Korean cosmetics: yet another hype or beauty source?

They say that Korean cosmetics are a symbiosis of ancient oriental recipes and modern technologies. It gives the skin natural beauty and returns youthfulness. Is this true or is it just a clever marketing ploy? Let’s figure it out.

The first BB cream was invented by a German cosmetologist Christine Schrammek in 1968. The tool was not popular until Korean specialists improved it.

In 2011, their BB creams became a sensation. This was the start of the world boom in Korean cosmetics. Every year more and more cosmetic products from the Country of Morning Freshness appear on the market.

Interest in hydrophilic oil, konnyaku sponges, self-heating masks, peeling rolls, snail serums and other products of the Korean cosmetics industry are fueled by show business stars and beauty bloggers. They regularly post reviews of Korean miraculous remedies on social media.

But many cosmetologists, dermatologists and even ordinary users are skeptical about Korean cosmetics.

Let’s figure out what rumors are circulating about her and whether there is some truth in them.

1. Korean cosmetics are not suitable for Europeans – wrong!

It is difficult to guess the age of an Asian woman. Even if a Chinese or Korean woman is deep in her 30s, she looks incredibly fresh. The secret is in the peculiarities of the skin.

The dermis of Asian women is denser and more elastic, as it contains more collagen. If the main problem of European women after 30 years is wrinkles, then for Asian women it is hyperpigmentation, that is, the appearance of dark spots on the forehead, cheeks, upper or lower lip. Another feature of the Asian skin type is the increased activity of the sebaceous glands.

All this, coupled with cultural characteristics and high levels of pollution in Asian metropolitan areas, affects the beauty industry.

In Korean cosmetics, the emphasis is on cleansing and moisturizing. Many products have a bleaching effect.

But this does not mean that Korean cosmetics are not suitable for Europeans. The range of products is really huge: you can choose products for any type of skin. Moreover, large manufacturers have long learned to adapt their products to the European and American markets.

2. Natural ingredients of Korean cosmetics are safe – true!

The specialty of Korean cosmetics is natural ingredients. For example, volcanic clay from Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island unclogs pores. Soy bean extracts have a firming and regenerating effect, and fruit acids are excellent at removing dead cells.

But the outlandish composition of some is alarming. There are hieroglyphs on the label – try to figure out how much snake venom is there and how it works. Especially there is a lot of controversy around the so-called snail products. Some say that snail mucus was treated with ointments by Hippocrates. Others say that this mucus contains cytokines that act like hormones and are not suitable for everyone.

The product cannot be identified with its active ingredient.

Most manufacturers of Korean cosmetics purchase a ready-made base – the so-called bulk. Then the main active ingredient (for example, the same snail mucus), binders and fragrances are added to it. At the same time, the active component in the total volume of the product is only 10–20%.

In addition, Korean cosmetics from major brands must be tested for safety in a laboratory.

3. Korean cosmetics can be both expensive and cheap – true!

South Korea’s cosmetic market is one of the most rapidly developing in the world. If Paris used to set fashion, now the trends are dictated by the Korean beauty industry.

There are about two thousand cosmetic brands in Korea.

Prices for cosmetics differ depending on the class. The cost of luxury products can reach $300 and more. Compared to European and American premium brands, it is inexpensive. But for those who are used to using only the mass market, this is a lot of money.

4. Korean cosmetics are hard to use – false!

“Korean skin care routine is difficult. You cannot wash your face in 10 minutes, apply cream and go to bed. Dozens of products are needed that are applied in a specific sequence. Confuse something, an hour to waste. ” This is mainly the opinion of those who have only heard about Korean cosmetics, but have not used it.

There are required steps such as removing makeup (usually with a special hydrophilic oil) and cleansing (with any soap-based product). There are optional: skin treatment with toner (not to be confused with tonic) and fortification with boosters, essences or serums. These procedures can be done at a convenient frequency.

5. Korean cosmetics are easy to find – true!

Korean cosmetics are rarely found on the shelves of offline chain stores. On the other hand, there are a huge number of sites on the Internet that offer products from Korean cosmetics wholesale.

Final words

Beautiful phrases about ancient oriental recipes, multiplied by ultra-modern Korean technologies, are based on stereotypes about South Korea.

But that doesn’t mean Korean cosmetics aren’t working. The beauty industry in the Land of Morning Freshness is very well developed. Among the huge number of brands, there are both simple and affordable ones, as well as premium ones for professional care.

The active ingredients of Korean cosmetics are truly unusual for a European consumer. But their natural origin and laboratory tests guarantee safety.

Will there be an effect? Everything is very individual: it depends on the product, skin type and method of use. But in any case, among the huge assortment of Korean cosmetics, any girl can find her perfect remedy.