Skincare Made Effortless with MUUS by Yi Ching Wang

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Yi Ching Wang

Yi Ching Wang, founder of MUUS, combines her academic background in nutrition with a passion for skincare to create natural, effective solutions. Inspired by her expertise, she developed products for her family, forming the foundation of MUUS.

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

Hello, I’m Yi Ching Wang, the founder of the MUUS brand, with an academic background and a degree in nutrition.

I firmly believe that by genuinely putting ourselves in the customers' shoes and truly listening to their needs, we can create products that not only meet their requirements but also combine practicality and value, continuously driving the brand forward.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?

During my entrepreneurial journey, I faced the pressures of work and the demands of a busy family life, which led to prolonged struggles with insomnia and acne. Despite trying numerous skincare products, the results were always disappointing.

While searching for suitable skincare solutions, I realized that most products on the market contained harmful chemical ingredients, and truly pure and effective options were rare.

Driven by my passion for skincare and beauty, along with the professional perspective from my background in nutrition and medicine, I was inspired to create natural skincare products for myself and my family. This idea became the foundation of the MUUS brand.

At MUUS, we are dedicated to offering pure, gentle, and natural skincare products, providing users with safe and healthy care.

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

MUUS is a brand dedicated to creating natural and effective skincare products. With a customer-first approach, we actively listen to their needs and challenges, continuously refining our products to deliver exceptional quality and results.

Our mission is to empower everyone who chooses our products to achieve their beauty and wellness goals, helping them feel more confident and radiant, glowing from the inside out.

4What does “design” mean to you?
For me, design is a process of bringing something to life. It starts from nothing, rooted in people's needs, and aims to create better and more practical life experiences while opening up new possibilities. Design is not just about solving problems; it is a bridge that creates and enhances the quality of life.
5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
I have a deep appreciation for minimalist design because it is a process of simplifying complexity, removing unnecessary elements, and retaining only the essence. Whether it’s the appearance or the product itself, minimalist design allows the core idea behind the design to be communicated more clearly, enabling users to directly experience its fundamental value.
6To you, what makes a “good” design?
For me, good design has several key elements. It’s minimalist, honest, and environmentally friendly. Above all, it’s aesthetically pleasing.
7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

Our design style and key features are as follows:

Minimal - Less is more; simplicity is beautiful.

Unwind - Relax the body and mind, embracing serenity and tranquility.

Unique - Bringing aesthetics to everyday life.

Sense - Embrace life and savor every moment.

This is also the origin of our brand name.

8Tell us about your design process.

This is our first venture into the skincare industry, starting from scratch. First, we conducted extensive market research, searched for suitable manufacturers, and translated our needs into specific designs and finished products.

Throughout this process, we communicated with multiple manufacturers and made continuous adjustments, going through several rounds of sample testing and refinement. Although this took considerable time, the final result proved that all the efforts were worthwhile.

A good product will naturally gain recognition, and we will continue to strive for improvement, creating even better products and delivering more value.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

My country is vibrant and uniquely charming, with cultural values that have deeply shaped our character, teaching us to respect others and cherish every bit of trust.

This cultural background influences not only our daily lives but also our design process. Every product we create is a response to the trust our customers place in us. We uphold this responsibility with sincerity, remaining committed to crafting trustworthy, high-quality products.

10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

We are truly grateful to the MUSE Design Awards for this prestigious honor. Winning this award holds significant meaning for us personally, as well as for our company and team. For MUUS, this competition is not just about recognition but serves as a tangible symbol of our hard work.

This award not only highlights the rewards of our team’s efforts but also strengthens customer trust in our products, giving them greater peace of mind when using our skincare solutions. Most importantly, this experience has allowed us to reflect and refine our future direction, inspiring us to continue improving.

Once again, thank you to MUSE for this recognition. It is not only an acknowledgment of our past efforts but also a motivation to keep moving forward. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

In today's fast-paced world, the need for efficient and effective skincare solutions has never been greater. To meet this demand, we present the revolutionary Amino Acid Yeast Revitalizing Facial Cleanser, an all-in-one product that simplifies your skincare routine by combining cleansing, makeup removal, and moisturizing into a single step.

Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this cleanser features Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate to soothe inflammation and brighten the skin. It includes a generous 30% of mild, non-irritating Japanese amino acid surfactants, allowing it to effortlessly dissolve makeup and sebum without causing discomfort.

