Japan or Korea? How J-beauty and K-beauty cosmetics and skincare compare
Japanese and Korean beauty products are deeply rooted in their own traditions and cultures. Here are our top picks from both camps
If you have ever seen a young woman return from a holiday to Japan or South Korea with a loot bag full of cosmetics, you will know that there is much to demystify when it comes to the allure of Japanese (J-beauty) and Korean (K-beauty) beauty products. Even though Western companies have followed these brands into the game, they don’t seem as authentic.
First, why are Japanese and Korean beauty brands considered a world apart from other brands? Because, like food, they are deeply rooted in their own traditions and cultures.
Rituals and Cultures
The long-established reputation of J-beauty has attracted legions of consumers to brands like DHC, SK-II and Sekkisei seeking the enviable skin quality of Japanese women. Traditional Japanese women’s skincare rituals required the use of at least 10 products simultaneously, as they were believed to be essential to maintaining effervescent skin. The emphasis remains on effervescence, because the goal is to achieve a bright skin tone – known as “bihaku” in Japanese. This requires starting your beauty routine with double cleansing, and is often followed by an essence, lotion, sera and moisturiser. Frequent facial masks and regular facials are also part of the routine.
But while Japanese beauty products abide by traditional rituals, a lot of their product innovations come from scientifically researched formulations. On an SK-II press trip I once went on, I was given a walk-through to view the research they had conducted on the skin of various test subjects over 10 years, just so that they could see the efficacy of the products.
Because layering is at the core of J-beauty, most of the products often have a really light texture resulting in super hydrated skin.
Sekkisei and SK-II are famous for their lotions, which SK-II calls “miracle water”. SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence and Mask remains a worldwide sensation after more than 10 years on the bestsellers’ list, thanks to its Pitera formulation and star power. Backed by P&G, this monster beauty brand has an impressive line-up of ambassadors. Its latest cast includes James Corden, Naomi Watanabe, Tang Wei and John Legend.