Korean Skincare News Wrap-up: January 19-25, 2025
Skin Food Releases ‘Rice Brightening Daily Mask’
Reporter Hwang Yeon-do of Atstar confirms that Skin Food has expanded its ‘Rice Brightening’ line. The line now consists of five products including toner, serum, cream, pad, and the new ‘Rice Brightening Daily Mask’. 1 Skin Food’s ‘Rice Brightening’ line promises to brighten your complexion, create smoother skin, shrink pores, and improve elasticity. Its key ingredient is, of course, rice bran water; but, the brightening line also boasts lots of PHA and protease for exfoliating the skin to leave its users with a radiant appearance.2
Sephora Welcomes Amorepacific’s AESTUARA
Hans Economy reporter Yang Ji-wo tells us that Amorepacific’s derma beauty brand AESTURA is entering the U.S. market through an exclusive partnership with Sephora. Starting next February, AESTURA’s products will be available in over 400 Sephora brick and mortar stores, as well as online. Known for its sensitive skin care, AESTURA will introduce its Atobarrier365 line, including six products and a trial kit. The brand aims to increase awareness as a K-beauty derma brand based on 40 years of research and collaboration with skin experts. AESTURA has already established a presence in Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, and now seeks to expand its global reach with this U.S. launch.3
What Does Trump’s “America First” Pledge Mean for K-beauty in the U.S.?
News Tomato reveals that the Korean beauty industry is keeping a close eye on President Donald Trump’s tariff policies during his second term in office. There’s a lot of concern that his high tariff plans could slow down the booming K-beauty export market. In his inauguration speech, Trump emphasized his “America First” approach and promised to impose tariffs of 10% or higher on all imports. This includes a potential 60% tariff on Chinese products and 10-20% on others, including Korean imports. These tariffs could raise production costs and make it harder for brands to stay competitive due to higher prices.4
According to Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, K-beauty exports have been on the rise, hitting $10.2 billion last year. Despite some dips in 2022 and 2023, there was a 20.6% increase in exports last year. The U.S. imported Korean cosmetics worth about $1.45 billion from January to October last year, surpassing France. However, the potential tariffs could pose a significant challenge.
Some manufacturers are thinking about boosting their U.S. production, but that’s easier said than done. An industry insider mentioned that many beauty companies are now looking to restructure their global operations and focus on expanding in markets like Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in response to the new administration.4
Wrap-up
From the raised concerns in the Korean beauty industry about potential high tariffs on imports, to a new line of Korean derma products at Sephora, this K-beauty news week had a lot to offer. Subscribe to the Korean Skincare Pro blog and follow us on Instagram to keep up with the latest. See you next week!
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