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Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 23-10-23


The Rise of "Slow Aging" Among Millennials and Gen Z Influences Beauty Industry

Fashion platform Zigzag, operated by KakaoStyle, has noticed a growing interest in the 'Slow Aging' trend among Millennials and Gen Z. This trend involves taking a gradual and intentional approach to managing the aging process. According to data, skincare sales have surged by 174% compared to last year. Products related to lifting and eye creams have seen increases of 511% and 89%, respectively. Sales of hair loss products and inner beauty items are also experiencing significant growth.

The beauty industry is evolving to meet this trend. Young adults in their late 20s to 30s are particularly interested in lifting procedures like "TenTen Lifting," which combines two different technologies to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

Major South Korean cosmetic brands are keenly adapting to this trend. Companies like CJ Olive Young and Coupang are intensifying marketing efforts related to 'Slow Aging.' Brands like AmorePacific, Mediheal, and Dermafirm are launching specialized products. This trend is considered a significant opportunity not just in South Korea but internationally as well.

The companies all project that the 'Slow Aging' trend will continue and plan to introduce various products and procedures to meet consumer demand.


AmorePacific Enhances Accessibility with Braille Stickers for Visually Impaired

AmorePacific started producing and distributing free 'Braille stickers' for cosmetics and household products on the 19th. These stickers aim to address issues visually impaired customers face when product names, sizes, and container shapes are too similar. AmorePacific intends to make its products more accessible for everyone, regardless of disability, gender, or age.

The stickers will be applied to ten major items including skin products, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. For those who cannot read Braille, the stickers also include embossed alphabet and numeric symbols. Visually impaired employees at the company and advisory teams from subsidiary WithDream participated in the initial planning and sample evaluation.

AmorePacific is also forming a Universal Design advisory board to improve accessibility in new products set to launch next year. The company is also providing high-contrast 'easy-to-see' stickers for users with low vision.

The Braille stickers have been distributed for free to Korean organizations for the visually impaired, special schools, and will continue to be offered to individuals and organizations that need them. Through these initiatives, AmorePacific aims to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in beauty.


Push for Legalizing Semi-Permanent Makeup & Tattoos in the 21st Congress

Representative Cho Myung-hee of the opposition party and various organizations are strongly urging the legalization of semi-permanent makeup and tattoos. Currently, these beauty services are subject to punishment for violating medical laws, but both industry professionals and consumers argue against this. They point out that despite being utilized by 16 million consumers and one million industry workers, they are still technically considered 'lawbreakers'.

The medical community sees tattoos and semi-permanent makeup as medical procedures and opposes their performance by non-medical professionals. However, Yoon Il-hyang, President of the Korean Semi-Permanent Makeup Association, argues that the issue can be resolved by establishing specialized institutions and granting national qualifications. Additionally, Hwang Jong-yeol, President of the Korean Beauty Experts Association, emphasized the need to manage qualifications for safety.

There are already 11 bills pending in the Health and Welfare Committee of the Congress, including one related to semi-permanent makeup and tattoos. Representative Cho and industry professionals stress that this issue must be resolved during the 21st congressional session. Several organization presidents and directors attended to express their views, reiterating the social importance of the issue.


DongSung Chemicals Partners with UPM for Exclusive Bio-based Material Distribution

DongSung Chemicals has partnered with Finland's UPM Biochemicals to become the exclusive distributor of Bio-Monoethylene Glycol (Bio-MEG) BioPura™ in the country. This partnership ensures a stable supply chain for DongSung's bio-based materials business.

UPM's Bio-MEG BioPura™ is derived from sustainable forests and employs a carbon-neutral process, finding applications in various industries including textiles, PET, adhesives, paint, and cosmetics.

DongSung Chemicals plans to expand the domestic distribution of bio-materials and engage in sustainable new material development through this partnership. The CEO Lee Man-woo stated, "Through our collaboration with UPM, we will supply renewable, wood-based materials in the country and focus on reducing carbon emissions while strengthening ESG management."

Meanwhile, Michael Duitz, Vice President of UPM Biochemicals, emphasized that this partnership is critical for launching UPM's renewable chemical products and establishing a new category for eco-friendly chemicals. DongSung also plans to apply Bio-MEG BioPura™ in other areas like shoe materials, car interiors, and adhesives.
Location: 대한민국

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