The cosmetics market in North Korea is thriving as women across the country show growing interest in skincare and beauty products.
According to a source in North Pyongan province recently, “skin and beauty products, along with cosmetic procedures, have become popular not just in major cities like Pyongyang and Sinuiju, but in rural areas as well.”
The hottest items in North Korean markets these days include sunscreen, edible collagen, and facial masks—primarily products designed to reduce wrinkles and brighten skin tone. “People are seeking out specialized products with specific functions, rather than just basic cosmetics like they used to,” the source explained.
Most people want S. Korean cosmetics
South Korean cosmetics have become particularly sought after, sold through underground channels as word spreads about their supposed effectiveness.
“While most imported cosmetics come from China, everyone wants the South Korean brands,” the source noted. “Products with English-only packaging and no Korean text are smuggled in secretly, and many sellers only offer South Korean cosmetics to customers who specifically ask for them in hushed tones.”
Wealthy North Koreans gravitate toward expensive Japanese beauty products, while an increasing number of women are turning to laser treatments to remove blemishes and even out their complexion. Though the procedures require four to five sessions to be effective and aren’t cheap when factoring in maintenance costs, there’s steady demand from officials’ wives and members of North Korea’s emerging wealthy class.
Daily NK reported in March that laser skin treatment businesses have been proliferating, particularly in the country’s larger cities.
“A single laser treatment costs around 200 Chinese yuan, about $28,” the source said. “That’s significant money, but women—especially younger ones—see it as essential rather than a luxury.”
Signs of maturing beauty market
As skincare becomes more important to North Korean women, private homes and service centers are increasingly offering skincare devices and treatments.
Beauty shops now recommend and sell cosmetics tailored to individual skin types, suggesting the country’s beauty market is maturing.
“Skincare and beauty businesses have become some of the most profitable ventures lately,” the source observed.
“With demand for South Korean and Japanese products growing, we’ll probably see even more cosmetic smuggling operations.”
