Which are the best K-beauty brands available in the US right now?
The top K-beauty brands you can buy in the US right now are COSRX, Laneige, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Dr. Jart+, Medicube, Peach & Lily, Innisfree, Some By Mi, and Torriden. All ten are stocked at major US retailers including Ulta, Sephora, Target, and Amazon. South Korea became the number-one cosmetics exporter to the US in 2024, surpassing France, and US K-beauty sales are expected to exceed $2 billion in 2025. These brands range from $8 to $55 per product.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea became the number-one cosmetics exporter to the US in 2024, surpassing France’s $1.03 billion with $1.41 billion in exports (US International Trade Commission, 2025).
- US sales of Korean cosmetics are expected to exceed $2 billion in 2025, up 37% from the previous year, according to a NielsenIQ report.
- Ulta Beauty reported a 38% increase in Korean skincare sales in Q1 2025, making it the fastest-growing segment in their beauty category.
- In the US, 35 of the top 300 skincare brands are K-beauty brands, according to Euromonitor 2024 data.
- Brands featured in this article range from $8 to $55 per product. You do not need a large budget to build a strong K-beauty routine.
- Every brand here ships or sells directly in the US. No grey-market importing required.
Table of Contents
Why K-Beauty Brands Are Beating Many Western Alternatives Right Now
Walk into any Ulta or Sephora in 2026 and you will see a full wall of Korean skincare. Five years ago, that space was occupied almost entirely by French and American brands. The shift is dramatic and it has happened fast.
The numbers tell the story clearly. In 2024, Korean cosmetics exports hit a record $10.28 billion globally, up 20.3% year over year. For comparison, France grew 6.3% and the US grew 1.1% over the same period. South Korea is now the number-one source of imported cosmetics in the US, ahead of France for the first time ever.
But market share alone does not explain why people keep coming back. Here is what actually sets K-beauty brands apart:
- They invest more in formula research per product. Korean brands iterate faster because the domestic market is extremely competitive and trend-sensitive.
- They use ingredients at higher concentrations. COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Essence contains 96% snail secretion filtrate. Most Western brands would use 5 to 10% in a comparable product.
- The price-to-performance ratio is better. The average K-beauty product costs $15 to $30. You get clinical-level results without paying $80 for a French heritage brand.
- Their formulas are lighter and layer better. This matters for people who want to combine multiple products without their skin feeling heavy or congested.
- They were built for hydration first. K-beauty philosophy treats skin barrier health as the foundation of everything else. Western skincare has historically treated it as an afterthought.
The TikTok effect is real: Lookfantastic reported that search volume for K-beauty tripled year over year in 2025, with a 174% jump in K-beauty skincare revenue. TikTok discovery compressed the path from finding a product to buying it from weeks down to minutes (CNBC, 2025).
How to Choose the Right K-Beauty Brand for Your Skin Type
Before you spend any money, spend two minutes with this table. Matching the brand to your skin type saves you from buying the wrong thing and thinking K-beauty does not work.
| Your skin type | Start with these brands |
|---|---|
| Oily or acne-prone | COSRX (BHA products), Some By Mi (AHA-BHA toner), Anua (heartleaf cleansing oil). All three control sebum without over-drying. |
| Dry or dehydrated | Laneige (water-based hydration), Innisfree (green tea moisture), Torriden (hyaluronic dive series). These stack hydration without heavy creams. |
| Sensitive or reactive | Dr. Jart+ Cicapair (calms redness), Peach & Lily (fragrance-free formulas), COSRX Pure Fit Cica. All fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested. |
| Combination skin | Beauty of Joseon (balances without stripping), Anua, COSRX. Light enough for the T-zone, nourishing enough for dry patches. |
| Aging or dullness concerns | Medicube (PDRN + peptides for firmness), Beauty of Joseon (ginseng anti-aging), Sulwhasoo if budget allows. Results-focused brands. |
| Complete beginners | COSRX or Beauty of Joseon. Simple product lines, clear labeling, widely stocked, and covered extensively by trusted US dermatologists. |
The 10 Best K-Beauty Brands in the US Right Now
Each brand below is reviewed on what it does best, who it is right for, the one product worth starting with, and where to buy it today in the US.
| 1. COSRX: Best for beginners | |||
| Founded: 2013, Seoul | Best for: Targeted treatments, oily and acne-prone skin | Hero product: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence — ~$22 | Where to buy: Ulta, Amazon, Target |
COSRX stands for Cosmetics + Rx. The name says exactly what the brand does. It takes a clinical, problem-solving approach and strips everything back to the active ingredients that work. No unnecessary fillers, no heavy fragrance, no complicated packaging.
The Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has been the brand’s flagship product since its launch. It contains 96% snail secretion filtrate, which provides intense hydration and helps repair and regenerate the skin barrier. This single product went viral on Reddit in 2015, on Instagram in 2019, and on TikTok in 2024. It sells every 25 seconds globally.
What makes COSRX a great starting point is predictability. You know exactly what is in each product, what it does, and what to expect. Dermatologist Dr. Liia Ramachandra lists COSRX among her top recommendations specifically because of the brand’s targeted serums and transparent formulations.
- Best products for beginners: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Essence (~$22), BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (~$22), Centella Blemish Cream (~$18).
- Avoid if: You need a full-line routine. COSRX excels at targeted treatments but does not cover every step equally well.
- Buy at: Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Target, COSRX official site.
| 2. Laneige: Best for dry skin | |||
| Founded: 1994, Seoul (Amorepacific) | Best for: Deep hydration, all skin types | Hero product: Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream — ~$32 | Where to buy: Sephora, Target, Ulta |
Laneige is the most widely distributed K-beauty brand in the US. Walk into any Sephora, Target, or Ulta and you will find it. The brand was part of Amorepacific, one of South Korea’s largest beauty conglomerates, before expanding globally. It built its US reputation on hydration science and the Lip Sleeping Mask, which has over 30,000 five-star reviews online.
The brand is known for its Water Bank line, which layers hyaluronic acid in different molecular weights to hydrate at both the surface and deeper skin layers. The Water Sleeping Mask is the most-used overnight mask in K-beauty routines. It delivers deep moisture while you sleep and you wake up to noticeably plumper, clearer skin.
- Best products: Lip Sleeping Mask (~$24), Water Sleeping Mask (~$25), Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream (~$32), Neo Cushion Foundation (~$45).
- Avoid if: You are looking for targeted treatments for acne or pigmentation. Laneige is a hydration specialist, not a problem-solver.
- Buy at: Sephora, Target, Ulta, Laneige official site.
| 3. Beauty of Joseon: Best SPF in K-beauty | |||
| Founded: 2010, Seoul | Best for: Brightening, anti-aging, all types | Hero product: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ — ~$16 | Where to buy: Ulta, Amazon, Target |
Beauty of Joseon takes its name from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty period (1392 to 1897). The brand draws on traditional Korean herbal medicine, called hanbang, and blends those heritage ingredients, like ginseng, rice bran, and green plum, with modern skincare science.
The Relief Sun is its biggest hit in the US. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends it regularly. It has SPF 50+ with a watery texture that applies like a moisturizer, no white cast, and a slightly dewy finish. At around $16, it costs less than most Western SPF products of equivalent quality. US retailers had to modify the formula slightly to meet FDA sunscreen requirements, but the texture and finish remain excellent.
The brand’s Dynasty Cream and Ginseng Essence Water are also popular for anti-aging and brightening, using ginseng root extract at meaningful concentrations.
- Best products: Relief Sun SPF 50+ (~$16), Radiance Cleansing Balm (~$18), Ginseng Essence Water (~$22), Dynasty Cream (~$22).
- Avoid if: You want a fully clinical, minimalist brand. Beauty of Joseon leans into traditional ingredients, which some people prefer and others find less targeted.
- Buy at: Ulta, Amazon, Target, Beauty of Joseon official site.
| 4. Anua: Fastest-rising brand 2025 | |||
| Founded: 2019, Seoul | Best for: Gentle cleansing, sensitive and oily skin | Hero product: Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil — ~$22 | Where to buy: Amazon, Ulta, Target |
Anua is the newest brand on this list and the one growing fastest right now. Founded in 2019, it became one of the top-selling K-beauty brands on Amazon in 2024 and 2025, driven almost entirely by TikTok and word-of-mouth.
The brand is built around heartleaf, a plant native to Asia with strong anti-inflammatory and pore-clearing properties. The Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil became a viral product because it does something unusual: it is an oil cleanser that does not break out sensitive or acne-prone skin. Most cleansing oils clog pores for people prone to acne. Anua’s formula emulsifies cleanly, removes makeup and SPF thoroughly, and leaves skin calm rather than reactive.
