South Korea Skin Care Market Overview, 2031

The skincare and beauty sector in South Korea is well known for its innovative product creation, trend-setting solutions, and engaged consumer base, making it one of the liveliest markets in the world. Central to this is the sun protection and everyday skincare area, which is essential in Korean beauty routines. Although South Korea doesn’t experience the same level of sun intensity as Australia, consumers are still very conscious about UV safety and anti-aging properties lightweight SPF products, sun protection foundations, and BB creams with wide-ranging protection show considerable demand and generate significant revenue. The sun protection cosmetics market in South Korea is anticipated to see consistent growth, with sunscreens, tinted lotions, and combined SPF items gradually taking bigger shares of consumer spending and innovation. In terms to sun protection, key skincare areas like facial care, moisturizing serums, barrier repair creams, and lip treatments highlight deeper consumer desires for effective and holistic skin care solutions. South Korean brands commonly incorporate biotechnology, barrier-enhancing components such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and fermented ingredients to provide hydration, repair, and lasting benefits. This science-based method supports the popularity of multi-step skincare routines, where products are selected for both their effectiveness and enjoyment of use. Clean beauty and eco-friendliness have also become more popular, with products focusing on plant-based and sustainable ingredients, reflecting a wider cultural shift towards responsible consumption and environmental care. Prominent local companies such as Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care, Missha, Innisfree, and The Face Shop continue to be influential, merging traditional practices with leading-edge research and development, while smaller independent brands push for more innovation in textures, delivery methods, and customized formulations.

According to the research report, "" South Korea Skincare Market Overview, 2031,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Skincare market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 11.97 Billion by 2031. The skincare market in South Korea is on a strong upward path fueled by solid domestic demand and increasing global impact. Recent industry reports indicate that the cosmetics and skincare market in South Korea is worth billions and is set to keep growing over the next ten years, driven by innovation, robust export activity, and growing consumer interest across various age groups. Products focusing on hydration, pigmentation issues, anti-aging, and barrier health dominate the local market, while clean-label and customized skincare options meet the rising sophisticated desires of consumers. A standout aspect of the Korean market is its combination of technology and personalization in skincare choices and product development. Brands utilize AI-driven tools, facial analysis, and data insights to suggest tailored routines and even unique formulations, illustrating a shift towards proactive youth preservation and ongoing care rather than just reactive solutions. The blend of technology and beauty strongly appeals to tech-savvy consumers who value customized solutions that fit their lifestyles and skincare requirements. South Korea's beauty product exports have increased significantly in recent times, positioning the nation as one of the top sellers of skincare and beauty items worldwide. This international interest is fueled by the renown of K-beauty as a symbol of creativity, influenced by trends that swiftly spread via social media and online platforms.

South Korea skincare market by product is divided into skincare, body care and lip care. The skincare industry in South Korea is celebrated worldwide for its emphasis on face care, influenced by the societal standard of achieving glass skin which is seen as clear, moist, and glowing. Multi-step skincare routines are essential, including cleansers, toners, essences, serums, ampoules, and moisturizers that are fundamental to everyday care. Major local brands like Amorepacific Laneige, Sulwhasoo, LG Household & Health Care The Face Shop, and Dr. Jart+ are at the forefront of innovation, while international companies adjust to the preferences of Korean consumers for light textures and quick absorption. Innovations in face care focus on hydration, brightening, anti-aging, and sun protection, frequently incorporating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and fermented elements. Body care is significant but less emphasized, influenced by seasonal changes creamy lotions and rich creams are favored in colder months, while refreshing gels and UV-protective items become more popular during summer. Body care also intersects with wellness, showcasing spa-inspired products and herbal components that reflect Korea’s hanbang traditional medicine legacy. Lip care remains a smaller yet strong category, featuring balms, therapeutic sticks, and tinted oils that combat dryness and UV exposure. The trend of multifunctional lip products offering hydration along with color is especially appealing to younger buyers. Throughout all categories, South Korean consumers are increasingly inclined towards biotech-oriented formulations, focusing on microbiome benefits, encapsulated ingredients, and sustainable packaging. The product segmentation illustrates Korea’s unique fusion of cultural heritage, technological advancements, and international influence, establishing face, body, and lip care as interdependent elements of a vibrant skincare market.

