The History of Korean Skincare

K-Beauty, also known as Korean beauty, has gained more popularity everywhere around the globe in recent years because of its creative textures, natural ingredients, and multi-step regimens.

 

1. Traditional Korean Skincare (14th to 19th Century, Joseon Dynasty)

Korean skincare culture dates back centuries. Supple, luminous skin and wholesome-looking skin were extremely valued during the Joseon Dynasty.

•They utilized natural ingredients such as camellia oil, ginseng, rice water, and yeot (Korean traditional sweetener).

• In order to maintain the standard of beauty—pale, luminous skin—women made their own mixtures.

2. Early 20th-century Western influence and modernization

• Western cosmetics firms began to penetrate the Korean market during the early 1900s.

• Cosmetics from Japan were widely used during the Japanese occupation period (1910–1945).

• Local firms began producing their own cosmetics after the Korean War.

 

3. Domestic Brand Development (1960s–1980s)

• It was during this time that big Korean corporations like LG Household & Health Care and Amorepacific (created in 1945) were established.

• The Korean beauty market started to grow quickly.

• Simple skincare items, such as cleansers and moisturizers, became increasingly available.

 

4. Rise and Internationalization of K-Beauty (1990s–Present)

• Korean beauty rose to prominence in the 1990s due to the expansion of Korean pop culture, such as K-dramas and K-pop.

• BB creams, sheet masks, and essences became known globally. The now-notorious 10-step Korean skincare routine was created around this period.

• Korean businesses expanded into North American and European markets and Asian markets.

 

Why K-Beauty Is So Trendy?

 

• Ongoing innovation (e.g., snail slime, centella asiatica, niacinamide);

• Emphasize skin health instead of just beauty;

• Mild, natural, and effective ingredients;

• Reasonably priced quality