South Korea Cosmetic Oil Market Overview, 2030

In South Korea, the cosmetic oil market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by an increasing demand for skincare products that offer both natural ingredients and effective results. Vegetable oils, such as coconut, almond, and sunflower, are highly favored due to their nourishing and moisturizing properties, making them essential ingredients in various skincare products. These oils are commonly used in face creams, body lotions, and facial serums, where they help to replenish moisture and provide essential nutrients to the skin. The market's shift toward clean and sustainable beauty solutions has led to an uptick in the use of vegetable oils, as consumers are becoming more discerning about the ingredients in their beauty products. Essential oils, extracted from plants like lavender, rose, and tea tree, are also gaining substantial traction due to their therapeutic benefits. These oils are used in a wide range of beauty applications, such as aromatherapy oils, skincare masks, and haircare treatments. The aromatic and soothing properties of essential oils play a significant role in the overall wellness approach within South Korea’s beauty culture, where relaxation and self-care are highly valued. While mineral oils like liquid paraffin continue to be utilized in certain beauty products, the growing trend toward eco-conscious consumer behavior has caused these oils to face competition from natural alternatives. Additionally, South Korean consumers are increasingly drawn to exotic oils such as marula, tamanu, and baobab, which are sought after for their high levels of antioxidants and nourishing properties. These specialty oils are often used in premium skincare products, catering to consumers looking for luxury and effectiveness in their beauty routines.

According to the research report South Korea Cosmetic Oil Market Overview, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Cosmetic Oil Market was valued at more than USD 510 Million in 2024. The use of cosmetic oils in South Korea spans various beauty categories, each addressing different skincare and personal care needs. In the skincare sector, oils are particularly popular in moisturizers, anti-aging treatments, and serums, where they provide deep hydration, improve elasticity, and restore a youthful glow. Facial oils, in particular, have gained significant popularity, as they are seen as a solution for dry, dull, or aging skin. South Koreans place great emphasis on achieving a smooth, radiant complexion, and oils are an integral part of the skincare regimen that helps achieve this ideal. In haircare, oils are commonly used to address issues such as frizz, hair thinning, and dryness, with oils like argan oil and jojoba oil being key ingredients in hair serums and conditioners. These oils help to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and restore shine and softness. Baby care products also utilize oils to soothe and protect delicate skin, emphasizing gentle formulations that avoid harsh chemicals. The growing wellness trend has contributed to the rise of oils in aromatherapy and spa treatments, where they are used to promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being. As consumer preferences shift toward natural, multifunctional beauty solutions, the demand for cosmetic oils in South Korea is expected to continue growing, with consumers seeking high-quality, effective products that align with both beauty and wellness goals. The distribution channels for cosmetic oils are diverse, encompassing online shopping platforms, traditional retail outlets, and exclusive direct sales, ensuring that consumers can easily access a wide range of options suited to their preferences.

Plant-derived vegetable oils hold a dominant position, particularly those like camellia, almond, sunflower, and jojoba oils, all prized for their ability to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier. These oils are frequently used in skincare products designed for layering routines, a staple of Korean beauty culture, where light and fast-absorbing oils are favored to complement essences and moisturizers. Coconut oil and olive oil are also commonly incorporated for their antioxidant-rich profiles. Essential oils, though used more sparingly due to their potency, are gaining ground in aromatherapy-infused skincare, with tea tree oil and lavender oil often applied for calming sensitive or acne-prone skin. South Korean consumers, known for their discerning preferences, are attentive to ingredient transparency and purity, which has elevated the profile of mineral oils in a somewhat niche category, mainly in baby care items and specific hydrating formulas. However, some consumers show reluctance toward mineral oils due to concerns about pore-clogging, so their use is often limited or labeled as dermatologist-approved. More recently, rare and luxurious oils such as marula, baobab, tamanu, and fermented rice bran oil have sparked interest in the premium market segment, especially within anti-aging and glow-enhancing treatments. These specialty oils, often sourced ethically and promoted for their multifunctional benefits, are featured prominently in upscale Korean skincare brands that appeal both domestically and to international consumers attracted to the country’s beauty expertise.

The multi-step skincare regimen commonly practiced in the country integrates cosmetic oils in various ways facial oils are applied before or after moisturizers to seal in hydration, promote elasticity, or target concerns such as dullness, irritation, or premature aging. Formulations featuring rosehip, evening primrose, and fermented oils are appreciated for their light textures and skin-revitalizing properties. The demand for glow-enhancing, dewy skin the hallmark of Korean beauty has increased the adoption of oils in serums and creams that work in synergy with essences and ampoules. In hair care, cosmetic oils have also seen growing popularity due to their non-greasy finishes and transformative results on damaged or colored hair. Camellia and argan oils, long used for their nourishing properties, are infused in shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments that promise smoother, shinier, and more manageable hair. Hair serums formulated with oils also target scalp health, hair loss, and frizz control, which are common concerns among consumers navigating South Korea’s humid and urban environments. Body care is another area where cosmetic oils are integrated into products like massage blends, moisturizing body creams, and lotions formulated to offer both sensory luxury and long-lasting hydration. Oils such as macadamia and sesame are especially favored for their quick absorption and softening effects on skin. Beyond typical categories, cosmetic oils are utilized in specialized products such as baby massage oils, lip oils, and cleansing oils that gently remove makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. The spa and wellness culture in South Korea further encourages the use of essential oil-based aromatherapies, especially in facial treatments and holistic massages that align with the belief in overall well-being as the foundation of beauty.

Online shopping has emerged as a powerful medium for beauty consumers, driven by tech-savvy shoppers, mobile commerce, and the widespread influence of social media and K-beauty influencers. E-commerce sites, brand-specific websites, and digital beauty marketplaces allow consumers to discover, compare, and purchase cosmetic oils with ease, while enjoying access to detailed ingredient breakdowns, usage tutorials, and peer reviews. Limited-edition products and influencer collaborations often launch online first, reinforcing the trend toward digital exclusivity. Subscription models and bundled kits have also gained popularity, especially for skincare oils and hair treatments, offering convenience and perceived value. In offline retail, cosmetic oils remain widely available through a well-established network of department stores, pharmacies, beauty chains, and road shop brands that offer experiential retail spaces. Physical stores allow consumers to test the sensory appeal of oils texture, scent, absorption before purchasing, which is a key part of the decision-making process for tactile beauty products. Pharmacies and health-focused outlets also stock dermatologist-recommended or sensitive-skin-friendly oils, appealing to consumers seeking medically formulated or hypoallergenic options. Direct sales channels, including exclusive salons, boutique spas, and beauty consultants, add a layer of personalized service and product education that resonates with consumers looking for curated beauty routines. In this space, multi-level marketing companies and niche luxury brands promote their oil formulations through experiential services, in-person demonstrations, and word-of-mouth credibility.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Cosmetic Oil Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Oil Type
• Vegetable Oil
• Essential Oils
• Mineral Oils
• Others (Exotic/Specialty Oils & Blended/Functional Oils)

By Application
• Skin Care
• Hair Care
• Body Care
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Online
• Offline (retail stores, pharmacies)
• Direct sales

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.