1 year ago
K-Beauty: India's Growing Skincare Trend with a Korean Influence
Imagine the skincare routine you might do, but now imagine doing it with products from Korea!
That's K-beauty, and it's become super popular in India.
It's growing really fast, with people buying lots of different creams and serums.
People in smaller cities are getting into it too, thanks to social media.
These products often focus on ingredients that help your skin look healthy and glowy.
It’s about taking good care of your skin in a fun way!
Some companies are doing well with K-beauty products, but they have to make sure they follow all the rules.
K-beauty is experiencing rapid growth in India's beauty and personal care market.
Consumers in India are shifting towards ingredient-led beauty products with visible results.
Demand for K-beauty is increasing in Tier II and III cities, not just major metropolitan areas.
The multi-step skincare routines from Korean beauty are adapted for the Indian climate.
Challenges include stringent regulatory compliance and potential scrutiny regarding colorism.
- Who
- Indian consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, are embracing K-beauty.
- What
- K-beauty is experiencing rapid growth in India's beauty and personal care market.
- Where
- The trend is growing in India, particularly in cities like Ludhiana, Jaipur, Patna, and Bhopal.
- When
- K-beauty has seen significant growth in recent years, with a boom since 2020.
- Why
- The shift is driven by a desire for performance-driven skincare, influencer-led discovery, and digital access.
Challenges
Opportunities
Regulation
Challenges
Stringent Regulatory Compliance
Opportunities
Facilitates Product Standards
Ethical Scrutiny
Challenges
Concerns Regarding Colorism
Opportunities
Addresses Ethical Considerations
Key facts
- Market Size
- Rs 16,000-crore beauty and personal care (BPC) market
- Growth Rate
- K-beauty segment has been growing at a CAGR of 10–12%
- Repeat Purchase Rate
- 25–30% higher than in other categories
- Key Brands
- CosRx, Beauty of Joseon, The Face Shop, and Laneige
- Popular Products
- Toners, serums, barrier creams, sheet masks
- Order Source
- Over 40% of K-beauty orders come from Tier II and III cities
Quotes
Anand Ramanathan
Partner, Consumer Products and Retail Sector Leader, Deloitte India
“Unlike Western brands that focus on clinical efficacy or Indian brands that rely on Ayurveda, K-beauty appeals to those seeking personalisation, performance, and experience.”
financialexpress.com
“The segment has been growing at a CAGR of 10–12%, with product volumes quadrupling since 2020. It’s one of the fastest-growing international beauty categories here.”
financialexpress.com
Radhika Ghai
Founder and CEO of kindlife
“Gen Z and millennials are now choosing performance-driven, ingredient-led beauty with visible results. For many, K-beauty is no longer a curiosity; it’s the backbone of their daily routine.”
financialexpress.com
“Social media has changed discovery patterns. A consumer in Bhopal is just as likely to ask about ceramides or niacinamide as someone in Bandra.”
financialexpress.com
Mini Sood Banerjee
Assistant Director and Marketing Head at Amorepacific India
“Now, ingredient-aware consumers are driving demand. Trust and efficacy often outweigh price concerns.”
financialexpress.com
“Instead of chasing a super-dewy finish, Indian users are seeking a clean, calm, healthy glow.”
financialexpress.com
Amar Srivastava
CEO and Founder, ACELABS
“Glass skin is becoming a relatable goal for Indian consumers. We see evolving routines that include cleansing, toning, ampoules, moisturising, and sunscreen.”
financialexpress.com
“Sheet masks led the charge, but now ampoules and cleansers are catching up.”
financialexpress.com
Kushesh Bansal
co-founder, The Bath and Care
“We’ve seen success with formats like collagen jelly and hydration serums. But it’s not just about importing ideas, we blend global innovation with Indian needs.”
financialexpress.com
“Consumers are adopting hydration-first routines, but in a simplified format, three to five products that deliver glow and protection.”
financialexpress.com
Deepak Joshi
Senior Director – Category Management, Beauty and Personal Care, Myntra
“Search queries for K-beauty have grown over 300% on our platform, and we’re seeing demand not just from metro cities but also Tier II and III cities like Ludhiana, Jaipur, Patna, and Bhopal.”
financialexpress.com


