Few items generate a more loyal following than South Korea’s beauty products, even if cars and cellphones are among the country’s top exports to the US. The phrase “K-beauty,” which refers to a broad category of skincare, makeup, and cosmetics from South Korea, is praised for its high quality and affordability, which has led to a sharp increase in demand in recent years. South Korean culture’s attractiveness on a worldwide scale has also contributed to the rise in popularity of its cosmetics.
Pearl Mak, who lives in the US, told the BBC that her friends introduced her to K-beauty goods. The 27-year-old graphic designer claims that South Korean serums are healthier for her complexion than other Western ones that are sometimes harsher.
Ms. Mak’s affinity for South Korean skincare products is not unique. According to industry estimates, Americans spent $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion) on K-beauty goods in 2024. Compared to the prior year, that is a greater than 50% increase.
In addition to having ingredients that are less prevalent in the West, such as heartleaf and snail mucus, K-beauty products are frequently more reasonably priced than their Western equivalents. Now, South Korean products transferred between Seoul and Washington are subject to a 15% import tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Also Read:
Empowering Humans with AI: Sebastian Knørr Vision Behind Building Nordic AI
