Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 23-11-20

KFDA Hosts 'One Asia Cosmetics Forum' in Tokyo to Support Korean Cosmetics' Expansion in the Japanese Market

The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) hosted the '2023 One Asia Cosmetics and Beauty Forum' in Tokyo on November 20 and 21 to support the expansion of Korean cosmetics in the Japanese market. The forum aimed to expand the Korean cosmetic market in Japan and included various activities such as collaboration meetings with Japanese regulatory authorities, joint export consultation sessions between Korean companies and Japanese distributors, and visits to local cosmetics stores.

KFDA Commissioner Oh Yu-kyung held meetings with CEOs of major Korean cosmetics companies like Daebong LS, Witch's Factory, AmorePacific, LG Household & Health Care, Cosmax, Cosmelab, and Korea Kolmar, to discuss strategies for entering the Japanese market. Additionally, plans to visit LG Household & Health Care's Saitama factory were also mentioned.

This forum, in conjunction with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute's 'Tokyo Cosmetic Pop-Up Booth Operation Project,' intensively supported the entry of small and medium-sized enterprises into Japan. The KFDA also held a cooperation meeting with Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) to discuss the cosmetic safety management regulations of both countries and exchange safety evaluation techniques.

According to the KFDA, Japan had the highest proportion of imported Korean cosmetics last year and in the first half of this year. Commissioner Oh remarked that the innovative product development, research on nature-friendly materials, and the launch of creative products by domestic cosmetics companies are highly popular in Japan. The KFDA also emphasized its commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the cosmetic industry and supporting Korea to become a global hub for cosmetics through harmonization of global regulations and regulatory innovation.

LG Household & Health Care Unveils Transformation of 'Ugly' Crops with 'Ugly Lovely' Brand Launch

LG Household & Health Care has launched a conscious beauty brand named 'Ugly Lovely' on November 19th, utilizing 'ugly' crops - those with external flaws but retaining taste and nutrition - as ingredients. This brand repurposes these 'ugly' crops into cosmetics ingredients. The newly released product line includes wash-off mask packs, sleeping packs, and sheet masks, totaling five types, all of which contain over 90% naturally derived ingredients and have been certified by the Korean Vegan Certification Authority.

The product line features notable items such as the 'Pig Mask,' which includes organic fig extract from Hampyeong and crushed walnut shells and apricot seeds, and the 'Yuja Mask' with Yuja extract from Goheung, vitamin C, and niacinamide. These products also use eco-friendly packaging materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainable beauty.

To celebrate the launch of this brand, LG Household & Health Care is operating a pop-up store at the 'B.CLEAN' location in The Hyundai Seoul until November 22. The store offers a range of benefits and welcome gifts to its visitors. A representative from LG Household & Health Care stated, "Ugly Lovely aims to showcase the new potential of 'ugly' crops, expanding into skincare, lip care, hand care, etc., and to become a brand that shares its philosophy with customers." This brand is leading a new trend in conscious beauty by revaluing 'ugly' crops.

Department Stores Welcome Shoppers with Fashion and Cosmetic Discounts in Winter Regular Sales

The department store industry is gearing up for the year-end shopping season by launching winter regular sales from November 17 to December 3. Hyundai, Lotte, Galleria, and Shinsegae department stores are participating in this sales event, offering discounts of up to 50% on various items including cosmetics and fashion.

Hyundai Department Store is conducting 'The Sale' across all its 16 stores, providing discounts on a range of products from about 250 brands in fashion, accessories, and cosmetics. Additionally, special sales and pop-up stores such as 'Paco Family Sale' and 'Tandy Family Sale' are being organized at various locations including the Trade Center branch, Pangyo branch, The Hyundai Seoul, and the Sinchon branch.

Lotte Department Store is offering discounts on over 600 brands, covering women's and men's fashion, sports, and outdoor products. Popular winter items like short and long paddings, as well as cold-weather accessories, are available at reasonable prices. High-end fashion brands such as Max Mara and Chloe are also participating with discounted fall and winter items.

Shinsegae Department Store follows up its 'Ssg Day' event with 'Shinsegae Members Coupon Week' from November 20 to 26. At the Gangnam branch, a pop-up store featuring Balenciaga's ski collection will be open, and the main branch will offer discounted household items from Le Creuset and Silit, as well as popular child care products. A 30% discount on all products at the Nike store is also part of the promotions.

Galleria Department Store has prepared winter premium outerwear pop-ups at its luxury Galleria branch in Seoul, along with a Roborock robot vacuum cleaner pop-up store and the 'Vino 494 Wine Fair.' Additionally, support grants for students who have completed their college entrance exams are also available.

These winter regular sales are aimed at reviving the subdued consumer spending due to high interest rates and inflation, with an extensive participation of various brands and special pop-up stores to satisfy the year-end shopping demand.