South Korea Cosmeceuticals Market Growth Analysis Report - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The South Korea cosmeceutical market size reached a value of more than USD 474.14 Million in 2024. The South Korea cosmeceutical industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 865.27 Million by 2034.

Key Trends in the Market

Cosmetics with bioactive chemicals that are marketed as having medicinal advantages are called cosmeceuticals. The name is a combination of the words cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The word cosmeceutical describes a product that falls between cosmetic and pharmaceutical quality. These professional cosmetics include active components to promote healthier skin. These include antioxidants and anti-ageing compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, peptides and marine extracts, among others. These components are termed active since they cause changes in the skin, whether it's enhancing texture and skin tone, plumping ageing skin, or lowering pigmentation.

The Declining Birth Rate and High Ageing Population is Aiding the Cosmeceutical Market Growth in South Korea

The increasing consumer inclination toward natural and nutrient-dense products for both beauty and healthcare can be attributed to the expansion of the cosmeceuticals industry in South Korea. The need for anti-ageing solutions to avoid wrinkles, uneven skin tone, age spots, and damaged hair is growing. As a result, the cosmeceutical sector witnessed significant market opportunities for product launches and development of the cosmeceutical industry in South Korea. Moreover, South Korea is likely to become a super-aged society by 2025. With the increasing ageing population, a large portion of the population spends on beauty and skincare products. This factor has prompted manufacturers to place more emphasis on skin care products with active anti-ageing properties.

The Growing Popularity of Botanicals, As Well As Ongoing Research and Development, Augments the Cosmeceutical Demand in South Korea

Many cosmeceutical formulations contain botanical extracts. The most often used extracts are those from green tea, pine bark, grape seeds, pomegranate, Coffea arabica and resveratrol. Botanical extracts provide a wide range of phenolic and polyphenolic antioxidants that reduce the generation of metalloproteinases, limit the formation of free radicals, and boost collagen synthesis. Polyphenols offer photoprotection and shield against skin cancer. Protein glycation, which leads to wrinkling and sallowness seen in people with UV exposure, is inhibited by polyphenols. Cyclooxygenase 2, inhibiting NF-B, and other inflammatory pathways, also function as an anti-inflammatory substance. Clinical studies support the advantages of topically applied plant extracts, which include reducing pigmentation, lowering skin redness, and improving fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, the growing disposable income and high standards of living further promotes the cosmeceutical market growth.

High Beauty Standards in Korean Society Motivate People as well as Manufacturers to Invest in a Variety of Cosmeceuticals

Korea's culture places a lot of emphasis on looks, and as a result, many individuals have undergone plastic surgery and used skincare and cosmetics to match the expected image of their nation. The craze around Korean skincare and cosmetics recently began with the Korean wave. People feel embarrassed by their natural characteristics as a result of the glorifying of unhealthy and unattainable beauty standards, which often impair their self-esteem. In order to conform to the standards, people spend a lot of money on beauty products, which boosts the cosmeceutical market growth in South Korea.

Market Segmentation

The report titled “South Korea Cosmeceuticals Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product

• Skin Care
• Anti-Ageing
• Anti-Acne
• Sun Protection
• Moisturisers
• Others
• Hair Care
• Shampoos and Conditioners
• Hair Colours and Dyes
• Others
• Oral Care
• Others

Market Breakup by Material Type

• Natural
• Multifunctional/ Synthetic

Market Breakup by Distribution Channels

• Supermarket/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Speciality Stores
• Online
• Others

Market Share by Product

The growing popularity of K-beauty and the launch of innovative cosmeceuticals are providing impetus to the industry growth across all three segments. Moreover, with the increasing number of skin concerns and the desire to get perfectly flawless skin, people are willing to spend on cosmeceutical products, leading to the expansion of the cosmeceutical market in South Korea. In the skin care segment, anti-ageing, sun protection, and skin lightening, among others, secure the major portion. In hair care segment, shampoos and conditioners hold the major share.

Market Share by Material Type

The availability of high-quality cosmeceuticals at competitive prices, along with the surge of organic products with plant-based formulations due to growing consumer awareness, are bolstering the cosmeceutical market in South Korea. Other factors, such as high smartphone and social media usage, as well as hectic lifestyles, are propelling online sales in the country. With the ease of access, offline stores such as convenience stores, specialty stores, and hypermarkets and supermarkets are also expected to follow a positive trajectory. The consumers’ growing environmental sensitivity regarding sustainable products and their packaging compels the manufacturers to incorporate eco-friendly materials, which also aids the continuous research and development in the cosmeceutical industry of South Korea.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the South Korea cosmeceutical market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments and expansion plans.

Able C&C Co., Ltd

Able C&C Co., Ltd - Able C&C Co., Ltd. manufactures and distributes beauty products. Base foundation, point makeup, skin care, hair care, masks, body care, washing, and men's cosmetics are among the company's top sellers. Able Communications, the company's previous name, was used when it was first established in January 2001. In 2003, the name was changed to Able C&C Co., Ltd. The business sells its goods under a variety of brand names, including BeautyNET, MISSHA, A'PIEU, The Style, and M. The business sells its goods online, through retail locations, and through franchise stores.

Tonymoly Co., Ltd.

Tonymoly Co., Ltd. - The company Tonymoly Co., Ltd. produces cosmetics and other skincare items. TONYMOLY, which was founded in Seoul in 2006, has already become a household brand in South Korea! Our high-quality ingredients mixed with cutting-edge technology are recognised by our distinctive and inimitable packaging since we invented the Korean beauty trend that has swept the cosmetic industry by storm. TONYMOLY has swiftly grown to become the top brand in Korean beauty and beyond thanks to its ability to make goods that blend quality and its distinctive container designs. TONYMOLY distinguishes itself by combining exciting concepts with high-quality items.

LG H&H Co Ltd.

LG H&H Co Ltd.- A subsidiary of LG Corp. with headquarters in Korea, LG H&H Co Ltd., formerly LG Household & Healthcare Ltd., is primarily involved in the production and sale of cosmetics. The company divides up its market into three categories. The beauty division manufactures skincare and make-up items, as well as nutritious meals. The Health Segment primarily produces domestic goods including oral, body, and hair care products, as well as household detergents and other associated materials. The primary activity of the Refreshing Segment is the production of bottled water, juice, tea, cola, and other carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.