APR Medique Expands to Costco in US: 400 Stores and Beyond
Korean beauty brand APR Medique has expanded its presence in the United States by officially entering Costco, with its products now available in approximately 400 stores. This move comes after successful entries into major US retailers like ULTA Beauty, Target, and Walmart. APR Medique plans to further expand its product range at Costco and aims to enter Canadian and European Costco stores. The company has also announced plans to enter CVS Pharmacy chains in the US. This expansion strategy includes both national and regional sales channels, aiming to connect consumer demand from online platforms to various purchasing channels. APR Medique's sales in North America have seen significant growth, with a 260% increase in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year. 💬 What do you think about APR Medique's expansion into Costco and other retail channels?
K-Beauty's Global Success: Creativity and Diversity Drive Growth
At the 'KOOM WEEK 2026' event in New York, Kosmax Group President Kyungsoo Lee highlighted the key factors behind K-beauty's global success. He emphasized 'creativity' and 'diversity' as the driving forces, noting that K-beauty has rapidly expanded globally and established itself as a new standard in the beauty industry. Lee praised Kosmax's decades of research and development, which have provided precise solutions to skin concerns worldwide. The company also plans to strengthen its local market strategies by supporting Korean indie brands looking to enter the U.S. market. This event, attended by around 150 beauty influencers from North America, aims to deepen partnerships with creators and develop localized products based on data-driven insights. 💬 What aspect of K-beauty do you think is most responsible for its global popularity?
K-Beauty's Growth Spurts: Mist and Eye Care Gain Popularity on Amazon
The growth of K-beauty on Amazon continues to expand, with a diverse range of products catching consumer attention. According to Park Min-sun, Manager of Amazon Global Selling Korea, last year saw over 19 million customers purchase K-beauty products on Amazon, with sales from Korean beauty sellers increasing by more than 70% compared to the previous year. The proportion of K-beauty-related searches on Amazon's beauty section reached over 20%, up by more than 30% from the previous year. While skincare remains dominant, mist and eye care products are gaining traction. These include serums, creams, and new forms like mists and eye masks. Additionally, cleansing products are diversifying beyond just foams, now including oils and night creams. Consumers are also paying closer attention to product ingredients, such as PDRN and retinol, indicating a shift towards more informed purchasing decisions. For brands focusing on skincare, exploring new formulations and application areas could be beneficial. 💬 Which K-beauty product category do you think will see the most growth in the coming years?
Tmall Beauty Trends: Mask Pack Market Stalls After Downturn
Beauty economics have been closely monitoring the sales data of the beauty category on China's largest e-commerce platform, Tmall, since July 2022. The analysis focuses on comparing mask pack sales data from the third quarter of 2025 and 2026 to understand consumer purchasing trends and brand competition dynamics. Despite a significant decline, the Tmall mask pack market has entered a phase of stagnation. An analysis of the top 10 mask pack brands on Tmall revealed that their sales volumes remained stable in the third quarter of 2024, indicating a shift towards a more stable market condition after the initial downturn. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
D.O. Joins New Dermocosmetics Brand EIOM as Model
New derma skincare brand EIOM has appointed singer and actor D.O. as its new brand model. Known for focusing on the 'microbiome' of the skin, EIOM offers solutions that address various skin concerns while considering the overall skin environment. D.O., with his clean and healthy image and calm natural aura, aligns well with EIOM's direction. The brand plans to promote its philosophy through D.O., especially highlighting their representative product 'Trouble Biome Patch Mask,' which is designed based on tea tree microbiome to manage skin conditions and maintain skin balance. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Base Makeup Market Shrinks 63% in Two Years: Tmall Beauty Trends
Beauty economics have been closely monitoring the sales data of the beauty category on China's largest e-commerce platform, Tmall, since July 2022. This analysis focuses on comparing base makeup sales data from the third quarter of 2025 and the third quarter of 2026 to understand consumer purchasing trends and brand competition dynamics. The Tmall base makeup market has shown a continuous decline over two years, with its market size reduced to one-third of its original size. This trend highlights significant shifts in consumer preferences and challenges for brands in the Chinese beauty market. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Clarify Skincare Uses for Better Product Planning
Data from Trendi AI's analysis of online sales and consumer reviews suggests that skincare products are increasingly focusing on specific skin concerns such as sagging, neck lines, and post-treatment care. The trend indicates a shift from broad terms like 'anti-aging' to more precise descriptions like 'sagging correction,' 'neck care,' and 'post-treatment recovery.' This change is observed across various global markets including the US, Germany, and Korea. Brands are advised to tailor their product descriptions based on these specific needs to better meet consumer expectations. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on barrier repair in hair care products, with a shift from exfoliating ingredients to those that strengthen the scalp. Consumer feedback also highlights the importance of fragrance in different markets, with varying preferences noted between countries like Japan, the US, and Korea. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Korean Beauty Industry Expands into Russia with MOU Signing
The Korea Beauty Industry Association (KOBITA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Russian Perfumery and Cosmetics Association (PCAR) at the 2026 Interparc Russia exhibition in Moscow. The agreement aims to facilitate information sharing, market trend analysis, and collaboration between the two organizations. KOBITA showcased 11 Korean beauty companies at the event, including Esteevi International, Nodinary, Isis Cosmetic, Big Bell, Eluio, Beauty in Asia, Varies, Genohealthics, H&W Pharmaceutical, WJBI, and Donga Tech. Additionally, KOECO operated a separate Korean pavilion with 27 participating companies. The event, which took place from April 14 to 17, attracted numerous buyers and provided valuable networking opportunities for Korean beauty firms looking to expand their presence in the Russian market. 💬 What are your favorite Korean beauty brands that you hope to see at international exhibitions?
