Korean cosmetics exports hit an October record of $1.44bn
Six stories from 26 October to 1 November 2026, and what they tell brands growing in China and Asia.
$1.44 billion. That was South Korea's cosmetics exports in October 2026, an October record and up 57.5%. Here are six stories from 26 October to 1 November 2026, with our reading of each.
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1. Korean cosmetics exports set an October record
Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy reported on 1 November that cosmetics exports reached $1.44 billion in October 2026, up 57.5% year on year and a record for the month. Growth was broad, across China, the EU and the United States.
Our reading: skincare built in Asia is scaling worldwide, and China is still growing for it.
2. Puig plans a stronghold in Asia Pacific
At its Capital Markets Day on 28 October, Puig set an ambition to exceed €8 billion in annual net revenue by 2032 and to build a stronghold in Asia Pacific, scaling niche fragrance and Charlotte Tilbury in Northeast Asia, and prestige fragrance and dermo cosmetics across Southeast Asia, India and Oceania. Puig expects online to remain the fastest growing channel in premium beauty.
Our reading: Asia is now a market to build in, and online is how groups plan to get there.
3. Amorepacific's derma brands lead its third quarter
Amorepacific Group's third quarter 2026 operating profit rose 24.7% to KRW 130.1 billion, on revenue up 8.9%. AESTURA grew revenue by more than 80% and expanded its distribution in China. ILLIYOON's overseas revenue grew sixfold, and revenue in India rose more than 60%.
Our reading: clinic backed derma is the category travelling fastest across markets.
4. La Prairie grows on China
Beiersdorf reported on 27 October that La Prairie grew 8.5% organically in the third quarter of 2026, driven by continued strong momentum in China. Its Derma business, Eucerin and Aquaphor, grew 10.6% organically.
Our reading: science led and luxury skincare keep finding growth in China.
5. Shoppers want proof
The Consumer Collective's "Routine Shift" study of 750 US adults, released on 28 October, found that 73% of women who have taken a GLP-1 report at least one new beauty concern, led by skin sagging (35%) and hair thinning (32%). Effectiveness ranks among the top purchase factors at 55%, and just 2% name influencer recommendations.
Our reading: a new skin need is growing, and shoppers will choose the brands that prove results.
6. Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing grows in Asia
Unilever reported on 28 October that Beauty & Wellbeing underlying sales grew 5.7% in the third quarter of 2026, with 3.6% from volume. Growth was led by emerging markets, in particular India, South East Asia and Brazil.
Our reading: Asia's emerging markets are where the big groups find volume growth.
The thread
In every story, growth followed proof, close to the consumer. That is how ÉDELSKIN works with brands in China and Asia: a dedicated team handles marketing, social media, data-driven optimisation and daily operations, and the brand owns everything.
Planning your next step in China and Asia? Let's talk at edelskin.com.
About ÉDELSKIN
ÉDELSKIN is an international commercialisation company helping beauty, wellness and healthcare brands enter and grow in Asia’s consumer markets. It works as the brand’s direct-to-consumer commercial arm, and the brand keeps full ownership and control.
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