Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-01-15

Pharma Cosmetics and Health Supplements Soar in Home Shopping Sales

Post-COVID-19, there has been a significant rise in demand for reliable cosmetics and health supplements, leading to a surge in sales of these products by pharmaceutical companies through TV home shopping in South Korea. According to GS Retail, sales of cosmeceuticals (pharmaceutical cosmetics) in GS Shop last year reached about 100 billion KRW, a 3.3-fold increase compared to 2018. In contrast, overall cosmetic category sales remained stable during the same period.

Cosmeceuticals, known for their medical-grade ingredients like skin regeneration, wrinkle improvement, and whitening, have gained popularity. These products are rigorously tested and managed by the Korea Food and Drug Administration. The number of cosmeceutical brands sold at GS Shop increased from 4 in 2019 to 11 last year, with notable brands including Taeguk Pharmaceutical's TG Dominus, Dongkook Pharmaceutical's Centellian24, Hugel's Wellage, and Pugen Biopharm's Cellab. Notably, Hugel's Wellage saw a 5.7-fold increase in sales from 2020 to 2023.

The health supplement sector also saw a significant rise in sales for pharmaceutical brands. GS Shop's sales of these products jumped from 25 billion KRW in 2018 to 150 billion KRW last year, largely attributed to the heightened interest in immunity. Popular health supplement brands at GS Shop include Bionia's Vienal Thin and Huons' Luvy Probiotics, both stemming from genetic-based bio venture companies.

GS Shop Beauty Team Manager, Kim Tae-hoon, linked this trend to the increasing 'health pleasure seekers,' noting that consumers of pharmaceutical cosmetics and health supplements range widely from those in their 30s to 70s. This trend reflects consumers' focus on quality, efficacy, and value for money in products, especially those with clinically proven ingredients. Consequently, the popularity of pharmaceutical-based cosmetics and health supplements through home shopping channels is expected to continue growing.

Easydew Crowned Top Hospital Cosmetic Brand for Ten Consecutive Years

Easydew, a dermocosmetic brand jointly developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical and DN Cosmetics, has clinched the '2024 Korea First Brand Award' in the hospital cosmetics category for the tenth consecutive year. This award, recognized as Asia's largest brand award ceremony, annually honors the most anticipated brands in each industry based on consumer surveys and expert evaluations.

In a survey conducted last November, over 2.45 million consumers participated. Easydew achieved a satisfaction score of 5.35 out of a potential 5.41, topping the hospital cosmetics category. It received accolades from consumers across various age groups, from the 20s to 40s.

The essence of Easydew lies in its patented ingredient, DW-EGF, embodying over 30 years of Daewoong Pharmaceutical's expertise, offering customized skin solutions. Its flagship product, the 'DW-EGF Melatonin Ampoule,' is effective for treating age spots and has proven its efficacy in reducing melanin pigment deposition and suitability for sensitive skin. The product has also achieved the top repurchase rate on its e-commerce platform and reached a cumulative sales of 3 million bottles within one and a half years of its launch.

Easydew has expanded its distribution channels from hospitals and home shopping to its online store and Olive Young's online and offline stores, making strides in markets across Asia and North America. The brand continues to focus on addressing skin troubles and oxidation issues with its Acne Clear Skincare Line and EGF Antioxidant Ampoule.

Easydew's brand representative expressed deep sentiments on the ten consecutive years of recognition, stating, "We will continue to provide tailored solutions for diverse skin concerns and develop new products to address fundamental skin issues." This commitment is backed by constant research and development, aimed at maintaining consumer trust through quality and innovation. Easydew is set to lead the market with its blend of scientific expertise and consumer-centric approach, reflecting an evolving global interest in specialized skincare.

AmorePacific Launches Home Recycling Service to Reduce Plastic Waste"

AmorePacific, a leading South Korean beauty and cosmetics conglomerate, has initiated a new campaign named 'AMORE:CYCLE' to reduce plastic waste. This campaign reflects the company's commitment to addressing plastic pollution by offering customers a free collection service for used cosmetic containers.

Customers can easily schedule a pickup through AmorePacific's official online store, AmoreMall. By packing at least ten used containers in a box and leaving it at their doorstep, the products will be collected without any charge. This initiative expands the previously offline-only service to include online collections, now encompassing a wider range of products including plastic and glass cosmetic containers, hair care, body care, hand care products, select makeup items, and perfume bottles.

The collected containers undergo a sorting and recycling process by AmorePacific and its recycling partners, either for physical recycling or thermal energy recovery. This campaign is an extension of AmorePacific's longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, rooted in its 'Pacific Green Movement' initiated in the 1990s and the 'Unlimited Responsibility for the Environment' principle declared in 1993.

The 'AMORE:CYCLE' campaign goes beyond mere environmental protection; it aims to provide customers with an effortless way to participate in sustainability. This initiative encourages customer involvement and raises awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. With this campaign, AmorePacific continues to lead the way in minimizing plastic usage and maximizing recycling, offering a model for corporate responsibility in the beauty industry.