction and formulation. Mirai Skin sources all SKIN1004 through authorized Korean distribution.

SKIN1004 vs Anua vs Purito Seoul: centella brand comparison?

All three use centella as a hero ingredient. SKIN1004 is the most centella-concentrated and targeted (Madagascar 100% extraction, dedicated line). Anua uses centella within a broader heartleaf and niacinamide lineup. Purito Seoul uses centella in a "clean beauty" positioning with EWG-green certification. SKIN1004 has the most specific centella pedigree. Anua has the broader catalog. Purito Seoul is best for strict clean-beauty buyers.

Which SKIN1004 product should I start with?

For inflammatory acne or general irritation: the Madagascar Centella Ampoule. For retinol beginners: the Retinol 0.2 Boosting Shot. For daily SPF: the HYALU-CICA Water-Fit Sun Serum. For anyone wanting a minimalist introduction: just the Ampoule and the Toning Toner as a two-product routine.

Shop SKIN1004 at Mirai Skin

Every SKIN1004 product at Mirai Skin is sourced directly from authorized Korean distribution. Shop the full SKIN1004 collection, or browse related categories: best Korean sunscreens for face, Korean retinol serums, and Korean niacinamide skincare. Free US shipping on orders over $60.