OHLALA chatted with Wadha Al-Hajri, founder and CEO of KOY’ Cosmetics and tried this new skincare brand – a Qatari venture offering high-quality products.
The beauty sector grows more and more each year, and to follow the ascendant wave, new brands hit the market while well-known ones make sure to keep up with new products and formulas. The scenario is changing a bit; nowadays, local brands are standing out in the vast pool of options. We were recently introduced to KOY’ Cosmetics, skincare from Qatar manufactured in South Korea. We tried their products and had the chance to speak to the brand’s founder. Here is what we discovered:
OHLALA – What made you create KOY’ Cosmetics? What motivated you?
Wadha Al-Hajri – I have always had a deep passion for skincare. This interest was intensified by personal experience, as I have suffered from eczema. I constantly relied on medical solutions that solely targeted its symptoms, leaving me wanting a skincare line that could address multiple concerns. I realised that I needed a comprehensive solution that not only targeted fine lines but also protected the skin barrier, improved elasticity, calmed irritation and redness, and provided long-lasting hydration without clogging the pores. Additionally, I wanted the products to be loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients to promote overall skin health. I knew that the skincare line had to align with my values of being vegan and clean. I wanted to simplify the skincare routine, making it practical for both men and women to use day and night.
OHLALA – KOY’ is a brand with roots in Qatar but manufactured in South Korea. Why have you chosen South Korea?
Wadha – Initially, we had considered manufacturing our products in Qatar. However, after careful evaluation and consideration, we chose South Korea as our manufacturing hub. This decision was driven by several factors. Firstly, producing in Qatar proved to be significantly more expensive than in South Korea. As a new and growing brand, we needed to be mindful of costs and ensure we could offer our customers high-quality products. Secondly, finding experienced staff in the skincare manufacturing industry in Qatar was a challenge. The level of expertise and knowledge required for formulating and producing these products was not easily accessible here. This would have hindered our ability to create innovative and effective products. This decision allowed us to focus on formulating and perfecting our products, ensuring we can deliver our customers the best possible skincare solutions.
OHLALA – With so many brands in the market, what do you think is your differential?
Wadha – KOY’ Cosmetics provides a simplified skincare line that targets a variety of issues with one product. Our customers no longer have to purchase an array of items to achieve their desired results, as each product we offer effectively targets multiple concerns. At the heart of our line is a commitment to using quality ingredients that really work. In addition to our emphasis on effective ingredients, we also take quality very seriously. We work with reputable manufacturers in South Korea who are known for their expertise and their strict adherence to quality control measures. Our commitment to simplified, effective skincare, paired with excellent ingredients and rigorous manufacturing standards, sets us apart from other brands in the market.
OHLALA – Can you tell us about the products available and what’s in their formula that makes them so unique?
Wadha – Our Back To Basic skincare line offers three products that fulfil specific skin needs. All our products contain a unique seven-hyaluronicacid complex plus other ingredients. We offer a face mist that hydrates and rejuvenates the skin and contains Centella Asiatica extract and peptides. The face serum is composed of adenosine, peptides, betaine, octagonal fennel extract, aloe extract and vitamin B5. This formulation helps to lock in moisture, boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity and soothe irritated skin, leaving it well-nourished and hydrated. And, last but not least, a face moisturiser suitable for day and night use. It contains a combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid, designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Including acetyl hexapeptide-8, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate and copper tripeptide-1, it helps boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
OHLALA – The Middle East has particular weather conditions. Did you consider this while creating the products?
Wadha – The Middle East is known for its hot temperatures, high humidity and dry air, which can pose specific challenges for the skin. To address these concerns, our products are formulated with components suitable for these weather conditions. They include ingredients such as adenosine, raspberry ketone and aloe barbadensis leaf extract. Adenosine helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce signs of ageing, while raspberry ketone provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage. Aloe barbadensis leaf extract offers soothing and hydrating properties, which can alleviate dryness and irritation caused by the climate. Additionally, our products are designed to be lightweight and easily absorbed, ensuring they do not leave a greasy residue on the skin. This is particularly important in hot and humid climates found not only in the Middle East but also in various parts of the world.
OUR VERDICT:
It’s always exciting to try new items and KOY’ Cosmetics really delivers lightweight products packed with goodness. They are comfortable to wear, and even the moisturiser, which has a thick consistency, melts into the skin and is absorbed fast, leaving the complexion soft and hydrated. Most natural products are perfume-free and sometimes end up smelling not so great; the subtle scent they decided to use in KOY’s line is soothing, leaving a pleasant, elusive smell that we all adored. We also loved the fact that the products can be purchased online and are distributed worldwide.