Market Forecast By Product (Powders, Gels, Lotions, Others), By Application (Lips, Eyes, Face, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/hypermarkets, Exclusive Brand Stores, Online/e-commerce Channels, Others) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC331943 | Publication Date: Aug 2022 | Updated Date: Apr 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 75 | No. of Figures: 35 | No. of Tables: 20 | |
Report Name | South Korea Makeup Market |
Forecast period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 5.9% |
Growing Sector | Natural ingredients and eco-friendly products sector |
The South Korea Makeup Market report thoroughly covers the market by product, by application, and by distribution channel. The South Korea Makeup Market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing South Korea Makeup Market, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The South Korea Makeup Market has experienced significant success and is expected to continue growing in the future. The makeup market in South Korea is vibrant, driven by a strong beauty culture and innovative trends. Key players like Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care dominate, offering a wide range of cosmetics from skincare to color cosmetics. K-beauty influences global trends with its emphasis on natural ingredients and advanced formulations. Online sales through platforms like Naver and offline retail channels in urban centers contribute significantly to the market's growth. Rising demand for premium and niche products reflects the evolving preferences of Korean consumers.
According to 6Wresearch, South Korea Makeup Market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2025-2031. A major driver of the South Korea makeup market is the country's deeply ingrained beauty culture and its global influence through K-beauty trends. South Koreans place a high value on skincare and cosmetics, contributing to a consistent demand for innovative beauty products. The presence of leading beauty conglomerates like Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care drives market growth through their extensive product offerings and marketing strategies. Furthermore, the popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas internationally has boosted the global interest in Korean beauty standards, leading to increased exports of Korean cosmetics.
The digital landscape also plays a significant role, with e-commerce platforms such as Naver and offline retail channels in urban centers providing convenient access to a wide range of beauty products. Additionally, the market's expansion into premium and new segments caters to evolving consumer preferences, driving innovation and competition among industry players. Overall, the convergence of cultural influence, technological advancements, and changing consumer behaviors fuels the growth trajectory of the South Korea makeup market. Despite this, the South Korea makeup market faces many challenges such as intense competition among local and international brands, leading to pricing pressures and the need for continuous innovation. Regulatory complexities, including ingredient restrictions and product testing requirements, can also pose hurdles for market players. Additionally, economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions in the region can impact consumer spending patterns. Balancing sustainability concerns, such as packaging waste and environmental impact, presents another challenge amid growing environmental consciousness among consumers.
Some of the leading players in the South Korea makeup market include Amorepacific Corporation, LG Household & Health Care Ltd., The Face Shop, Missha, Innisfree, Etude House, and Nature Republic. Amorepacific, with brands like Laneige and Sulwhasoo, holds a significant market share due to its innovative products and strong brand presence. LG Household & Health Care, known for brands like The History of Whoo and Belif, competes closely, focusing on high-quality formulations. Other key players like Missha, Innisfree, Etude House, and Nature Republic contribute to the market diversity and competitiveness with their unique offerings and marketing strategies.
The South Korea makeup market’s Government regulations primarily focus on product safety, labeling requirements, and ingredient restrictions to ensure consumer protection and product quality. The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) oversees cosmetics regulation, enforcing standards such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for production facilities and safety assessments for new cosmetic ingredients. Regulations also cover labeling specifications, including ingredient lists in Korean, expiration dates, and usage instructions. Certain ingredients, like color additives and UV filters, require approval before use in cosmetics. Animal testing for cosmetics is prohibited, aligning with global trends towards cruelty-free practices. Additionally, the government promotes sustainability in the industry, encouraging eco-friendly packaging and responsible manufacturing practices. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for market players to maintain consumer trust and market access, although navigating the evolving regulatory landscape can pose challenges, especially for international brands entering the Korean market.
