107 BRAND: Korean Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Skincare

107 BRAND is one of those rare Korean skincare labels that actually means it when it says “traditional wisdom.” The number 107 is not a batch code or a founder’s address — it refers to 107-year-old Korean vinegar, specifically onggi-pot-fermented grain vinegar, the same kind that Korean households have stored in earthenware jars for generations. That vinegar is the spine of almost every formula the brand makes.

This piece covers the full picture of 107 BRAND: where the name and philosophy come from, what makes vinegar-fermented skincare different from the usual K-beauty fermentation story, which products are the best starting points, how to build a routine around them, and who this brand genuinely suits — and who it does not. Every 107 BRAND reference below is in stock at Kool Seoul, sourced from Seoul and shipped worldwide via DHL Express — free shipping on orders over $150.

Where “107” actually comes from

107 Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum · 20mlthe brand’s hero — retinal delivered through a vinegar-fermented microbiome base$60Shop now →

The number 107 is a reference to traditional Korean grain vinegar that has been fermented for 107 years. In Korean culinary and apothecary culture, long-fermented vinegars — the kind stored in onggi earthenware pots and passed between generations — carry a complexity that their industrial counterparts never reach. The organic acids accumulate, the microbiome diversifies, the pH settles. 107 BRAND’s founding idea was to take that century-old process and turn it into the base layer of a modern skincare formula: a carrier that does not fight the skin’s own microbiome but quietly supports it.

It is an unusual anchor for a skincare brand, and it is a meaningful one. Where most “fermented” Korean brands focus on fermented flower extracts or lactobacillus cultures, 107 BRAND’s root ingredient is grain vinegar — acetic acid, amino acids, and polyphenols from fermented rice and grain. The result is a pH environment that sits close to skin’s own slightly acidic surface, a gentle exfoliating effect from the organic acids, and an ingredient story with genuine depth in Korean culinary tradition.

The brand was founded in South Korea and positions itself at the intersection of grandmothers’ pantries and contemporary cosmetic science. Its formulas do not pretend the two things are separate — they use the vinegar ferment as the base, then layer in modern actives (retinal, low-molecular collagen, microbiome-balancing prebiotics) on top of it. That is the editorial logic, and it holds up across the range.

Vinegar fermentation — why it is different from other K-beauty fermentation stories

107 Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner · 155mla vinegar-ferment toner that hydrates without heaviness$27Shop now →

Korean skincare has been talking about fermentation for a long time. The story usually runs through galactomyces (a yeast ferment best known from SK-II), lactobacillus (a bacteria culture used in many “probiotic” moisturizers), and saccharomyces (brewer’s yeast derivatives). These are real fermentation processes with real cosmetic effects. 107 BRAND uses a different anchor: the vinegar ferment, which is essentially a multi-stage fermentation — first alcoholic, then acetic — of grain.

What makes grain vinegar a cosmetically interesting ingredient is its profile of short-chain organic acids (primarily acetic acid), free amino acids from the grain proteins, and polyphenols from the grain husks. In a well-formulated skin product, these translate to a mild, skin-similar pH that supports the acid mantle; a gentle resurfacing action that does not require the sharpness of AHAs; and a prebiotic-adjacent effect that the brand calls “vinbiome” — a portmanteau of vinegar and microbiome. That last term appears across several of the brand’s hero SKUs, including the Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum, and it signals that the formula is designed to work with the skin’s resident microbial community rather than stripping it.

We flag our usual caveat: we cannot publish independent clinical data, and “microbiome-supporting” is a branding claim in a relatively early science. What we can say is that 107 BRAND’s textures are consistently well-behaved on reactive skin in our experience, and the low-irritation pH they start from is a structural advantage over heavily alkaline cleansers and high-acid serums.

The Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum — the hero SKU

The 107 Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum is the product that puts the brand on most international lists. Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one step away from retinoic acid in the vitamin A conversion chain — more potent than retinol, less aggressive than prescription tretinoin, and still capable of delivering meaningful results on fine lines, texture, and mild hyperpigmentation with consistent use.

