K-Beauty Skin-Care Products With Sensorial Textures

One of the key foundations of K-beauty skin care? Texture. Korean products, from bouncy puddings to sherbet masks and capsule creams that break apart on the skin like boba, prioritize the sensory experience, infusing curiosity and playfulness into a routine that is often seen as mundane.

The Impact of K-Beauty

This year, the United States has overtaken China as the largest market for K-beauty exports, as reported by Accio, an AI-driven market research firm. Fueled primarily by viral TikTok trends, Korean skin care has reached unprecedented heights. Sarah Chung Park, founder and CEO of Landing International and the brains behind K-Beauty World, describes this as the “Second Wave of K-beauty.” She explains, “The initial wave in 2011 was all about discovery, introducing the world to Korean beauty staples like snail mucin and adorable lip balms, but it lacked longevity.”

Park goes on to elaborate that the current wave is a whole new phenomenon. “Today, Korea has emerged as a global hub for skin-care innovation, spearheading advancements in ingredients such as PDRN (salmon DNA), exosomes, and EGF. Korean laboratories are pioneering novel product formats like overnight collagen masks that were previously unheard of. Concurrently, the global popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine has not only led to an admiration for Korean culture but also its seamless integration into daily life. Modern brands are leveraging this cultural influence in their development. While most countries are witnessing a decline in skin-care launches, Korea stands out as the only nation experiencing a surge in new product introductions in the U.S. This ‘second wave’ is characterized by its emphasis on science, sophistication, and enduring impact, proving that K-beauty is not just a passing trend but a global movement of innovation.”

Embracing the Experience

Consumers are increasingly seeking products that engage the senses, and Park believes that K-beauty’s emphasis on texture mirrors Korea’s innate creativity. “At its essence, Koreans value enjoyment, and this playful spirit naturally extends to their beauty rituals,” she notes. “There’s even a term for it: ‘skintertainment,’ which refers to skin care that not only delivers results but also entertains. Korean consumers demand products that are effective and enjoyable to use, prompting brands to push boundaries. This philosophy has always been at the core of K-beauty: high performance coupled with high pleasure.”

5 Innovative K-Beauty Skin-Care Products With Unique Textures

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This jelly-like moisturizer houses PDRN- and peptide-filled capsules that burst upon contact with the skin, delivering a concentrated dose of active ingredients. Not only does it excel in strengthening the skin barrier, but it also provides exceptional hydration. Clinical studies have shown that it keeps the skin moisturized for up to six days!