Harnow Co., Ltd. will launch "HEALARA," a skincare brand developed by Microalgae Ask Us Co., Ltd, a leader in Korean marine biotechnology, in Japan starting on July 20, 2026, Marine Day.
The company has signed a contract as the exclusive distributor of HEALARA in Japan. HEALARA is a marine bio skincare line that applies the efficacy gained from years of microalgae research to skincare product development, guiding skin toward a healthy, stable condition while also offering aging care*.
*Care that moisturizes skin in response to age-related changes
What Is HEALARA? Korean Marine Bio Skincare Arrives in Japan
HEALARA was born from bioscience research pursuing the potential of microalgae, said to be the oldest life form on Earth. In a laboratory that leads Korean marine biotechnology, the company cultures microalgae in-house and has succeeded in raising their purity and precision.
By delivering the unique beauty ingredients extracted from them to the skin, HEALARA aims for the skin's true wellness. Cultivating beauty in harmony with nature is how HEALARA defines luxury.
A Commitment to Microalgae, the Oldest Life Form on Earth
To make the most of the properties of microalgae, which have a 3.8-billion-year history, the HEALARA laboratory has built a huge solarium system. With HD (high-density) culture technology, it pursues efficient light irradiation of every single cell and maintains an environment that is good for culturing microalgae.
In the solarium, the balance of temperature, humidity, water quality, oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH is continuously controlled, creating an environment that takes growth into consideration. Using this advanced HD culture technology, the company stably supplies microalgae of its own standards and quality.
The company explains that by protecting the microalgae that grow in the ocean, it is working on initiatives that consider the ecological balance from the ocean to the whole planet and lead to a sustainable environment.
The Original Ingredients "panVULGARIS" and "panFUCOXANTHIN"
HEALARA's original ingredients come from two types of proprietary cultured microalgae. One is "panVULGARIS," made from the green microalga "Chlorella vulgaris," which contains protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), grown in an environment that takes energy production into consideration.
The other is "panFUCOXANTHIN," obtained from the brown microalga "Phaeodactylum." Fucoxanthin is a natural carotenoid found in algae and is considered an ingredient that supports skin aging care.
HEALARA uses formulas that bring out the individuality of these original ingredients, and carries out manufacturing and quality control based on its own quality standards.
*pan: P: Photosynthesis, A: Algae, N: Nutrients. Initials that symbolize HEALARA's proprietary technology.
Approach to Skin and Advanced Formulation Technology
HEALARA contains carefully selected ingredients with the skin in mind. With the main ingredients "panVULGARIS" and "panFUCOXANTHIN" in the leading roles, it combines fermented ingredients and herbs such as beta-glucan, peptides, amino acids, ceramides and centella asiatica extract.
It also uses formulas that protect delicate marine-derived bioactive compounds from deterioration and take ingredient stability into consideration. "panVULGARIS" (contained in the Core EB Toner) is formulated as a peptide mixing system and works as a skincare ingredient that gives firmness and moisture.
"panFUCOXANTHIN" (contained in the Core LF Serum) is formulated as nano-liposomes: nano-sized liposome capsules prevent oxidation and breakdown of the ingredient and enhance penetration* into the skin.
*Penetration is to the stratum corneum (the company's own ingredient penetration test has been carried out).
HEALARA rigorously verifies the potential and feel of its products at advanced testing institutions in Korea. The company says it comprehensively carries out in vitro and various application tests on items directly tied to maintaining healthy skin, such as fine lines caused by dryness*, uneven skin texture and moisture retention.
A Commitment to Fragrance and the Product Lineup
HEALARA's scent is a fresh, dewy fragrance with no artificial nuance, combining natural extracts from fruits such as apple, strawberry and European pear with the refreshing green of English ivy leaf / stem extract, which invites relaxation. The company explains that all the fragrances used have received allergen-free certification* and that it carefully selects ingredients that are gentle on skin.
*Complies with the strict EU standard, REGULATION EC 2023 / 1545, which expands fragrance allergen screening tests to more than 80 substances. It also complies with the standards of IFRA (International Fragrance Association).