What makes this specific retinal serum worth noting is the base it sits in. Most retinal products in the Korean market use a relatively neutral emulsion base. 107 BRAND’s version uses the vinegar-ferment Vinbiome base, which in theory buffers the irritation potential of retinal by keeping the skin’s microbiome environment intact. In practice — from our customers and our own experience — this serum is notably well-tolerated for a retinal product, and it layers efficiently under the heavier moisturizers in the range. At $60 for 20ml, it is the brand’s highest-investment SKU, and it is the one we recommend first to anyone who knows they want a retinal but has been hesitant about irritation.

The hydration core — toner, serum, cream

107 Double Layer Milky Serum · 50mla two-phase milky serum for deep hydration and barrier support$35Shop now →

The Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner is the brand’s everyday hydration step — a water-thin, mist-like toner that works both as a first layer after cleansing and as a mid-routine refresh. The texture is so light it almost disappears on skin, which makes it easy to layer several times (the Korean “7-skin method” logic applies here: thin layers, built up slowly, absorb better than one thick application). The vinegar ferment keeps the pH honest, and the formula does not leave a sticky residue between steps.

The Double Layer Milky Serum is a step up in texture — a two-phase formula you shake before each use, combining a water layer and a milky emulsion layer. The double-layer design is not a gimmick: water-soluble and oil-soluble actives behave differently, and keeping them separated until application moment means each reaches the skin in a purer form. The result is a serum that hydrates and supports barrier function without going heavy or greasy. It sits well between the toner and the cream, and it is the serum we recommend to customers who find single-phase serums either too watery or too rich.

107 Everyday Plump Hydro Cream · 50mla gel-cream moisturizer for all-day plumpness without heaviness$34Shop now →

The Everyday Plump Hydro Cream is the final moisturizing step in the core routine. It is a gel-cream in texture — light enough for daytime, substantial enough to be your only cream step in humid weather — and it delivers the “plump” effect that the name promises without heaviness. This is the moisturizer we hand to customers who want a 107 BRAND routine but are nervous about something too rich in summer. In cooler months, it works as a first layer over which you can add the Avocado Curd Sheet Masks for an intensive weekly treatment.

The Aronia Vinegar Collagen — the beauty supplement crossover

107 Aronia Vinegar Low Molecular Collagen · 20g × 14 Packetsa drinkable collagen supplement built around the brand’s vinegar ferment$36Shop now →

One of 107 BRAND’s most distinctive offerings is its crossover into ingestible beauty. The Aronia Vinegar Low Molecular Collagen is a drinkable beauty supplement — 14 individual packets, each containing low-molecular-weight collagen (designed for easier absorption than standard collagen peptides) combined with aronia berry concentrate and, of course, the brand’s signature vinegar ferment.

Aronia (chokeberry) is a deep-purple berry cultivated in Korea that is dense in anthocyanins — the same polyphenol class found in blueberries and acai, studied for antioxidant activity. The brand pairs it with low-molecular collagen for the inside-out skin support approach that has become mainstream in Korean wellness culture. At $36 for a two-week supply, it is priced accessibly for a quality collagen supplement, and it works both as a standalone product and as a complement to the topical routine. This is the SKU we recommend to customers who want to approach skin health from both directions at once.

Sun protection and scalp care — 107 BRAND beyond the face

The Moisture Balm Mild Sun Stick SPF50+PA++++ is the brand’s daily sun protection option — a stick format that double-duties as a moisture balm, making it an efficient final step on rushed mornings. Stick SPF formats have grown significantly in Korea over the past several years because they layer cleanly over makeup, allow precise re-application to exposed areas (forehead, ears, back of hands), and avoid the white-cast and residue of some cream SPFs. This one carries the brand’s highest PA rating, making it suited for daily urban UV as well as outdoor use. We apply our standard caveat: Korean SPF ratings follow JCIA methods rather than the US FDA framework, so the SPF50+ figure is credible for daily use but we do not substitute independent lab testing.

