Meet the Member: Amal Amgaad, Yon-Ka Paris

In our latest Meet the Member feature, we interviewed member Amal Amgaad, Head of Communications at Yon-Ka Paris USA.

Yon-Ka Paris offers French-made, luxurious, plant cell active-based skincare regimens. Quintessence, Yon-Ka’s proprietary essential oil Complex, delivers the unique olfactive and therapeutic experience that discerning consumers and passionate professionals have been raving about since 1954. Keep reading to learn more about the brand's activity in the U.S. and for Amal's insight on the North American beauty market...

FACC-NY: Can you tell us more about the Yon-Ka’s origins and what makes it stand out from other competitors?

As pioneers in aromatherapy since 1954 and with a passion for the therapeutic properties of plants from around the world, we create phyto-aromatic treatments that encapsulate the power of Nature,  with regenerative formulas and concentrated effectiveness that produce visible and proven results.

In 1954 when Yon-Ka was created, working with chemicals was the norm in a post-World War II world.  Botanical-based skincare was considered old fashioned or home remedies at the time.  Our founders disagreed - they believed in the transformative powers of essential oils, especially Quintessence, our proprietary blend, and married the essential oils with botanical extracts to treat, heal, and restore the skin.  Yon-Ka has been “green” since the beginning, since before being green was trendy.  This gives our brand a long history and expertise with essential oils and botanicals.  Many longtime competitors did not work with natural ingredients and had to reestablish and remake themselves through the years to fit trends.  At Yon-Ka, we have always stayed true to our roots and brand values. 

As a French family brand, we are proud to manufacture all our products in France, in a responsible and sustainable way and to continue to honor our legacy by working with essential oils and new generation botanicals, with increased sustainability and kindness for the environment.  

FACC-NY: Yon-Ka Paris has been developing luxurious, plant cell active-based skincare regimes for over 65 years. Yon-Ka collaborates with beauty and wellness professionals in 5,000+ spa locations worldwide. Can you tell us more about your development in the North American market? 

Yon-Ka began working with American spas and salons in 1987 and has over 30 years of experience in this market.  Today Yon-Ka partners with over 1,000 wellness doors in the U.S.  and we continue our trajectory of mutual success in resorts, days spas, and medi-spas.  With the ever-evolving marketplace of wellness Yon-Ka has expanded its network as we seek new outlets of distribution.  

FACC-NY: Skincare regimes can vary drastically between cultures, for example, the Korean ten-step regime being one of the more elaborate. How do Yon-Ka professionals provide a skincare diagnosis and is there a combination of products that constitutes a typical regime? 

The beauty of Yon-Ka is our regimens are highly customizable to meet the needs of the end consumer.  Yon-Ka products are used and sold in professional spa environments by licensed estheticians that have had extensive Yon-Ka training.  The estheticians will listen to the clients’ needs and analyze their skin during a facial treatment, which helps determine what products to recommend.  American skincare buyers tend to favor simplicity, so a basic skincare regimen would include cleansing, toning, and moisturizing the skin morning and evening.  It is also through educating the consumer on skin health which includes lifestyle modifications and targeted products that expands upon the basics.  It makes us proud it when drugstore buyers convert to using sophisticated Yon-Ka regimes.  

FACC-NY: With so many different skin concerns and active ingredients, what is the one game-changing product you consistently reach for every morning or evening? 

LOTION YON-KA!  This iconic, aromatherapy toner is beloved by Yon-Ka Paris USA staff, our partner spas, and consumers.  In fact, one bottle is sold every three minutes somewhere in the world.  LOTION YON-KA hydrates, enlivens, and treats the skin, all while smelling amazing.  We love it! And as an honorable mention we have to mention PHYTO CONTOUR.  Enriched with rosemary essence and extract, PHYTO CONTOUR depuffs and helps to alleviate dark circles.

FACC-NY: Recently, you exhibited some of Yon-Ka’s best-selling products and latest innovations at the FACC-NY reception. As a brand, why is it important to meet and exchange with your clients, what do you learn from your discussions with them and how does it influence your business strategy?

As a beauty brand focused on the harmony of the senses, our clients need to experience the touch and smell of our products. We have learned that, initially, not everyone is familiar with the benefits of essential oils. In addition, we have found that consumers are open to, and in some cases prefer to create the spa experience in the comfort of their homes. To address these client needs, we have launched educational events and virtual consultations with our team of estheticians. We have also created a spa-at-home bundle, which is available on our website for home delivery.

FACC-NY: What is your greatest business challenge today, and how are you approaching this, both individually in your role and on a company level?

In a very saturated market of the skincare universe, our challenge is to stand out against an ocean of competitors. Our distinctive blend of the “Yon-Ka Quintessence” is the testimony of a rich botanical heritage and expertise in phytotherapy. This signature is the inspiration for all our products.

We distinguish ourselves by working with a robust network of beauty professionals in Spa and wellness facilities all over the US. In my digital communications role, I help to drive new ideas on the marketing and brand awareness front. We have led by investing in diverse channels, include a doubling of our social media footprint. We also partner extensively with complementary French companies.  

Interested in connecting with Amal? Log into the FACC Member Directory to send her a message.