GITNUXREPORT 2026

K-Beauty Industry Statistics

The K-beauty industry is booming globally with strong growth and diverse consumer appeal.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

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Statistic 1

Aestura brand exports generated 500 billion KRW overseas.

Statistic 2

COSRX global sales hit 400 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 3

Innisfree operated 1,500 stores worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 4

Laneige lip sleeping mask sold 10 million units globally.

Statistic 5

The Face Shop revenue: 800 billion KRW, 40% from exports.

Statistic 6

Dr.Jart+ Cicapair sales: $300 million in US alone.

Statistic 7

Etude House revamped with 20% sales growth to 300 billion KRW.

Statistic 8

Missha BB cream franchise sales: 1 billion units cumulative.

Statistic 9

Sulwhasoo overseas revenue up 25% to 1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 10

Nature Republic global franchises: 3,200 outlets.

Statistic 11

Banila Co. Clean It Zero sales: 50 million bottles sold.

Statistic 12

Holika Holika quirky packaging drove 15% growth to 250 billion KRW.

Statistic 13

TIRTIR cushion sales topped 5 million units in China.

Statistic 14

Abib sheet masks exported 200 million sheets.

Statistic 15

Round Lab brand valuation: $500 million post-IPO prep.

Statistic 16

Torriden serum line revenue: 150 billion KRW.

Statistic 17

Anua heartleaf products: 100 million units shipped globally.

Statistic 18

Haruharu Wonder fermented line: 30% market share in probiotics.

Statistic 19

Isntree hyaluronic acid toner: Top seller on Amazon US.

Statistic 20

Purito centella serum: 2 million units in Europe.

Statistic 21

Mixsoon bean cream: Viral with 1 million TikTok sales.

Statistic 22

Geologie men's K-beauty collab revenue: $50 million.

Statistic 23

Amorepacific R&D budget: 400 billion KRW invested.

Statistic 24

Kolmar Korea ODM revenue: 3 trillion KRW from K-beauty.

Statistic 25

Cosmax contract manufacturing: 2.5 trillion KRW, 50% export.

Statistic 26

Women aged 20-29 make up 35% of K-beauty consumers in South Korea.

Statistic 27

68% of Gen Z in the US prefer K-beauty brands over Western ones in 2023.

Statistic 28

Male K-beauty users in South Korea increased to 42% of total male population aged 18-39 in 2023.

Statistic 29

52% of K-beauty buyers globally are millennials aged 25-40.

Statistic 30

Urban South Korean women spend average 150,000 KRW monthly on beauty products.

Statistic 31

75% of Chinese K-beauty consumers are female under 30 years old.

Statistic 32

Southeast Asian K-beauty users: 60% aged 18-24, mostly female.

Statistic 33

In the US, 55% of K-beauty purchasers have household income over $75,000.

Statistic 34

48% of South Korean men aged 20-29 use skincare daily in 2023.

Statistic 35

Global K-beauty loyalists: 62% female, 38% identify as diverse ethnicity.

Statistic 36

Japanese K-beauty consumers: 40% over 40 years old, preferring anti-aging.

Statistic 37

70% of UK K-beauty buyers influenced by social media, aged 16-34.

Statistic 38

Brazilian K-beauty market: 65% female consumers aged 18-35.

Statistic 39

In South Korea, 55% of K-beauty spenders are single urban dwellers.

Statistic 40

US Hispanic consumers represent 22% of K-beauty sales growth in 2023.

Statistic 41

58% of Indian K-beauty users are first-time luxury buyers under 25.

Statistic 42

Australian K-beauty demographic: 72% women, average age 28.

Statistic 43

45% of European K-beauty consumers have college education.

Statistic 44

South Korean teens (13-19) account for 18% of K-beauty purchases.

Statistic 45

Global K-beauty vegan product buyers: 80% under 35, environmentally conscious.

Statistic 46

Middle Eastern K-beauty users: 50% aged 20-30, halal-certified preference.

