One of the most lusterless years in recent history was 2020. Yet in December, beauty industry veteran Karima El-Hakkaoui launched her first skin care brand, Six Gldn, with her late husband. 

Despite having access to countless products while performing branding and marketing for top beauty companies from L’Oréal to Estée Lauder, the pair struggled to find products that worked consistently for both their skin types. The Los Angeles-based couple sought a solution to attain that coveted Tinseltown glow while protecting the skin’s delicate barrier, reaping anti-aging benefits and adapting to skin’s evolving needs.

‘AUTO-ADAPTIVE’ SKINCARE

While conducting product research, the pair found that some of the finest adaptogens stemmed from Korean herbal medicine.  

“When we were looking around, a lot of people tried to give us formulas off the shelf, which we had no interest in,” said El-Hakkaoui. “We wanted to create something that inhabited a totally new space and consult things from a completely new angle, which was ‘auto-adapting’ to what your skin needs at the moment.”

The duo, who coined the term “auto-adapt” to describe their skincare line, worked with a doctor using potent, clinically proven adaptogens that have been used for centuries and backed by independent studies. In using Korean herbal medicine, they had products formulated for all skin types that adapted to specific skin types to correct imbalances caused by dryness and oily skin, for example, while producing a radiant, microbiome-happy complexion. 

THE LINEUP

The “Six Gldn” skincare lineup, which is vegan and Leaping Bunny certified, consists of five products that can be used separately, or as a daily system for an optimal glow. The Botanical Cleansing Gel removes excess oil while softening and hydrating skin. The Botanical Toner balances skin pH, sebum and moisture while minimizing pores’ appearance. Super G Youth Serum contains an exclusive complex formulated with synergistic bio-active botanicals that visibly brightens while reducing dark spots. Essential Moisturizer strengthens the skin’s barrier while improving elasticity and firmness. The Nourishing Face Oil boosts radiance while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 

The brand’s rose quartz gua sha can be used in unison to boost circulation and distribute the product evenly while helping to chisel the jawline and apples of the cheeks for a sculpted, more youthful appearance.

“I’m 51 and I have seen the dramatic changes in my skin because this is all I’ve used in the past three years since we’ve launched,” noted El-Hakkaoui. “Truly nature is so smart; we just harness the power of nature.”