Cosmetics production value South Korea 2014-2022

In 2022, the production value of cosmetics in South Korea amounted to around 13.59 trillion South Korean won. That year, the market size of the South Korean cosmetics industry stood at about five trillion South Korean won. The production of Korean cosmetic products started declining in 2020 after previously showing significant growth.

Domestic cosmetics industry

South Korea is one of the leading beauty markets globally, with skincare being the most significant sector. Even with a recent drop in the industry’s market size, its revenue is set to increase in the near future. Along with the seemingly great importance Koreans place on their appearance, an emerging global affinity for Korean products has majorly contributed to a surge in exports of Korean cosmetics.

Korean cosmetics – an international success story

Paralleling the success of the Korean wave, also called Hallyu, Korean cosmetics have gained global popularity as well. These have proven to be appealing to consumers by offering a different approach from their competitors, especially by using less invasive ingredients. The Korean beauty industry thus provides an alternative to products from American, European, or Japanese market leaders. Given the Korean waves’ impact in Asia, other Asian countries in particular view Korean beauty products favorably. Nowadays, Korean beauty products have become mainstream.