Korean cosmetics are popular worldwide because of their affordability and efficacy. These products are often based on natural ingredients like honey and aloe vera. The skincare industry in Korea is dominated by multinational companies. One of the most prominent is Amore Pacific. Their Time Response series of moisturizing creams are known for their anti-aging effects.
Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo is a global luxury beauty brand offering a complete range of skin care products. The brand is well known for its First Care Activating Serum, which contains a proprietary blend of five herbs (sacred lotus, rehmannia, peony, Solomon’s seal, and white lily) that work in synergy to balance and restore skin health.
Sulwhasoo’s flagship store is located in Bukchon, a quiet history-steeped village in northern Seoul. The store is designed to be more than just a place to buy cosmetics.
Hera
Korean cosmetics companies are renowned for their simple skincare products that are effective, functional and free of harsh ingredients. They are also cruelty-free to our standards and PETA’s.
iUNIK is a popular beauty brand that is known for its fermented skincare line. Their products are also free of artificial coloring, preservatives and fragrance.
O HUI offers a range of clean and natural cosmetics that help your skin look radiant and youthful. Their products are made with botanical ingredients and are centered on cleansing, moisturizing, and whitening.
Holika Holika
The brand’s makeup, nail care and hair products are geared towards young buyers and boast cute and charming packaging. Their best-known product is the 99% Aloe Soothing Gel, which contains fermented aloe vera and is free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils and animal ingredients.
The story of Holika is an example of hubris. She had a benediction that no fire could burn her, so she jumped onto the pyre with her nephew, Prahlad. Prahlad was saved because of his devotion, and Holika was burned to ashes.
Etude House
Etude House offers a wide variety of cosmetic products. Their skincare products are based on Asian botanicals and are known for being gentle on the skin. They also carry a lot of makeup products, including highlighters, blushes, and bronzers.
The company also has a wide range of masks that are very effective for different skin types. Some of these include the Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask Heartleaf Fit and the Cicapair Tiger Grass Calming Mask.
IOPE is another luxury Korean cosmetics brand that combines traditional techniques and ingredients with modern science. Their skin-first ethos utilizes ingredients like niacinamide, yuzu, and birch.
Innisfree
The brand offers a wide range of natural skincare products using ingredients that are responsibly harvested from Jeju island. It is also free from harmful chemicals, fragrances, and dyes.
The company uses a blend of traditional Korean beauty rituals with new technology to create powerful skincare solutions. Their products are formulated with botanical extracts and oils and free from artificial preservatives. Their products are renowned for their clean formulas and creative packaging. Their best-known product is the Belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser, which morphs from jelly to foam upon contact with water.
The Face Shop
The Face Shop is a skincare and cosmetic brand that offers a wide range of products. They offer everything from sheet masks to tints. Their products are very popular among Korean consumers. The brand is also known for its innovative makeup products.
Olive Young is another top beauty brand in Korea that offers skin care and makeup products. Their toner pads are soaked with natural ingredients like collagen, tea tree, watermide, and madecassoside, which help to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Some By Mi
Some By Mi offers an extensive selection of skincare products. Their bestselling products like the 30 Days Miracle Series, Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Cream & Yuja Niacin 30 Days Miracle Brightening Serum have gained world-wide popularity thanks to their natural ingredients and effective formulations.
Formulated with natural, mild ingredients to promote remarkable skin transformations, Some By Mi uses natural antioxidants to fight acne and blemishes. They also contain nourishing ingredients to soothe irritated skin, fade hyperpigmentation & brighten your complexion.
3CE
Whether it’s the use of natural ingredients or refusing to conduct animal testing, Korean beauty brands strive to stand apart. Dear, Klairs is one such brand that’s vegan-friendly and places a major emphasis on plant extracts and oils.
The company has made a name for itself as an innovative cosmetic brand, with products that reflect the unique style of its customers. It recently used a product truck to distribute makeup to college students. This was a first for a cosmetics company.