Korean cosmetic exports rose by a fifth in 2024 and hit US$10 billion for the first time, according to official figures.
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported that cosmetic product exports totalled a record $10.2 billion last year, a 20.6% year-on-year increase.
The previous record was $9.2 billion, set in 2021.
Skin care products led exports at $7.67 billion, followed by makeup at $1.35 billion and cleansing products at $470m.
China topped the list as the largest importer of Korean cosmetics, accounting for $2.5 billion – around 24.5% of total exports.
The USA followed with $1.9 billion, up $690m on 2023, marking a 57% year-on-year increase.
Data from the Korea Customs Service showed that skin care exports to the US rose more than threefold to $815.1m in 2024.
Colour cosmetics exports to the US market more than doubled over the same period, to $267.8m from $124m.
Japan was third on the list with a total of $1 billion worth of cosmetic product exports.
Colour makeup products to Japan rose by 1.6 times to $316.6m from $196.9m over the period.
Exports of basic cosmetics to Japan increased by 1.3 times to $258.4m from $202m.
Other key importers include Hong Kong, Vietnam, Russia and Taiwan.
The United Arab Emirates broke into the top ten in 2024, displacing Malaysia.
Minister of Food and Drug Safety Oh Yu-Kyoung said: "We will strengthen cooperation between countries and support them to raise quality competitiveness that meets global standards in response to safety evaluations in countries like China and the US."
