K-beauty is famous for its high-performance functional skincare. At this year’s trade show, PDRN and glutathione (with exosomes as a supporting ingredient) were among the breakout ingredients. Herbal powerhouses, particularly traditional Korean plant extracts, such as cica and rice, also continue to be popular.

Since K-beauty brand VT Cosmetics’ iconic Reedle Shot went viral, microneedle shots (also called ‘needle shots’ or ‘microshots’) have been trending across the globe, but especially in South Korea. Domestic beauty brands are responding with a variety of microneedling offerings.

From luxury tech to manually operated face and scalp care tools, South Korea-made beauty devices are presenting more solutions than ever. Plasma waves, LED light, microcurrents or electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) treat pore size, brighten the complexion, deeply clean or increase the absorption of active ingredients in scalp or facial care treatments.

Korean beauty is all about textures that add enjoyment and a sensory element to the daily beauty routine. Rich balms, airy foam serums, sprayable milky lotions, creamy masks that harden into pull-off textures – many new launches at Cosmobeauty Seoul 2025 highlighted the fun of using beauty products.

From ultraviolet (UV)-protective or hydrating cheek patch masks to anti-pimple patches and stickers, beauty patch technology was everywhere at the show. Pimple patch technology in South Korea is next-level, with brands incorporating iontophoresis, microneedling or microcurrent technology to elevate performance and effectiveness. In nail stickers, launches presented both artistic flair and functional actions.