Anua also makes a popular toner serum with 77% heartleaf extract and a niacinamide serum that has strong reviews across skin types.
- Best products: Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil (~$22), Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner Pad (~$25), Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Serum (~$28).
- Avoid if: You prefer well-established, widely reviewed brands. Anua is still building its clinical validation track record outside of user reviews.
- Buy at: Amazon, Ulta, Target, Anua official US site.
New to K-beauty or want to go deeper? Explore our K-beauty step-by-step guides on double cleansing, toners, and serums to build the perfect routine tailored just for you. Dive in and level up your skincare game!
| 5. Dr. Jart+: Best for sensitive skin | |||
| Founded: 2004, Seoul | Best for: Sensitive, redness-prone, barrier repair | Hero product: Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 — ~$52 | Where to buy: Sephora (exclusive) |
Dr. Jart+ stands for Doctor Joins Art. The brand was founded in 2004 and brought the first BB cream to the US in 2011, arguably starting America’s interest in K-beauty. It is now one of the most scientifically credentialed Korean brands available in the US and is sold exclusively at Sephora.
The Cicapair line is the brand’s strongest offering for sensitive and redness-prone skin. It uses tiger grass, the common name for centella asiatica, to calm, repair, and strengthen the skin barrier. The Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment has a green tint that neutralizes redness on application and transitions to a natural skin tone. It has SPF 30 built in and works as both a skincare step and a light coverage product.
The Ceramidin line is equally strong for dry, barrier-compromised skin. It uses five types of ceramides alongside panthenol and hyaluronic acid.
- Best products: Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30 (~$52), Ceramidin Cream (~$48), Cryo Rubber Mask with Hyaluronic Acid (~$14 each).
- Avoid if: Budget is a constraint. Dr. Jart+ is the most premium brand on this list. Its results justify the price, but it is not the starting point if you are new to K-beauty.
- Buy at: Sephora (exclusive US retailer), Dr. Jart+ official site.
| 6. Medicube: Best for aging concerns | |||
| Founded: 2014, Seoul | Best for: Anti-aging, firmness, texture | Hero product: Age R Serum Tox (~PDRN + 5 Peptides) — ~$21 | Where to buy: Amazon, Ulta, Sephora |
Medicube has been one of the biggest K-beauty success stories of 2024 and 2025. It is a results-driven brand with roots in Korean dermatology clinics. The brand uses clinical-grade ingredients in retail products, bringing the kind of formulations you would previously only find in medical-grade skincare to accessible price points.
The brand’s current focus is PDRN, polydeoxyribonucleotide, a DNA fragment derived from salmon sperm that stimulates skin repair and collagen production. It was used exclusively in Korean dermatology clinic injections for years. Medicube was one of the first brands to make it accessible in a topical serum. Harper’s Bazaar named the Age R Serum Tox one of the best K-beauty products of 2025, with editors noting visible firming and fine line reduction within six weeks.
The Zero Pore Pads are another Medicube bestseller, using a combination of AHAs and BHAs on textured pads that exfoliate and refine pore appearance simultaneously.
- Best products: Age R Serum Tox PDRN + Peptides (~$21), Zero Pore Pads (~$25), Age R Intense Moisturizing Cream (~$18).
- Avoid if: You are a complete beginner. Medicube’s actives are potent and work best when your skin barrier is already in good shape.
- Buy at: Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, Medicube official US site.
| 7. Peach & Lily: Best US-curated K-beauty brand | |||
| Founded: 2012, New York (Korean-founded) | Best for: Clean beauty, glass skin, all skin types | Hero product: Glass Skin Refining Serum — ~$39 | Where to buy: Ulta, Target |
Peach & Lily was founded by Alicia Yoon in New York in 2012. Yoon studied at Harvard and trained as a licensed esthetician in Korea. She built Peach & Lily as a bridge between Korean skincare science and the US market, developing products specifically formulated to meet American consumer preferences and FDA regulations.
The Glass Skin Refining Serum is the brand’s flagship product. It became one of TikTok’s most-viewed skincare products in 2023 and 2024. The formula uses a blend of peach extract, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to smooth texture, boost radiance, and reduce pore appearance. Peach & Lily is fully vegan and fragrance-free, making it one of the most accessible K-beauty brands for people with sensitivities.