K-Beauty Stocks Split: Foreign Investors Diverge
Recently, the mid-sized cosmetics Original Equipment Manufacturer (ODM) sector has seen a decline in stock prices. Among these, foreign investors showed varied preferences. According to data from Naver Securities, between October 7 and 14, while foreign investment flowed into Cosmecca Korea and Zinik, it decreased for Korean Cosmetic Manufacturing. All five mid-sized ODM companies experienced a drop in their stock prices. Zinik saw the most significant decline, falling from 21,800 won to 18,900 won, a 13.3% decrease. Cosmecca Korea's stock price dropped to 117,000 won. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Expo Surpasses 1000 Booths, Drawing Global Buyers
The 2026 K-BEAUTY EXPO Korea opened on the 15th at KINTEX in Goyang, marking its 18th edition. With 679 companies from 15 countries participating in 1088 booths, it surpassed the previous year's scale by 1.3 times in terms of participating companies and 1.4 times in exhibition area. The event attracted over 220 overseas buyers from more than 60 countries, with some visiting without official invitations. KINTEX has been operating this expo independently without significant financial support from external agencies. The expo includes sections for OEM/ODM manufacturers and MD distribution consultations, enhancing the experience for both buyers and exhibitors. To improve visitor convenience, the event was expanded to three halls, and new features like wellness zones and porters were introduced. Organizers advise参展企业应提前做好准备，包括准备英文产品介绍资料和确保足够的翻译人员，以提高与海外买家的交流效果。此外，他们还建议利用各种支持项目，如展览补贴和培训课程，以减轻经济负担并增加与海外买家接触的机会。 💬 What are your favorite Korean beauty brands and why do you support them?
Global Beauty Brands Expand into TikTok Shop
Global beauty distributors are increasingly setting up official sales points within TikTok Shops, aiming to reach younger consumers and provide new purchasing channels. Boots, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty have launched their own shops, focusing on their own brands and exclusive products. These companies are using TikTok's growing influence in the beauty sector to enhance customer engagement and drive sales. For instance, Boots began selling its No7 brand products on TikTok, while Sephora introduced a 'Sephora Drop Shop' for exclusive product launches. Ulta Beauty was one of the first major beauty retailers to enter TikTok Shops in March, offering 18 brands and over 30 exclusive sets. This move reflects the growing importance of social commerce and digital marketplaces in reaching consumers. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty in Europe: Quality and Skin Suitability Drive Purchases
K-beauty has been steadily increasing its presence in the European market. A recent survey conducted by Beauty Economy in Belgium, where a friend operates a restaurant, revealed that local consumers prioritize quality and skin compatibility when choosing K-beauty products. The study involved interviewing five Belgian consumers to understand their perceptions of K-beauty and the factors influencing their purchase decisions. Respondents highlighted that K-beauty products are perceived as high-quality and well-suited for their skin, making them a preferred choice over other brands. This trend suggests that K-beauty's success in Europe is largely due to its emphasis on product quality and effectiveness. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Sulwhasoo Supports Royal Night Culture Festival at Gyeongbokgung
Sulwhasoo, a renowned Korean beauty brand, supported the '2026 Autumn Palace Cultural Festival' at Gyeongbokgung. The event, known as 'Royal Night Culture Festival,' allowed participants to experience traditional Korean culture by wearing hanbok and enjoying the palace's night views. Sulwhasoo set up a booth near Jinghewo Pavilion where visitors could receive brand giveaways including amber-colored lanterns and samples of their signature 'Yunjo Essence.' Over 3,600 people participated in the event, with approximately 800 being international visitors. This initiative aimed to showcase Korea's rich cultural heritage and promote traditional aesthetics through modern means. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty's Growth Spreads Beyond Mediqube on Amazon
The growth of K-beauty on Amazon is diversifying beyond the leading brands like Mediqube. According to Navigo's '2026 Q3 Amazon Beauty Report', various Korean brands are gaining market share, particularly Cerave and Anew. While Mediqube maintained its top spot, its share decreased from 12.3% to 10.6%. However, the combined share of key K-beauty brands increased from 19.1% to 20.3%. This shift indicates a broader consumer interest in exploring different Korean brands rather than just relying on established ones. Additionally, there's a trend towards more specific searches for skincare ingredients, reflecting a growing demand for products with transparent and detailed ingredient information. 💬 Which K-beauty brand is seeing the biggest surge in popularity, and why do you think that is happening?
