BENTON: the natural K-beauty brand from the Lee brothers Snail Bee
In the clean beauty segment of K-beauty, BENTON embodies the moving story of two brothers who entered cosmetics to help one of them treat his skin problems. Founded in 2011 by JangWon and ChaeWon Lee, the brand takes its name from the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which tells the story of a man aging backwards. A powerful metaphor for a brand whose mission is to help the skin regain its original healthy and youthful state, thanks to rigorously selected natural ingredients. An authentic philosophy, certified PETA cruelty-free.
At Ma Petite Corée, we have included BENTON in our natural catalog, convinced by the founders' authentic approach and the consistent quality of formulations for sensitive skin. In this article, we deeply analyze the brand’s DNA. History, philosophy, ingredients and key concepts, flagship products, adapted routines: everything you need to know to understand why BENTON fully deserves its place in your K-beauty routine.
BENTON: the K-beauty brand born from a brotherly quest
BENTON is a Korean brand founded in 2011 by the brothers JangWon and ChaeWon Lee, under moving personal circumstances. One of the brothers suffered from severe skin problems, multiple allergies, and chronic hypersensitivities that resisted all market treatments. After years of unsuccessful searching among existing brands (including the most prestigious and expensive), the two brothers decided to create their own range of natural cosmetics, specifically formulated for the most sensitive and problematic skin.
The name BENTON is a contraction of a significant cultural reference: the main character of the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008, directed by David Fincher). In this film, Benjamin Button ages backwards, gradually returning to the state of an infant. This reversal of time inspired BENTON’s philosophy: to restore the skin to its naturally healthy and youthful state, rather than masking its imperfections with harsh ingredients that accelerate aging. A poetic metaphor that perfectly sums up the brand’s DNA.
BENTON quickly gained cult status in the international K-beauty community, notably thanks to word of mouth on Reddit SkincareAddiction and specialized blogs. All products are 100% made in Korea, certified cruelty-free by PETA with the Beauty Without Bunnies logo. The brand refuses controversial ingredients: no parabens, no mineral oils, no drying alcohols, no benzophenone, no harsh chemical preservatives. Formulations are produced in small batches to guarantee maximum freshness and effectiveness. A rare artisanal approach in the segment.
Natural ingredients and the sensitive-skin approach: BENTON’s signature
BENTON’s main signature is its rigorous use of emblematic natural ingredients. Snail mucin (snail secretion filtrate) is the star active of the Snail Bee range: deeply hydrating, it stimulates cell regeneration, reduces scars, and improves skin texture. Bee venom, an exotic ingredient, tricks the body into thinking it has been stung, thus stimulating elastin production while fighting redness and irritation. A bold combination that made the Snail Bee line a success.
Aloe barbadensis water is the key ingredient of the Aloe range, including Aloe BHA Toner and Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel. Aloe has been renowned for millennia for its soothing and repairing properties, perfect for irritated, red skin or after sun exposure. Tea tree leaf water forms the core of the Honest TT Mist, rich in anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties. Galactomyces ferment filtrate is the first ingredient in the Fermentation Essence and Eye Cream, known for its brightening and anti-aging effect.
BENTON also innovates with more contemporary ingredients like Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, in its Bakuchiol Serum. Ceramides at 10,000 ppm compose the Ceramide Cream for intense skin barrier repair. The brand recently developed the Guava line, with Guava Hydrating Make Up Base Primer, Guava Moisture Soothing Serum, Guava Pore Cleansing Oil, and Guava Moisture Collagen Facial Mist. This diversification shows BENTON’s ability to evolve without abandoning its founding principles of naturalness and respect for sensitive skin.
BENTON’s flagship products
BENTON has several products that have become absolute references in the clean K-beauty segment. Here are the essentials.
The Snail Bee High Content Essence is BENTON’s absolute iconic product, the brand’s historic first launch and all-time bestseller. A light gel essence combining snail mucin and bee venom in high concentration, odorless, fast absorption. Regenerating, anti-aging, soothing for irritated skin. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. A universal must-have in any serious K-beauty routine.
The Aloe BHA Skin Toner is the cult toner for oily, acne-prone skin. Combines soothing aloe barbadensis water with a gentle BHA (salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate pores. Removes blackheads and impurities while calming redness. Recently renewed with an even more effective formula. For combination to oily skin, to be used daily after cleansing.
The Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel completes the absolute cult trio. A multi-use gel with aloe + propolis combo to soothe, hydrate, and fight bacteria. Usable as a light moisturizer, express mask, on localized pimples, or on sunburns. A versatile must-have appreciated for its non-greasy melting texture and gentle healing action. Also ideal as an aftershave for men.
