Korean Skin care: Fab or Flop?

Beauty standards vary across the world which is immensely affected by the current fashion trends of the international artists and modelling industries. Women from Asian countries like the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and Thailand are keen on taking care of their skin. Korea is the home of Kpop or Korean pop idols attracts millions of fans worldwide not only because of their glamorous and sometimes eccentric outfit and hair, but also with their porcelain-like skin.

Korean beauty products, in particular, had been selling like pancakes as evidenced on the released by the export.gov. Korea is the 10th largest cosmetics market in the world, representing nearly 2.9% of the global market. In 2015, the size of the Korean cosmetics market was estimated to be approximately USD 7.6 billion; the total local production and total exports increased 11.3% and 61.7%, respectively, from the previous year. The market has an annual growth rate of 6.7% for the last five years. (http://2016.export.gov/southkorea/doingbusinessinskorea/leadingsectorsforusexportsinvestment/cosmetics/index.asp, October 2016)

Let me not bore you with data and statistics. In totality, the data talks about the upward growth of Korean Skin care industry, which implies that there is a huge demand for the Korean Skincare products. There is a wide array of Korean beauty brands and here are just a few of them:

© Etude House

© The Face Shop

© Missha

The dainty shop is a magnet of female customers for its feminine touch. The vibe of the shop is sweet and refreshing as it utilizes white and pink colors. The products were neatly packed and comes with a cute paper bag. Etude house’s skin care products ranges from sun care, cream, mask, toner, mist, foam, lotion and etc. For now, the brand has physical stores in Asia only. For those living on the other continent, shopping is at ease by simply checking their website.

The website claims that their bestseller items for skin care are:

© Moistfull collagen cream- this product leaves your skin hydrated and firm.

© 0.2 Therapy Air Mask-the mask has its moisturizing effect to the skin when used.

© Wonder Pore Freshner- this is described as total pore solution as it deeply cleanses the pore to further prevent skin problem due to a pH imbalance.

© Wonder pore deep foaming cleanser- This product is good for oily skin by thoroughly cleaning the clogged pores and its impurities.

© Moistfull Collagen Eye Cream- To pamper the eyes, the moistfull collagen provides a rejuvenating and a moisturizing effect.

Unlike the youthful, sweet and refreshing vibe of the Etude House, The Face Shop’s physical store looks classic and simple. The Korean Skin Care aficionado has plenty of options based on their current skin needs. The brand carefully categorizes the skin conditions as normal, oily and combination, dry, all skin type, mature, sensitive and acne prone skin.

The shop is not only confined to catering the women’s skin care needs but also the men’s.

These are just a few of the brands skin care products:

© Rice Water Bright cleansing foam- having a sensitive skin requires a product that gently cleanses without irritation. This is the right product for a woman who has sensitive skin who wants to have a clearer and more even complexion.

© Belif transforming peel off mask- This product is under the category that can be used for all skin type. A peculiar formula helps remove dead skin cells to unveil the clearer skin. It can also help reduce the visibility of the pores and perk up skin elasticity.

© The Therapy Secret-Made Anti-aging Facial Mask- The brand promises of having a youthful skin by making it more elastic and firm by using overnight for 2 to 3 nights a week.

© The Therapy- Oil drop Anti-Aging Serum- a special formula is contained for every bottle of this product to regain the youthful look through the fast absorption of this rejuvenating product.

© Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Cleansing Foam- Due to pollution, our skin will become damaged. Thanks to this product, made with a volcanic ash from Jeju Island, the skin will be protected.

A product that is effective and affordable is quite hard to find. It is a good thing that Missha believes that “quality should be affordable”. Aside from make-up, the brand also sells skin-care products. Like The Face Shop, Missha has a specific product for men’s use.

Here are the brand’s must-haves:

© All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45- This product is intentionally made for dry skin. This is great for the sporty women who want to stay protected from the scorching heat of the sun.

© Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule- Missha stressed the 3 key benefits of using this product, 1. Improve Skin Damages 2.Supply Energy to Skin 3.Stenghthen elasticity to the skin.

© Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream- If you’re on your 20s to 30s, this product is great to use. It will repair and invigorate the skin.

© Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Hydro-Gel Mask- This product contains snail extract which revives the condition and elasticity of the skin.

© Misa Cho Gong Jin Premium Cream- By the looks of the product, it seems that this is an urn made from the ancient times. This elegantly packed product promises a quality anti-aging cream that brings back the skin’s firmness.

Is it a fab or a flop? In the end, it is all up to the consumer’s dedication to never skip the night and day skin rituals. The product’s efficacy will also vary on the type of skin, lifestyle, and the food that you are eating.