Aekyung Industrial Co., Ltd. (Korean: 애경산업; Hanja: 愛敬産業), commonly referred to as Aekyung, is a South Korean consumer goods manufacturer specializing in household products, personal care, beauty, and cosmetics. As part of the broader Aekyung Group, it stands as one of Korea’s most established lifestyle brands [1]. The company is widely recognized for everyday essentials such as detergents, toothpaste, shampoo, and cosmetics, with flagship brands including Kerasys, 2080, Trio, and AGE20’S [1].

[1]

Origins (1954–1970s)

Aekyung traces its origins to 1954, when founder Chae Mong-in established a soap manufacturing business in post-war Korea. The company gained early recognition through consumer products such as Mihyang soap, which became one of the country’s earliest popular cosmetic soaps.

During the 1960s, Aekyung expanded beyond soap into household cleaning products. One of its most significant early successes was Trio, a dishwashing detergent that became a household name in Korea [2]. Following the founder’s death in 1970, management was continued by Jang Young-shin, who oversaw the company’s expansion into chemicals, consumer products, and other industries [2].

Development into a Consumer & Beauty Company

1980s–1990s: Expansion into Cosmetics and Personal Care

In the 1980s, Aekyung entered the cosmetics market through partnerships and technology cooperation with global companies. After achieving independence in cosmetics development, the company began creating proprietary beauty brands. Key milestones during this period included the expansion of shampoo and haircare manufacturing, the development of cosmetic research capabilities, the growth of personal-care product lines, and the launch of new beauty brands [2].

Aekyung subsequently introduced several notable brands, including:

• A Solution
• LUNA
• AGE20’S [2]

Beauty & Cosmetics

Beauty represents one of Aekyung’s primary growth areas, particularly through its K-beauty offerings.

AGE20’S

AGE20’S is Aekyung’s most internationally recognized cosmetics brand. It gained prominence for its essence foundation cushion products, which combine skincare ingredients with makeup coverage. The brand helped popularize the Korean “cushion foundation” category and became a major seller in both domestic and overseas markets [3].

Main products include:

• Cushion foundations
• Base makeup
• Concealers
• Skincare-makeup hybrid products

LUNA

LUNA is a makeup-focused brand known for concealers, foundation products, face makeup, and trend-oriented beauty items. The brand targets younger consumers and maintains a strong presence in online and beauty retail channels [3].

Other Beauty Brands

Aekyung’s broader beauty portfolio includes:

• a.solution — acne-care cosmetics
• point& — skincare-oriented products
• ONE THING — ingredient-focused skincare [3]

Hair Care

Kerasys

Kerasys is one of Aekyung’s signature brands, focusing on shampoo, conditioner, hair treatment, and scalp care. Positioned as a premium haircare line, it combines cosmetic-style fragrances with hair science and has been marketed internationally as a representative Korean haircare brand [4].

Oral Care

2080

2080 is among Korea’s most recognizable toothpaste brands. The name reflects the concept of maintaining healthy teeth from one’s twenties to eighties (“20 to 80”). Products include toothpaste, toothbrushes, and oral hygiene items [5].

Home Care Products

Aekyung has traditionally been one of Korea’s leading household product manufacturers. Major brands include:

• Trio: A classic Korean dishwashing detergent brand offering dishwashing liquids and kitchen cleaning products.
• Spark: Laundry detergent products.
• LiQ: Liquid laundry detergent.
• Soonsaem: Kitchen cleaning products [1].

Aekyung’s corporate philosophy centers on “Love & Respect,” emphasizing consumer understanding, product quality, and responsible business practices. The company has promoted sustainability initiatives through environmentally conscious product development and consumer-friendly innovation [1].

While historically strongest in South Korea, Aekyung has expanded internationally through the export of cosmetics and personal-care products, overseas online channels, partnerships with foreign retailers, and the growing global demand for K-beauty. Its products are sold across various Asian markets and other international regions [4].

Aekyung occupies a distinct position in the Korean market by combining a traditional household-goods heritage with large-scale consumer product manufacturing and modern K-beauty innovation. Unlike many newer Korean beauty companies, Aekyung evolved from everyday necessities such as soap and detergents before becoming a major cosmetics player.

Its reputation is built on long-standing consumer trust, affordable quality products, strong domestic brand recognition, and the ability to integrate household care with beauty trends [6].

[3]

Aekyung (애경) is one of South Korea’s oldest and most influential consumer brands. Beginning as a soap manufacturer in 1954, it evolved into a diversified lifestyle company spanning household cleaning, personal care, and K-beauty cosmetics. With famous brands such as AGE20’S, LUNA, Kerasys, 2080, and Trio, Aekyung represents the transition of Korean consumer goods from traditional household products into globally recognized beauty and lifestyle solutions [2].

1. 애경산업
2. [[Why&Next] Is Now the Right Time?… Inside Aekyung Group’s Sale of Its Core Business – The Asia Business Daily](https://www.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2025040217180535824)
3. Aekyung Industrial Co., Ltd. – Annual Report 2026 | FinancialReports.eu
4. AEKYUNG IND : 出展社情報 2025 |Korea Expo Tokyo
5. AEKYUNG IND : Brand Showcase 2025 | Korea Expo Tokyo
6. Aekyung gets trendy as HQ moves to Hongdae