Claude responded: Quick summary: Korean beauty products are seeing a significant surge in global demand this spring, with LookFantastic search data showing Beauty of Joseon, LanQuick summary: Korean beauty products are seeing a significant surge in global demand this spring, with LookFantastic search data showing Beauty of Joseon, Laneige and Erborian among the most sought-after brands and collagen, PDRN and heartleaf among the most searched ingredients. Consumer interest is shifting towards lighter, barrier-supporting and hydration-focused formulas as warmer months approach, reflecting a broader move away from heavy or reactive skincare in favour of preventative and restorative routines. For those interested in skin health, the trend signals growing public appetite for evidence-informed ingredients with documented benefits for inflammation, elasticity and barrier repair.
Korean beauty products continue to dominate global skincare routines, with new data from online retailer LookFantastic revealing the brands, products and ingredients seeing the biggest spike in popularity this spring.
Driven by viral recommendations, the hashtag #kbeauty has amassed more than 9.5 billion views and over 3 million posts on TikTok, highlighting the worldwide appeal of formulations centred on the “glass skin” look, sheet masks and active ingredients including snail mucin and PDRN derived from salmon DNA.
As temperatures rise, shoppers are shifting towards lighter, hydrating and protective formulas. Data covering searches between February and April shows exactly which lines are leading the way.
The top three most searched brands on the site are Beauty of Joseon with more than 48,000 searches, followed by Laneige with over 36,000 and Erborian with more than 19,000, reflecting sustained interest in both heritage-inspired and innovative modern formulations.
Top 5 trending products
- Medicube Collagen: Generated nearly 5,000 searches in the quarter, reflecting consumer focus on collagen-infused skincare for elasticity, hydration and a plump, radiant complexion.
- Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream: Recorded more than 2,800 searches, driven by appetite for nourishing blends inspired by traditional Korean skincare practices.
- Anua PDRN Serum: Attracted over 2,500 searches. PDRN has become a go-to active ingredient for its regenerative and barrier-repairing properties.
- Anua Heartleaf Deep Pore Cleanser: Drew more than 1,700 searches, meeting demand for gentle, calming solutions. Heartleaf’s anti-inflammatory effects make it ideal for soothing sensitivity and redness.
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Pulled over 1,600 searches, underscoring enduring demand for products that brighten skin tone and enhance natural radiance.
Key ingredients behind the trends
Look fantastic identified five formulations currently driving results
- Collagen: Hydrates, smooths and plumps skin. While topical collagen does not replace the body’s natural stores, it improves texture and helps achieve the dewy finish synonymous with k-beauty.
- PDRN: Aids skin renewal, improves elasticity and reinforces the protective barrier. It is favoured by those targeting sun damage, dullness or early signs of ageing.
- Heartleaf: Reduces redness and discomfort through anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, offering balance and comfort particularly in hot weather.
- Centella (Cica): Heals and strengthens the skin barrier while boosting moisture, making it especially useful in summer when sun and heat exposure can cause irritation.
- Ginseng and black rice: Are time-honoured favourites. Ginseng supports elasticity and revitalises tired skin, while Black Rice is packed with antioxidants to defend against environmental damage and promote an even complexion.