On the scalp side, 107 BRAND applies its vinegar-ferment logic to two products that share a philosophy with the rest of the range. The Scalp Cooling Breeze Shampoo uses the ferment as a scalp-pH anchor — Korean scalp care often talks about the same acid-mantle logic that face care applies to skin. If you run hot, experience scalp sensitivity, or notice your skin gets tight after washing, the cooling format (menthol-adjacent) and the ferment base are worth trying. The Hair & Scalp Hydrating Microbiome Treatment is the deeper conditioning step — applied post-wash, it works on the scalp-as-skin logic: hydrate, support the microbiome, and let the hair grow from a healthier base.

The Avocado Curd Sheet Mask — the weekly reset

The 107 Avocado Curd Sheets Mask comes in a five-pack and belongs to the “treatment pause” step in the routine. The avocado curd concept draws on Korean food culture — fermented avocado in a curd-like texture, pressed into a sheet mask format — and the result is a mask that feels richer and more nourishing than a typical water-serum sheet. We use it as the brand’s recommended weekly treat, especially in cold-weather months or after sun exposure, when the skin’s barrier needs rebuilding rather than stimulation. At $17 for five sheets, it is the most accessible entry point in the range.

Who 107 BRAND is really for — and who it is not

107 BRAND is a strong match for several types of skin and skincare philosophy. It suits anyone interested in the ingredient story behind their products — the vinegar ferment is a real traditional Korean craft with real cosmetic logic, not a marketing headline. It works well for microbiome-conscious buyers who have become wary of routine disruption from high-concentration actives; the brand’s base pH is gentle by design. It is also a good fit for people who want retinal results (from the Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum) without the aggressive irritation cycle that entry-level retinal can cause. And the scalp-care range is worth noting for anyone who applies their face-skincare logic to their scalp — the microbiome-support language holds up in both contexts.

107 BRAND is not the right choice if you are looking for maximum-strength actives in single-minded formulas — the brand’s philosophy is integration, not isolation, and a pure high-percentage AHA or a clinical-grade BHA is not what it does. It is also not the cheapest Korean shelf we stock: the Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum at $60/20ml reflects the cost of a well-formulated retinal product, and the range as a whole sits above bargain K-beauty pricing. If your buying rule is lowest price per ml, this is not your brand. And if you want a short, one-product routine rather than a layered approach, the single-product entry points (the Sheet Mask at $17, the Toner at $27) are fine starting points, but the brand rewards a full routine more than most.

How to build a 107 BRAND routine (AM + PM)

A simple 107 BRAND morning: cleanse lightly, apply the Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner in two to three layers, follow with the Double Layer Milky Serum (shake before use), finish with the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream and the Moisture Balm Mild Sun Stick. Four to five steps, under ten minutes.

A simple 107 BRAND evening: double-cleanse as usual (107 BRAND does not make a cleanser in the current line at Kool Seoul, so pair with any gentle Korean low-pH cleanser), apply the Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner, then use the Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum two to three evenings per week if you are introducing retinal, every evening once your skin has acclimated. Layer the Double Layer Milky Serum over it, then seal with the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream. Once a week: swap one serum step for the Avocado Curd Sheet Mask and pat the residue in instead of rinsing.

Scalp and body: the Hair & Scalp Hydrating Microbiome Treatment applies post-shampoo, focusing on the scalp rather than the lengths. The Scalp Cooling Breeze Shampoo is your daily wash in this case.

What to expect in the first four weeks

107 BRAND is a builder, not a one-session miracle brand. In the first week, most people notice that the routine feels calm — no sting, no reaction, no morning-after tightness. The vinegar-ferment pH is not felt as “acid” in the skin; it simply does not disrupt. By week two, skin usually starts looking more even-toned and hydrated in a settled, sustained way rather than the temporary plump of a one-time mask.