South Korea skincare market by end South user is divided into female, male and unisex. The skincare landscape in South Korea is predominantly female-oriented, as women focus on hydration, brightening, and solutions for aging. Local brands such as Laneige and Sulwhasoo highlight sophisticated formulations, whereas global brands like Estée Lauder and Shiseido vie in the high-end market. Female shoppers are quite brand-aware, often swayed by K-beauty movements, social media, and endorsements from celebrities. Male skincare is swiftly growing, especially in metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan, where grooming and wellness converge. Products aimed at men stress multipurpose use like moisturizers with SPF, pollution-fighting cleansers, and formulations suitable for shaving. Male customers appreciate dermatologist-recommended effectiveness and ease of use, frequently making purchases at pharmacies or online retailers. Unisex skincare is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among the younger audience, who favor gender-neutral branding and sustainable values. Online shopping and campaigns with influencers boost inclusivity, leading to rapid growth in the unisex skincare market. Analyzing end-user segmentation in South Korea reveals a move away from conventional gendered advertising toward functional, scientifically supported, and ethically responsible skincare, yielding prospects for both local innovators and international brands.

South Korea skincare market by price range is divided into mass and premium. South Korea’s skincare industry is categorized into mass and premium segments. The mass segment flourishes in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and pharmacies, providing budget-friendly moisturizers, cleansers, and sun protection. Adhering to the regulations set by Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety MFDS guarantees safety and openness, making mass skincare a reliable daily essential. Local brands like Etude House, Innisfree, and Missha lead this sector, utilizing natural ingredients and reasonable pricing. Mass skincare frequently focuses on hydration, brightening, and defense against pollution, reflecting the desires of urban consumers. Items such as multipurpose creams, sheet masks, and cost-effective sunscreens are especially sought after, delivering convenience and noticeable outcomes at an affordable price. The premium sector is rapidly growing, propelled by innovations in biotechnology, dermo cosmetics, and a rising demand for anti-aging products. Buyers in the premium category, primarily found in urban regions, seek sophisticated formulations such as encapsulated antioxidants, creams supporting the microbiome, and biotech anti-aging serums. Global names like Estée Lauder and Lancôme compete with Korean brands like Sulwhasoo and Dr. Jart+ that focus on fermented components and eco-friendliness. Premium growth is strengthened by Korea’s international standing in K-beauty exports, which appeal to consumers across Asia, North America, and Europe. Elements like elegant packaging, eco-luxury branding, and endorsements from dermatologists are crucial distinguishing features in this category. South Korea’s skincare market showcases a dual consumer profile cost-conscious buyers who value affordability and tradition, alongside premium shoppers who seek scientifically supported effectiveness, sustainability, and high status.

South Korea skincare market by distribution channel is divided into specialist retail stores, supermarket/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail channels and other distribution channel. The distribution of skincare products in South Korea mirrors its drugstore-focused and digital-first behavior. Specialist shops and pharmacies are prominent for premium and dermo cosmetic items, featuring trusted brands such as Laneige, Dr. Jart+, and Avène. Pharmacies play a vital role in building consumer trust, bridging the gap between therapeutic and cosmetic needs, and are often the initial recommendation source for dermatologist-approved products. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are essential for mass skincare, with retailers like Lotte Mart and E-Mart ensuring availability. These stores serve value-oriented shoppers who emphasize convenience and affordability. Convenience stores CU, GS25, 7-Eleven are surprisingly significant, catering to impulse buys of sheet masks, lip balms, and travel-sized moisturizers, especially in bustling urban transit areas. The most rapidly expanding channel is online retail, driven by platforms like Coupang, Naver Shopping, and KakaoTalk Stores, which enhance access to international premium brands and facilitate cross-border e-commerce. Online shopping is particularly favored by younger consumers who appreciate transparency, influencer endorsements, and digital convenience. Social commerce via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube significantly influences skincare trends. Other distribution channels beauty salons, dermatology clinics, and duty-free stores are essential for professional skincare, where tailored advice and luxury experiences enhance sales. South Korea’s distribution landscape illustrates a dual dynamic traditional pharmacies and supermarkets secure credibility and ease of access, whereas online platforms drive expansion, worldwide reach, and premium acceptance.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Skin Care 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 Product
• Face Care
• Body Care
• Lip Care

By End User
• Female
• Male
• Unisex

By Price Range
• Mass
• Premium

By Distribution Channel
• Specialist Retail Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retail Channels
• Other Distribution Channel(Beauty Salon, Pharma & drug store) Show more