Statistic 47

62% of K-beauty online shoppers in South Korea are 20-39 years old.

Statistic 48

Canadian K-beauty market: 38% male buyers, up from 25% in 2020.

Statistic 49

67% of French K-beauty fans follow TikTok trends, aged 18-24.

Statistic 50

K-beauty spend per capita in South Korea: 320,000 KRW annually for women 25-34.

Statistic 51

55% of global K-beauty reviewers on Sephora are Asian diaspora.

Statistic 52

Skincare holds 62% share of K-beauty product preferences among women globally.

Statistic 53

South Korea's K-beauty exports reached $10.8 billion in 2023, up 15.3% YoY.

Statistic 54

China imported $4.1 billion worth of K-beauty products in 2023.

Statistic 55

US K-beauty imports surged 28% to $1.65 billion in 2023.

Statistic 56

K-beauty exports to ASEAN countries hit $2.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

Europe K-beauty market imports from Korea: $1.1 billion, +22% growth.

Statistic 58

Hong Kong K-beauty re-exports to China: $800 million in 2023.

Statistic 59

Vietnam became top 5 K-beauty export destination with $450 million.

Statistic 60

K-beauty stores overseas numbered 1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 61

Japan K-beauty imports: $900 million, stable despite competition.

Statistic 62

Australia K-beauty sales via imports: $250 million growth in 2023.

Statistic 63

K-beauty e-commerce exports via platforms like Tmall: $3.2 billion.

Statistic 64

Middle East K-beauty exports doubled to $300 million in 2023.

Statistic 65

India K-beauty imports rose 40% to $180 million.

Statistic 66

UK K-beauty market share from Korean exports: 12%, $400 million.

Statistic 67

Brazil K-beauty penetration via exports: $120 million in 2023.

Statistic 68

K-beauty duty-free airport sales globally: $1.5 billion.

Statistic 69

Singapore as K-beauty hub exported $600 million regionally.

Statistic 70

Russia K-beauty imports despite sanctions: $90 million.

Statistic 71

K-beauty global pop-up stores: 450 events driving $500 million sales.

Statistic 72

Taiwan K-beauty imports: $350 million, +18% YoY.

Statistic 73

K-beauty share in US Ulta/Sephora: 15% shelf space.

Statistic 74

Thailand K-beauty retail expansion: 300 stores opened.

Statistic 75

K-beauty exports to Africa grew 50% to $50 million.

Statistic 76

Malaysia K-beauty online imports: $200 million via Shopee/Lazada.

Statistic 77

Global K-beauty licensing deals: 120 agreements worth $400 million.

Statistic 78

Philippines K-beauty market via exports: $150 million.

Statistic 79

K-beauty in duty-free Americas: $300 million sales.

Statistic 80

Amorepacific global revenue from exports: 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 81

LG H&B international sales: $1.1 billion outside Korea.

Statistic 82

The South Korean beauty market reached a value of 15.2 trillion KRW in 2022, marking a 7.2% year-over-year growth.

Statistic 83

Global K-beauty market size was estimated at USD 14.5 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 84

K-beauty segment in Asia-Pacific generated revenue of $9.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 85

South Korea's cosmetics exports hit $10.5 billion in 2023, up 15% from previous year.

Statistic 86

Domestic K-beauty market share held 42% of total beauty sales in South Korea in 2023.

Statistic 87

Online K-beauty sales in South Korea surged to 4.8 trillion KRW in 2022, representing 32% of total sales.

Statistic 88

K-beauty market in China valued at $4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 89

Premium K-beauty segment grew by 12.5% in 2023 to reach 3.1 trillion KRW.

Statistic 90

K-beauty skincare market size hit $8.7 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 91

South Korean beauty industry employed over 120,000 people in 2023.

Statistic 92

K-beauty market projected to reach $25 billion by 2028 at 9.2% CAGR.