The brand is also a strong choice for anyone who wants the K-beauty experience but prefers products formulated and tested with US consumers specifically in mind.
- Best products: Glass Skin Refining Serum (~$39), Wild Dew Treatment Essence (~$39), Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask (~$45).
- Avoid if: You want the most affordable option. Peach & Lily prices sit above mid-range. The quality is strong but there are cheaper alternatives for similar results.
- Buy at: Ulta Beauty (primary US retailer), Target.
| 8. Innisfree: Best eco-conscious brand | |||
| Founded: 2000, Seoul (Amorepacific) | Best for: Eco-friendly, hydration, oily or combination skin | Hero product: Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum — ~$29 | Where to buy: Ulta, Sephora, Amazon |
Innisfree is one of the original eco-beauty brands in Korea. Founded in 2000 as part of Amorepacific, it sources most of its key ingredients from Jeju Island, a volcanic island off South Korea’s southern coast known for its clean environment, volcanic water, and green tea cultivation.
The brand’s Green Tea Seed Serum was one of the first Korean skincare products to gain widespread recognition in the US for a very specific reason: it works. It uses organic Jeju green tea and green tea seeds to deliver deep hydration and antioxidant protection. The formula absorbs quickly, has no fragrance, and suits oily and combination skin types well because of its lightweight, non-greasy texture.
Innisfree is also one of the few K-beauty brands with meaningful sustainability credentials. The brand uses recycled materials in packaging and operates a green packaging refill program in Korea.
- Best products: Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum (~$29), Jeju Volcanic Pore Toner (~$22), Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (~$18).
- Avoid if: You want heavy anti-aging or clinical ingredients. Innisfree focuses on maintenance, hydration, and prevention rather than targeted correction.
- Buy at: Ulta, Sephora, Amazon, Innisfree official site.
| 9. Some By Mi: Best for acne-prone skin | |||
| Founded: 2014, Seoul | Best for: Acne-prone skin, oily, congested pores | Hero product: AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner — ~$21 | Where to buy: Ulta, Amazon, Target |
Some By Mi built its US reputation on one product: the AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. The name is almost aggressively literal. The toner contains all three chemical exfoliants, alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic and lactic), beta hydroxy acid (salicylic), and polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone). Together they target dead skin cell buildup, congested pores, and surface roughness in a single step.
The brand markets the product as a 30-day transformation with before-and-after evidence from real users who completed the full program. The before-and-after photos circulated heavily on TikTok and Reddit. The results are real, though they vary based on how consistently you use it and whether your skin needs that level of exfoliation.
Some By Mi is a good choice for anyone dealing with persistent mild acne, blackheads, or rough skin texture who wants a straightforward approach. It is not a gentle brand. If your skin is sensitive, start with the Some By Mi Snail Trufast Repair Serum instead.
- Best products: AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner (~$21), Yuja Niacin 30 Days Brightening Starter Kit (~$35), Snail Trufast Repair Serum (~$21).
- Avoid if: Your skin is sensitive or reactive. The combined exfoliants in the miracle toner are strong. Sensitive skin will need to start with once-a-week use or choose a gentler brand instead.
- Buy at: Ulta, Amazon, Target.
| 10. Torriden: Best under-the-radar brand | |||
| Founded: 2019, Seoul | Best for: Sensitive, dehydrated, barrier repair | Hero product: Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum — ~$22 | Where to buy: Amazon, Ulta |
Torriden is the least famous brand on this list and possibly the most underrated. Founded in 2019, it has become a favourite among Korean skincare enthusiasts who prioritize efficacy over marketing.
The Dive-In Serum uses five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, from very high to very low, to hydrate the skin at every layer simultaneously. Most hyaluronic acid serums use one or two molecular weights. Torriden uses five, which is closer to what professional-grade skincare treatments use. The result is noticeably different: skin feels plumper and stays hydrated for longer.
The brand’s entire line is fragrance-free, low-irritant, and suitable for sensitive skin. Dermatologist Zion Ko Lamm mentioned Torriden alongside brands like Medicube and Beauty of Joseon as a personal favourite, noting its focus on barrier support.
