The Korea men’s skincare market is poised to register a valuation of USD 1.2 billion in 2025. The industry is slated to grow at 11.04% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, witnessing USD 3.7 billion by 2035. The market has grown strongly over the past few years due to a combination of cultural trends, growing awareness of the benefits of skincare, and changing consumer attitudes.
A major driver of the growth in this market is the cultural trend towards increased self-grooming and self-care among Korean men. Historically, skincare has been a woman's issue, but with the recent boost from Korean beauty (K-beauty) trends, Korean men have begun to adopt skincare routines as a means to have young, healthy-looking skin.
This development is reinforced by the popularity of skincare as a necessary part of personal care, with the notion being that skincare is not limited to women. Another key driver is increasing awareness of the role of skincare in ensuring skin health, especially as the population gets older.
As the "wellness" trend continues to grow, men are becoming increasingly aware of the long-term advantages of using skincare products to avoid skin damage, including aging, sunspots, and acne. As a consequence, the majority of men are positively on the lookout for products that can cater to certain needs, like anti-aging creams, sun protection, and moisturizing products that are specifically designed for male skin.
In addition, the growing popularity and availability of men's skincare products have been a significant contributor to market expansion. Brands are now offering products specifically formulated for men’s skin, which is typically thicker and oilier than women’s skin, creating a more targeted approach to skincare.
The rise of e-commerce platforms and social media has also made it easier for men to discover new products, learn about skincare routines, and purchase products online. All these have been coupled with strong brand loyalty and increasing popularity of male influencers in the beauty market, and this has largely helped the men's skincare market in Korea grow.
| Metrics | Values |
|---|---|
| Industry Size (2025E) | USD 1.2 billion |
| Industry Value (2035F) | USD 3.7 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 11.04% |
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
For young professionals, skincare is commonly regarded as a part of daily grooming and self-care. This category is especially driven by the increasing worldwide popularity of K-beauty trends, where skincare products are positioned as multifunctional and easy to fit into daily routines.
Younger consumers prefer products that are convenient, such as all-in-one creams, tinted sunscreens, and fast-absorbing moisturizers. They are also more prone to be impacted by social media, utilizing platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to find new products and keep up with influencers in the beauty and skincare industry.
Because of this, this cohort tends to look for brands that reflect contemporary aesthetics, innovation, and functionality, prioritizing product efficacy and quick results. Middle-aged consumers, between the ages of 30 and 40, tend to be more concerned about anti-aging products and treatments that target skin problems due to aging, for instance skin dryness, wrinkles, and fine lines.
They tend to spend more time and money on niche products such as skin treatments, night care creams, and eye creams. They tend to opt for high-end, well-known brands that provide confidence and trust. Moreover, middle-aged consumers increasingly seek skincare products that are scientifically proven and dermatologically recommended.
Being more critical, they appreciate transparency in the sourcing of ingredients and prefer mild yet effective formulas, shunning harsh chemicals. Throughout these segments, a number of key purchasing factors drive consumer behavior in the Korean men's skincare market.
Product effectiveness is the top priority for all age groups, with men seeking products that show clear and long-lasting results. For younger consumers, products that can easily be incorporated into busy lifestyles and provide quick benefits are the main focus.
Brand reputation is important in making purchasing decisions, particularly among middle-aged and older individuals who have high standards of trust and reliability. This demographic often seeks products from well-established, dermatologist-recommended brands.
Between 2020 and 2024, Korea's men's skincare industry witnessed tremendous changes spurred by numerous causes, ranging from the worldwide pandemic to advancements in technology and shifts in consumer belief in self-grooming.
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic intensified the focus on skincare as more time was being spent indoors, and consumers increasingly prioritized their personal well-being. The move towards online shopping was especially significant, with a large number of consumers opting to buy skincare products through e-commerce websites, creating a new wave of digital-first skincare brands and online consultations.
Furthermore, with men spending more time in isolation, they were becoming increasingly sensitive to the need for healthy skin, which translated into a heightened interest in skincare regimens and self-care practices.
Looking forward to the years 2025 to 2035, the Korean men's skincare market will continue to develop with even greater focus on technology, personalization, and sustainability. A key trend will be the incorporation of advanced technology into skincare regimens. AI-based skincare products will become increasingly advanced, with companies providing personalized products.
