ETHEREAL
ETHEREAL (이트리얼) is a privately held South Korean dermacosmetic company operating the DR+LAB brand, selling patented skincare products through 5,000+ domestic dermatology clinics and aesthetic shops plus distributors in China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai, New Zealand, and the US.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersMapo, South Korea
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ETHEREAL does
ETHEREAL (이트리얼) is a privately held South Korean company that develops, manufactures, and distributes dermatological and aesthetic cosmetics under its flagship DR+LAB (닥터랩) brand, originally launched in 2007. The company is headquartered in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and is led by CEO Lee Young-chang (이영창). Its product portfolio spans professional-grade skincare (ampoules, creams, masks, cleansers, toners, sunscreens, color-correcting BB/CC creams), patented actives including the Natural Protector antioxidant, BioPeptha stem-cell ingredient, and patent-pending Naflex12 yuzu extract, plus specialized lines such as Hydra-Derma Centellaca, the Cenesis scalp clinic system, and the For Inner Y-Solution feminine care serum. The business is built on a hybrid go-to-market combining B2B field sales to dermatologists, clinics, and aesthetic shops (5,000+ domestic partner locations), D2C e-commerce through the official online mall, home shopping distribution, and a growing international channel spanning China (via wholly-owned subsidiary 德莱博/DekLAB and CFDA approval), Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai, New Zealand (Unichem Pharmacy), and the US. Revenue is generated through one-time wholesale purchases from professional partners and direct consumer sales; pricing is not publicly disclosed.
In October 2025, ETHEREAL signed a value-up curation partnership with V-LOOK (비에레브) to jointly pursue the global cosmeceutical market, signaling an explicit strategic shift from single-brand professional distribution toward a co-developed global growth platform. The company's R&D is anchored by an in-house skin science research institute developing functional customized formulations for clinical blending use, and competitive positioning rests on brand heritage (17+ years), channel depth in Korean dermatology clinics, proprietary patented ingredients, and the regulatory barrier of its CFDA approval for the Chinese market. No AI/ML capabilities, no disclosed external funding, and no M&A activity appear in the available record.
ETHEREAL firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ETHEREAL
- Legal name
- (주)이트리얼
- Website
- https://ethereal.co.kr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- ETHEREAL (이트리얼) is a privately held South Korean dermacosmetic company operating the DR+LAB brand, selling patented skincare products through 5,000+ domestic dermatology clinics and aesthetic shops plus distributors in China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Dubai, New Zealand, and the US.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ETHEREAL industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Dermatological Cosmetics
- NAICS
- Toilet Preparation Manufacturing (325620)
- SIC
- Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF), Professional Skincare & Facial Treatments (CRABALAF), Dermatology & Topical Skin Treatments (HLAIADAE)
Keywords
Where ETHEREAL is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mapo
- HQ country
- South Korea
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
ETHEREAL business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations
Revenue model
- Cosmetics Product Sales: Sale of dermatological and aesthetic cosmetics products including skincare solutions, creams, masks, cleansers, and specialized products (hair, body, inner beauty). Revenue generated from B2B sales to clinics/aesthetic shops and direct-to-consumer online sales.
- Home Shopping: Distribution through home shopping channels for expanded consumer reach beyond online mall and clinic channels
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Consumer e-commerce pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
ETHEREAL product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ETHEREAL develops, manufactures, and sells professional-grade dermatological cosmetics under the Dr.Lab (닥터랩) brand, including skincare solutions, ampoules, creams, masks, cleansers, BB/CC creams, sun care, and specialized inner beauty products. Products are formulated through an in-house skin science research institute with patented/quantified active ingredients and are designed for customizable blending use in hospitals, dermatology clinics, and aesthetic shops, with parallel consumer availability through online and home shopping channels.
Product overview
ETHEREAL (이트리얼) is a diversified Korean company operating primarily through its flagship dermocosmetic brand DR+LAB (닥터랩), launched in 2007. The product portfolio centers on professional-grade skincare solutions for hospitals, clinics, and aesthetic shops, with products that can be customized for various treatment environments. Core product lines include: moisturizing oils (모이스처 라이저 밸런스 오일), vitamin C brightening solutions (화이트팩터 비타C 13 솔루션), CICA-based calming lines (하이드라-더마 센텔라시카), specialized scalp care (세너시스), inner beauty feminine care (포 이너 와이 솔루션), cleansers (허니 모이스처 밸런스 젤 클렌저, 액티브자임 밀크 클렌저), and color-correcting cosmetics (BB/CC creams). The company also offers general consumer products through online malls, H&B retail, and home shopping channels. Distribution spans over 5,000 domestic hospital and aesthetic locations with international expansion into China, USA, Thailand, New Zealand, and Middle East markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Dr.Lab (닥터랩): Derma-cosmetics brand for hospitals, aesthetic clinics, and spas, offering skincare solutions, ampoules, creams, masks, and specialized treatment products. Founded in 2007.