Olive Young Expands K-Beauty Edit to 48 Stores in Asia
CJ Olive Young has completed the rollout of its 'K-Beauty Edit' concept in 48 stores across Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. This follows a partnership with Sephora, where Olive Young's offline stores and global online mall serve as hubs for K-beauty expansion, while Sephora's distribution network helps connect K-beauty brands with global consumers. The initiative has seen significant success in the US, with brands like Rejuvenan, Arensia, and Toriden experiencing a 2-fold increase in daily average sales post-launch. Olive Young plans to tailor its offerings to local climates and consumer needs in Southeast Asian markets, focusing on skincare products suitable for hot and humid conditions. The company also launched a pop-up event in Singapore's ION Orchard from August 8th to 14th, offering skin analysis services and beauty samples, curated around themes such as anti-aging, skin barrier management, pore and spot treatment, and hydration. Olive Young aims to expand its 'K-Beauty Edit' concept to Canada, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East by 2027. 💬 What K-beauty brands do you think should be introduced next in Asia?
K-Beauty Cushion Sales Show Signs of Recovery
Beauty economics have been closely tracking and analyzing the sales data of K-beauty products on Tmall's Korean section since 2019. This includes key categories like masks, skincare, essences, and creams to gauge market trends and consumer behavior in China. The latest analysis focuses on the cushion market for the third quarter of 2026 and September. Despite not experiencing the same explosive growth as before, the Tmall K-beauty cushion market is showing signs of gradual recovery after a period of decline. This indicates a shift towards more selective and focused strategies among brands. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Stocks: Foreign Investors Shift Focus to US Market
An analysis of data from Naver Securities reveals that foreign investment in Korean cosmetic ODM and OEM stocks has shown differentiated trends over the past month. Companies like Korea Cosmetics Manufacturing and C&C International saw both their stock prices and foreign ownership rates rise simultaneously. In contrast, Cosmecca Korea experienced a decrease in foreign ownership coupled with a drop in its stock price. Meanwhile, despite a 23.1% plunge in its stock price, Jeonic saw an increase in foreign ownership from 3.80% to 4.75%. As the US emerges as the largest export market for K-beauty, foreign investors are showing more interest in companies with higher exposure to the US market. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
K-Beauty Brands Make a Splash in Nordstrom
Landing International, a global K-beauty distribution expert, has launched its 'K-Beauty World' platform to introduce 12 K-beauty brands to Nordstrom, a premium U.S. department store. The brands include COSNORI, APLB, 8grow, CHUNGMIJUNG, HAIRPLUS, ONE THING, P.CALM, YADAH, LINDSAY, DRYOPE, hanskin, and ROOTON. These brands cover skincare, haircare, and makeup products, with some already available online and others set to debut in-store this fall. This move highlights the growing demand for K-beauty in North America, driven by its high functionality and unique technology. Landing International plans to continue expanding its portfolio based on customer feedback and preferences. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite for these K-beauty brands?
K-Beauty Expands Beyond UAE: Dubai Exhibition Highlights
The 30th edition of Beautyworld Dubai 2026 showcased the global beauty industry's presence in Dubai, with over 2500 companies and more than 85,000 visitors. Korean beauty (K-beauty) companies participated actively, focusing on skincare, color cosmetics, hair care, personal care, and beauty tech. The event highlighted the growing importance of K-beauty in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and GCC countries. Attendees were interested not only in brand recognition but also in product formulations and technological advancements. The exhibition emphasized the shift towards longer-lasting effects and scientific efficacy in beauty products. Korean companies are now targeting a broader market within the GCC, recognizing the unique characteristics and consumer behaviors of each country. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
Mist Takes Over Chinese Skincare Market: Convenience Wins
Mist products are emerging as a new growth category in the Chinese skincare market. This shift signifies a move away from complex and lengthy routines towards more convenient, high-frequency, and multi-functional skincare solutions. For Korean beauty brands to capitalize on this trend, they need to leverage their strengths in functional ingredients and formulation techniques by expanding these into mist formats. Recent trends indicate that brands like Proya and Kans are leading this change. 💬 Which concept photo is your favorite?
