BENTON identifies as a Korean natural skincare brand launched in 2011 and has developed an international presence as a representative K-beauty label.[2]

Founding

BENTON was established in 2011 by brothers Lee Jang Won and Lee Chae Won. The company’s origins are closely linked to the younger brother’s personal experience with sensitive and problematic skin. According to interviews with the founders, Lee Chae Won suffered from seborrhoeic dermatitis and found that ordinary cosmetics were difficult to use. His subsequent work with natural cosmetics exposed him to ingredients and formulations specifically intended for sensitive skin types.[2]

The founders aimed to create skincare that was gentle on problematic skin, based on carefully selected ingredients, and relatively simple yet functional. They also sought to reduce reliance on conventional cosmetic marketing while maintaining product quality at an affordable price point. Their first product, the Snail Bee High Content Essence, was launched on 8 August 2011.[3]

Early growth

Rather than launching with an extensive portfolio, BENTON initially concentrated on a small number of distinctive skincare products. The Snail Bee concept became central to the brand’s identity. The combination of snail secretion filtrate and bee venom was relatively unique within the K-beauty market at the time. BENTON developed this formulation around the idea of combining ingredients associated with hydration, soothing, and skin conditioning.[4]

The name BENTON is derived from Benjamin Button, the protagonist of the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. In the story, the character experiences life in reverse, appearing elderly at birth and progressively becoming younger. BENTON adopted this concept as a metaphor for skincare, aiming to help skin regain a healthier, more youthful-looking condition rather than literally reversing time. The official brand story describes this as returning skin to its original state through healthy skincare practices rather than relying on short-lived cosmetic effects.[5]

Founder Lee Jang Won has also explained that the name originated from a mispronunciation of “Benjamin Button”, which eventually evolved into “Benton”.[6]

BENTON’s philosophy is centred on the principle of prioritising healthy skin. The company states that skincare should be gentle, comfortable, and beneficial to the skin’s long-term health, rather than simply producing dramatic short-term cosmetic effects.[7]

Ingredient-conscious formulation

BENTON seeks to exclude harmful and controversial ingredients from the product development stage, emphasising high-quality ingredients and formulations instead.[8] This approach has helped establish the brand’s reputation within the ingredient-focused segment of K-beauty.

Fragrance-free approach

A notable aspect of BENTON’s philosophy is its preference for fragrance-free skincare. The company aims to avoid unnecessary fragrance and other elements that could place additional stress on the skin,[9] making its products particularly relevant to consumers who prefer minimalist routines or have sensitive skin.

Affordable healthy cosmetics

BENTON does not position itself as an ultra-luxury skincare house. Instead, it emphasises a combination of quality, healthy ingredients, and reasonable pricing. This approach was part of the company’s original positioning and remains visible in its current brand philosophy.[10]

Since the launch of its original Snail Bee product, BENTON’s portfolio has expanded significantly. The brand now covers multiple skincare categories, including cleansers, toners, toner pads, essences, serums, ampoules, moisturisers, creams, masks, eye products, sunscreens, body care, and eyelash care. Current offerings feature ingredients such as guava, vitamin C, ceramides, CICA, green tea, aloe, propolis, and snail.[11]

Snail Bee

The Snail Bee line is the product family most closely associated with BENTON’s early identity. The original concept combines snail secretion filtrate, bee venom, and hydrating and skin-conditioning ingredients. The flagship Snail Bee High Content Essence was the brand’s first product in 2011.[12] The line has since expanded to include the Snail Bee Ultimate Serum, Snail Bee Ultimate Cream, Snail Bee Ultimate Toner, Snail Bee High Content Lotion, and related eye products.[13]

Aloe & Propolis

Another recognisable direction for BENTON is its Aloe Propolis skincare. Aloe is traditionally associated with soothing and hydration, while propolis is commonly used in skincare for its conditioning properties. One of the brand’s established products in this category is the Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel.[14]

Green Tea

BENTON offers products centred around green tea, including the Deep Green Tea Toner. This aligns with the brand’s broader emphasis on botanical and naturally derived skincare ingredients.[15]

CICA

The brand has expanded into CICA (centella) oriented skincare, particularly for soothing and barrier-focused routines. Current listings include the CICA Gel Sunscreen Serum and CICA body-care products.[16]

Ceramide

BENTON’s Ceramide range includes the Ceramide Cream 10000ppm. Ceramides are widely used in modern skincare due to their relationship with the skin barrier and moisture retention. BENTON’s incorporation of ceramide represents a move toward barrier-supporting skincare alongside its earlier botanical and Snail Bee concepts.[17]

Vitamin C

The brand has developed a Vitamin C Serum marketed around antioxidant benefits and dark-spot care. The product description emphasises a water-free formula and concentrated active ingredients.[18]

Guava

One of BENTON’s newer product directions is its Guava line. Current products include the Guava 70 Skin Toner Face Mask Pad, Guava Moisture Soothing Cream, Guava Moisture Soothing Serum, Guava Pore Cleansing Oil, Guava Moisture Collagen Facial Mist, and Guava Hydrating Make Up Base Prep Primer.[19] This expansion demonstrates that BENTON has moved beyond the Snail Bee products that originally established its reputation.

Sun protection has become an important part of BENTON’s current portfolio. Its sunscreen products include the Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++, Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++, Mineral Sun Stick SPF50/PA++++, and CICA Gel Sunscreen Serum SPF50+/PA++++.[20] The Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream is promoted as a lightweight sunscreen designed to avoid a noticeable white cast.

