Amorepacific launched RYO in 2008 as a premium hair-care brand grounded in Korean herbal medicine traditions.1 The brand’s development was supported by Amorepacific’s extensive research into scalp and hair care, with the company tracing its advanced scalp research technology back to 1973.11

RYO’s foundational philosophy posits that the scalp serves as the “land” for hair, requiring nourishment similar to soil for plant growth.2 Following its domestic success, the brand began expanding internationally. It entered the Chinese market in 2013, where it promoted its Jayangyoonmo range as part of an anti-hair-loss strategy.12 The brand subsequently developed a significant presence across the ASEAN region, with Amorepacific identifying Jayangyoonmo shampoo as a key product for both Korean and Southeast Asian markets.4

Recent developments include the 2023 launch of ROOT:GEN, which introduced a more personalized, technology-driven approach to hair-loss care,3 and the 2024 introduction of RYO CLASSIC, which integrates fermentation science with traditional aesthetics.9 As of 2026, the brand continues to specialize in personalized scalp-care solutions and hair-loss science.17

The name RYO is written in Hangul as 려 and in Hanja as 呂. The brand’s identity is conceptually linked to the relationship between the earth and hair roots. Amorepacific draws an analogy between human hair and trees, asserting that just as a tree requires healthy soil to thrive, attractive hair depends on the condition of the scalp and roots.5 This concept is summarized in the English phrase “Root Your Own beauty,” reflecting the belief that beauty originates at the root level.6

RYO operates on the principle that a healthy scalp leads to healthy roots, which in turn results in stronger, fuller-looking hair. Rather than treating shampoo merely as a cleansing agent, the brand positions hair care as fundamental scalp and root management.7 Key pillars of this philosophy include:

• Scalp health and moisture
• Hair-root strengthening
• Hair-loss symptom care
• Sebum management
• Nourishment and resilience
• Traditional Korean herbal ingredients

The brand refers to this comprehensive approach as “Root Care.”7

A defining characteristic of RYO is the integration of hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) with contemporary cosmetic science. An early formulation concept, Johwadan™, utilized ingredients associated with specific aspects of plant growth as metaphors for hair health:8

• Ginseng: Associated with nourishing and strengthening roots.
• Cnidium: Associated with circulation.
• Pine needles: Associated with sebum care.
• Camellia: Associated with hair beauty and condition.

Ginseng remains central to the brand’s identity, supported by decades of Amorepacific research into its applications for hair care.11

RYO offers a diverse portfolio beyond standard shampoos, including conditioners, treatments, scalp essences, tonics, oils, packs, and specialized hair-loss products.14 The current lineup includes several distinct ranges:

Jayangyoonmo

Jayangyoonmo (자양윤모) is one of RYO’s most recognized lines, focusing on hair-loss symptom care and scalp nourishment.13 Products are differentiated by scalp type, with formulations available for oily, normal/dry, and sensitive scalps.13 This line has been instrumental in the brand’s international growth, particularly in Korea and ASEAN markets.4

ROOT:GEN

Launched in 2023, ROOT:GEN represents a shift toward technologically sophisticated, personalized hair-loss care.3 Combining the concepts of “root” and “gene,” the line addresses gender-specific hair-root concerns through specialized shampoos, treatments, and scalp essences for men and women.3 It signifies a premium, science-oriented direction for the brand.12

Heuk-Yoon Saeng-Gi

Heuk-Yoon Saeng-Gi (흑윤생기) focuses on hair nourishment and enhancing vibrancy. It is part of the brand’s broader suite of specialized Korean herbal hair-care solutions.13

Hambit

The Hambit range targets damaged and nutritionally depleted hair. Complementing the brand’s scalp-focused offerings, this line provides care for the visible hair shaft through shampoos, conditioners, and treatments.14

RYO Classic

Introduced in 2024, RYO CLASSIC reinterprets the brand’s herbal heritage using fermentation science involving camellia, green tea, and ginseng.9 The line combines traditional nourishment with modern technology, featuring packaging inspired by refined Korean aesthetics and white porcelain.9

RYO leverages Amorepacific’s decades of research into scalp physiology, hair biology, and botanical ingredients as the scientific foundation for its products.11 The brand describes its approach as “Asian Phyto Science,” a term that highlights the combination of traditional Korean ingredients, Asian botanical research, modern cosmetic technology, and scalp science.15 This scientific positioning is particularly prominent in the ROOT:GEN line.3

In South Korea, certain RYO products are classified and marketed as functional cosmetics specifically for hair-loss symptom care, distinguishing them from general cosmetic products.16 The brand’s evolution reflects a move toward segmented solutions tailored to specific scalp types, genders, and concerns, rather than universal remedies.17

RYO’s visual identity blends traditional Korean aesthetics with contemporary premium design. Historically, the brand utilized deep brown and red tones, gold accents, ginseng imagery, and stylized typography to communicate luxury and herbal nourishment.10

The newer ROOT:GEN identity adopts a modern aesthetic featuring a distinctive curved “R” logo intended to evoke hair elasticity. Its grid-based packaging and horizontal-line textures are designed to convey the concept of a customized prescription.3 In contrast, the RYO CLASSIC line employs packaging inspired by white porcelain to reflect refined traditional beauty.9

Within the K-beauty landscape, RYO differentiates itself by prioritizing scalp and root health over fragrance, styling, or shine. Its identity sits at the intersection of K-beauty, Korean herbal medicine, scalp science, and premium hair care.17 This positioning has enabled the brand to evolve from a traditional herbal shampoo manufacturer into a comprehensive scalp and hair-health brand.17

RYO is owned by Amorepacific Corporation, one of South Korea’s leading beauty companies. Within Amorepacific’s extensive portfolio, RYO specifically occupies the scalp, hair-root, and hair-loss-care segment.17

1. RYO | Amorepacific
2. Ryo goes from strength to strength in the Chinese market – AMOREPACIFIC STORIES – ENGLISH
3. Amorepacific Creatives – RYO ROOT:GEN LINE
4. 呂獲獎經歷 | RYO Hong Kong
5. 뿌리로 자라는 아름다움, 려
6. 화윤생 | 려(呂) – 한방 프리미엄 헤어케어
7. 뿌리로 자라는 아름다움, 려
8. RYO ROOT:GEN LINE DESIGN STORY – AMOREPACIFIC STORIES – ENGLISH
9. Amorepacific Creatives – 2024 RYO CLASSIC LINE
10. Amorepacific Creatives – Ryo Premium Shampoo Renewal
11. #Amorepacific Hair Loss Science Brand ‘RYO’ Brand Manager Soyeon Park – AMOREPACIFIC STORIES – ENGLISH
12. Korea’s Leading Premium Hair Care Brand Ryo Makes Stronger Inroads into China by Launching Ant-hair loss Line | Amorepacific
13. 려 화윤생 뷰티풀에이징 샴푸 | 려 한국
14. 전체제품 맵 | 려(呂) – 한방 프리미엄 헤어케어
15. Amorepacific Creatives – Works
16. Amorepacific Creatives – Works
17. 려 | 아모레퍼시픽