From Color Cosmetics Expertise to Skincare: Korean ODM Expands Global Reach
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
Bae Soo-ah, CEO of Korea’s cosmetic original design/manufacturing firm C&J International, transformed the company from a small, struggling business in 2009 (about KRW 1 billion annual sales) to a leading K-beauty ODM with clients like LVMH (Louis Vuitton), L’Oréal, Estée Lauder and AmorePacific and current sales nearing KRW 300 billion. Founded in 1997, the company produces color cosmetics (lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation) for some 500 global brands and was the world’s first ODM maker for YSL’s lip color “Candy Glaze Color Balm.” Bae, a hands-on leader who began in sales, is investing about KRW 130 billion to build a large new factory in Cheongju (to open by 2027), expanding domestic capacity threefold and increasing production in two Shanghai plants. Strategic priorities for next year include strengthening skincare (basic cosmetics) development and production, growing overseas sales, and upgrading IT to boost efficiency. Bae emphasizes tailored, country-specific strategies for K-beauty’s future, noting different beauty preferences across markets. She aims for C&J International to become the world’s top ODM across both color and skincare products.