The future of the South Korea makeup market is poised for continued growth and innovation. Key trends include the rise of clean and sustainable beauty, with consumers prioritizing natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Digitalization will play a significant role, with e-commerce platforms driving sales and personalized marketing strategies enhancing customer engagement. K-beauty trends will continue to influence global beauty standards, leading to increased international demand for Korean cosmetics. Collaboration between beauty brands and influencers, along with the adoption of advanced technologies like augmented reality for virtual try-on experiences, will shape the market evolution. Moreover, the market may witness a shift towards inclusivity, with a focus on diverse shade ranges and products catering to a wider range of skin types and concerns. Overall, the South Korea makeup market is expected to remain dynamic, driven by consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Head of Research, 6Wresearch, Powders are expected to dominate the industry due to their versatility and wide usage among consumers. They are essential in setting makeup, controlling shine, and providing a matte finish, making them a staple in most makeup routines. The demand for powders is further strengthened by the increasing trend towards natural and minimalistic makeup looks, which often require lightweight and breathable products. On the other hand, the gel segment is anticipated to witness significant growth. Gels are becoming increasingly popular for their lightweight texture and hydrating properties, which appeal to consumers with a preference for dewy and luminous makeup finishes. With the continuous innovation in formulations and the growing influence of K-beauty trends, the gel segment is anticipated for significant expansion in the South Korea makeup market.
In terms of application, the "Face" category, which includes foundations, blushes, and highlighters, is anticipated to dominate the industry. This dominance is driven by the growing consumer emphasis on achieving a flawless complexion and the rising popularity of K-beauty trends that prioritize skincare and natural-looking makeup. Additionally, innovative product formulations and advancements in cosmetic technology are further fueling the demand for face makeup products. On the other hand, the "Eyes" segment is projected to experience significant growth in the industry. Consumers' increasing interest in eye makeup, such as eyeliners, eyeshadows, and mascaras, has been influenced by social media beauty trends and tutorials. Furthermore, the demand for long-lasting and waterproof eye makeup products is supporting this segment's expansion. Overall, the makeup market in South Korea remains dynamic, with each segment experiencing different growth trajectories based on consumer preferences and innovations.
Based on distribution channel, online/e-commerce channels are experiencing the most significant growth. This surge is driven by the convenience and accessibility they offer to consumers, who are increasingly turning to online platforms for their beauty purchases. Furthermore, advancements in technology and the proliferation of smartphones have facilitated this shift, enabling shoppers to browse and buy products from the comfort of their homes. Exclusive brand stores also hold a considerable share of the market, as they provide a tailored shopping experience with expert advice and a wide range of products. Supermarkets and hypermarkets, while still popular, are seeing slower growth compared to their digital counterparts. Lastly, other channels, such as department stores and drugstores, continue to play a role in the market landscape, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 South Korea Makeup Market Overview |
3.1 South Korea Country Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 South Korea Makeup Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 South Korea Makeup Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
4 South Korea Makeup Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 South Korea Makeup Market Trends |
6 South Korea Makeup Market, By Types |
6.1 South Korea Makeup Market, By Product |
6.1.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.1.2 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021-2031F |
6.1.3 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Powders, 2021-2031F |
6.1.4 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Gels, 2021-2031F |
6.1.5 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Lotions, 2021-2031F |
6.1.6 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021-2031F |
6.2 South Korea Makeup Market, By Application |
6.2.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.2.2 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Lips, 2021-2031F |
6.2.3 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Eyes, 2021-2031F |
6.2.4 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Face, 2021-2031F |
6.2.5 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021-2031F |
6.3 South Korea Makeup Market, By Distribution Channel |
6.3.1 Overview and Analysis |
6.3.2 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Supermarkets/hypermarkets, 2021-2031F |
6.3.3 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Exclusive Brand Stores, 2021-2031F |
6.3.4 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Online/e-commerce Channels, 2021-2031F |
6.3.5 South Korea Makeup Market Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021-2031F |
7 South Korea Makeup Market Import-Export Trade Statistics |
7.1 South Korea Makeup Market Export to Major Countries |
7.2 South Korea Makeup Market Imports from Major Countries |
8 South Korea Makeup Market Key Performance Indicators |
9 South Korea Makeup Market - Opportunity Assessment |
9.1 South Korea Makeup Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
9.2 South Korea Makeup Market Opportunity Assessment, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
9.3 South Korea Makeup Market Opportunity Assessment, By Distribution Channel, 2021 & 2031F |
10 South Korea Makeup Market - Competitive Landscape |
10.1 South Korea Makeup Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
10.2 South Korea Makeup Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
11 Company Profiles |
12 Recommendations |
13 Disclaimer |