Published: 2024.12.24
Last updated: 2025.09.01
The Olive Young Awards serve as a valuable indicator of Korean beauty trends and product performance over the past year. As Olive Young is a leading retailer in Korea, its best-sellers often dictate consumer preferences, making these awards essential for sellers of Korean cosmetics worldwide.
Interestingly, many of the top-ranking products at this year’s Olive Young Awards are not yet dominating SEOUL4PM. This presents an excellent opportunity for proactive sellers to stock these award-winning items and stay ahead of the competition.
This year’s skincare trends from the Olive Young Awards can be summarized in three key themes:
The top products this year, including Round Lab’s 1025 Dokdo Toner, Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum, Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 Cream, and Torriden’s Dive-In Mask, share a common feature: gentleness.
Consumer reviews frequently mention phrases like “non-irritating,” “mild,” and “suitable for daily use on sensitive skin.” These products focus on maintaining skin health rather than solely targeting specific concerns like whitening or wrinkle care. This reflects the global trend toward natural beauty, emphasizing skincare essentials over aggressive functionality.
As Korean cosmetics expand their reach beyond the domestic market, global certifications play a significant role in building trust with international consumers.
Products like Round Lab’s 1025 Dokdo Toner, Manyo Factory’s Pure Cleansing Oil, and Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pad have achieved outstanding results in Germany’s Dermatest, a rigorous dermatological testing standard. These certifications ensure the products meet stringent international safety and efficacy requirements, making them highly appealing to discerning buyers.
Sustainability and ethical consumption continue to drive consumer choices, particularly among younger demographics like the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z).
Manyo Factory’s Pure Cleansing Oil and Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pad both proudly hold vegan certifications. Furthermore, most of the featured products use eco-friendly packaging, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable beauty.
The rise of vegan and eco-conscious beauty is not just a trend but a necessity, with many Korean cosmetics exhibitions showcasing products that meet these criteria. Sellers who stock vegan-certified and environmentally friendly items are well-positioned to attract modern consumers.
The 2024 Olive Young Awards reveal that the Korean skincare industry is evolving to meet global demands for gentler, certified, and sustainable products. As a seller, this is your opportunity to:
By leveraging the insights from the Olive Young Awards, you can position your business for success in the competitive world of K-beauty. Don't wait—capitalize on these trends today to meet the demands of skincare enthusiasts worldwide!