- Best products: Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum (~$22), Dive-In Moisturizer (~$28), Cellmazing Panthenol Rescue Ampoule (~$25).
- Avoid if: You want a brand with extensive physical retail presence. Torriden is primarily online in the US right now, though its Ulta listings are expanding.
- Buy at: Amazon (primary), Ulta (expanding), Korean specialty retailers.
Looking for an Affordable Skincare Routine that fits your budget? We’ve got tips for creating a hydration-focused routine without the hefty price tag!
All 10 Brands at a Glance
Use this to find the right starting point quickly.
| Brand | Best for | Price range | Rating | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSRX | Beginners, oily, acne | $8–$35 | ★★★★★ | Ulta, Amazon, Target |
| Laneige | Dry, hydration focus | $24–$45 | ★★★★★ | Sephora, Target, Ulta |
| Beauty of Joseon | Brightening, anti-aging | $16–$25 | ★★★★★ | Ulta, Amazon, Target |
| Anua | Oily, sensitive, gentle | $22–$30 | ★★★★☆ | Amazon, Ulta, Target |
| Dr. Jart+ | Sensitive, redness | $14–$55 | ★★★★★ | Sephora (exclusive) |
| Medicube | Anti-aging, firmness | $18–$35 | ★★★★★ | Amazon, Ulta, Sephora |
| Peach & Lily | Glass skin, clean beauty | $35–$55 | ★★★★☆ | Ulta, Target |
| Innisfree | Eco-conscious, oily | $18–$35 | ★★★★☆ | Ulta, Sephora, Amazon |
| Some By Mi | Acne, congested pores | $21–$35 | ★★★★☆ | Ulta, Amazon, Target |
| Torriden | Sensitive, barrier repair | $22–$30 | ★★★★★ | Amazon, Ulta |
Where to Buy K-Beauty in the US
All ten brands above are available in the US without ordering from Korea. Here is where each retailer’s K-beauty selection stands right now.
Ulta Beauty
Ulta has the widest K-beauty selection of any US physical retailer. In 2025, it partnered with K-Beauty World and Hansung Beauty to add 200+ new products from 13 new Korean brands. Brands at Ulta include COSRX, Laneige, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Medicube, Innisfree, Peach & Lily, Some By Mi, and Torriden.
- Shop online at ulta.com or in any Ulta Beauty store.
- Ulta Rewards apply to all K-beauty purchases.
Sephora
Sephora carries the more premium end of K-beauty. Its Times Square flagship dedicated an entire wall to Korean skincare in 2025. Sephora holds exclusive US rights to Dr. Jart+. Also stocks Laneige, Innisfree, and several newer brands like Aestura and Hanyul.
- Dr. Jart+ is only sold at Sephora among major US retailers.
- Sephora Beauty Insider points apply to K-beauty purchases.
Target
Target stocks Laneige, COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Some By Mi, and Peach & Lily through its Ulta at Target section. It also introduced Korean brand Haruharu Wonder in 2025, with products priced under $25.
- Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisturizing Cleansing Oil is now at Target for under $25.
- Target Circle members get an additional 5% off beauty purchases.
Amazon
Amazon has the broadest selection and is where most indie K-beauty brands first gain US traction. COSRX, Anua, Beauty of Joseon, Medicube, Torriden, and Goodal are all top Amazon K-beauty performers. Several Korean brands sell directly through Amazon.com with fulfilled-by-Amazon warehousing in the US.
- Prime delivery available on most top K-beauty brands.
- Watch for Prime Day K-beauty sales in July and October. Discounts on COSRX and Laneige in particular are consistently among the deepest beauty deals of the year.
K-Beauty Specialty Sites
- Soko Glam (sokoglam.com): US-based, expertly curated selection with routine-building tools.
- YesStyle (yesstyle.com): Ships directly from Korea. Larger selection, longer shipping times.
- StyleKorean (stylekorean.com): Directly from Korea, good for harder-to-find products.
- Olive Young (oliveyoung.com): Korea’s largest beauty retailer, now ships to the US and plans to open its first US physical store in Los Angeles in 2026.
This comfort-first approach mirrors what we’ve explored in Morning Skincare Routines That Support Skin Balance, where consistency matters more than complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which K-beauty brand is best for beginners?
