What YCAM does

YCAM (주)와이씨에이엠, legally YCAM Corporation, is a privately held Korean specialty raw material distributor founded in 2010 and headquartered in Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The company imports specialty and industrial chemical raw materials from 11 global manufacturers and distributes them to Korean B2B customers across two end-markets: industrial manufacturing (coatings, adhesives, sealants, electronics, automotive, rubber, construction) and cosmetics & personal care (formulation ingredients including lactic acid derivatives, silicones, clays, perlite, preservatives, and functional additives). Its supplier roster includes Arkema, JNC, Momentive, Hubei Bluesky New Material, Yuen Liang Industrial/Arochem, BASF, Imerys, Teijin, Corbion, SK, and HK Hannong Chemical.

The product portfolio spans roughly 50+ documented SKUs across categories including UV/EB curable monomers and oligomers (Arkema SR/CN series), functional silicones (JNC Silaplane, Momentive Silquest and cosmetic silicone ranges), silane coupling agents (Hubei Bluesky LT series), hydrocarbon and C9 aromatic petroleum resins (Yuen Liang YL/GA/SK series), para-aramid fibers (Teijin Twaron and Technora), lactic acid and lactates (Corbion PURAC/Purasal range), specialty surfactants and amines (BASF Lutensol, Sokalan, NMEOA/DMEOA, 2E4MI), bio-based copolyester (SK Ecotrion H1000), glycol ether solvents (HK Hannong EDG/MDG), and cosmetic minerals (Imerys perlite, talc, kaolin, mica, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth). The company does not develop proprietary technology; its technical capability lies in deep application knowledge of raw material properties and the ability to recommend appropriate materials to formulation customers.

Revenue is generated through transactional B2B sales of imported raw materials to domestic Korean customers, with margins earned on the spread between import and domestic sale prices. The go-to-market is sales-led, executed by professional sales staff functioning as technical consultants rather than order-takers; customers reach YCAM primarily through its corporate website inquiry portal or direct outreach. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is quote-based, tailored to volume, specifications, and contract terms. Distribution is exclusively direct (no third-party domestic distributors), the operating footprint is single-country (South Korea), and the company handles all logistics and supply continuity for its supplier partners in the Korean market.

Name

YCAM

Legal name

(주)와이씨에이엠

Website

https://ycam.co.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Short description

YCAM is a privately held Korean specialty raw material distributor, importing and selling chemical and cosmetic ingredients from 11 global manufacturers to industrial and personal care B2B customers across South Korea.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Anyang

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Specialty Chemical Import and Distribution: YCAM imports specialty and industrial chemical raw materials from global manufacturers and distributes them domestically in South Korea, earning margins on the spread between import and domestic sale prices. Revenue is generated through one-time and recurring transactional sales of raw materials to industrial and cosmetics customers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels1 record

Core offering

YCAM imports specialty and industrial chemical raw materials from 11 global manufacturers (Arkema, JNC, Momentive, Hubei Bluesky, Yuen Liang/Arochem, BASF, Imerys, Teijin, Corbion, SK, HK Hannong Chemical) and distributes them domestically in South Korea to industrial and cosmetics manufacturers. The portfolio covers UV/EB curable monomers and oligomers, silicones and silane coupling agents, hydrocarbon resins, para-aramid fibers, lactic acid derivatives, bio-based copolyesters, glycol ether solvents, cosmetic minerals, surfactants, and epoxy curing agents used in coatings, adhesives, electronics, automotive, rubber, cosmetics, and personal care applications.

