South Korea Cosmeceuticals Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Skin Care {Anti-Ageing, Skin Whitening, Sun Protection, Professional Skincare, Anti-Acne, Moisturizing Product, All-in-One Gel/Cream, Sheet Masks, and Others} Hair Care {Hair Growth, Anti-Dandruff, and Others}, Others {Lip Care, Tooth Whitening, Anti-Cellulite/Body Slimming Preparations, and Others}), By Distribution Channel (Pharmacy/Drug Stores, Online Stores, and Others) and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The South Korea cosmeceuticals market size was valued at USD 8.68 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 9.38 billion in 2026 to USD 17.01 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.72% during the forecast period.

The South Korea market is experiencing steady and significant growth. The country's growth in the market is driven by consumers' demand for advanced skincare solutions that combine cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the availability of high-quality formulations and skincare technology for anti-aging, brightening, and skin health products is supported by a strong culture of beauty and self-care. Additionally, the increasing focus of key players on ingredient advancements to support skincare goals is also boosting market growth.

• For instance, in April 2025, Cosmecca Korea, a cosmetics company, announced the development of next-generation anti-aging cosmetic materials in collaboration with Labio.

Moreover, many key industry players, such as L’Oréal and Amorepacific, operating in the market, are focusing on offering advanced products to support the rising demand for effective cosmeceuticals.

SOUTH KOREA COSMECEUTICALS MARKET TRENDS

Rising Innovative Formulation Trends in the South Korean Cosmeceuticals Market

Traditional cosmeceutical products have some limitations due to their reliance on basic ingredients, which lead to decreased efficacy, stability, and absorption. Also, these formulations may cause issues such as skin irritation, short-term results, or a lack of targeted benefits. Thus, the growing demand for personalization has led to new formulation trends that focus on integrating cutting-edge ingredients, such as peptides, probiotics, and plant-based actives, which significantly enhance skin health.

• For instance, in July 2025, VT Cosmetics, the popular K-beauty brand that offers micro needling in a bottle, expanded its retail presence in North America. The Reedle Shot, a patented micro-needling treatment, utilizes biodegradable micro-needles to enhance the absorption of active ingredients, combined with soothing botanicals for effective results with minimal skin irritation. Such advancements are contributing to the growth of the South Korea cosmeceuticals market trends.

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MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Demand for Functional Cosmetics and K-beauty Influence to Boost the Market Growth

The increasing awareness of functional cosmetics for anti-aging, skin brightening, UV protection, and skin barrier enhancement is boosting the adoption of these products in South Korea. The increasing influence of K-pop stars and the rising focus of market players on involving them in marketing campaigns are driving the growth of the South Korea cosmeceuticals market growth.

• For instance, in October 2025, Mediheal collaborated with Singer and actor Kim Jaejoong as the global model for the company’s high-quality products, including efficacy-specific pads and mask packs.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Presence of Counterfeit Cosmetics Products to Hinder Market Expansion

The presence of counterfeit cosmetics and cosmeceuticals in the market is restricting the market growth. These products are made from substandard ingredients and feature packaging similar to that of branded products, posing safety risks that lead to consumer mistrust and an unwillingness to purchase authentic items.

• For instance, in December 2025, the Korea Customs Service (Incheon Airport) uncovered 22,339 fake Korean skincare items shipped via express cargo from China, imitating brands such as Sulwhasoo, KAHI, and d’Alba.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Rising Demand for Personalized Cosmeceuticals to Create an Opportunity

The growing focus of consumers on personalized products for skin and hair is shifting the focus of key players to integrate AI analysis and manufacture customized products tailored to individual needs. Such advancements in the market are expected to bolster the market growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, in March 2025, Amorepacific partnered with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to launch an AI-powered Beauty Counselor, offering personalized skin analysis and beauty consultations. Utilizing advanced generative AI and data analytics, the solution provides tailored skincare recommendations by combining dermatological expertise with AI insights.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Frequent Regulatory Changes to Challenge the Market Growth

Frequent regulatory changes and stringent enforcement measures challenge companies to expand their footprints in the country, thus discouraging investment and innovation. Also, stringent regulatory requirements disrupt market dynamics and increase uncertainty in businesses.

