Here at Ohlolly, we love uncovering the stories behind the brands we carry. In this interview, we chat with Chloe Kwak, founder of 107—a skincare line inspired by tradition, fermentation, and a personal journey with sensitive skin. From discovering the power of fermented vinegar to blending ancient wisdom with modern science, Chloe shares the passion and vision driving 107, plus exciting things ahead.
What is your background? Were you always in skincare?
I came into skincare quite organically through a personal journey. I’ve struggled with severe eczema and sensitive skin most of my life, and after trying countless products and treatments, nothing really worked—until I met Seyong Shin, who introduced me to his family’s fermented vinegar. That experience completely changed my skin and ultimately inspired the beginning of 107.
Please share the story behind the name “107” and how the brand came to be.
The name “107” is inspired by the 107 secret formulations created by Hanega, the centuries-old vinegar brewery run by Seyong’s family in South Korea. These formulations represent years of wisdom, patience, and balance—values that we carry into our skincare philosophy. The brand was born from our shared passion for fermentation and wellness, and our desire to create gentle yet effective skincare powered by naturally aged vinegar.
What were some of the earliest challenges you faced when starting 107, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was educating people about vinegar in skincare. It’s not the most obvious ingredient, and many assume it’s harsh. But our aged vinegar is fermented for years using traditional methods and is incredibly gentle and rich in amino acids. We overcame this by investing in research, working closely with cosmetic scientists, and letting our formulations—and customer results—speak for themselves.
107 is known for being “inspired by artisans and advanced by science.” How do you find the balance between tradition and modernity in your formulations?
It’s at the heart of everything we do. We start with time-honored ingredients like our seven-year fermented vinegar and combine them with modern skincare science. We’re always refining our formulas—selecting clean, proven ingredients that work harmoniously with our vinegar base. It’s about honoring the wisdom of the past, while embracing innovation to make skincare that feels both rooted and relevant.
How does your personal skin journey help you connect with 107’s customers?
My skin journey makes this brand deeply personal. I know what it’s like to feel uncomfortable in your own skin, to read every ingredient label, to worry about flare-ups. That’s why I’m passionate about transparency, clean formulations, and listening to our community. I truly want our customers to feel seen, supported, and safe using our products.
What are your personal go-to 107 products?
I always have our Soseo Vinbiome Retinal Serum in my routine—it’s my skin savior when I’m flaring or feeling sensitive. I also love the Chaga Jelly Low pH Cleanser and Scalp Purifying Microbiome Shampoo for gentle and soothing cleansing, and recently, I’ve been reaching for our Scalp Cooling Breeze Shampoo—it’s amazing for hot weather and helps balance my scalp, which is something I’ve also struggled with.
Any beauty tips/hacks to share with us?
One of my favorite tips is to listen to your skin daily — it’s okay to change your routine based on how your skin feels. Also, try storing your sheet masks or toners in the fridge during warmer months—it’s a game changer for calming and depuffing. And don’t forget to purify and hydrate your scalp—it’s an extension of your skin and deserves the same love and care!
Is there anything coming up for 107 (products, events, etc) that you’re excited to share?
Yes! We’re so excited about our Scalp Cooling Breeze Shampoo that just launched—it’s perfect for summer and addresses rising scalp temperatures from heat and stress. We’re also expanding our sun care line with our sun stick, which hydrates and protects without leaving a white cast. And we have some exciting collaborations and events lined up this year that I can’t wait to share more about soon!
We’re continually inspired by 107—a brand that beautifully balances centuries-old tradition with modern skincare science. Chloe and her team are creating products that not only nourish the skin, but also reflect a deep commitment to care, quality, and community. From calming cleansers to fermented skincare heroes, 107 is all about gentle effectiveness you can trust.
Discover the full 107 collection here. You can also connect with Chloe at @chloe.kwak. Follow us on Instagram @ohlollybeauty for the latest launches and skincare tips!