Product overview

YCAM (주)와이씨에이엠 is a raw material distribution company specializing in industrial and cosmetic chemical ingredients. The company does not manufacture a unified product but rather distributes a diverse portfolio of raw materials from global partner manufacturers. The product portfolio includes: (1) CORBION lactic acid derivatives (PURAC HS-88, PURAC 88T, and related lactate products) for cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications; (2) SK Ecotrion bio-based polyester resin (H1000) for engineering applications; (3) HK Han Nong Hwa glycol ethers (EDG, MDG) for display cleaning, coatings, and cosmetics; (4) TEIJIN high-performance aramid fibers (Technora and Twaron series) for composites, rubber reinforcement, and protective applications; (5) HUBEI BLUESKY silane coupling agents (LT-550, LT-560, LT-792, LT-171, LT-172) for adhesives, coatings, and composites; (6) YUEN LIANG hydrocarbon resins (YL-90, YL-120, GA-130, SK-140H) for adhesives, coatings, and rubber; (7) BASF specialty chemicals (Lutensol ON 60, Sokalan K-90(P), 2E4MI, DMEOA, NMEOA) for surfactants, water treatment, and epoxy/urethane systems; (8) JNC Silaplane silicone intermediates (FM-DA21, FM-DA11, FM-DA26) for urethane modification; (9) IMERYS cosmetic minerals (perlite, talc, kaolin, mica, calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth); (10) MOMENTIVE cosmetic silicones and silanes (Silquest A-series silanes, Silaplane derivatives, various silicone oils, emulsions, and resins); (11) Arkema UV/EB curable materials including SR-series monomers and CN-series oligomers for coatings, adhesives, and inks. These materials serve diverse industries including cosmetics/personal care, electronics/display, automotive, construction, industrial coatings, and packaging.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Arkema UV/EB Curable Monomers and Oligomers (SR and CN Series) Complete line of UV/EB curable monomers (SR506HP, SR238, SR339, SR350, SR351, SR399, SR420, SR423, SR444, SR506, SR579, SR833, SR899F, SR9051) and urethane acrylate, epoxy acrylate, polyester acrylate, and acrylated polyester oligomers (CN-series) for adhesives, coatings, inks, sealants, 3D printing, and electronic applications.
• JNC Silaplane Silicone Intermediates (FM-DA Series) Aminopropylmethylsilane-dimethylsiloxane copolymers (FM-DA21, FM-DA11, FM-DA26) in various molecular weights used as urethane resin modifiers providing improved flexibility, contamination resistance, heat/weather resistance, abrasion resistance, and gas permeability for coatings, synthetic leather, and silicone-urethane hybrid resins.
• Momentive Cosmetic Silicones and Silquest Silane Coupling Agents Complete portfolio of Momentive cosmetic silicones (cyclics, linear oils, gum blends, phenyl modified fluids, amino-functional silicones, emulsions, microspheres, gels, natural derived oils, silicone resins) and Silquest series silane coupling agents (A-1100, A-1120, A-171, A-172, A-186, A-187) for cosmetics, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
• Hubei Bluesky Silane Coupling Agents (LT Series) Dual-functional silane coupling agents including LT-550 (gamma-aminopropyltriethoxysilane), LT-560 (epoxy-functional), LT-792 (diamine-functional), LT-171 (vinyltrimethoxysilane), and LT-172 (vinyl tris(2-methoxyethoxy)silane) used as adhesion promoters, crosslinkers, and coupling agents for coatings, adhesives, sealants, glass fiber, foundry resins, and composite materials.
• Yuen Liang and Arochem Hydrocarbon Resins (YL, GA, SK Series) Low-molecular-weight petroleum-based thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins including YL-90 and YL-120 for hot-melt adhesives and anti-corrosion coatings, GA-130 for asphalt applications, and SK-140H (C9 aromatic petroleum resin) for adhesives, coatings, printing inks, and rubber compounds.
• BASF Specialty Chemicals (Surfactants, Amines, Curing Agents, Dispersants) BASF specialty chemical portfolio including Lutensol ON 60 non-ionic surfactant, Sokalan K-90(P) polyacrylic acid dispersant, 2E4MI imidazole curing agent, NMEOA and DMEOA amino alcohols for epoxy and urethane systems, and other alkanolamines for coatings, inks, metalworking, cleaning, and CO2/H2S absorption.