Statistic 93

In 2023, K-beauty accounted for 25% of South Korea's total cosmetics production value of 18 trillion KRW.

Statistic 94

US K-beauty imports from South Korea totaled $1.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 95

K-beauty e-commerce sales grew 18% YoY to $6.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 96

Vegan K-beauty market segment expanded to $1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 97

South Korea's color cosmetics market valued at 2.9 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 98

Global K-beauty devices market reached $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 99

K-beauty sun care products market hit $1.1 billion in Asia in 2023.

Statistic 100

Men's K-beauty market in South Korea grew to 1.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 101

K-beauty clean beauty segment valued at $2.3 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 102

South Korean beauty R&D investment totaled 1.5 trillion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 103

K-beauty market in Southeast Asia reached $3.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 104

Overall K-beauty patent filings increased by 22% to 5,200 in 2023.

Statistic 105

K-beauty functional cosmetics sales rose 14% to 4.1 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 106

Global K-beauty influencers market influenced $800 million in sales in 2023.

Statistic 107

South Korea beauty exports to Europe grew 25% to $1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 108

K-beauty market share in global skincare rose to 18% in 2023.

Statistic 109

Domestic K-beauty retail sales hit 12.5 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 110

K-beauty biotech ingredients market valued at $900 million in 2023.

Statistic 111

South Korean beauty industry GDP contribution was 1.2% in 2023.

Statistic 112

Sheet masks dominate K-beauty with 28% of all product trials in 2023.

Statistic 113

Cushion compacts sales grew 20% YoY to $1.2 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 114

Fermented ingredients used in 45% of new K-beauty launches in 2023.

Statistic 115

Multi-functional serums represent 35% of skincare innovations in K-beauty.

Statistic 116

Clean beauty formulations in 52% of K-beauty products released in 2023.

Statistic 117

Ampoules and essences saw 25% sales increase due to personalization trends.

Statistic 118

Snail mucin products captured 15% market share in reparative skincare.

Statistic 119

Pads and toners innovated with 30% more exfoliating variants in 2023.

Statistic 120

Lip tints outsold traditional lipsticks by 40% in K-beauty color cosmetics.

Statistic 121

LED beauty devices from K-brands grew 35% in patents filed.

Statistic 122

Propolis-based products launched 120 new SKUs in 2023.

Statistic 123

Waterless K-beauty formulations rose to 18% of new products.

Statistic 124

Centella asiatica featured in 28% of soothing creams.

Statistic 125

Glass skin essences with niacinamide hit 22% usage rate.

Statistic 126

Sustainable packaging adopted by 65% of major K-beauty brands.

Statistic 127

Hybrid makeup-skincare products grew 28% in sales.

Statistic 128

Mugwort-infused masks became top trend with 1.5 million units sold.

Statistic 129

10-step routines shortened to 5-step minimalist kits, popular with 40% consumers.

Statistic 130

Collagen boosters in drinkable form gained 15% market penetration.

Statistic 131

AR try-on apps integrated in 70% of K-beauty brand sites.

Statistic 132

Peptide complexes in 32% of anti-aging serums launched.

Statistic 133

Oil cleansers with eco-oils up 25% in formulations.

Statistic 134

BB creams evolved to CC/DD with SPF50+, 18% sales growth.

Statistic 135

Haircare K-beauty with scalp tech grew 22%.

Statistic 136

Biome-balanced products patented 450 times in 2023.

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Move over Paris and New York—the global beauty crown now rests firmly in Seoul, as evidenced by a booming industry that saw South Korea's cosmetics exports hit a staggering $10.5 billion in 2023, a figure that is just one shimmering facet of a market projected to reach $25 billion worldwide by 2028.

