11 K-Beauty trends tipped to blow up in 2022 (Vogue UK)

As we wave goodbye to 2021, it’s time to start thinking about those new year’s resolutions. So, what commitment will you be making to yourself in 2022? One good place to start is with your skin – and the K-Beauty trends tipped to take over in 2022. While eating clean and drinking less (especially after the Christmas festivities), are obvious choices, let us make the case for specifically looking after your skin, the body’s largest organ. And who better to advise on how to do this than the industry’s leading K-beauty and skincare experts? From fermented tea and kombucha to the even more unlikely red onion, these are the upcoming K-beauty trends you need to know about.

Claudia Christin

“In 2022, there is going to be a lot more retinol-based skincare, and more unexpected findings on plant extracts that turn out to have beneficial properties, like red onion. On top of that, there is going to be a tremendous increase in awareness around the sustainable packaging and beauty movement.”

Maree Kinder, Beauty & Seoul

“I think we will continue to see a move towards more vegan-friendly products and more sustainable packaging. It appears the market is moving away from sheet masks due to their single-use consumption, and more towards wash-off masks. I’m also seeing many brands come out with more sensitive skin-friendly formulas and gentle, unscented formulations. Products featuring fermented ingredients which are known for their anti-ageing properties as well are becoming popular, such as fermented tea and kombucha.”

Coco Park, The Beauty wolf

“I’m seeing a big trend towards simplifying routines. Not that we’ve abandoned multi-step routines, but multi-use products are really shining bright and catching people’s attention. Any products that pamper the skin but also save time at the sink seem to be the new darlings.”

Sarah Oh, Oh My Gloss

“My trend for 2022 K-beauty would be more efficacy-based skincare products that highlight ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and AHA/BHAs. With Covid-19 not going away anytime soon, more and more people are looking for ways to keep their skin in good condition at home after wearing a mask all day. [Look out for] multi-purpose yet efficacious skincare that can target different skin needs like anti-ageing, skin brightening, fewer breakouts, and skin-smoothing.”

Elisa Lee, Dot Dot Skin

“Vitamin A is still very popular, so I expect that more Korean brands will release retinol/retinal products in 2022. We will also see more skincare products that treat maskne, and make-up that is long-lasting which can be used while wearing a face mask, like transfer-proof lip products and cushion foundation that transfers less.”

Mélusine Tran, Kōsame Beauty

“I see a rise in minimalist beauty, with formulas that contain no more than 10 ingredients for customers with sensitive skin. Brands like iUNIK are at the forefront of this trend. Sensitive skin is an increasing issue, and is definitely related to our stressful lifestyle and city pollution.

“The pursuit of a healthy glow is very popular – being confident in your own skin and focussing on healthy skin is one of the main trends in Korean beauty. Forget glass skin, opt for a simple routine with nourishing and brightening ingredients, like propolis and hyaluronic acid.”

Alicia Yoon, Peach & Lily

“In 2022, based on consumer insights and what we see labs developing, I believe the big Korean beauty trends will focus on innovative ways for ingredients to be absorbed into the skin. For example, our Peach Slices Deep Blemish Microdarts deliver ingredients through our melt-tech.

“I also see continued innovation in sustainable ingredients and packaging, including compostable packaging for single-use items, like the Shangpree Marine Jewel Capsules. I’m also excited for new kinds of ingredients that can be created in labs in a more eco-friendly way.”

“Skin barrier repair and managing sensitive skin continue to be major trends. Delivering active ingredients and keeping skin dewy while calm will be big for 2022.”

Charlotte Cho, Soko Glam

“For the past decade, the demand for at-home and high-tech beauty devices, such as full-face LED masks and ultrasonic facial cleansers, has steadily increased. Covid has certainly accelerated this trend, with at-home beauty tech innovations now in demand globally. My prediction is that your next beauty product from Korea could come not from your typical Korean skincare brand, but a Korean tech giant, such as LG or Samsung.”

Originally posted on "Vogue UK" by Tish Weinstock.