Adeline Koh’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship is one of self-discovery, resilience, and a passion for beauty. Born and raised in sunny Singapore, Adeline found herself battling harsh weather and dry skin when she moved to Michigan for her PhD. Her struggles with rosacea and acne, compounded by unsatisfactory skincare advice, led her to take matters into her own hands. What began as a personal quest to heal her skin turned into Sabbatical Beauty, a skincare brand that fuses high-quality active ingredients, traditional Asian remedies, and a mission of social justice.
Adeline’s Turning Point
At the University of Michigan, Adeline’s first encounter with dry skin and the worsening of her rosacea and acne became a daily challenge. Despite consulting dermatologists, the prescribed harsh treatments and dismissive advice left her feeling more frustrated than ever. The popular belief that moisturizers were “scams” puzzled her, and the prescribed medications only made her skin drier and more sensitive. It wasn’t until she secured a teaching position at Stockton University that she began to experiment with her own formulations, finding relief in ingredients like sea kelp bioferment and Asian herbal extracts.
Adeline’s transition from academia was not solely due to her skincare struggles. Facing glass ceilings and systemic issues in her field, particularly as a woman of color, she found solace in skincare formulation. Her organic skincare research and hands-on product development offered an escape from the daily battles of academia. What started as a hobby turned into a fully-fledged business, and in 2016, Sabbatical Beauty was born.
The Unique Approach Behind Sabbatical Beauty
What sets Sabbatical Beauty apart from other skincare brands is Adeline’s commitment to using a high percentage of active, natural ingredients. Inspired by traditional Asian remedies she grew up with, such as ginseng and turmeric, Adeline sought to create formulations that would provide quick, visible results.
While many mainstream brands offer products that include beneficial ingredients in minimal concentrations, Adeline’s formulations use generous amounts to maximize effectiveness. Her Marine Serum and Asian Powerhouse, both packed with botanicals, became customer favorites, with users noticing a difference in their skin almost immediately.
Adeline’s formulations are not just rooted in efficacy but are also guided by a deep respect for feedback and community engagement. Her early focus groups were her colleagues at Stockton University, and even now, she listens closely to her customers, involving them in the development process. This collaborative approach has allowed Sabbatical Beauty to evolve and meet the specific needs of its audience, ensuring that users feel both seen and heard.
Beauty, Activism, and a Return to Singapore
Sabbatical Beauty is more than just a skincare brand; it is a reflection of Adeline’s values and activism. During her years in academia, she turned to skincare as a form of self-care, finding comfort in beauty routines amidst the challenges she faced. This connection between skincare and self-care is central to her brand’s philosophy.
Sabbatical Beauty advocates for progressive causes, from creating political skincare collections for organizations like Swing Left to donating masks and hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diversity and inclusivity are also core values, with Adeline ensuring that her products and marketing reflect a wide range of beauty standards and identities.
Though Sabbatical Beauty has found a loyal customer base in the US, Adeline is now eyeing a return to her roots. After a visit to Singapore sparked a longing for home, she realized the untapped potential of bringing her brand back to where her beauty journey began. With a strong desire to help Singaporeans embrace their skin and the traditions of Asian beauty, Adeline is ready to expand Sabbatical Beauty to her home country, continuing her mission of empowerment and self-care.
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