• Imerys Cosmetic Minerals (Perlite, Talc, Kaolin, Mica, Calcium Carbonate, Diatomaceous Earth) Complete range of cosmetic-grade minerals including perlite powders (for sebum absorption and natural scrubbing), talc (anticaking, opacifying, slip modifier), kaolin (anticaking, bulking), diatomaceous earth (absorbent, opacifying), mica, and calcium carbonate (blur effects, soap bar applications), with Cosmos Eco-cert approval where applicable.
• Teijin Para-Aramid Fibers (Technora and Twaron Series) High-performance para-aramid fibers including Technora T-221, T-200, and Twaron T-1080, T-3091 grades featuring high strength (5x steel at equal weight), heat resistance (>500°C decomposition), chemical resistance, fatigue durability, and dimensional stability for rubber/elastomer reinforcement, cables/ropes, friction parts, ballistic/protective materials, and advanced composites.
• Corbion Lactic Acid and Lactate Derivatives (PURAC and Purasal Series) Comprehensive range of bio-based lactic acid and lactate derivatives including PURAC HS-88/HS-90/Ultrapure 90/Hipure 90 (Eco-cert approved cosmetic grades), PURAC 88T (Technical grade), PURAC PF90 (Pharma grade), PURACAL PP/FCC (calcium lactate), PURASAL S/S/PF60 (sodium lactate), PURASAL Moist XS (sodium lactate and sodium gluconate), PURASAL NH/COS (ammonium lactate), and PURAMEX-Zn (zinc lactate) for exfoliation, humectancy, pH adjustment, and sebum reduction.
• SK Ecotrion H1000 Bio-based Copolyester Resin Bio-based copolyester resin with high heat resistance, high stiffness, excellent mechanical properties, transparency, and processability for engineering plastic applications in electronics, automotive, industrial/consumer goods, and sustainable packaging.
• HK Hannong Chemical Glycol Ether Solvents and Cosmetic Ingredients (EDG, MDG, Phenoxyethanol) High-boiling glycol ether solvents including EDG (Ethylene Diglycol) for display cleaners and optical coatings, MDG (Methyl Diglycol) for inks, coatings, adhesives, and cosmetics, plus cosmetic ingredients including Phenoxyethanol (preservative), HK-HCO60 (PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil solubilizer), MEA, sodium benzoate, and tromethamine.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• ARKEMAcoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal specialty materials company providing UV/EB curable monomers and oligomers, acrylates, and methacrylates. YCAM distributes Arkema's radiation curing resin portfolio (SR and CN series) in the Korean market.
• JNCcoreTechnology or IntegrationJapanese chemical company providing silicone-based materials (Silaplane series) for urethane resin modification, coating, synthetic leather, and silicone-urethane hybrid applications. YCAM distributes JNC's functional silicones in Korea.
• MOMENTIVEcoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal silicones and advanced materials company providing silanes (Silquest series) and silicone fluids, gums, resins, and emulsions for cosmetics, coatings, and industrial applications. YCAM distributes Momentive's silicone portfolio including Silquest silanes and KCC/Momentive cosmetic ingredients in Korea.
• Hubei Bluesky New Material Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationChinese manufacturer of functional silanes including aminopropyl, epoxy, and vinyl silane coupling agents. YCAM distributes Hubei Bluesky's silane products (LT series) for coatings, adhesives, composites, and foundry applications in Korea.
• Yuen Liang Industrial & Co., Ltd.coreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturer of hydrocarbon resins (YL and GA series) and C9 aromatic petroleum resins (SK-140H) for adhesives, coatings, rubber compounding, and asphalt applications. YCAM distributes Yuen Liang's resin products in the Korean market.
• BASFcoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal chemical company providing surfactants, amines, chelating agents, and epoxy curing additives. YCAM distributes BASF products including Lutensol ON 60 surfactants, Sokalan dispersants, imidazole curing agents, and alkanolamines in Korea.
• IMERYScoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecialty minerals company providing perlite, talc, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, mica, and calcium carbonate for cosmetics (skin care, scrubs, opacifiers) and industrial applications. YCAM distributes Imerys mineral additives in Korea.
