Cosmobeauty Seoul 2023: Korean Skincare Innovation
Published 09 June 2023
Anne-Marie Kruse
This year’s Cosmobeauty Seoul (May 25-27 2023) was smaller than the trade show’s pre-pandemic editions, but high visitor numbers promise a return to form. South Korean brands showcased a wealth of new beauty innovation, particularly in skincare. With domestic per capita skincare expenditure expected to skyrocket from $81.30 in 2021 to $108.20 by 2026 (GlobalData, 2022), we highlight the top trends.
More Plant Potency
High-Tech Cosmetic Effects
Skin Health in Focus
Doing Good
Traditional herbal ingredients have always been popular in Korean beauty, and this trend continues in 2023, with many new launches built around particular plant extracts. Highly concentrated hydrosols or plant extracts are also being used as formula bases (instead of water) – especially among emerging brands.
Traditional herbal ingredients have always been popular in Korean beauty, and this trend continues in 2023, with many new launches built around particular plant extracts. Highly concentrated hydrosols or plant extracts are also being used as formula bases (instead of water) – especially among emerging brands.
Anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle effects continue to be the holy grail for most Korean skincare buyers, which is unsurprising considering Seoul’s status as the world capital of cosmetic surgery and the fact that its societal beauty standards remain rigid. Brands presenting the latest in cutting-edge beauty tech and high-tech ingredients are commanding attention.
Besides anti-ageing beauty, improving skin health – especially microbiome care, which is trending internationally – was one of the biggest drivers in new facecare launches at the show. Products for acne and impure skin are another major focus for innovation.
While South Korea isn’t a traditionally vegan-forward country, the pandemic and an ensuing focus on sustainability and wellbeing has accelerated the popularity of vegan products, especially in beauty (50% of certified vegan products in Korea are in the cosmetics category). Upcycled ingredients and conservation also emerge, pushing the sustainability cause forward.
Cosmobeauty Seoul 2023: Korean Skincare Innovation
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