Products and services
- Dr.Lab (닥터랩) Dermacosmetic Brand Primary dermacosmetic brand providing skincare solutions for hospitals, clinics, and aesthetic shops with professional-grade products customizable for various treatment environments. Distributed across 5,000+ hospital and aesthetic locations in Korea with international expansion into China, USA, Thailand, New Zealand, and other markets.
- Dr.Lab White Pack Beta-C 13 Solution (닥터랩 화이트팩터 비타C 13 솔루션) Whitening functional ampoule containing 13% pure vitamin C with one-time blister packaging to prevent oxidation. Includes niacinamide for whitening and wrinkle improvement, suitable for sensitive skin. For clinics, aesthetic shops, and consumers seeking brightening solutions.
- Dr.Lab Moisture Riser Balance Oil (닥터랩 모이스처 라이저 밸런스 오일) 100% natural plant-derived face oil containing olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, rosewood oil, and lavender oil. Provides moisturizing and skin protection for dry skin including sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
- Hydro-Derma Centella Asiatica Series (하이드라-더마 센텔라시카 시리즈) Skincare line featuring Centella Asiatica (CICA) extract with quantified extracts (madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid) for collagen promotion, regeneration, and inflammation relief. Includes solution/ampoule, cream, and mask formats.
- Dr.Lab For Inner Y Solution (닥터랩 포 이너 와이 솔루션) Inner beauty feminine care serum with pH 4.3 acidic formula maintaining healthy vaginal pH balance (3.5-4.5). Addresses moisture, elasticity, itching relief, and whitening for intimate area care. Features plant-based active ingredients and patent-pending Naflex12 Yuzu extract.
- Dr.Lab White Pack Beta-Vital Toner (닥터랩 화이트 팩터 바이탈 토너) Hydrating toner with vitamin complex and plant-derived fermented extract complex providing double moisture protection and whitening effect as first step in skincare routine.
- Dr.Lab Honey Moisture Balance Z Cleanser (닥터랩 허니 모이스처 밸런스 젤 클렌저) Gel cleanser containing honey extract, natural-derived surfactants, and beta-glucan for deep cleansing with moisture adsorption and honey moisturizing effect.
- Dr.Lab Cell Activating Mist (닥터랩 셀 액티베이팅 미스트) Moisture regeneration mist with triple functional certification (whitening, wrinkle improvement, UV protection). Contains Natural Protector patented ingredient, phyto-oligo for sebum control, marine collagen, adenosine, and niacinamide. Can be used over makeup.
- Cenesis Customized Scalp Clinic System (세너시스 두피 클리닉 시스템) Customized scalp clinic system launched in 2013 for professional hair and scalp care treatment. Targets hair loss prevention and scalp health improvement for use in clinics and aesthetic shops.
- Dr.Lab CC Cream (닥터랩 CC크림) Color correction cream for skin tone evening and complexion coverage. Provides lighter coverage than BB cream with color-correcting benefits.
- DR.LAB BB Cream BB cream for skin tone coverage, blemish concealment, and skin protection. Multiple formula variations available.
- Dr.Lab Non-Chemical Sun Fluid (닥터랩 넌 케미컬 선 플루이드) Mineral-free/waterless sunscreen fluid providing advanced sun protection without chemical UV filters.
- BioPeptha Revitalizing Series (바이오팸타 리바이탈라이징 시리즈) Revitalizing skincare line featuring patented Bio Pepita Stem Cell ingredient. Includes cream and other formulations for skin regeneration and anti-aging.
