Cardon is Changing Men’s Skincare
Men’s skincare is changing for the better thanks to the creators of Narae Chung and Jacqueline Oak of the Cardon brand. Cardon specializes in men’s grooming, helping to not only preserve, but also improve their skin. I had the chance to speak to the creator and CEO, Narae Chung, of the brand about Cardon and the history of the company.
Zoe: What made you get in men’s grooming?
Narae Chung: My upbringing inspired my journey into the world of men’s grooming in Korea, where skincare and self-care hold immense cultural significance. Witnessing the emphasis placed on caring for one’s skin and overall well-being, I developed a deep passion for the industry. This led me to embark on a career at P&G, where I had the privilege of serving as a brand manager for renowned brands like Gillette, SK-II, and Olay. During my time at Gillette, I gained valuable insights into the importance of skin care in grooming routines. Fueled by my experience and enthusiasm, I founded Cardon with the vision of creating a brand that addresses the unique needs of men, empowering them to embrace self-care as an integral part of their daily lives.
Zoe: When was Cardon established?
Narae Chung : Cardon was founded in 2019.
Zoe: How did you come up with the brand name “Cardon”?
Narae Chung: Cardonʼs name is inspired by the Cardon cactus, a species native to northwestern Mexico. Cactus is a supercharged ingredient known for its soothing properties, firming effect, as well as its array of vitamins and electrolytes that are compatible with normal to sensitive skin types. They are known for their healing properties, dating back to the Aztecs. Because of this, we decided to incorporate this multifaceted plant into Cardonʼs products to address shaving irritation–one of menʼs biggest and unique skincare concerns. Cacti thrive in dry climates and have water-binding properties that work to help your skin retain moisture, soothe irritation, and calm redness. Paired with other powerful ingredients, cactus is hydrating, toxin-blocking, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging.
Zoe: How did you start the brand?
Narae Chung :Growing up in Korea, I saw first-hand the pride that Korean men took in their self-care. Aer years of working in the Korean skincare industry, I decided to come to the United States to attend Wharton Business School, where I met my roommate and co-founder, Jacqueline Oak, who is an expert in the retail startup space. We both noticed that interest in menʼs personal care was beginning to gain momentum in the United States — but the high-quality, affordable options that were so popular in Korea were seriously lacking., We decided to conduct a focus group right out of our apartment, inviting our male classmates to share their thoughts and concerns about skincare. The event was eye-opening – confirming not only the market need but also the lack of safe spaces for men to discuss their skincare journey openly. Since then, Cardon became more than just a business. It is building a platform for men to discover effective skincare solutions in a comfortable and inclusive environment. By harnessing the power of Korean skincare practices, we aimed to provide high-quality products at affordable pricing and challenge the outdated social norms surrounding masculinity and self-care.
Zoe: How did you meet your business partner?
Narae Chung: I had the pleasure of meeting Jacqueline during our time at business school, where we both shared a passion for entrepreneurship. Our connection deepened when we had the opportunity to spend a semester together in San Francisco, immersing ourselves in classes and discussions centered around startups and innovation. As fate would have it, we became roommates, and it was during this time that we organized our first consumer focus group with our male classmates, exploring their perspectives on skincare. Recognizing our complementary skill sets – my skincare and marketing expertise and Jacqueline’s proficiency in startup and finance – we realized that we were the perfect partners to embark on this entrepreneurial journey together. Our shared vision and diverse backgrounds have been instrumental in shaping the success of Cardon.
Zoe: How would you say the brand has evolved over the years?
Narae Chung: Cardon has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception. Initially focused on providing effective and affordable skincare solutions tailored to men’s needs, we have continuously grown and expanded our product offerings based on customer feedback and market demands. Our journey began with our SPF + Moisturizer, which remains a cornerstone of our brand, and we have since expanded to include a comprehensive range of skin care products such as cleansers, eye serums, and moisturizers. More recently, we recognized the need for hair care solutions, particularly in addressing hair loss concerns, leveraging our expertise in Korean hair
loss innovations. This expansion has allowed us to meet the diverse needs of our customers and establish ourselves as a trusted brand in the industry.
Zoe: What does the brand mean to the two of you?
Narae Chung: Cardon is not just a brand to me; it’s a culmination of my personal journeys and passion. As an individual who grew up in Korea and later became an immigrant in the United States, I have witnessed firsthand the power of skincare and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. It symbolizes our commitment to creating a brand that combines the best of both worlds – the expertise of Korean skincare practices and the understanding of the American consumer. Through Cardon, we aim to break down barriers and challenge the outdated norms surrounding masculinity and self-care. We want to create a safe and inclusive space where men can embrace their individuality, explore their skincare concerns, and discover effective solutions that cater to their unique needs. Seeing the impact our products have on our customers and hearing their stories of newfound confidence and self-expression is what drives us to continue pushing boundaries and innovating in the skincare industry. In summary, Cardon is more than just skincare; it’s a representation of our backgrounds, beliefs, and the transformative power of self-care. It is a brand that combines the best of our multicultural experiences and aims to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty and cultivate a sense of self-worth. We are honored to share this journey with our customers and look forward to creating a positive impact in their lives.
