Korean wave: Able C&C, Kolmar and more in this K-beauty round-up

Able C&C extends partnership with Japan’s Daiso to launch exclusive $2 makeup line​​

South Korean cosmetics firm Able C&C has furthered its partnership with Japanese discount chain Daiso with the launch of an exclusive and affordable makeup line as a follow-up to its first skin care collaboration.

The Pure Candy range consists of three colour cosmetics products, which include blusher, lip tint, and lip balm. All are priced at KRW3,000 (USD2.19).

The products were said to be inspired by “juicy candy colours”​ and aim to give vibrant colour while hydrating the skin and lips. They will be available at approximately 800 Daiso stores as well as Daiso online.

K-beauty orders to Vietnam increase more than five-fold in the last three years – Shopee​

E-commerce platform Shopee says Vietnam has become a key market for K-beauty brands with orders surging more than five-fold over the last three years.

From 2021 to 2023, K-beauty orders to Vietnam have increased 5.2 times, while transaction amounts have increased 4.9 times, according to Shopee Korea.

The company supports Korean sellers operating in South East Asia and Taiwan markets.

Last year, K-beauty products dominated the sales share on Shopee Vietnam.

Sephora’s withdrawal from Korea leaves market less diverse than ever​

Sephora’s exit from South Korea leaves a vacuum highlighting need for a diversity of brands and retail channels in the market, says experts.

Sephora’s exit from Korea was attributed to the strength of the local competition​ – namely retailers Olive Young and Chicor, owned by CJ Group and Shinsegae International respectively.

Odile Monod, K-beauty market guru lamented the absence of another player in the market.

“I really wish that there was more diversity in terms of channels in Korea. Olive Young, for instance, only carries a small selection of beauty brands both Korean and foreign.”​

Kolmar to develop sun care products using newly discovered skin microbiome-derived Lactobacillus probiotic​

Cosmetics company Kolmar Korea has discovered a skin microbiome-derived probiotic ingredient that it claims can suppress skin ageing caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The process of skin ageing is influenced by internal and external factors, including exposure to UV radiation, which results in photoageing and manifests as skin issues such as wrinkles and discolouration.

The skin microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms on the skin’s surface, plays a crucial role in barrier function and can be affected by factors like humidity and acidity (pH).

K-beauty brand Then I Met You makes first retail expansion with Asia debut​

K-beauty skin care brand Then I Met You is set to debut in five Asian markets this April through a partnership with Sephora, marking its first-ever retail expansion.

Touted as a marriage between Korean beauty innovations and time-honoured ingredients, Then I Met You seeks to offer “meaningful skin care over fleeting trends”.

The brand is founded by Charlotte Cho, a Korean-American who is also the co-founder and chief curator of US-based K-beauty online retailer Soko Glam.