Virtual skincare consultations can become a reality, where customers get personalized recommendations from dermatologists and skincare professionals without ever having to leave their houses. Also, as wearable tech continues to become more widespread, there will likely be innovations like smart skincare devices that monitor skin health and adjust their treatments in response.
| Period (2020 to 2024) | Period (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| The pandemic resulted in a greater emphasis on self-care and skincare regimens, particularly as individuals were spending more time indoors. Men started looking into personal grooming more proactively, which helped boost demand for skincare products. | Post-pandemic years will experience sustained momentum for self-care with greater consciousness for mental wellness coupled with skincare. Skincare will be ingrained in the routine of most men, and demand will increase for more personalized and responsive skincare. |
| Online shopping surged, with e-commerce websites being the leading platform for buying skincare products. Social media and influencers hugely contributed to teaching men about skincare. | AI-driven skincare personalization and online consultations will reign supreme, providing each consumer with a personalized touch. Wearable skincare technology and skin-tracking devices will become the norm, further incorporating technology into the routine of skincare. |
| Clean beauty trend towards natural, cruelty-free, and non-toxic ingredients picked up steam, with men looking for healthier and more environmentally sustainable skincare. | Sustainability will be a leading driver of product development. Brands will emphasize carbon-neutral products, eco-friendly packaging, and humane sourcing, responding to growing consumer interest in environmentally friendly skincare. |
| Influencers and celebrities, especially within the K-beauty arena, became the leading drivers of men's skincare growth. Their endorsement eliminated stigmas associated with men's grooming regimens. | Men's skincare will be seamlessly integrated into mass beauty and personal care. Men's skincare products will be as widespread as those for women, with brand loyalty growing stronger, and influencer-led marketing developing into a more organic and genuine type of promotion. |
Economic trends, such as inflation or shifts in disposable income, can affect consumers' purchasing power. When economic conditions deteriorate, particularly during periods of global or regional financial turmoil, consumers tend to shift their spending from non-essential luxury items such as skincare towards essential products.
Although skincare is a developing category, it remains a discretionary expenditure category, and any economic slowdown would result in a decline in sales, especially for premium brands. The international supply chain is susceptible to disruptions, as evidenced by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the Korean men's skincare market, disruptions such as delays in sourcing ingredients, stoppage of production, or transport problems may result in product shortages, price rises, or delayed launches of products. Brands that depend on imported ingredients or packaging materials might have increased costs, and any disruption would hamper their reputation if products are out of stock or inconsistent in quality.
Creams and moisturizers are regarded as indispensable to achieve healthy, moisturized skin, which is at the core of Korean beauty (K-beauty) routines. Korean skincare gives tremendous importance to hydration, considering that hydrated skin is healthier and stronger.
Men in Korea are now more concerned than ever about keeping their skin hydrated, especially since most of them have quite oily skin types that tend to get tight and uncomfortable after being washed. Moisturizers present a simple remedy to these issues, so it has become an integral part of everyday skincare regimens.
In addition, Korean males tend to favor products that are easy to use and straightforward, and moisturizers are convenient in that they are both a protective layer against the environmental stressors and a tool to keep the skin smooth and supple. Most males like the fact that moisturizers can be multi-benefit, meaning that they can also protect the skin from the sun or offer anti-aging benefits, which continues to make this product segment popular.
In Korea, conventional men's skincare products lead the market because, for so long, Korea has been familiar with and trusting of mainstream cosmetic ingredients. These skincare products contain synthetic ingredients that are tested to provide immediate, effective results and are therefore extremely attractive to a broad population of consumers, including men who seek proven and immediate answers to their skincare concerns.
One major reason why these products are so prevalent is that they can address individual skin issues, including oil control, prevention of acne, and anti-aging, with rapid results. Many conventional products carry widely recognized active ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid, which have been researched for their effectiveness to a large degree.
Males, particularly between the ages of 20 to 40, are typically looking for products that can yield obvious, tangible differences in the texture and look of their skin, and traditional skincare brands have long been able to meet these expectations.
The Korean men's skincare market is driven by a combination of long-standing international brands and strong local innovators. Global companies such as L'Oréal S.A., Unilever PLC, and Clarins Group introduce sophisticated skincare formulas, luxury product lines, and extensive global distribution networks, which meet the growing demand for quality and effectiveness skincare offerings in Korea. These global behemoths use their vast experience in research and development, which enables them to launch innovative skincare products that appeal to a wide audience.
Meanwhile, domestic players such as Cosmecca Korea, Co. Ltd., KBL Cosmetics, and ABLE C&C Co., Ltd. are taking advantage of their rich knowledge of the Korean beauty culture, with products specifically formulated to address the specific skincare issues of Korean men. They frequently develop products that use local ingredients, conform to national beauty standards, and show a sharp perception of Korean consumers' preferences.