Product information
HEALARA Core EB Toner (moisturizing toner)
A moisturizing toner containing panVULGARIS. It removes pore dirt and aged keratin, smooths the skin and leads to a luminous impression through moisture. The texture spreads with refreshing dewiness and leaves a lingering, moist finish.
Main ingredients: panVULGARIS, AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA, centella asiatica extract, fermented beta-glucan, 10 types of vegan hyaluronic acid
HEALARA Core LF Serum (serum)
A serum containing panFUCOXANTHIN. With 10 types of peptides that give firmness and 9 types of vitamins that help create a bright impression, it provides total care for skin with visible signs of aging. It supports the barrier function and leads to plump, smooth-textured, supple skin that feels firm. Its mellow, milky dewiness blends in, and the dense moisturizing power without a filmy feel gives a moisturizing texture that seems to soften and loosen the skin.
Main ingredients: panFUCOXANTHIN, 10 types of peptides, 9 types of vitamins
Other Key Ingredients
Centella asiatica extract, β-glucan, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins, amino acids, 6 types of ceramides, panthenol and more
The "Clean Beauty" HEALARA Aims For
HEALARA carries out research and development backed by respect and devotion to nature, and creates products aiming for harmony between skin and the sea. The brand lists the following points as its social initiatives.
CLEAN BEAUTY VEGAN: Uses no animal-derived ingredients at all throughout the manufacturing process, and adopts formulas that prioritize gentleness and safety for skin, such as extracting ingredients from natural raw materials.
ANIMAL FRIENDLY: Does not test on animals, out of consideration for safety and the environment.
ECO FRIENDLY RECYCLABLE: Uses FSC-certified paper from sustainable forests, as well as environmentally friendly soy-based and vegetable inks.
CLEAN OCEAN: Supports activities related to protecting, restoring and cleaning up the ocean.
Practicing Blue Carbon Through the DEEP BREATH CAMPAIGN
HEALARA is running the "DEEP BREATH CAMPAIGN" as a practice of blue carbon*1 through its own system. The huge solarium where microalgae are cultured is said to achieve carbon circulation more efficiently than forests.
According to the company, 10 tons of microalgae absorb 25 tons of CO2 and produce 18 tons of oxygen*2. This is estimated to be equivalent to 30 times the oxygen production of a forest of the same area*3.
*1 Carbon that marine ecosystems such as seagrass and algae take in as CO₂ through photosynthesis and that is then stored on the seabed and in the deep sea.
*2 A theoretical value based on the CO₂ fixation rate reported for Phaeodactylum tricornutum under culture conditions using an industrial-scale tubular photobioreactor (source: Quelhas et al., Journal of Applied Phycology, 2019). Figures vary with the actual cultivation environment, culture conditions, season and so on. This does not guarantee a direct CO₂ reduction or oxygen production in the manufacturing process of this product.
*3 A theoretical estimate that uses about 30 times as an intermediate reference value, based on the range (about 10 to 50 times) of microalgae's CO₂ fixation capacity relative to land plants reported in multiple academic papers. Actual figures vary with the type of algae, culture environment, condition of the forest, climate and so on. Source: Xu et al., “Recent advances in CO₂ fixation by microalgae and its potential contribution to carbon neutrality,” Chemosphere, 319, 137987, 2023.
The company says that offering this solarium technology creates environmental improvement and economic benefits for local communities and promotes a sustainable business model.
Profile of Dr. Pan
Dr. Pan, the founder of HEALARA and the CEO and researcher of Microalgae Ask Us Co., Ltd, earned a doctorate at Seoul National University and served as chief researcher and center director at KIST Gangneung (Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung Institute). He is a leading figure in Korean microalgae science and has published more than 175 academic papers.
Dr. Pan originally considered applying microalgae to supplements and functional foods, but took on the challenge of skincare together with his research team. He explains that clinical trials produced data showing that microalgae's survival mechanisms and nutrient density keep skin healthy. He envisions HEALARA as something like a daily sanctuary.
Release Information
HEALARA's products are scheduled to go on sale on August 25, 2026.