Key Takeaways

The South Korean beauty market reached a value of 15.2 trillion KRW in 2022, marking a 7.2% year-over-year growth.
Global K-beauty market size was estimated at USD 14.5 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030.
K-beauty segment in Asia-Pacific generated revenue of $9.8 billion in 2022.
Women aged 20-29 make up 35% of K-beauty consumers in South Korea.
68% of Gen Z in the US prefer K-beauty brands over Western ones in 2023.
Male K-beauty users in South Korea increased to 42% of total male population aged 18-39 in 2023.
Sheet masks dominate K-beauty with 28% of all product trials in 2023.
Cushion compacts sales grew 20% YoY to $1.2 billion globally in 2023.
Fermented ingredients used in 45% of new K-beauty launches in 2023.
South Korea's K-beauty exports reached $10.8 billion in 2023, up 15.3% YoY.
China imported $4.1 billion worth of K-beauty products in 2023.
US K-beauty imports surged 28% to $1.65 billion in 2023.
Aestura brand exports generated 500 billion KRW overseas.
COSRX global sales hit 400 billion KRW in 2023.
Innisfree operated 1,500 stores worldwide in 2023.

The K-beauty industry is booming globally with strong growth and diverse consumer appeal.

Company and Brand Stats

Aestura brand exports generated 500 billion KRW overseas.
COSRX global sales hit 400 billion KRW in 2023.
Innisfree operated 1,500 stores worldwide in 2023.
Laneige lip sleeping mask sold 10 million units globally.
The Face Shop revenue: 800 billion KRW, 40% from exports.
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair sales: $300 million in US alone.
Etude House revamped with 20% sales growth to 300 billion KRW.
Missha BB cream franchise sales: 1 billion units cumulative.
Sulwhasoo overseas revenue up 25% to 1 trillion KRW.
Nature Republic global franchises: 3,200 outlets.
Banila Co. Clean It Zero sales: 50 million bottles sold.
Holika Holika quirky packaging drove 15% growth to 250 billion KRW.
TIRTIR cushion sales topped 5 million units in China.
Abib sheet masks exported 200 million sheets.
Round Lab brand valuation: $500 million post-IPO prep.
Torriden serum line revenue: 150 billion KRW.
Anua heartleaf products: 100 million units shipped globally.
Haruharu Wonder fermented line: 30% market share in probiotics.
Isntree hyaluronic acid toner: Top seller on Amazon US.
Purito centella serum: 2 million units in Europe.
Mixsoon bean cream: Viral with 1 million TikTok sales.
Geologie men's K-beauty collab revenue: $50 million.
Amorepacific R&D budget: 400 billion KRW invested.
Kolmar Korea ODM revenue: 3 trillion KRW from K-beauty.
Cosmax contract manufacturing: 2.5 trillion KRW, 50% export.

Company and Brand Stats Interpretation

The K-beauty industry is no longer a niche secret but a formidable global empire, proven by its billion-dollar brands, millions of cult-favorite products sold from Seoul to Sephora, and a business model so potent it turned lip masks and BB creams into international currencies.

Consumer Demographics

Women aged 20-29 make up 35% of K-beauty consumers in South Korea.
68% of Gen Z in the US prefer K-beauty brands over Western ones in 2023.
Male K-beauty users in South Korea increased to 42% of total male population aged 18-39 in 2023.
52% of K-beauty buyers globally are millennials aged 25-40.
Urban South Korean women spend average 150,000 KRW monthly on beauty products.
75% of Chinese K-beauty consumers are female under 30 years old.
Southeast Asian K-beauty users: 60% aged 18-24, mostly female.
In the US, 55% of K-beauty purchasers have household income over $75,000.
48% of South Korean men aged 20-29 use skincare daily in 2023.
Global K-beauty loyalists: 62% female, 38% identify as diverse ethnicity.
Japanese K-beauty consumers: 40% over 40 years old, preferring anti-aging.
70% of UK K-beauty buyers influenced by social media, aged 16-34.
Brazilian K-beauty market: 65% female consumers aged 18-35.
In South Korea, 55% of K-beauty spenders are single urban dwellers.
US Hispanic consumers represent 22% of K-beauty sales growth in 2023.
58% of Indian K-beauty users are first-time luxury buyers under 25.
Australian K-beauty demographic: 72% women, average age 28.
45% of European K-beauty consumers have college education.
South Korean teens (13-19) account for 18% of K-beauty purchases.
Global K-beauty vegan product buyers: 80% under 35, environmentally conscious.
Middle Eastern K-beauty users: 50% aged 20-30, halal-certified preference.
62% of K-beauty online shoppers in South Korea are 20-39 years old.
Canadian K-beauty market: 38% male buyers, up from 25% in 2020.
67% of French K-beauty fans follow TikTok trends, aged 18-24.
K-beauty spend per capita in South Korea: 320,000 KRW annually for women 25-34.
55% of global K-beauty reviewers on Sephora are Asian diaspora.
Skincare holds 62% share of K-beauty product preferences among women globally.

