Korean companies were particularly present in the finished product halls of Cosme Week Tokyo, an unmissable trend which underlines the dynamics of K-beauty in the beauty market in Japan since the pandemic, particularly in mass distribution. Here are the notable innovations spotted by Premium Beauty News among Korean and Japanese exhibitors:
Franz, a Korean brand of dermatological facial carehas focused on the intensive treatment of imperfections with the recent launch of its new anti-imperfection patches (Spot Patches). This is a trio of almost translucent medicated patches that target different stages of pimple formation. The Early Spot patch blocks UV and contains an extract of gotu kola and bee venom to soothe emerging inflammation before the pimple appears. The Active Spot Patch hydrocolloid patch is enriched with tea tree oil (antibacterial effect) to soothe the skin, while the Dark Spot Patch contains niacinamide and madecassoside. It thus helps to reduce and lighten pigment spots.
Japanese beauty brand B No Sol has introduced a new EMS device for pore care. The Nose Beauty Device is a USB rechargeable infrared/EMS device that attaches to the nose like tiny headphones. The wings of the nose are covered with EMS electrodes so that red light and electromagnetic stimulation can target inflammation and help tighten pores.
Newcomer to the market, Korean skincare brand Mela-K, targets vitiligo sufferersa chronic skin condition characterized by insufficient production of melanin, leading to the appearance of whitish spots that are particularly visible on dark skin. In its range Mela-K offers a lightening ampoule (Radiance Ampoule) formulated from a patented complex of melanin regulating ingredients, in order to restore the natural balance of melanocyte activity. The range also includes an innovative foundation pen (available in two shades) featuring a felt-tip applicator. The pen allows you to apply foundation, with a very liquid formula similar to that of long-lasting lip inks, to precisely color lighter areas. According to the brand, the color lasts up to three days.
Japanese high-tech company Scentamic presented Kaoriuman AI that verbalizes olfactory sensations to help perfume buyers express their preferences. By drawing from a database, the AI associates words and emotions with 16 perfume samples, in order to guide consumers in their choice via a multilingual touch interface. Designed for retailers, this system can be installed in-store or used for training perfumery staff.
Korean women’s wellness brand Ovment recently launched Scent Therapy, a line of four functional fragrances based on essential oils. Packaged in elegant roll-on applicators, these “care perfumes” are composed of silky vegetable oils to help relax, energize or soothe mood and emotions.
The new Pro & iPS Re: Cream from the Japanese brand Dr. Soie is a luxurious anti-aging moisturizer formulated with iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells), one of the most fashionable functional active ingredients in the Japanese anti-aging cosmetics market. Its formula also contains senolytic ingredients (targeting senescent or aged skin cells), including hexapeptide 6 and acetyl tetrapeptides-2, as well as lotus germ extract and sphingomonas extract.
The new iPX Scalp Serum from the Japanese brand Dr. Touhi also contains an iPS complex. iPX Serum is designed to improve circulation and reduce inflammation (thus promoting hair growth) when applied to the scalp. The brand specifies, however, that the product can also be used as an anti-aging treatment for the face or body.
Korean cosmetics brand Levero has launched a range of four multi-purpose enzymatic powder cleansers for hair and body. While powder cleansers remain a niche segment in the Korean cosmetics market, the Japanese market is significantly more open to them, with an estimated turnover of $85.9 million in 2025. Levero’s powder cleansers are based on corn starch, coconut acid as the main surfactant and papain. Other key ingredients include powdered herbal extracts such as calendula, neem and green tea, as well as oats, barley or rice bran.
Japanese beauty manufacturer Wave Corporation has added Aqua Shift water to its Spa Treatment range. This electrolyzed water, highly oxidized and weakly acidic, prepares the skin for the different stages of the facial care routine. Thanks to its low surface tension, it penetrates easily, softens dead cells and removes the last traces of lotion or cleansing gel from pores.
The new K-beauty brand Slowment offers a range of facial care made up of six references and focused on anti-aging products. Its Lifting Tension Cream Mask is made of very flexible polyurethane, unlike traditional tencel or hydrogel masks. It must be infused with an essence in the form of a milky lotion (as opposed to the classic transparent essence), formulated with hydrolyzed collagen, elastin, young centella callus exosomes and green tea seed oil. The elasticity of the mask also contributes to its lifting effect.