Enriched with Sodium Hyaluronate, a five-in-one complex ceramide, vitamins B3 and B5, and an exclusive calming woody fragrance, this nourishing cleanser rejuvenates your skin. Moreover, it is free from harmful substances such as dimethicone, pigments, parabens, SLS, and SLES, and it has never been tested on animals.

To complement its innovative formula, the Amino Acid Yeast Revitalizing Facial Cleanser is packaged in eco-friendly materials, including a recyclable glass bottle and paper packaging. With these thoughtful details, we’ve made it easier than ever for busy individuals to achieve healthy, hydrated skin effortlessly.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

The biggest challenge in the product development process was balancing rich foam with gentleness. Because we use amino acid surfactants, which are very gentle on the skin but produce less foam, this was a significant concern.

To solve this, we combined three different amino acid surfactants and adjusted their ratio to 30%, successfully improving the foam's richness and creaminess without over-cleansing the skin or irritating the eyes. Additionally, this product dissolves light makeup effectively, allowing busy modern individuals to save time in their daily routines.

13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

Winning this award has reinforced our belief that we are moving in the right direction, while also providing a valuable opportunity for reflection. It has made us realize there are still areas that need improvement.

This recognition not only affirms our efforts but also motivates us to continue improving and innovating. It holds immense value for our practice and business development.

14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

1.The creative process of bringing ideas to life and seeing them transform into a tangible product.

2. Collaborating with the team, sparking new ideas through discussions, and igniting fresh creativity.

3. Receiving positive feedback from users and knowing they had a great experience—that is our greatest sense of achievement.

15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

My country is rich in natural resources and plants, offering endless inspiration for skincare formulations. Additionally, Taiwan’s strong emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability drives us to prioritize pure, natural ingredients in our design process.

By incorporating innovative technologies, we enhance product efficacy, creating solutions that are both eco-friendly and aligned with modern needs.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

With the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the creative industry is undergoing significant transformation. These technologies allow designers to work more efficiently, creating personalized content at scale and improving productivity.

At the same time, data analysis helps gain a deeper understanding of user needs, enabling the industry to develop more accurately and efficiently. Despite increasing competition, the pursuit of beauty and the desire for a high-quality life remain unchanged. Excellent design will always stand the test of time.

17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?
You just need to find your "why," stay passionate, and keep striving. Cultivating curiosity is essential; it is the source of all inspiration.
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

To improve design skills, the best approach is through hands-on practice and accumulating experience. You can also enhance your skills through videos, online courses, in-person classes, and community discussions.

Additionally, attending design forums and professional seminars, engaging with peers, and continuously reading design books and browsing design platforms for more inspiration are all valuable resources.

19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

Every user’s needs and concerns are a precious learning opportunity for us. We invest heavily in selecting the finest raw materials and patented formulas, all to help each user become more beautiful and confident.

We believe that refined products can truly transform customers, enhancing their quality of life and boosting their self-esteem. This belief is the driving force behind our continuous efforts.

20Who has inspired you in your life and why?

I often pay close attention to the small details in life, whether it's my own or others' inconveniences. These everyday little frustrations often spark new ideas, prompting me to think about how to improve or solve these problems.

Life itself is full of creative inspiration, and with careful observation and attention, endless ideas can be discovered.

21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

I believe the key to success is listening. Only by truly listening and deeply understanding others' needs can we develop empathy and provide products or services that best meet customer demands.

This process not only helps build stronger connections but also allows us to continuously improve and progress, ultimately leading to true success.

22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

We are deeply grateful for the recognition from the MUSE Design Awards; it is a tremendous encouragement for us.

We will continue to strive for excellence, dedicate ourselves to creating more and better products, and constantly improve in order to give back to every customer who supports us.

Winning Entry

Amino Acid Yeast Revitalizing Facial Cleanser | 2024

Yi Ching Wang

Yi Ching Wang, founder of MUUS, combines her academic background in nutrition with a passion for skincare to create natural, effective solutions. Inspired by her expertise, she developed products for her family, forming the foundation of MUUS.


Explore the journey of Jing Xu, the Platinum Winner at the 2024 MUSE Design Awards. She is an architect and design principal at 00Group, a Shanghai-based studio that blends contemporary design with oriental aesthetics. Her approach is shaped by experience at DS+R, Steven Holl, and BIG.

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