South Korean ODM firm Imine is leveraging its proprietary hydrogel technology and a planned second factory (completion 2027) to evolve from a contract manufacturer into a strategic partner for global skincare brands. With hydrogel sales up 42% YoY and a record Q1 2026 revenue of KRW 40.9 billion, the company signals strong supply-chain capacity for overseas buyers seeking high-performance, customized skincare solutions.
Hydrogel as core technology driver
Imine’s hydrogel masks—gel-based sheets with high concentrations of active ingredients—require complex formulation skills in gel formation, ingredient stabilization, moisture retention, and skin adhesion. The company has built systematic production and quality management to minimize batch variation, ensuring reliability for global clients. In Q1 2026, hydrogel segment revenue grew 42% YoY, contributing to Imine’s record quarterly sales of KRW 40.9 billion (up 22% YoY).
Market trends and client traction
In North America, where K-beauty skincare demand is strong, convenient products like masks and toner pads are popular. Consumer preference is shifting from basic moisturizing sheet masks to segmented items such as eye patches and hydrogel masks. Imine’s direct overseas brand sales account for about 35% of total revenue. One global hydrogel brand partner (P) saw sales surge roughly 13x in 2025 versus the prior year, while other key overseas clients averaged over 50% growth. Current brand collaborators include Skin1004, Cosrx, Skinfood, Abib, Mediheal, and Peach & Lily.
Regional ODM strategies
Imine tailors its ODM approach by market. In North America, it expands premium hydrogel masks and eye patches emphasizing functionality and differentiated user experience. For Japan, the focus is on meticulous product design and quality control to meet consumer expectations for safety, texture, and finish. In Europe, the company invests in eco-friendly, sustainable, and transparent ingredient development to comply with local regulations.
Supply chain and capacity expansion
Imine is strengthening its SCM team with experienced professionals, including SCM head Kim Yoo-tae (40 years at Amorepacific, Cosmax, Kolmar) and quality experts with 20+ years at Kolmar. The second factory, slated for completion in 2027, will double production capacity. The company targets an annual output of 500 million units, supporting revenue of around KRW 500 billion. Production lines will expand from 40 to 90, with skincare equipment increasing sevenfold. The plant will be data-driven with IoT sensors, modular and cell-based lines for small-batch customization, real-time POP systems, robotic automation, AI mixers, and weighing management systems.
What buyers should watch
Imine aims to become a "trend-setter ODM" by moving beyond contract manufacturing. It publishes regular K-Trend Lab reports analyzing global market data and consumer insights. The company is diversifying into serums, ampoules, creams, and scalp care, incorporating aesthetic-grade technologies like stem cell-derived ingredients, ECM, and bio-active actives into home-care products. For importers and distributors, Imine offers a vertically integrated partner with proven hydrogel expertise, scalable production, and a clear roadmap toward premium functional skincare ODM.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 12, 2026