South Korea Cruelty Free Cosmetics Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The South Korea cruelty free cosmetics market size cruelty free cosmetics reached a value of more than USD 1.05 billion in 2024. The South Korea cruelty free cosmetics industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.30% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 1.94 billion by 2034.

Key Trends in the South Korea Cruelty Free Cosmetics Market

Cruelty free denotes that the cosmetic product is produced without being tested on animals, whereas vegan means that the product contains no animal-derived substances. Testing cosmetics on animals and using animal-derived ingredients is now prohibited in many nations in favour of more contemporary methods.

Research and Development in the Cosmetic Industry, Along with Rising Consumer Awareness, are Bolstering the Market for Cruelty-Free Cosmetics in South Korea

Many decades ago, the cosmetics business wanted its consumers to trust it, believing that the items they consumed and applied would not harm them in any manner. This prompted chemists to test their compositions' toxicity, irritancy, and allergy responses on mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other animals in their laboratories. Today, a new standard for what safe beauty entails has been established due to the increasing spotlight, consumers' proactive steps toward self-education, and manufacturers' efforts to develop efficient replacements for time-tested techniques. Researchers are now creating and utilising ways for studying illnesses and evaluating items that don't involve using animals and are pertinent to human health. These approaches include the use of human cells and tissues (also referred to as vitro methods), sophisticated computer modelling methods (also known as in silico models), and research involving volunteers from the general public.

The emergence of the Vegan Lifestyle and Government Support in Restricting the Testing of Cosmetics on Animals are Majorly Driving the Growth of the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Market in South Korea

In Korea, veganism quickly grew in popularity, transitioning from a specialised diet to a way of life. A growing number of the Korean population are avoiding the use, consumption, or wearing of animal products, and some are even seeking out cruelty-free skincare and cosmetics. Vegan cosmetics, in particular, emphasise the use of natural, organic ingredients and forgo animal testing. A regulation restricting animal testing that was adopted in 2017 also significantly changed how the Korean cosmetics sector produces its products. The legislation requires cosmetics makers to not include substances tested on animals, to not test their products on animals, and to not sell cosmetics that have been tested on animals. Furthermore, improved living standards along with high disposable income allow Korean consumers to spend more on premium vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics.

The Growing Investment in Celebrity Endorsements Is Augmenting the Market of Cruelty-Free Cosmetics in South Korea

Half of all sales of cruelty-free cosmetics have been made through the worldwide eCommerce market since the COVID-19 outbreak. Particularly since the start of the epidemic, e-commerce has become the most important component of the cosmetics industry. To pique consumers' attention, leading cosmetic brands now collaborate with well-known celebrities who promote their cosmetics and skin care products. Hence, companies are substantially investing in advertising. Some of the leading influencers informing customers about the many benefits of cruelty-free goods use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. In 2023, Korean giant Olive Young collaborated with Mamamoo Hwasa and Exo Kai as their ambassadors with the motto Healthy Beauty. Such collaborations aid the companies to increase sales in a short period of time, improving brand positioning, and popularise a newly launched product in the market.

Market Segmentation

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

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Skincare
• Haircare
• Makeup and Color Cosmetics
• Perfume and Fragrances
• Others

Market Breakup by Price Category

• Premium
• Economic

Market Breakup by Distribution Channels

• Hypermarkets/ Supermarkets
• Departmental Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

Market Share by Product Type

The product types available in the cruelty-free cosmetics market is skincare, haircare, makeup and colour cosmetics, and perfume and fragrances, among others. All the segments are performing well in the market and are expected to grow further during the given forecast period owing to the high beauty standards, improved standards of living, and increasing disposable income. With the growing awareness regarding animal cruelty via social media and other mediums, people are gradually shifting their preferences toward vegan and cruelty free cosmetics.

Market Share by Price Category

Half of all sales of cruelty-free cosmetics grew after the COVID-19 outbreak, primarily because of the increased prevalence of online distribution channels in the market. Due to the growing competition among key players and the emergence of cosmetics startups, premium cosmetics are now available at competitive prices. In order to look more visually appealing and due to increased disposable income, more people are now willing to spend on premium cruelty free cosmetics in South Korea.

Market Share by Distribution Channels

E-commerce has grown to be the most significant aspect of the cosmetics sector, especially since the pandemic. Especially in light of the closure, consumers no longer only rely on physical stores, and the e-commerce industry has been able to maintain stable sales, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The most popular offline distribution channel for people to purchase cosmetics are department shops, hypermarkets, and supermarkets, which also provide access to a variety of vegan cosmetic brands that are not available via other channels. The growth of e-commerce and consumer awareness have been majorly providing impetus to the growth of the segments as well as the cruelty free cosmetics 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 (DBMS) market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments and expansion plans.

TONYMOLY CO., LTD

TONYMOLY CO., LTD - Korea-based TONYMOLY CO., LTD is primarily involved in the creation, production, and marketing of cosmetic goods. The company primarily produces cosmetics, skincare items, and accessories such as brushes, containers, mirrors, and others. The Company primarily markets its goods under the TONYMOLY brand. Additionally, the company sells its cosmetics in foreign markets as well as through specialised shops, department stores, online shopping malls, and other outlets. The firm was established in 2006 and its headquarters are situated in Seoul, South Korea.

COSRX Inc.

COSRX Inc.- The South Korean skincare company COSRX, which was established in 2013, currently enjoys widespread acclaim in Southeast Asia. The firm offers excellent goods to treat various skin issues, and they are made of skin-friendly substances that soothe irritated skin. This enables clients to choose cosmetic items in accordance with their unique skin conditions. Following their recent rise to prominence in the US, they have already had success in a number of the region's nations in the past two years. The company has its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.