Illinois Wellness Company Carlson Labs Expands Its International Footprint With Help from Coupang
A woman-led small business, now in more than 25 countries, has grown into a global wellness brand
Carlson Labs was born when Susan Carlson launched the company with a single vitamin E product, inspired by her father’s health needs. Six decades later, Susan’s daughters Carilyn Anderson and Kirsten Carlson now lead the second-generation family business. Carlson Labs has expanded to 300 nutritional supplements that are sold to customers around the world with help from Coupang.
Carlson Labs is headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, just outside Chicago, with a large manufacturing facility along with a laboratory and production facility in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The company began introducing its products in South Korea when it connected with Coupang, an American online retailer that helps U.S. businesses sell their goods to tens of millions of customers in more than 190 countries and territories.
Coupang has helped export billions of dollars in U.S. goods to Korea, Taiwan and Japan since 2010, and uses cutting-edge technology, logistics, and customer-first innovations to deliver an exceptional shopping experience for its customers.
Expanding Wellness Through Coupang
Carlson entered the Korean market six years ago with Coupang. While the company had previously worked with smaller distributors, Coupang became the gateway to reaching consumers more directly.
The impact speaks for itself. Over the last quarter alone, Carlson saw a 48% increase in sales through Coupang. The company has also grown to about 160 employees and continues to hire as demand increases both domestically and internationally. The brand credits its Coupang partnership for playing a key role in its expansion.
“Coupang allows us to connect with a broad and diverse customer base across Korea, reaching wellness-focused shoppers who may not otherwise discover our brand through traditional retail channels,” said Marco Rodriguez, Export Supervisor at Carlson Labs. “The speed at which customers receive their orders enhances satisfaction and builds trust. Plus, Coupang’s streamlined review process gives us valuable insights into how our products are performing with Korean consumers.”
In Korea, Coupang customers are increasingly embracing Carlson’s products, which range from Golden Aloe to the Glutathione Booster – a product designed to boost liver health and deliver powerful antioxidants, now emerging as a local bestseller. Gummies and fish oils are also highly popular, reflecting the country’s demand for the supplements.
“Korean consumers are savvy and selective, seeking clean, trustworthy brands that bring innovation and excitement to their wellness routines, and we’re excited to support that demand,” said Rodriguez. “Coupang has been a cornerstone of our presence in Asia, fueling steady growth and brand recognition across the region.”
The company’s leaders also highlight three standout benefits of selling through Coupang:
- Reaching a wide market of wellness-minded consumers.
- Real-time reviews that build customer trust and provide insights to help sellers improve their offerings.
- Tailored product offerings that meet consumer preferences.
From pioneering the omega-3 market in North America in 1982, Carlson has grown steadily while staying true to its roots.
The company helped launch the category by importing its first wild-caught, sustainably sourced fish oils. In 2009, it introduced a new marine oil from abundant calamari, from which Norwegian fish oils are refined, distilled, and bottled. Every product is crafted with premium ingredients and undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee purity, safety, and efficacy. Or as the family puts it: “60 Years, One Goal: Your Health.”
Sustainability Commitment
Carlson is also committed to protecting the planet. For every Carlson product purchased, the company removes the same amount of plastic waste from waterways, giving each purchase a net-zero plastic footprint. This initiative allows customers to contribute directly to a cleaner, greener environment.
Building the Future Together
As Carlson celebrates its 60th anniversary, the company remains committed to the same values that shaped its founding: expertise, integrity, and a genuine commitment to family health. With Coupang as a partner, Carlson is positioned to bring wellness to more households globally.