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

Korea has masterfully packaged self-care into a viral global export that simultaneously convinces Seoul's 20-somethings to spend a fortune, empowers Gen Z everywhere to choose glass skin over glass ceilings, and has finally gotten men everywhere to admit that, yes, a ten-step routine might just be worth it.

Exports and Global Reach

South Korea's K-beauty exports reached $10.8 billion in 2023, up 15.3% YoY.
China imported $4.1 billion worth of K-beauty products in 2023.
US K-beauty imports surged 28% to $1.65 billion in 2023.
K-beauty exports to ASEAN countries hit $2.3 billion in 2023.
Europe K-beauty market imports from Korea: $1.1 billion, +22% growth.
Hong Kong K-beauty re-exports to China: $800 million in 2023.
Vietnam became top 5 K-beauty export destination with $450 million.
K-beauty stores overseas numbered 1,200 in 2023.
Japan K-beauty imports: $900 million, stable despite competition.
Australia K-beauty sales via imports: $250 million growth in 2023.
K-beauty e-commerce exports via platforms like Tmall: $3.2 billion.
Middle East K-beauty exports doubled to $300 million in 2023.
India K-beauty imports rose 40% to $180 million.
UK K-beauty market share from Korean exports: 12%, $400 million.
Brazil K-beauty penetration via exports: $120 million in 2023.
K-beauty duty-free airport sales globally: $1.5 billion.
Singapore as K-beauty hub exported $600 million regionally.
Russia K-beauty imports despite sanctions: $90 million.
K-beauty global pop-up stores: 450 events driving $500 million sales.
Taiwan K-beauty imports: $350 million, +18% YoY.
K-beauty share in US Ulta/Sephora: 15% shelf space.
Thailand K-beauty retail expansion: 300 stores opened.
K-beauty exports to Africa grew 50% to $50 million.
Malaysia K-beauty online imports: $200 million via Shopee/Lazada.
Global K-beauty licensing deals: 120 agreements worth $400 million.
Philippines K-beauty market via exports: $150 million.
K-beauty in duty-free Americas: $300 million sales.
Amorepacific global revenue from exports: 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023.
LG H&B international sales: $1.1 billion outside Korea.

Exports and Global Reach Interpretation

South Korea’s K-beauty industry has cleverly turned the entire globe into a glowing, sheet-masked, ten-step skincare routine, with over $10 billion in exports proving that the world is now thoroughly and profitably hydrated.