• For instance, in July 2025, the MFDS announced revisions to the Enforcement Rules of the Cosmetics Act (Prime Ministerial Decree No. 1970), including adjustments affecting functional cosmetics, customized cosmetics, and infant/child cosmetics.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type

Increasing Innovative Product Launches for Skin Care to Propel Segmental Growth

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into skin care, hair care, and other categories.

The skin care segment is expected to account for the largest share of the cosmeceuticals market. The skin care segment held 80.3% share of the market in 2025. The dominant share of the segment is attributed to the rising awareness and demand for K-beauty skin care products, which aim to manage dark spots, pigmentation, acne, and repair the skin barrier, contributing to the segment’s growth. Also, continuous innovative product launches are boosting the segment’s growth.

• In February 2025, Cosmax revealed that the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) had approved its functional skin-whitening ingredient, White Plussome, as a non-notified raw material.

The hair care segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% over the forecast period.  

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By Distribution Channel

Rapid Expansion of E-Commerce Platforms Leads to Online Stores Segmental Growth

Based on the distribution channel, the segment is divided into pharmacy/drug stores, online stores, and others.

In 2025, the online stores held a dominant share of the market in the distribution channels segment. The segment is set to have a 36.6% share in 2025. The rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms for the purchase of cosmeceuticals, with the availability of international and local production brands, is boosting the segment’s growth in the market. Also, increasing collaboration between e-commerce channels and key players is contributing to the development.

• For instance, in July 2024, Kolmar Korea collaborated with Amazon to boost the presence of K-beauty brands.

The pharmacy/drug stores are projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.94% during the study period.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Availability of Advanced Products for New Consumer Demand to Maintain Market Position

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market is semi-consolidated, featuring a mix of major and smaller players. The companies include L’Oréal and Amorepacific, as well as MEDIHEAL, which has a diverse product portfolio ranging from Korean beauty products to hair care products. Additionally, these companies focus on marketing their products to increase their customer bases.

• December 2024, L'Oréal S.A. acquired Gowoonsesang Cosmetics Co., Ltd, a leading dermocosmetic brand in South Korea.

However, other key players, such as Beiersdorf, Estée Lauder Companies Inc., and LG H&H Co., Ltd., are expected to engage in market strategies, including collaboration and product launches, to increase their market presence in the country.

LIST OF KEY SOUTH KOREA COSMECEUTICALS COMPANIES PROFILED

• L’Oréal (France)
• Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (U.S.)
• Beiersdorf (Germany)
• MEDIHEAL (South Korea)
• Shiseido Company Limited (Japan)
• Procter and Gamble (S.)
• Amorepacific (South Korea)
• LG H&H Co., Ltd. (South Korea)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• December 2025: CERAGEM Co. launched the NK lineup of cosmetics under the Cellunic NK Activator brand, as well as a health functional food, CERAMATE NK Seven (NK 7). The cosmetics are formulated with a complex of proteins and peptides. They are designed to manage the skin barrier, elasticity, and wrinkles.
• September 2025: Procter & Gamble launched the 'ONE&ONLY SK-II' pop-up store, with actor Gong Myung attending the opening event.
• January 2025: Amorepacific’s LANEIGE launched the New Water Bank campaign at the 'The LANEIGE Show‘.
• January 2025: L'Oréal collaborated with Korean startup NanoEnTek to announce the launch of L'Oréal Cell BioPrint.
• October 2024: Estée Lauder, in partnership with The Shilla Duty Free, launched a new store at Incheon Airport Terminal 2.

REPORT COVERAGE

The South Korea cosmeceuticals market report provides a detailed market analysis, focusing on key aspects such as an overview of the cosmeceuticals market, trends in the cosmeceuticals market, a snapshot of active ingredients used in cosmeceuticals, new product launches, and key industry developments. Additionally, the South Korean cosmeceuticals market analysis includes an overview of the key OEM manufacturers & clients in the South Korean region, as well as a pricing analysis of key products. In addition to these, the report provides insights into market trends and highlights key strategies employed by key players. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several other factors that have contributed to the market's growth over recent years.

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Report Scope & Segmentation