South Korea’s cosmetics exports hit a record high in 2025, reaching $11.43 billion, driven by the global popularity of Korean culture and efforts to diversify export markets. Exports of Korean beauty products rose by 12.3% from the previous year. The United States emerged as the top destination for South Korean cosmetics for the first time ever in 2025, with exports to the U.S. increasing by 15.1%.
Exports to China, however, experienced a decline of 19.2% to $2.01 billion in 2025. Shipments to Japan increased by 5% to $1.09 billion, while exports to Hong Kong surged by 21.6% to $705 million. The number of countries importing South Korean cosmetics rose to 202 in 2025 from 172 in 2024. Skin care products, including moisturizers, saw an 11.6% increase to $8.54 billion, while color cosmetics shipments climbed by 12% to $1.51 billion.
Fragrance exports witnessed a significant surge of 46.2% to $60 million in 2025. First lady Kim Hea Kyung recently visited a Korean beauty event in Shanghai to support South Korean cosmetic companies’ efforts to expand exports to China. During the event, she highlighted the popularity of Korean cosmetics, attributing it to the wide range of choices based on skin type and season, and the quick response to consumer demands.
