When we talk about AROMATICA’s products, the conversation naturally leads to questions about aromatherapy. Why was this plant ingredient chosen? How do essential oils work on the skin and scalp? How can they be used in daily life?
There is someone who answers these questions with the deepest insight and accuracy. It is Kim So-yeon, AROMATICA’s brand education manager and an aromatherapist. We had a conversation with So-yeon, who explains the essence of aromatherapy—the root of the brand—in a way that is both easy to understand and deeply informative, going beyond simple product descriptions.
Brand Education Manager ·
Aromatherapist Kim Soyeon
Over 10 years of experience in cosmetics and skincare fields, both domestically and internationally
Certified Aromatherapy Expert Level 1, Korea Lifelong Education Institute
Certified Integrative Scientific Aromatherapy Specialist (CASI), Dominic Bardot College
Experience conducting field-based healing and wellness education
Hello, Soyeon! Through brand education, you share the story of AROMATICA. What do you consider most important when you conduct your training?
Soyeon: The value I consider most important in brand education is understanding the roots. And AROMATICA’s roots lie in aromatherapy. After much consideration about creating cosmetics that exclude harmful ingredients and are safer for both the human body and the environment, the brand chose natural fragrance—aromatherapy—rather than synthetic fragrance as its foundation. So when I explain our products, I try not to talk only about the result of “being good.” Instead, I also explain why this plant was chosen and how it works.
When you conduct training sessions, what questions do you hear most often?
Soyeon: Surprisingly, many of the questions are very fundamental.
“Why was this essential oil used in this product?”
“What benefits does it have?”
“In what situations is it best used?”
“Are there any precautions?”
When I receive questions like these, I realize that simply delivering product information is not enough.
So that is why the role of an “aromatherapist” is necessary as well.
Soyeon: Exactly. To answer these questions accurately and responsibly, I felt that a professional understanding of aromatherapy was essential. Naturally, that led me to study the subject more deeply. I do not think my role is limited to simply explaining the benefits of aromatherapy. As both AROMATICA’s brand education manager and an aromatherapist, my role is to help customers understand why our brand chose aromatherapy, what values and philosophy it contains, and how it connects to our everyday lives, translating these ideas into language people can easily understand.
Many people may be new to aromatherapy. Where would you recommend they start?
Soyeon: I recommend starting with the sense of smell. Simply inhaling the scent of essential oils and allowing your body and mind to relax can already be a wonderful beginning.
Could you explain a few specific methods?
Soyeon: The easiest method is palm inhalation. Place one or two drops of essential oil on your palm, gently rub your hands together, bring them close to your nose, and take a deep breath. Because the aroma is delivered very directly, it’s great when you want a quick mood refresh.
The second method is using a tissue or handkerchief. Put one or two drops of oil on a tissue and keep it nearby while breathing slowly. It’s easy to try during work or while traveling, making it one of the most practical ways to incorporate aromatherapy into daily life.
If you want a more relaxing moment, I also recommend the mug method. Add one drop of your favorite oil to a mug filled with warm water, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. As the aroma rises gently with the steam, you may feel the tension in your body gradually release.
At first, try becoming familiar with aromatherapy through scent like this. Aromatherapy does not have to be complicated—it can begin with a small habit of caring for yourself through mindful breathing.
Many people might also want to learn aromatherapy more deeply. Do you need a certification to become an aromatherapist?
Soyeon: Currently in Korea, aromatherapy is not systemized under a nationally accredited certification. So it is difficult to say that there is a single defined course of study or mandatory qualification required to become an aromatherapist. I personally started by studying the basics through aromatherapy books. In the end, what matters most for an aromatherapist is not certification, but an attitude of applying aromatherapy safely in everyday life based on an understanding of the human body, along with an open perspective.
I’ve heard that in addition to internal staff training, you also offer educational programs for consumers interested in aromatherapy. What kind of program is it?
Soyeon: We run the “AROMATICA Aromatherapy Workshop,” a class designed to help participants build a solid foundation in aromatherapy. In this workshop, you learn how essential oils—concentrated with the vitality of plants—interact with the human body and how they can be incorporated into everyday life. It’s not just a theory-based class. Participants spend time experiencing the oils firsthand—smelling and blending them—to understand aromatherapy through their senses. Later this year, we are also planning to introduce an advanced academy program for those who wish to explore aromatherapy in greater depth.
That advanced academy sounds exciting! How is the current AROMATICA Aromatherapy Workshop conducted?
Soyeon: The program runs for four weeks, once a week for two hours each session. It’s held in small groups of fewer than ten people, allowing plenty of time for questions and discussion. After completing the four-week program, participants receive a certificate of completion. For those who want a lighter introduction, a one-time trial session is also available. Thanks to the strong interest from participants, the workshop has been held several times already, and the fifth session is scheduled to begin on March 25. We hope it becomes a solid starting point for those who truly want to learn aromatherapy.
Lastly, which AROMATICA product do you personally love the most?
Soyeon: Without hesitation, it’s the Rosemary line. I use rosemary for my hair and rosemary for skincare as well. After giving birth, I felt that my scalp looked sparse and my hair had become weak and limp. At that time, I consistently used the Rosemary Scalp Scaling line, and I began to feel that my scalp was gradually becoming stronger. My hair also seemed to become healthier.
For skincare, I have easily used more than ten bottles of the Rosemary Firming Ampoule and Cream, which were launched in 2024. Sometimes your pores start to look more noticeable and your skin feels less firm. When I use these products during those times, my skin feels more refined, so I highly recommend giving them a try.