• TEIJINcoreTechnology or IntegrationJapanese advanced materials company providing high-performance para-aramid fibers (Twaron and Technora series) for rubber reinforcement, cables, ropes, composites, friction materials, and protective apparel. YCAM distributes Teijin's aramid fiber products in Korea.
• CORBIONcoreTechnology or IntegrationBio-based lactic acid and derivatives manufacturer providing PURAC lactic acid products for food, cosmetics (AHA exfoliants), personal care, pharmaceuticals, cleaning, and agriculture. YCAM distributes Corbion's lactic acid and lactate product range in Korea.
• SKcoreTechnology or IntegrationKorean energy and materials company providing bio-based copolyester resin (Ecotrion H1000) for engineering plastic applications in electronics, automotive, and sustainable packaging. YCAM distributes SK's eco-friendly engineering polyester in Korea.
• HK Hannong Chemical (한농화성)coreTechnology or IntegrationKorean chemical company providing glycol ether solvents (EDG, MDG) for display cleaning, coatings, adhesives, electronics cleaning, and cosmetics. YCAM distributes HK Hannong's glycol ether products in the Korean market.
• Arochem CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationCo-represented with Yuen Liang Industrial for hydrocarbon resin distribution in the Korean market, covering C9 aromatic petroleum resins and hot-melt adhesive resin solutions.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Azelis: Belgian specialty chemical distributor with strong focus on personal care, beauty, and industrial specialties. Closely comparable to YCAM in supplier representation model and emphasis on technical sales, and is actively expanding in Asia-Pacific including Korea.
• Barentz: European-headquartered specialty chemical distributor with strong personal care and industrial specialties franchises. Comparable to YCAM in business model and end-market emphasis, and is expanding its Asia-Pacific presence.
• IMCD: Dutch-listed specialty chemical distributor with strong personal care, coatings, and industrial specialties portfolios. Directly comparable to YCAM in business model (specialty chemical distribution acting as principals' gateway) and end-market mix, including a growing Asia-Pacific footprint.
• DKSH Holding: Swiss-listed Market Expansion Services group with a deep specialty chemicals and personal care ingredients distribution business across Asia-Pacific, including a Korean operation. Highly comparable to YCAM as both act as the local-market gateway for global principals selling specialty raw materials into Asian formulators.
• ICC Chemical: Asia-focused chemical distribution and trading company. Comparable to YCAM in business model as a regional specialty chemical distributor, with overlap in industrial raw materials and personal care ingredients.

Regional players

• NAGASE & Co. Japanese specialty chemicals and trading company with active Korean operations and a long-standing distribution franchise for global principals. Comparable to YCAM as a regional specialty chemicals distributor bridging Japanese and global principals into Korean industrial customers.
• Connell Bros (Wilbur-Ellis): Asia-Pacific specialty chemical distributor owned by Wilbur-Ellis. Comparable to YCAM in geographic focus and product categories (specialty chemicals for personal care, coatings, and industrial customers), though with broader Asia-Pacific coverage.
• Samchun Chemicals: Korean specialty chemical manufacturer and distributor with a broad portfolio of reagents and industrial chemicals. Comparable to YCAM as a domestic Korean specialty chemicals player serving industrial customers with similar raw material categories.

Broad incumbents

• Brenntag: World's largest chemical distributor with global operations including Asia-Pacific. Comparable to YCAM in product categories (specialty chemicals, personal care, coatings additives) but operates at dramatically larger scale with a broader SKU portfolio and bundled logistics services.
• Univar Solutions: North American-headquartered global chemical and ingredient distributor with specialty, industrial, and personal care lines. Now privately held by Apollo. Comparable to YCAM in operating model and product categories, though at much larger scale and with broader geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about YCAM