Zoe: What is your favorite Cardon product and why?
Narae Chung: When it comes to my favorite Cardon products, it’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to pick, I would say the Purifying Clay Cleanser and the Exfoliating Toner Wipes are at the top of my list!
The Purifying Clay Cleanser is truly a game-changer when it comes to deep cleansing and detoxifying the skin. Its unique formula, enriched with three different clays, works wonders in drawing out impurities, excess oil, and pollutants from the skin’s surface. I love how this cleanser leaves my skin feeling incredibly refreshed and revitalized without stripping away its natural moisture. It’s the perfect way to start and end my day with a clean slate.
As for the Exfoliating Toner Wipes, they are a multi-tasking wonder that I can’t live without. These convenient wipes are soaked in a refreshing toner solution that is enriched with mild exfoliating agents like PHA. They effortlessly sweep away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and help refine the skin’s texture, leaving it smoother and more radiant. I especially love using these wipes aer double cleansing to ensure that my skin is thoroughly clean and prepped for the rest of my skincare routine. And the fact that they are biodegradable adds to their appeal, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
Zoe: What skin routine should every man know?
Narae Chung: Prevention is key to maintaining healthy skin, and every man should prioritize incorporating sunscreen into his daily skincare routine. Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, prevents sunburns, premature aging, and reduces the risk of skin cancer. By making sunscreen a daily habit, men can proactively safeguard their skin and promote long-term skin health
Zoe: Have you thought about going into skin care for women?
Narae Chung: The decision to focus on men’s skincare was driven by our mission to address the underserved needs of this particular market segment. We recognized a gap in the availability of high-quality, clean, and affordable products targeting men’s unique skincare concerns, such as shaving irritation. We aim to provide tailored skincare solutions that effectively address these concerns by incorporating soothing ingredients like cactus extract. While our products are designed with men in mind, we believe skincare is not limited to gender. Individuals of all genders can benefit from our formulations, especially those with sensitive skin who require soothing and effective skincare solutions. In fact, I use our products every day myself!
Zoe: Are there any upcoming product releases or things in the works?
Narae Chung: Yes, we are always working on expanding our product range to address new skincare concerns and meet the evolving needs of our customers. While we can’t reveal specific details just yet, I can assure you that we have some exciting things in the works. We are actively developing innovative solutions to tackle another top personal care concern that our customers have expressed. Our team is dedicated to creating products that are effective, affordable, and tailored to meet the unique needs of men’s skin and hair. We can’t wait to share these upcoming releases with you, so stay tuned for the exciting updates from Cardon!
Zoe: Where do you see Cardon 5 years from now?
Narae Chung: Cardon is on a mission to revolutionize men’s personal care, aiming to be more than just a brand occupying a corner of the bathroom; we aspire to own the entire space. Our customers rely on us for comprehensive grooming solutions, including skincare, body care, and hair care. We are committed to delivering high-quality and effective products that elevate their daily rituals and enhance their self-care experience. Furthermore, with a global perspective shaped by my experience in Asian markets, particularly in Korea and Southeast Asia, we plan to expand our brand globally. We have a deep understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of men worldwide and strong networks in Asia. This invaluable insight enables us to develop unique formulations tailored to their specific requirements, ensuring our products deliver remarkable results.
Zoe: What is your ultimate dream and what you want to achieve with Cardon?
Narae Chung: Our ultimate dream with Cardon is to make clean and effective personal care accessible to everyone. Additionally, Cardon aims to redefine the standards of men’s skincare and empower every man to prioritize self-care. We strive to make skincare enjoyable, effective, and accessible for all, breaking down any existing barriers and redefining the concept of masculinity. Our goal is for every man to feel confident in his own skin and embrace a holistic approach to grooming
Zoe: Have you thought about going into skin care for women?
Narae Chung: The decision to focus on men’s skincare was driven by our mission to address the underserved needs of this particular market segment. We recognized a gap in the availability of high-quality, clean, and affordable products targeting men’s unique skincare concerns, such as shaving irritation. We aim to provide tailored skincare solutions that effectively address these concerns by incorporating soothing ingredients like cactus extract. While our products are designed with men in mind, we believe skincare is not limited to gender. Individuals of all genders can benefit from our formulations, especially those with sensitive skin who require soothing and effective skincare solutions. In fact, I use our products every day myself!
Zoe: Is there anything else you want our readers to know about your brand?
Narae Chung: Cardon’s commitment to product quality has been widely recognized by industry experts, winning 9 Grooming Awards. We take pride in our continuous efforts to deliver effective and reliable solutions for our customers. In line with addressing the needs of our customers, we recently expanded our product line to include hair care products that specifically target hair loss concerns. With the highly advanced Korean hair loss industry and 38% of men across various age groups using hair loss shampoo daily, we are excited to bring these innovative solutions to the U.S. market. Lastly, we’re excited to step into the retail space! After winning Macy’s The Workshop competition, we have a lot of great moves coming in the physical retail space that we can’t wait to debut. Can purchase Cardon skin care on their website Cardonskin.com and Amazon and is affiliated via ShareASale.