Market Size and Growth

The South Korean beauty market reached a value of 15.2 trillion KRW in 2022, marking a 7.2% year-over-year growth.
Global K-beauty market size was estimated at USD 14.5 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2030.
K-beauty segment in Asia-Pacific generated revenue of $9.8 billion in 2022.
South Korea's cosmetics exports hit $10.5 billion in 2023, up 15% from previous year.
Domestic K-beauty market share held 42% of total beauty sales in South Korea in 2023.
Online K-beauty sales in South Korea surged to 4.8 trillion KRW in 2022, representing 32% of total sales.
K-beauty market in China valued at $4.2 billion in 2023.
Premium K-beauty segment grew by 12.5% in 2023 to reach 3.1 trillion KRW.
K-beauty skincare market size hit $8.7 billion globally in 2022.
South Korean beauty industry employed over 120,000 people in 2023.
K-beauty market projected to reach $25 billion by 2028 at 9.2% CAGR.
In 2023, K-beauty accounted for 25% of South Korea's total cosmetics production value of 18 trillion KRW.
US K-beauty imports from South Korea totaled $1.2 billion in 2023.
K-beauty e-commerce sales grew 18% YoY to $6.5 billion in 2023.
Vegan K-beauty market segment expanded to $1.8 billion in 2023.
South Korea's color cosmetics market valued at 2.9 trillion KRW in 2022.
Global K-beauty devices market reached $450 million in 2023.
K-beauty sun care products market hit $1.1 billion in Asia in 2023.
Men's K-beauty market in South Korea grew to 1.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
K-beauty clean beauty segment valued at $2.3 billion globally in 2023.
South Korean beauty R&D investment totaled 1.5 trillion KRW in 2022.
K-beauty market in Southeast Asia reached $3.4 billion in 2023.
Overall K-beauty patent filings increased by 22% to 5,200 in 2023.
K-beauty functional cosmetics sales rose 14% to 4.1 trillion KRW in 2023.
Global K-beauty influencers market influenced $800 million in sales in 2023.
South Korea beauty exports to Europe grew 25% to $1.8 billion in 2023.
K-beauty market share in global skincare rose to 18% in 2023.
Domestic K-beauty retail sales hit 12.5 trillion KRW in 2023.
K-beauty biotech ingredients market valued at $900 million in 2023.
South Korean beauty industry GDP contribution was 1.2% in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

While meticulously applying sheet masks and serums, South Korea has painted a 15-trillion-won masterpiece of economic growth, proving that its global beauty empire, fueled by relentless innovation and online savvy, is far from hitting its expiration date.

Product Trends and Innovations

Sheet masks dominate K-beauty with 28% of all product trials in 2023.
Cushion compacts sales grew 20% YoY to $1.2 billion globally in 2023.
Fermented ingredients used in 45% of new K-beauty launches in 2023.
Multi-functional serums represent 35% of skincare innovations in K-beauty.
Clean beauty formulations in 52% of K-beauty products released in 2023.
Ampoules and essences saw 25% sales increase due to personalization trends.
Snail mucin products captured 15% market share in reparative skincare.
Pads and toners innovated with 30% more exfoliating variants in 2023.
Lip tints outsold traditional lipsticks by 40% in K-beauty color cosmetics.
LED beauty devices from K-brands grew 35% in patents filed.
Propolis-based products launched 120 new SKUs in 2023.
Waterless K-beauty formulations rose to 18% of new products.
Centella asiatica featured in 28% of soothing creams.
Glass skin essences with niacinamide hit 22% usage rate.
Sustainable packaging adopted by 65% of major K-beauty brands.
Hybrid makeup-skincare products grew 28% in sales.
Mugwort-infused masks became top trend with 1.5 million units sold.
10-step routines shortened to 5-step minimalist kits, popular with 40% consumers.
Collagen boosters in drinkable form gained 15% market penetration.
AR try-on apps integrated in 70% of K-beauty brand sites.
Peptide complexes in 32% of anti-aging serums launched.
Oil cleansers with eco-oils up 25% in formulations.
BB creams evolved to CC/DD with SPF50+, 18% sales growth.
Haircare K-beauty with scalp tech grew 22%.
Biome-balanced products patented 450 times in 2023.

Product Trends and Innovations Interpretation

The K-Beauty industry is a masterful alchemist, expertly transforming a sheet mask-wearing public into a legion of high-tech, minimalist skincare enthusiasts who demand both a perfect cushion compact and a planet-friendly propolis serum.

Sources & References

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