2025 K Cosmetic Inc. September News Letter
◎ Passion for Simplicity Yet Perfection ◎
After the pandemic, those wearied by provocative and flamboyant trends have begun turning away from conspicuous consumption, seeking instead what is genuine and enduring. 
Tailored Fit A silhouette that is not excessive yet catches the eye, refined tailoring regarded as a symbol of quiet luxury, is once again in the spotlight. This resurgence comes as more people prefer timeless designs that can be worn for many years in the post-pandemic era. Needless to say, such pieces must embody impeccable design and fine materials to convey a sense of sophistication.
Neutral Paradise If minimalism were to be expressed through colors, one could hardly overlook the essence of neutral tones. Shades such as beige, ivory, camel, and gray—reminiscent of nature—lend depth and dimension to a look while creating an air of sophistication. Neutral tones are also ideally suited for tone-on-tone styling. A style built upon calm and balanced hues retains its depth even without elaborate ornamentation, demonstrating that simplicity itself can embody perfection(HYANGJANG No. 667).
◎The Era of Multifunctional Cosmetics – Synergy Effects from the Finest Ingredients◎
As awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin has grown, sunscreen has firmly established itself as an indispensable daily essential, even amid the micro-routine trend. In fact, the global sunscreen market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.28% through 2032. Today’s consumers, however, demand more advanced protection than ever before. Among these, products that combine sun protection with tone-up effects are the most popular, while those offering additional skincare benefits such as wrinkle reduction and brightening are also highly favored. 
Anti-aging care must be maintained consistently throughout the year, but during the summer, heavy and thick cream formulations can feel burdensome. In such cases, it is recommended to adjust the amount of cream used while supplementing with ampoules that deliver intensive anti-aging benefits. Total-care products that effectively address wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation are particularly ideal. Ampoules designed for intensive use over a set period of time are especially effective, as their concentrated active ingredients accelerate visible improvements. Individually packaged in small doses, these products also remain fresh until the very last use, free from concerns of oxidation or deterioration.
According to research, the multifunctional cosmetic ingredients market is expected to grow by 7.5% annually until 2028. Reflecting the trend of simplifying beauty routines by purchasing only what is truly necessary, the demand for products offering multiple functions has expanded significantly. The popularity of gua sha massage tools and at-home skincare products also demonstrates the growing preference for consistent, non-invasive self-care. In particular, products that enhance and amplify massage effects are in high demand.
It may be tempting to assume that combining all effective skincare ingredients will produce the ultimate product. However, this is a misconception. Ingredients may clash or become unstable, leading to diminished efficacy compared with formulations based on a single active. Thus, it is crucial to select ingredients that harmonize well to maximize synergy. A representative example is the combination of retinol and collagen. Newly developed collagen possesses unique properties of becoming firmer and more elastic over time, while retinol activates fibroblasts to stimulate collagen production. Together, these ingredients deliver faster and more pronounced improvements in skin firmness and elasticity (HANGJANG, No. 667).
◎ Simple Yet Perfect Tone-on-Tone Makeup ◎
Sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most powerful beauty. A soft, dewy pink tone infuses the entire face with vitality. On skin that glows subtly with a natural radiance, pink-hued blush, eyeshadow, and lip color are applied in gentle succession to complete a harmonious mood. Layered tones blend seamlessly across the face, softly diffusing into a fresh yet romantic aura. The charm lies in its liveliness and tenderness, never excessive yet unmistakably radiant. 
Soft Beige Harmony The elegance of a well-balanced beige tone leaves a quietly striking impression. The base makeup is finished in a semi-matte texture—light, even, and seamlessly adhered to the skin—ensuring a smooth and refined appearance without looking heavy or dull. The characteristic calmness of beige spreads naturally across the face, creating an understated yet poised atmosphere. Blush, eyeshadow, and lip colors chosen within the same tonal family blend harmoniously, delivering a unified impression that exudes refined simplicity (HANGJANH, No. 667).
◎ Inclusivity and Innovation: Fueling K-Beauty’s Global Second Wave ◎
The K-beauty phenomenon began in the early 2010s with a focus on skin care, but a new "second wave" is now reshaping the global beauty market through a shift to inclusive, skin-first makeup hybrids. Sarah Chung Park, founder of Landing International, explains that this wave goes beyond skin care, expanding into color cosmetics, hair, body, and fragrance. Consumers, particularly on platforms like TikTok, are driving demand for diverse products suited for all skin tones. Historically, K-beauty struggled with inclusivity, largely due to its roots in a homogeneous Korean market. Brands typically offered only three to five foundation shades. However, globalization and the growing popularity of K-pop and K-dramas among Black and Hispanic audiences in the West are pushing Korean and Korean-American brands to evolve. US-based K-beauty companies like Cle Cosmetics and Peach & Lily have been at the forefront of change. Cle launched its CCC Cream in 2015 with five shades and gradually expanded to deeper tones, despite the challenges of cost and production. Founder Lauren Jin emphasizes prioritizing consumer feedback over traditional Korean beauty standards. Social media has also played a major role. Influencers like Miss Darcei brought attention to the lack of deeper shades, prompting brands like TIRTIR to expand from just three to over 20 foundation shades, even launching shades darker than Darcei’s own—making her their first Black brand ambassador. Despite progress, inclusivity remains a challenge, especially for smaller US brands with limited budgets and R&D capabilities. The now-discontinued Youthforia shade that sparked backlash serves as a cautionary tale. 
Ultimately, as K-beauty continues to expand globally, brands that prioritize inclusivity and responsiveness—like TIRTIR and Dear Dahlia—are best positioned to thrive. The second wave of K-beauty isn’t just about trend or technology; it’s about representation, listening to consumers, and evolving with the times(Vogue, 2024. November. 21). The 2025 K Cosmetic Inc. September Newsletterwas published by K Cosmetic Inc.
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