BENTON increasingly identifies with the broader clean-beauty and vegan-beauty movement. The brand’s official messaging uses terms including #CleanBeauty, #VeganCosmetic, #VeganBeauty, and #Zero-Waste. BENTON has also announced vegan certification and trademark additions for multiple products.[27]

However, “vegan” does not automatically apply to every BENTON product. The brand has specifically identified particular products and SKUs as vegan, so consumers are advised to check individual product formulations and certifications rather than assuming the entire catalogue is vegan.

Environmental sustainability has become another component of BENTON’s identity. The company’s “THINK THE EARTH PROJECT” began in 2020 and focuses on reducing environmental impact through packaging and resource choices.[21] Examples include recycled-paper delivery boxes, FSC-certified paper cushioning, bio-based and degradable tape, unbleached packaging materials, and bamboo-pulp-based “Nature Pack” materials. BENTON describes the initiative as an effort to incorporate sustainability into everyday operations rather than treating environmental responsibility solely as a marketing campaign.

Although BENTON is a Korean brand, it has developed an international customer base. The company states that its products have received recognition globally and that the brand has reached customers in more than 60 countries, including markets in Europe and the United States.[22]

This international positioning is significant because BENTON developed during the rapid global expansion of K-beauty. Unlike some Korean beauty brands built around celebrity endorsements or mass-market retail, BENTON’s early international identity was strongly associated with ingredient-focused skincare, online beauty communities, sensitive-skin concerns, unusual ingredients such as snail and bee venom, and relatively accessible prices.

BENTON operates as Benton Inc. According to the company’s official information, the CEO is Lee Jang Won and the headquarters are located at Leaders Tower, 104 Noryangjin-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea.[23] The company continues to operate its Korean business and international-facing brand presence.

BENTON occupies a distinct position within the Korean beauty industry. It is neither primarily a luxury skincare brand nor simply a mass-market cosmetics company. Its identity is closer to ingredient-focused, functional K-beauty. The brand DNA can be summarised as Korean skincare combined with ingredient-conscious formulation, sensitive-skin orientation, affordable pricing, and clean, vegan, and sustainable values.

Its early success with Snail Bee helped make BENTON recognisable among international K-beauty consumers, while newer products show the company adapting to contemporary trends such as skin-barrier care, CICA, ceramides, mineral and chemical sunscreen options, vitamin C, vegan cosmetics, sustainable packaging, and multifunctional skincare.

The Benjamin Button concept

The brand has a memorable name and story. Rather than simply using a founder’s name, BENTON’s identity is built around the concept of turning back time.[24]

Snail Bee heritage

The Snail Bee High Content Essence gave the company a distinctive signature product early in its history and remains an important part of the brand’s heritage.[25]

Sensitive-skin orientation

BENTON’s origins were strongly connected to the founders’ interest in products suitable for problematic and sensitive skin.[26]

Fragrance-free philosophy

Its emphasis on fragrance-free skincare differentiates it from many conventional cosmetics brands.

Clean and vegan positioning

BENTON has increasingly incorporated vegan and clean-beauty concepts into its identity.[27]

Sustainability

The THINK EARTH project gives the brand a more explicit environmental dimension, particularly through packaging and resource management.[28]

• 2011: BENTON founded in South Korea.
• 2011: Snail Bee High Content Essence launched.
• Early 2010s: Snail Bee and aloe-based products establish the brand’s identity.
• 2010s: International K-beauty expansion.
• 2020: THINK EARTH sustainability project begins.
• 2021: Vegan trademark and certification expanded to additional products.
• 2020s: Expansion into sunscreen, CICA, ceramides, vitamin C, and other skincare categories.
• 2024–2026: Continued Korean retail presence and development of newer Guava products.[29]

1. Take a journey back in time with Benton
2. Korean Natural Skin Care Brand | BENTON
3. Interview With JangWon Lee, Creator of Korean Skincare Line, Benton Cosmetic! – Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews
4. [BENTON 피부, 시간을 거스르다. [벤튼]](https://bentoncosmetic.com/shopinfo/company.html)
5. Take a journey back in time with Benton
6. [BENTON 피부, 시간을 거스르다. [벤튼]](https://www.bentoncosmetic.com/main.html)
7. BENTON NOTICE
8. Take a journey back in time with Benton
9. Take a journey back in time with Benton
10. Take a journey back in time with Benton
11. 2025 벤튼 브랜드 영상 VIDEO CLIP – 벤튼
12. 벤튼, 어성초 토너&크림 신제품 출시 NEWS – 벤튼
13. BENTON NEWS
14. [[SKINCARE] About Benton Cosmetic Story – K-Beauty B2B VANACOS](https://www.vanacos.com/blogs/news/skincare-about-benton-cosmetic-story)
15. 실제로 고객님이 많이 문의주시는 질문은? 콜센터 오픈! VIDEO CLIP – 벤튼
16. BENTON VIDEO CLIP
17. [[INTERVIEW] Benton makes success with identity products – The Korea Times](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/economy/20171206/interview-benton-makes-success-with-identity-products)
18. BENTON NOTICE
19. About – Fordítsd vissza az időt a Benton kozmetikumokkal!
20. Korean Natural Skin Care Brand | BENTON
21. Take a journey back in time with Benton
22. Take a journey back in time with Benton
23. [BENTON 피부, 시간을 거스르다. [벤튼]](https://m.bentoncosmetic.com/myshop/index.html)
24. [BENTON 피부, 시간을 거스르다. [벤튼]](https://bentoncosmetic.com/company/lookbook.html)
25. [BENTON 피부, 시간을 거스르다. [벤튼]](https://bentoncosmetic.com/company/contact.html)
26. BENTON VIDEO CLIP
27. BENTON
28. Take a journey back in time with Benton
29. Benton Malaysia – Buy Benton Products Online at Beauty Insider