COSRX and Beauty of Joseon are the two best starting points for beginners. COSRX works best if you have oily or acne-prone skin and want targeted treatments with clinical ingredients. Beauty of Joseon works better if you want a gentler, traditional approach that suits all skin types. Both are widely available, well-priced, and covered extensively by US dermatologists and beauty editors.
Are K-beauty brands available at Target and Walmart?
Yes. You can find COSRX, Laneige, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, Some By Mi, and Peach & Lily at Target, mostly in the Ulta at Target section. Walmart has expanded its K-beauty section and now carries selected products from COSRX, Medicube, and Beauty of Joseon. Neither has the breadth of Ulta or Sephora, but both stock enough for a complete basic routine.
Why did South Korea surpass France as the number-one cosmetics exporter to the US?
South Korea became the top cosmetics exporter to the US in 2024, with $1.41 billion in exports compared to France’s $1.03 billion. The shift is driven by three factors: TikTok-accelerated product discovery that compresses the path from awareness to purchase, K-pop and K-drama cultural influence, and the ingredient-forward approach of Korean brands that delivers visible results at prices well below French luxury brands. Korean cosmetics exports grew 20.3% year over year in 2024, compared to France’s 6.3% growth.
Is K-beauty suitable for darker skin tones?
Yes, increasingly so. Several K-beauty brands have expanded shade ranges specifically for the US market. TirTir now offers 40 shades in its Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation. According to Mintel research cited by Cosmetics Business, Black American women show more interest in K-beauty products than any other ethnic group in the US, at 27% versus 19% for white women. Niacinamide-focused brands like COSRX and Some By Mi are particularly popular for hyperpigmentation, a common concern for darker skin tones.
What is the difference between K-beauty and J-beauty (Japanese beauty)?
K-beauty uses multi-step layering routines, focuses on hydration and active ingredients at high concentrations, and iterates new products quickly. J-beauty is more minimalist, uses fewer steps, and focuses on refined simplicity with traditional ingredients. K-beauty is the right choice if you want to address multiple specific skin concerns. J-beauty is better if you want a stripped-back, low-maintenance approach. Both prioritize skin health over makeup coverage.
Do K-beauty products work for men?
Yes. Korean skincare was gender-neutral long before Western brands adopted the concept. COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Anua, and Torriden all work identically for men. The routines are the same. Men tend to have thicker, oilier skin, which makes COSRX BHA products and Anua’s heartleaf cleanser particularly effective. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask and Water Sleeping Mask have a large male following in Korea and are gaining traction in the US.
Are K-beauty brands cruelty-free?
It varies by brand. Peach & Lily is certified vegan and cruelty-free. COSRX is cruelty-free. Innisfree is cruelty-free and focuses on eco-friendly packaging. Laneige, Dr. Jart+, and Anua do not test on animals but are not certified vegan. If cruelty-free certification matters to you, check the brand’s current policy directly, as standards and certifications change. The Leaping Bunny and PETA databases are reliable references for current certifications.
Related Reading on GlobleVide
- K-Beauty Skincare Routine for Beginners: Your Complete US Guide (2026)
- What Is Glass Skin? How to Get It With Drugstore Products (2026)
- Skin Barrier Repair: What It Means and How to Fix It Fast
- Affordable Drugstore Skincare Routine for Every Skin Type (2026)
Sources
US International Trade Commission. (2025). Korean cosmetics imports January to October 2024.
NielsenIQ / Therese-Ann D’Ambrosia. (2025). K-beauty US sales expected to exceed $2 billion in 2025. CNBC, November 27, 2025.
Ulta Beauty. (2025). Q1 2025 Earnings Report: Korean skincare 38% sales increase.
Euromonitor International. (2025). K-Beauty’s Global Footprint: Performance, Presence and Strategic Strengths. euromonitor.com
Korea International Trade Association (KITA). (2025). Korean cosmetics export data Q1 2025.
Cosmetics Business. (2026). 4 Predicted K-Beauty Trends for 2026. cosmeticsbusiness.com
Lamm, Z. Ko, MD. (2025). Best Korean Skincare Products. Who What Wear.
Harper’s Bazaar. (2025). 11 Best K-Beauty Products of 2025, According to Bazaar Readers.
Hollywood Reporter. (2025). Best K-Beauty Brand at Ulta 2025. hollywoodreporter.com
Editorial Note: This article follows GlobleVide’s Editorial Policy and Fact-Checking Policy.