BENTON for whom? Adapting the brand to your skin
BENTON primarily targets sensitive, reactive, allergic, or intolerant skin to conventional cosmetics. Skin prone to eczema, couperose, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis will find respectful formulations in BENTON that will not trigger reactions. Acne-prone skin will particularly benefit from the Aloe BHA line for a gentle but effective treatment, or from the Snail Bee High Content Essence for its healing action on post-acne marks.
Mature skin will appreciate the Fermentation line (Essence + Eye Cream with Galactomyces) for its gentle anti-aging effect, or the Bakuchiol Serum as an alternative to too harsh retinol. Dry and atopic skin will opt for the Ceramide Cream 10,000 ppm which deeply repairs the skin barrier. Ethical consumers sensitive to animal welfare will appreciate the PETA cruelty-free certification and ECOCERT-approved natural formulations. Oily and combination skin with imperfections will find a winning duo in the Aloe + Snail Bee line, or in the new Guava line for its hydrating properties.
Building your complete BENTON routine
A complete BENTON routine respects the brand’s minimalist and respectful approach. In the morning, start with a gentle cleanse using the Honest Cleansing Foam (natural surfactants derived from palm oil, non-irritating). Then apply the Aloe BHA Skin Toner on cotton to gently exfoliate and soothe, or the Deep Green Tea Toner for a more refreshing effect.
Continue with the Snail Bee High Content Essence by patting for hydration and regeneration, followed optionally by the Bakuchiol Serum for a gentle anti-aging effect. Finish with the Ceramide Cream (for dry skin) or the Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream (lighter textures). Apply your sunscreen, possibly BENTON’s Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream to stay within the brand’s universe.
In the evening, repeat the routine without SPF. Two to three times a week, include intensive treatments: the Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel as a 15-minute express mask on stressed skin, the Aloe Soothing Mask Pack for a hydration boost, or the Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack for a powerful regenerating effect. For the eye contour, the Fermentation Eye Cream or the Snail Bee Ultimate Hydrogel Eye Patch offer targeted anti-aging and anti-dark circle treatment. BENTON recommends introducing each new product over a 2-week period to properly assess skin tolerance.
Frequently asked questions about BENTON
How to recognize an authentic BENTON product?
Authenticity of a BENTON product involves several simple checks. First, the packaging must be perfectly clean, without spelling mistakes or blurry prints — counterfeits often have subtle but noticeable visual defects. Next, the barcode must correspond to a product listed in official Korean databases. Finally, the printed batch number allows verification of the manufacturing date and traceability. At Ma Petite Corée, all our products are sourced directly from South Korea through official channels, eliminating any risk of counterfeiting.
How to store your BENTON products daily?
Optimal storage of Korean cosmetics relies on a few simple rules. Store your BENTON products away from direct light and temperature variations, ideally between 15 and 25°C. The bathroom, often humid and warm, is not ideal for sensitive actives like vitamin C or retinol. Always close caps tightly and avoid contaminating jars with fingers: use a clean spatula. Respect the expiration date after opening (PAO) indicated on each package, generally between 6 and 12 months depending on the product.
Our BENTON selection at Ma Petite Corée
At Ma Petite Corée, we select each BENTON reference with the utmost care. All our products come directly from South Korea, through verified short circuits. Here is our favorite selection, available in stock and shipped from Seoul to mainland France in just a few days.
Why choose BENTON at Ma Petite Corée?
Buying Korean products in Europe can bring unpleasant surprises on general marketplaces. Counterfeits, expired products, poor storage in non-air-conditioned warehouses: the risks are real. At Ma Petite Corée, we import each BENTON product directly from Korea. Our team based in Seoul checks each batch before shipping to guarantee absolute authenticity and freshness of the formulas.
We also offer exclusive references rarely distributed in France. Korean novelties, limited editions, special formats unavailable elsewhere: our catalog constantly evolves with new products selected by our Franco-Korean team. We test products beforehand to offer you only what really works in practice, without giving in to passing marketing trends.
BENTON embodies authentic K-beauty born from a true personal quest, with formulations that respect the skin and animals, in the great tradition of demanding Korean indie brands. Find the entire BENTON range on Ma Petite Corée and let yourself be tempted by this brand that represents an essential facet of contemporary K-beauty.
Also explore our other Korean skincare brands, our K-beauty makeup universe, and discover our new arrivals imported from Seoul every week.
— Jihyun, Ma Petite Corée team