The cumulative export value of Korean cosmetics reached approximately $11.1 billion by the end of Q3 2026, a significant 31.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure marks a record high for exports up to this quarter and indicates a continuing upward trend in the industry.
In Q3 alone, exports amounted to $4.17 billion, reflecting a 7.5% increase from Q2, underscoring the industry’s sustained growth pattern. The data released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) highlights this strong trajectory, as the cumulative exports nearly reach the previous annual record of $11.4 billion set in 2025.
The United States maintained its position as the largest market for K-beauty products, accounting for $2.35 billion, which is 21.1% of the total export volume. This is followed by China at $1.58 billion (14.2%), and Japan at $0.89 billion (8.0%). The popularity of Korean cosmetics in the U.S. has remained stable since 2025, when it first became the leading export destination.
Notably, exports to the U.S. saw a dramatic increase of $0.68 billion (+40.6%) compared to last year, reaffirming its growing share of the overall export volume. Historically, the share of exports to the U.S. has increased from 10.8% in 2022 to 21.1% in 2026.
In contrast, exports to China experienced a slight increase of $0.06 billion (+0.4%), but the overall share declined from 46.7% in 2022 to 14.2% in 2026, indicating a downward trend. Exports to Japan saw a modest increase of $0.07 billion (+8.6%), making up 8.0% of the total export volume.
Analyzing product categories, skincare products led the export growth with $8.72 billion, representing a 45.1% increase, while color cosmetics saw a decrease of $0.04 billion (-3.6%) to $1.11 billion. Personal cleansing products recorded an increase of $0.13 billion (+30.1%) to $0.56 billion.
For the U.S. market, skincare products grew significantly by $0.59 billion (+48.8%), while color cosmetics decreased slightly by $0.01 billion (-4.3%). IN the Chinese market, skincare products fell dramatically by $0.79 billion (-65.8%), whereas color cosmetics surged by $0.52 billion (+288.9%).
The MFDS has stated its commitment to supporting the K-beauty industry’s global standing through continued cooperation with regulatory bodies, provision of regulatory information for different countries, and halal certification consulting.
