We have been trying out some of the YNNY products and are in love! The Elixir Floral is a firm favourite – made with Lavender and Rose Geranium essential oils – the smell is beautiful. We also love the sha[poo and conditioner – you can feel the difference for your hair from the first wash.
Why is vegan skincare and hair care so important to your brand?
"Vegan skincare is important to me because it reflects how I was brought up and how I live.
I was raised in rural Hong Kong, surrounded by mountains, rivers and nature, in a traditional Chinese family where herbal medicine was part of everyday life.
Plants and herbs have been used safely and effectively in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and I learned from a very young age to respect their healing power.
As a child, understanding herbs was essential. Growing up close to nature meant learning which plants could heal, nourish or protect.
My family grew organic vegetables and fruit without chemicals, and I ate fresh, plant-based food straight from the land. That early connection to natural, unprocessed ingredients shaped everything I do today.
When I later trained professionally in skincare and haircare formulation, the focus was entirely on natural, gentle ingredients. I never set out to create a vegan brand intentionally, it happened naturally. Customers pointed out that my products were plant-based, cruelty free and vegan friendly, and through the support of the vegan community I learned even more about ethical ingredients, sustainability and what conscious consumers value.
The vegan community was incredibly important in the early days of my business, helping me build a strong foundation. Creating vegan skincare now feels like the most natural path for me. Herbs have been used safely for generations, so animal testing is unnecessary and cruel. I test all products myself first, then with family, friends and willing customers. I trust my knowledge and believe in the power of plants"
What are your top three quick tips for caring for your skin?
- Keep it simple – cleanse, tone and moisturise. It takes less than five minutes.
- Choose natural or organic products whenever possible, they are often kinder and more effective than chemical-based alternatives.
- A positive mind leads to a positive life, and it shows in your skin.
What are your own favourite products?
"In 2015, when I noticed my skin starting to sag, particularly around my neck, I created Elixir, which customers now affectionately call “Botox in a bottle.” It quickly became a bestseller for its visible anti-ageing results.
Last year, I launched Elixir Floral, a beautifully scented version with lavender and rose geranium essential oils, loved for both its calming aroma and skin benefits.
Then in 2020, as fine lines appeared again, I developed the 3-in-1 Enhanced Collagen Booster Serum, which restored firmness and smoothness. I am now almost 63 and feel my skin looks better than it did in my early fifties.
For haircare, I cannot live without Revive Hair Serum, Ultra Mild Shampoo and Conditioner. Without them my hair feels dry and lifeless, but with them it is glossy, strong and abundant."
What is the number one ingredient you recommend avoiding in skincare and haircare?
"Silicones.
They can give a temporary smoothing effect, but they do not improve the skin long term. They repel water, can clog pores, trap oil and dirt, and often worsen breakouts. Most silicones are also not easily biodegradable, making them harmful to the environment."
