History of Axis-Y | The Top K-Beauty Acne Skincare Brand

Axis-Y was developed in 2019, by CEO Maggie Yue with a single plan and deep ideology – Clean Beauty. This meant not only clean, plant-based ingredients that would heal and protect the skin, but also environmentally clean skincare that helped leave the world a better place. This is a philosophy that Axis Y takes seriously throughout their whole process; from packaging, to sourcing ingredients to their charity work. Where a lot of companies love to talk-the-talk about how they love their fans, are interested in feedback and support community ventures; Axis Y really walks that walk. 

Axis Y’s team is very big on collaboration. They created their first skincare line, Ay&Me to provide deep microbiome care. Where acne care previously had focused on aggressive treatments that kill off acne-causing bacteria (but leave the skin barrier defenseless and weaker), Axis Y created a light skincare line that allowed healthy bacteria to flourish. But the design of this line was what made it artful; collaboration with 1000 skincare influencers over 68 countries to test and affirm that it was useful, healing and beneficial for use.

Now, why is this exciting? Don’t other companies do group testing? Of course, majority of skincare is tested on willing volunteers. But the scale of testing through 68 countries completely changes the game. Not only does this mean that the products work well for one group of skin types; but that their products have a global appeal. 

Although their biome skincare is beloved and healing for a variety of skin types, Axis Y is still most famous for their 6+1+1 Line. This was a holistic design paradigm; where products were infused with 6 nutritional ingredients, 1 treating agent and 1 new technology to inspire and create modern (yet nourishing) products. 

This skincare line was created with the consideration of how environment dictates our skincare. It selects ingredients that not only help protect skin in harsh winter and drastic summers; but also are sourced by environmentally tough plants to ensure a continued supply (whilst preventing pressures on declining or vulnerable plant populations).  

Majority of their products are beloved for successful acne care; and this is due to their creation around extreme climates. This means their products are built around deep pore care, cleansing and light formulas that absorb quickly; which is highly beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin. Thick, occlusive creams and treatments that don’t refresh pores are the an immediate risk to forming spots and acne breakouts, so having thin and refreshing ingredients avoids this entirely. 

This serum is the ultimate best-seller by Axis Y. Having sold millions of units over the course of its creation, it provides the ultimate balanced care for acne-prone skin. Part of the 6+1+1 skincare line; it uses rosemary oil to treat acne-spots with niacinamide to help lift dark spots. Contrary to its name, it doesn’t create a dramatic transformation of dark spots – but it is renowned for its amazing ability to balance oily skin and relieve acne.

It hydrates, keeps skin refreshed, improves healing of acne scars and reduces outbreaks and spots entirely; which makes it a top-tier treatment for acne. It does improve dark spots over time (with vitamin-C rich, fruity ingredients); but for acne spots it is a masterful (yet incredibly gentle) serum. 

It would certainly be a strange beauty company that outright says they don’t care for the planet and environmental impacts. A large majority of skincare and beauty brands often say how dedicated they are to environmental sustainability and their love for the earth. But, Axis Y has created a mission to genuinely bring hands-on care to the planet and communities around them. They support a variety of charities, including One Tree Planted and the Wildlife Conservation Society.  

They also have eco-friendly packaging and every year pick a new charity to support to ensure their commitments to the environment and the communities that live in them are cared for. Live on their website, you can see purchases from around the world as they happen in real-time and it creates a genuine sense of connection. It, again, proves Axis Y’s connection with their communities and their unique connection with their users. 

Axis Y builds their skincare range slowly, but with great purpose. Almost every product they make has been thoughtfully constructed and aims to help solve a skincare problem with genuine care. This year saw the release of their Vita Glow Lip Oil range – rich in natural fruit extracts and a creamy gel formula; which we voted our favourite K-beauty lip oil due to its luxurious nature.

They’ve also joined the tranexamic acid trend with their powerful, new brightening TXA 2.5% Intensive Brightening Cream. Infused with a trio of tranexamic acid, niacinamide and glutathione; it helps vanish dark spots over time whilst still being balanced to care for/hydrate oily skin. It’s already sold out multiple times; but we’re excited when it’s stocked up enough to review ourselves! 

Regardless of if you’ve been a long-time fan of Axis Y or are just discovering them now, they’ve never changed. They create incredibly consistent skincare that has not deviated from the original formula or packaging (as of 6 years!), which shows just how confident and beloved their skincare has been. We’re excited to see what they bring us next, in the world of truly sustainable skincare. 

Explore the nourishing range of acne-friendly and skin-balancing products from Axis Y; available on Arktastic!

Love gentle skincare? Check out our history on the world famous Dr Althea skincare brand. Of if you love skincare reviews, check out our honest review on the Axis Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask. 

The History of Dr Althea 
Axis Y New Skin Resolution Gel Mask Review 

Who is Axis-Y? 
Axis-Y is a South Korean beauty and skincare brand that specializes in climate-focused cosmetics. This means that they plan around the extremes of climates that more and more people are experiencing and creating skincare that holds up to keep skin healthy and protected. They are beloved in South-East Asia, where temperate climates pose a great challenge for dark spots and acne. Their products produce natural cooling effects, balance sebum and help refresh acne using botanical and well-researched ingredients. 

Is Axis-Y Sustainable/Environmentally Friendly? 
Axis Y is deeply committed to sustainable and thoughtful skincare. They use recycled packaging, with a majority able to be recycled again. They also use ingredients that don’t threaten natural eco-systems so that their products don’t complete with vulnerable habitats. They are not 100% vegan, although a majority of their products are. They have a tag on their website, so you can quickly view their large vegan-friendly skincare range. They  but do have a tag on their website so you can view what products are 100% vegan.

How Do You Use the Axis Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum? 
This serum is a lovely, gentle addition to any skincare routine. If you are new to K-beauty, you can use this serum on its own (which is how I started getting into Korean beauty). It has a relatively low dose of niacinamide (5%) which can be used morning and night after cleansing. Apply 2-3 pumps to fingertips and gently massage into entire face. Be sure to cover acne scars, spots and dark spots for maximum benefit. You will see maximum benefit at the 6 weeks mark of daily use (reduced dark spots, acne and outbreaks). 

This serum is not recommended in your are sensitive to niacinamide (which can feel drying), so if your skin feels tight, red or dry after use consider if this serum is right for you.