Key Company Share Analysis
| Company Name | Estimated Industry Share (%) |
|---|---|
| L'Oréal S.A. | 10-15% |
| Unilever PLC | 8-12% |
| Cosmecca Korea, Co. Ltd. | 7-10% |
| Clarins Group | 6-8% |
| KBL Cosmetics | 5-7% |
| ABLE C&C Co., Ltd. | 4-6% |
| Adwin Corporation | 3-5% |
| Chattem Inc. | 2-4% |
| Clinique Laboratories | 2-4% |
| Kiehl's LLC | 2-4% |
| Susanne Kaufmann Company | 2-4% |
| Lancôme Company | 2-4% |
| Galderma Laboratories L.P. | 2-4% |
| Aveda Corporation | 2-4% |
| Emami Limited | 2-4% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings & Activities |
|---|---|
| L'Oréal S.A. | Provides a broad variety of high-quality skincare products, including men's specialized lines for skincare. |
| Unilever PLC | Recognized for its cost-effective yet effective men's grooming products, Unilever offers global skincare solutions. |
| Cosmecca Korea, Co. Ltd. | A leading domestic company, emphasizing local formulation appealing to Korean men's skincare requirements. |
| Clarins Group | Offers high-end skincare lines, including men's skincare targeting anti-aging and rejuvenation. |
| KBL Cosmetics | Excels in creating products for the Korean skincare market with emphasis on quality and innovation. |
| ABLE C&C Co., Ltd. | Famous for its very effective men's skincare range, especially in the budget and mid-level market. |
| Adwin Corporation | Creates innovative skincare products that specifically address issues such as acne, aging, and oiliness. |
| Chattem Inc. | Sells a range of highly accepted grooming products for men with emphasis on healing and soothing products. |
| Clinique Laboratories | Provides dermatologist-formulated men's skincare products with emphasis on sensitive skin and high performance. |
| Kiehl's LLC | Renowned for its high-end, natural ingredient-based products with both daily care and specific treatments. |
| Susanne Kaufmann Company | Emphasizes natural, organic products to a niche segment of men who want luxury, natural skincare products. |
| Lancôme Company | Specializes in high-end skincare products with emphasis on anti-aging and revitalization for men. |
| Galderma Laboratories L.P. | Provides clinically proven products for men's skincare, with an emphasis on acne and skin care. |
| Aveda Corporation | With its focus on natural ingredients, Aveda provides high-end skincare brands for men. |
| Emami Limited | Provides skincare solutions centered around day-to-day grooming requirements, delivering effective solutions to different skin types. |
The Korean men's skincare market is a competitive and expanding one, driven by international giants such as L'Oréal S.A., Unilever PLC, and Clarins Group, along with creative domestic players such as Cosmecca Korea, Co. Ltd., KBL Cosmetics, and ABLE C&C Co., Ltd. Foreign brands leverage the extensive research and technological know-how, while local players enjoy robust knowledge of Korean skincare habits and cultural subtleties.
The blending of these local and global players creates a varied range of products, from low-cost daily skincare options to high-end, highly specialized treatments. As the market continues to grow, the integration of international know-how and local expertise will fuel innovation, making Korean men able to access products that address their skincare concerns, from simple hydration to sophisticated anti-aging treatments.
The industry is expected to reach USD 1.2 billion in 2025.
The industry is projected to witness USD 3.7 billion by 2035.
The industry is slated to grow at 11.04% CAGR during the study period.
Moisturizers and creams are majorly used.
Leading companies include Cosmecca Korea, Co. Ltd, KBL Cosmetics, ABLE C&C Co., Ltd, Adwin Corporation, L'Oréal S.A., Unilever PLC, Clarins Group, Chattem Inc., Clinique Laboratories, Kiehl's LLC, Susanne Kaufmann Company, Lancôme Company, Galderma Laboratories L.P., Aveda Corporation, and Emami Limited.
In terms of product type, the market is divided into cleansers & face wash, facial scrubs & polishes, moisturizers & creams, serums, oils, & treatment, shave care, sunscreen, and others.
With respect to sales channel, the industry is divided into discount stores, drug stores & pharmacies, multi-brand stores, online retailers, salon/grooming clubs, specialty stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, and other sales channels.
Based on skin type, the market is divided into combination skin, dry skin, normal skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin.
On the basis of source, the industry is divided into conventional and organic.
In terms of price range, the industry is classified into economy, mid-range, and premium.
Regionally, the industry is divided into South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, and the rest of Korea.
Games and Puzzles Market is segmented by Type, Licensing, Distribution Channel and Region through 2025 to 2035.
Western Europe Cosmetics ODM Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Western Europe Garment Steamer Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Korea Garment Steamer Market Analysis – Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Japan Garment Steamer Market Analysis - Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Western Europe Fabric Stain Remover Market Analysis – Size, Share & Trends 2025 to 2035
Korea Men's Skincare Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
