BIODANCE FOUNDER MIHWA KIM TALKS SHEET MASKS, SCIENCE AND SUMMER SKINCARE

South Korea is one of the world’s biggest cultural trailblazers. First came their cutting-edge technology, then K-pop, and somewhere along the way: skincare. Sometime in the 2010s, Korean skincare swept across the world, celebrated for its focus on preventative, gentle and glow-boosting products. And just like that, K-beauty became a movement, with a whole host of brands reshaping the industry on a global scale. And one of the most acclaimed names to emerge from the K-beauty boom is BIODANCE.

Mihwa Kim founded BIODANCE after suffering facial burns in a car accident, and becoming inspired by the healing properties of medical hydrocolloid patches. After asking, ‘What if we applied this exact principle to everyday skincare?’ she embarked on a journey of experimentation. The result? BIODANCE’s first and most recognisable product: the hydrogel mask. 

If you’ve seen, or perhaps tried, the mask that transforms from cloudy white to transparent within a few hours, you’re already familiar with its technology. Unlike the classic 15-minute face mask, Mihwa wanted to create something that could adhere seamlessly to the skin, delivering exactly what it needs, rather than just sitting on the surface. And now, the hydrogel system underpins the brand's entire philosophy.

Want to find out more? We sat down with Mihwa for a tell-all interview. Scroll for the scoop.

Hey Mihwa! Could you tell us more about BIODANCE's approach to skincare?
There is a lot more interest in maintaining genuine, foundational skin health over time, and that aligns perfectly with our core philosophy. At BIODANCE, rather than just adding a trendy ingredient, we focus intensely on engineering delivery structures and textures that minimise irritation while delivering results you can actually feel.

What’s your best 'if you only do one thing' advice?
Balance. I know it sounds cliché, but I honestly mean it. We live in an era of incredibly powerful actives, and the temptation is always to layer more, go stronger, push harder. However, the skin is complex and sensitive – simply piling on high-concentration ingredients doesn’t automatically equal better skincare. What matters far more is maintaining a healthy moisture barrier and building a routine you can commit every single day. Ultimately, skincare isn't an overnight miracle, it compounds over time.

BIODANCE is also famous for its PDRN products. How does this trending ingredient benefit the skin?
PDRN helps the skin maintain a healthy, resilient condition. You should expect steady improvements in skin texture, luminosity, elasticity, and health. We didn't want to simply add PDRN for the sake of a trend. We identified that pairing PDRN with caviar extract produced an effect roughly 3.5 times higher than using PDRN alone. Validated by clinical trials, this formulation allows us to deliver stable results while keeping the skin comfortable.

What's the most underrated BIODANCE product? 
I absolutely adore this question. It would definitely be our Jelly Serum Mist. This mist isn't just a refreshing spritz – it’s a vital step in maintaining your skin's healthy balance. Mists generally have a bit of an image problem in skincare – standard water-based formulas tend to evaporate quickly, while anything too rich or oil-based feels heavy and clogs pores.

Let us in on your summer skincare routine.
In the morning, I keep it streamlined. I prep with a toner pad, layer on a really hydrating but lightweight serum, and seal it all in with a moisturiser that lasts all day. Then finally, SPF – always and generously. During the day, I consistently reach for a mist because it replenishes hydration without any sticky, pore-blocking heavy oils. This is where most people's routines stop, but it's also where a lot of skincare battles are lost. The difference between just relying on your morning routine and actively maintaining your skin's condition throughout the day becomes incredibly apparent over time.

How does your nighttime skincare routine differ?
At night, I adjust depending on how my skin is feeling. On nights when my skin has been through a lot – heat, travel, a long day – I'll reach for a hydrogel mask. On regular nights, I focus on maintaining barrier health with my serum and cream. The two things I never skip? Protecting the moisture balance and keeping irritation low.

Lastly, can you give us the scoop on any BIODANCE products in the pipeline?
The core question driving everything we're working on right now is, 'How far can we expand the potential of hydrogel technology?' Expect more everyday skincare and that signature BIODANCE balance between high efficacy and ultimate comfort across entirely new categories. That's all I can say for now – we look forward to sharing these innovations soon...

 

BIODANCE is available to shop on ASOS.