The Beauty Librarian

Every now and then, I encounter a formulator so exacting and talented that I would (and will) beg to try anything they create, even sight unseen, simply because I am in awe of their artistry.  Such is the case with Janice Buu, the founder of Kana Skincare and chief formulator of its out-of-this-world Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask.  I was so impressed that I had to interview Ms. Buu, and she graciously agreed.  Now, without further ado, I am thrilled to introduce you to . . .

Janice Buu, the Visionary Founder of Kana Skincare

What is the story behind how you became a formulator?

Janice Buu (JB):  I was looking for natural hemp products for my father during the recovery of his bypass surgery a few years ago. I researched a lot but did not find many products that I liked in the natural skincare industry. I come from a background of health and sciences, so I quickly became interested in the subject of natural skincare formulations and decided to make my own for those who also believe in plant-based sciences.

How would you describe your beauty and skincare philosophies?

JB: Beauty presents itself when we balance our health + nutrition mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am a firm believer in total plant-based philosophy! It is the most natural way to treat, enhance, and boost what our body needs while being environmentally friendly.

Where did you get the idea/inspiration for Kana Skincare?

JB: I am American born-Chinese Korean. My mother was born and raised in Korea, hence the strong Korean culture influence on me. She has always made her own facial “masks” with things she pulls out of the fridge. I watched her by the kitchen counter cutting up cucumber slices, mixing yogurt with honey. She even washed her hair with beer! (This is almost 30 years ago!) We would put the cucumber slices all over our faces, eyes, and eat the extras that were left on the plate while chatting away at night. So as you can tell, I grew up with different views of skincare compared to my peers. My friends’ moms went to the mall and bought the newest products introduced by sales reps. It wasn’t till I was older then I realized why she always stuck by natural skincare and if she couldn’t find them, she would make them – because she had extra sensitive skin.

Combined with my research on hemp a few years ago, I thought it would be perfect to marry the two -Hemp CBD + natural Korean skincare formulations/recipes. At Kana, we test everything on myself first, before employees, before friends and family, etc.

For our first product, I am recreating the fun, bonding experience of face masking for mothers and daughters, hence our first product is the Hemp CBD infused Sleeping Mask, except 30 years later, I made a jar full of 28 active botanicals with all natural skincare formulation + aroma.

Tell us a little bit about the magic of CBD as a skincare ingredient.  How did you discover its potential?

JB:  CBD is a magical ingredient that treats eczema, sensitive skin while giving it vitamin A, E, C, and amino acids. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for soothing/relaxing agent.

The first time I tried CBD was when I was testing out a new batch of pearl powder. I mixed some CBD, pearl powder, milk, and raw honey downstairs on my kitchen counter and applied it as a face mask, washed it off after 20 minutes and as always, it felt really good! It wasn’t when I woke up the next day, I found the overnight brightening effect, super smooth skin, and I glowed for days after, even my blemishes were reduced. So I started researching on each ingredient and separating them to test on my skin to see what it was that gave me such magical overnight effect. It was CBD!

Can you describe the process/journey behind creating Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask, taking it from vision to reality?

 JB:  The sleeping mask R&D alone took about 1.5 years. It probably could have been shortened to a year, but once we got all active botanicals to sync and it worked exactly as we envisioned, then I was very picky on the consistency, texture, color, and aroma. All ingredients must be organic and/or natural, including the production process. If it wasn’t perfect, I wasn’t going to release it. Someone even joked, “Janice is not going to approve it till 2020.” I think I drove the team crazy at one point, hahah.

There was definitely a LOT of trial and error. Ideas, vision, business plans, strategies are always just different parts of the outline. Ideas form better as we practice it more and more.

Can you describe some of the cultural attitudes you have encountered, both here in the US and in Korea, to CBD?  Have these attitudes/misconceptions been hurdles for launching your product in either place and if yes, how so?

JB:  CBD is still a new ingredient in the US. I definitely think we need more education on proper use of CBD and how it may benefit us in health + beauty. It is gaining its popularity quickly on the west coast and moving to the east. CBD is only allowed for research purposes in Korea as of right now.

You have blended CBD with 28 other botanical ingredients to the effect of a hydrating, anti-inflammatory masterpiece.  What things were you going for when you selected the many various ingredients?

JB:  I was going for anti-aging and natural brightening/glowing look, so lots of anti-inflammatory agents, cell regenerating boosts, wrinkle fighters!

Why did you want to create a sleeping mask specifically?

JB:  When we sleep, our body is working hard to repair and heal us from within. So I wanted to take advantage of this and put the body to work along with these active botanicals. I travel and fly around a lot. Our bodies are dehydrated, and we break out. Although sheet masks are fun and helpful at times, it’s definitely not for someone who’s on a tight schedule. Many times, I would accidentally fall asleep with sheet masks left on my face, after a long day of meetings! Only to wake up to my sensitive skin crying for help, seeing the rash, breakouts, patches of my skin would be flakey for days after. Then I thought, if I want to mask, I want to be able to fully relax, I don’t want to wake up in 20 minutes just to take off this mask, then apply the rest of my skincare routine, then go to bed. Why can’t I just sleep with a mask?!

Although I love sheet masks, it’s a fun activity to do with your girlfriends and last minute solutions to that wedding invitation you have in a few hours!

(I see a lot of travelers and even skincare companies advertise sheet masking on the plane. It is a horrible idea, and any reputable aesthetician would be able to tell you, that they will not give you a facial in the dumpster!)

How would you describe the experience you want people to have with your products?

Everyone who tries Kana will find themselves falling in love with nature, and all things natural. The aroma of the sleeping mask puts all the beauties to sleep on a field of lavenders. They will wake up feeling refreshed with a natural glow. Aromatherapy is practiced in all of our products so the beauties can achieve mental + physical health/beauty all in one step.

Efficiency. We live in a fast-paced society where we demand results and minimalism. Kana shortens skincare routines, provides proven and efficient results.

What do you see as the greatest success of your line so far and what are your hopes for the future?

We have customers returning to purchase more masks for their mothers, friends, and themselves. Great reviews from press & beauty bloggers, editors all over the world. We are about to release our CBD + EGF active botanical essence in 2 weeks! There are people already pre-ordering without even testing essence samples! I am very thankful for the love and trust of people who believe in Kana. I hope countries that have not yet legalized CBD can take a step forward and look into the benefits of CBD and how it may benefit us all, especially patients. Kana will continue to create amazing health + beauty products that enhance the lives of our people.

Do you have more products in mind?  Can you give us any hints of what is to come?

JB:  Yes! We have some formulas currently in development and in the final human-testing stage, next release is EGF + CBD infused active botanical essence (28 active botanicals)! This is going to be a super fun addition for the beauties to use in their skincare routine, or to replace their existing serum with.

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) makes a great partner with CBD because they are both healers. EGF is found in our body since birth, however, it diminishes as we grow older (in our 20’s! don’t want to believe this… but it’s true.). Without EGF, our skin elasticity would be loose! So I thought the two can partner up and help us! EGF can focus on regeneration of the cells, fight wrinkles, while CBD soothes us, packs our skin with vitamins + amino acids, and heals any inflammation!

Now Available!  Just-Released Kana Skincare CBD + EGF Active Botanical Essence