If you are using the Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum, week three is where retinal users often see the first texture shift — a smoother surface, smaller pores looking less prominent, occasional mild flaking if you have gone straight to daily use (reduce frequency if so). By week four, a complete 107 BRAND routine tends to feel like a second skin: consistently hydrated, calm, and noticeably more resilient. The aronia collagen supplement, taken daily alongside the topical routine, begins to show in firmness and bounce over a four-to-six-week window rather than days.

Our 107 BRAND selection at Kool Seoul

Each reference below is in stock and shipped from Seoul. Tap any product to shop.

Shop all 107 BRAND →

Why shop 107 BRAND at Kool Seoul

107 BRAND — frequently asked questions

What does “107” mean in 107 BRAND?

107 is a reference to 107-year-old fermented grain vinegar — specifically the traditional Korean onggi-pot vinegar that has been matured for over a century. This century-old vinegar, rich in organic acids, amino acids, and polyphenols, forms the functional base of the brand’s formulas. The name is both the ingredient story and the brand identity.

Is the vinegar in 107 BRAND products the kind you cook with?

It is the same category — fermented grain vinegar — but cosmetic-grade and formulated for skin pH rather than food acidity. The organic acid profile (primarily acetic acid) is similar in nature, but the concentration and processing in the cosmetic context is calibrated for topical use. You would not want to apply culinary vinegar to your face; you would not want to drink 107 BRAND’s retinal serum. Think of it as the same tradition expressed in two different applications.

Is 107 BRAND good for sensitive or reactive skin?

Generally yes — the vinegar-ferment base keeps formula pH close to skin’s own, which means formulas are less likely to disrupt the acid mantle or trigger reactive flares. The Micro Drizzle Hydro Toner, the Avocado Curd Sheet Mask, and the Everyday Plump Hydro Cream are all low-irritant options. The Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum contains retinal, which can cause initial dryness and sensitivity on any skin type — introduce it slowly, two to three evenings per week, and patch-test on the inner arm first if you have known reactive skin.

How is 107 BRAND different from other fermented Korean skincare brands?

Most “fermented” K-beauty brands build around galactomyces yeast, lactobacillus bacteria, or plant-extract ferments (flowers, botanical macerate). 107 BRAND’s ferment anchor is grain vinegar — a multi-stage acetic fermentation with a different acid profile, a different polyphenol load, and a different historical lineage in Korean food and apothecary culture. It is also one of the few Korean brands that pairs the traditional ferment with a modern retinal serum rather than keeping the two worlds separate.

Is the 107 Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum suitable for beginners?

It is more suitable than many retinal products for beginners, because the vinbiome base is designed to minimise irritation. That said, retinal is still a vitamin A derivative and should be introduced gradually — start two to three nights per week, avoid using on the same night as strong chemical exfoliants, and always apply SPF the following morning. If you are completely new to vitamin A derivatives, the vinegar-ferment base will help, but patience in the introduction period is still the rule.

Can I use the Aronia Vinegar Collagen supplement alongside the topical products?

Yes — the brand’s approach is “inside-out” by design. The Aronia Vinegar Low Molecular Collagen supplement is formulated to complement the topical range, not replace it. Low-molecular collagen peptides have a credible research base for supporting skin firmness when taken consistently over six to twelve weeks; aronia anthocyanins add antioxidant support. Take one packet daily, ideally in the morning, alongside your full topical routine.

Where are 107 BRAND products made?

107 BRAND products are manufactured in South Korea. Every product we ship from Kool Seoul carries Korean-market packaging, Korean production dates, and Korean batch codes — not grey-market repackaged inventory. We source through the same distribution network used by Korean retailers and check every shipment in Seoul before it leaves.

How long does shipping from Seoul to the US take?

Kool Seoul ships from Seoul via DHL Express with end-to-end tracking. Transit time to the US is typically three to six business days once your parcel is scanned. Customs and remote-address delivery can occasionally add a day. Shipping is free on orders over $150.

— Hana, team Kool Seoul · sourced from Seoul, shipped worldwide