- Dr.Lab Blue Cam Soothing Gel (닥터랩 블루 캄 수딩 겔) Soothing gel for skin calming and post-treatment recovery. Contains guaiiazulene, aloe, and centella asiatica for skin damage improvement and post-laser soothing. Used as moisturizing pack in dermatology and aesthetic clinics.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products used in 5,000+ domestic clinic and aesthetic shop locations
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ETHEREAL
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ETHEREAL technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
ETHEREAL partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Vielev (비에레브)coreValue-up curation business agreement signed in October 2025 for joint global cosmeceutical market strategy. Collaboration to strengthen market positioning and expand global presence
- WizWell (위즈웰)minorWellness shopping mall partnership for health and beauty product distribution. WizWell wellness shopping mall (www.wizwell.com) partnered for online distribution of Dr.Lab products
- WizCoze (위즈코즈)minorOnline distribution partnership established in 2010 for online sales of Dr.Lab products through WizCoze platform
- Chinese Distributors and BuyerscorePartnership with Chinese distributors and buyers for market entry following CFDA regulatory approval
- Bangkok Export PartnersminorMOU signing for Bangkok export to expand presence in Southeast Asian markets
- Unichem Pharmacy (New Zealand)minorPartnership with New Zealand's largest pharmacy chain for distribution of K-Beauty products
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ETHEREAL competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AHC: Korean derma-cosmetics brand (originally by Carver Korea, now under Unilever) that sells professional-grade skincare through clinics, aesthetic shops, and consumer retail. Directly comparable to Dr.Lab in product positioning, distribution model, and target dermatology channel.
- Dr. Jart+: Premium Korean derma-cosmetics brand owned by Estée Lauder, sold through dermatologists, Sephora, and department stores. Closely comparable product philosophy (dermatologist-developed skincare) and similar Korean professional-to-global-consumer brand trajectory.
- Aestura: AmorePacific-owned dermatological skincare brand specializing in ceramide-based and sensitive-skin products distributed through Korean clinics and pharmacies. Direct competitor in the professional dermatology channel.
- Atopalm: Korean derma-cosmetic brand (originally Neopharm) focused on atopic and sensitive-skin formulations with patented MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion) technology. Comparable professional-channel derma positioning and similar product IP-led differentiation.
- Dr. Different: Korean derma-cosmetics brand founded by dermatologists that markets through clinics and direct-to-consumer channels globally. Closely comparable founder-led, doctor-driven derma positioning and international K-Beauty export model.
- Mediheal: Korean sheet mask and skincare brand that built its professional identity through dermatologist recommendations and expanded to global retail. Comparable derma-positioned brand that pivoted from B2B/professional to mass consumer K-Beauty.
Emerging players
- HUGEL (Chaeum): Korean biopharmaceutical company with a cosmeceutical/skin booster line (Chaeum, The Chaeum). Comparable in the sense that it bridges pharma-grade development with skincare products, similar to ETHEREAL's clinically-positioned portfolio.
- Cellcosmet: Swiss cosmeceutical brand selling through dermatologists, spas, and premium retail. Useful international benchmark for the clinic-channel, professional-use derma-cosmetics model that ETHEREAL pursues domestically.
Broad incumbents
- Amorepacific: Korea's largest beauty conglomerate whose subsidiaries (Sulwhasoo, Innisfree, Aestura, Illiyoon) span both professional and consumer skincare. Relevant as a broad incumbent whose portfolio overlaps ETHEREAL's positioning across multiple price tiers.
- LG Household & Health Care: Major Korean beauty conglomerate owning OHUI, Su:m37°, Belif, The History of Whoo, and derma brands. Overlaps with ETHEREAL in derma-adjacent professional positioning and is a likely strategic acquirer or benchmark.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ETHEREAL social profiles
Digital presenceETHEREAL financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ETHEREAL leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
ETHEREAL subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
ETHEREAL funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ETHEREAL M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ETHEREAL
What does ETHEREAL do?
ETHEREAL develops, manufactures, and sells professional-grade dermatological cosmetics under the Dr.Lab (닥터랩) brand, including skincare solutions, ampoules, creams, masks, cleansers, BB/CC creams, sun care, and specialized inner beauty products. Products are formulated through an in-house skin science research institute with patented/quantified active ingredients and are designed for customizable blending use in hospitals, dermatology clinics, and aesthetic shops, with parallel consumer availability through online and home shopping channels.
Is ETHEREAL a public or private company?
ETHEREAL is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ETHEREAL founded?
ETHEREAL was founded in 2010.
Where is ETHEREAL based?
ETHEREAL is headquartered in Mapo, South Korea, in the Asia region.
How does ETHEREAL make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Cosmetics Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are home Shopping.
Who are ETHEREAL's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AHC, Dr. Jart+, Aestura, Atopalm, Dr. Different and Mediheal. Emerging players are HUGEL (Chaeum) and Cellcosmet. Broad incumbents are Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care.
Does ETHEREAL have an API?
No public API is recorded for ETHEREAL.
What industry is ETHEREAL in?
ETHEREAL's product category is Dermatological Cosmetics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRABAAAF, Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare, with a secondary code of CRADAMAF, Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal). Its NAICS code is 325620 and its SIC code is 2844.