Korean Skincare News Wrap-up: January 11-17, 2025
Prada Beauty Enters the Korean Local Beauty Market
While K-beauty trends in the West, Prada has made its way to the East. On January 17, Prada introduced it’s opened its first South Korean beauty store in Seong-su dong, Seoul. Their newest global location, Prada Beauty Seong-su, offers some the brand’s favored perfumes, makeup, and other skincare products to the local Korean market. According to reporter Jeong Yeon-Sim, Prada views Seong-su dong as being at the heart of K-beauty trends.1
In an article posed by Health Chosun, it was revealed that Prada will pre-release its Prada Reveal Mesh Cushion Foundation at Prada Beauty Seongsu; however, eager buyers will have to visit the store in person to secure their purchase since it will be an offline exclusive.2 Prada’s Mesh Cushion Foundation sells for approximately 72 USD3 and 87 USD4 in the neighboring Asian markets of Hong Kong and Japan, respectively. The Seong-su dong pre-release is scheduled for February 3, 2025.
Increased Interest in Beauty Devices & Personal Skincare
Beauty devices are the new craze in South Korean skincare. As more and more women invest in personal beauty solutions, they are looking for products that will make the process more efficient and convenient. Beauty-tech is especially popular among young women who are at the front of this new beauty trend.5
Beauty brands are even incorporating AI into their newest innovations. For example, Amore Pacific’s ‘Skin Light Therapy 3S’ uses personalized analyses to offer skincare solutions. The company is collaborating with Samsung Electronics to maintain its lead in beauty innovation.6
Other products attracting attention include Melians’ ‘Silicone Vibration Cleanser’, which rose to the top of the December 2024 beauty rankings, and the ‘5-in-1 Link Shot High Frequency Massager’ by Face Factory which came in at top overall in skincare at the 2024 Musinsa Beauty Awards.6
It’s All About Staying Hydrated
If you’ve ever wondered what the secret to healthy skin is, we have the answer. If word on the K-beauty streets is correct, then it’s all about hydration! Here are the latest Korean skincare products which promise to keep your skin well-hydrated this season7.
Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer by Laneige – Promising barrier-boosting hydration for normal and dry skin, Laneige’s Water Bank cream is a day or night formula that is dermatologically tested (human subjects). Its refillable pod is environmentally friendly and the company claims a reduction “plastic consumption by 70% compared to buying a new standard sized 50mL” jar. Laneige recommends using the cream “morning and evening, after cleansing, toning, and applying serum.” This product boasts a 5-star review (from 400+ customers) on the U.S. Laneige Official Website.8
The Whoo by LG H&H – The Jin Yul Hyang anti-aging emulsion is part of the new anti-wrinkle line. It’s key ingredient is red ginseng, which is known to boost collagen, minimize dark spots, and improve skin elasticity. It also includes dual peptides also to add to skin’s vitality and an essential oil complex made up of pomegranate seed oil, rose hip oil, rose oil, and tea (camelia) seed oil. The Whoo also offers a cleansing foam, toner, and enriching cream as part of the set.9
Step Down Moisturizing Cream by LABCLE – A vegan option, this cream is meant to tackle dry skin and deeply moisturize. It promises 24-hour hydration and lustrous skin.1
Wrap-up
The Prada Beauty Seong-su grand opening was big news in the local K-beauty scene this week; not to mention at least three new product releases and a growing craze over personal electronic skincare devices. Things are off to a striking start this year. Be sure to subscribe to keep an eye out for the latest in K-beauty as the year progresses.
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