South Korea Skin Boosters Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Mesotherapy, Micro-Needle), By Ingredient (Hyaluronic Acid, Exosomes), By Gender, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

South Korea Skin Boosters Market Trends

The South Korea skin boosters market size was estimated at USD 87.7 million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing prevalence of skin conditions, advancements in skincare technology, and the growing influence of Korean beauty trends drive market growth. Rising skin issues such as acne, pigmentation disorders, and early signs of aging are significant drivers for market growth. According to a report published by the National Library of Medicine, acne vulgaris is a common skin condition, especially in adolescents, and it affects over 90% of men and 80% of women by age 21 in Korea. In addition to facial acne, more than half of those affected also experience acne on their chest, back, and shoulders. Notably, around 25% of individuals with both facial and truncal acne do not proactively mention their truncal acne when discussing their symptoms. Urbanization and environmental pollution in South Korea contribute to a higher incidence of skin problems, leading consumers to seek solutions that address these concerns. 

South Korea is a top destination for K-beauty enthusiasts and a major global player, with its cosmetics market ranking among the top ten worldwide. South Korea is a dynamic beauty market known for innovative trends, high-quality ingredients, and visually appealing packaging. K-beauty brands are gaining strong traction, especially in Asia. In 2022, the market was valued at USD 3.9 billion, with local production and exports declining, yet South Korea remained the fourth-largest global cosmetics exporter. In March 2023, the Korean government announced plans to advance bespoke cosmetics and personalized skin diagnosis using IoT and big data to boost the bio-health industry.

South Korea's cutting-edge skincare industry is renowned for its innovation and high standards, driving the growing demand for skin boosters that improve hydration, elasticity, and texture. The Korean government has actively supported the beauty sector with research grants and export incentives. In collaboration with the cosmetics industry, the South Korean government is strengthening support for K-beauty SMEs to boost global competitiveness and exports. Key initiatives include the K-beauty Creator Challenge, export regulation updates, and a dedicated investment fund to help SMEs expand internationally. The goal is to double SME cosmetics exports to USD 10 billion by 2027 while enhancing regulatory compliance, safety standards, and innovation support.

Skin boosters, designed to enhance hydration, brightness, and collagen production, have become essential in combating environmental stressors. South Korea's leadership in skincare innovation, driven by advanced formulations such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamin C, fuels market growth by delivering effective, science-backed solutions. For instance, in August 2024, APR Co., Ltd, a South Korean beauty and wellness company, developed an anti-aging agent called 'Eosidin' to enhance its skin booster technologies. Eosidin, derived from unripe citrus fruits, targets skin aging caused by environmental factors. APR planned to incorporate this ingredient into its 'MediCube' product line to improve skin hydration and elasticity.

The global fascination with K-beauty, known for its meticulous skincare routines and focus on flawless skin, continues to drive demand. As advanced Korean skincare solutions gain popularity worldwide, the market expands beyond South Korea. Digital platforms, including e-commerce and social media, have further amplified this growth by enhancing international brand visibility and consumer trust.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market growth stage is high, and the pace of growth is accelerating. The market is characterized by a moderate-to-high degree of innovation due to technological advancements. Providers emphasize greater patient comfort during the procedure, and market players invest in innovative technologies and products to keep up with the demand.

The market is characterized by a moderate level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by the leading players. For instance, in December 2024, CVC Capital was selected as the preferred bidder to acquire South Korean cosmetics manufacturer Serin Company, valued at USD 551.49 million. The company, known for its Round Lab brand, saw a 100% sales growth in 2023, reaching USD 78.8 million, with EBITDA increasing by over 50%. This reflects strong foreign investor interest in Korea’s beauty industry, as CVC Capital invested USD 136.3 million in Pharma Research.

The market is also subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny. An increasing number of regulatory changes are introduced for facial injectables, such as skin boosters. As of January 2025, skin boosters in South Korea are regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) under the Cosmetics Act. New products with unapproved ingredients require clinical data submission for pre-market approval, taking 4-6 months, while products with approved ingredients can be processed in about seven days. The MFDS also enforces strict labeling standards and requires importers to establish a distributor and notify the Korean Pharmaceutical Traders Association.

While there are few direct substitutes for skin boosters, treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser therapies, and over-the-counter vitamin C products can offer similar results. However, these treatments are not permanent solutions for fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

End-user concentration plays a significant role in the market, driven by providers such as hospitals, dermatology clinics, and Medspas offering injectable treatments. With multiple products from different manufacturers delivering similar results, practitioners often seek additional discounts and rebates from distributors to choose their products for aesthetic procedures. This competitive environment fuels the demand for skin boosters. Such alternatives have led to cost-driven negotiations between distributors and healthcare providers.

Type Insights

Mesotherapy led the market and accounted for 56.0% of the revenue in 2024. The growing demand for non-invasive treatments such as mesotherapy, which offer visible results without surgery, is driving its popularity in South Korea. In addition, advancements in mesotherapy formulations, such as those with vitamins and hyaluronic acid, enhance skin texture, elasticity, and hydration, further boosting demand. For instance, in July 2024, VS Line Clinic gained international recognition with the launch of its skin booster, De.HYVE. The clinic's innovative product aims to enhance skin hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. De. HYVE's launch has been met with praise from experts in the skincare industry, and its advanced formulation has been highlighted as a breakthrough. The product is a non-invasive solution for achieving smoother, more youthful skin.

Mesotherapy is also expected to register the fastest CAGR of 16.4% over the forecast period. Mesotherapy is valued for its adaptability in addressing various skincare concerns, making it suitable for various skin types and issues. In addition, it typically involves minimal downtime, allowing patients to quickly return to their regular routines compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures.

Ingredient Insights

Hyaluronic acid (HA) skin boosters led the market with a revenue share of 41.1% in 2024. The market has experienced significant growth due to the remarkable benefits of HA. Known for its outstanding hydration, skin quality enhancement, versatility for different age groups, and non-invasive nature, HA is increasingly combined with other active ingredients, solidifying its role as a key player in skincare. For instance, in June 2024, Galderma Korea was expected to launch Restylane Eyelight, marking its debut in Asia Pacific. This hyaluronic acid filler uses Galderma's proprietary NASHA technology, offering precise treatment for delicate facial areas with minimal swelling and no downtime. The product has shown high satisfaction rates in clinical trials and is expected to enhance wrinkle treatments for consumers seeking natural, effective results.

Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) is expected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. PDRN, derived from salmon sperm DNA, is key in promoting cellular repair and regeneration by stimulating fibroblast activity, which boosts collagen production and enhances skin elasticity. Its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties effectively treat acne scars and skin damage and soothe redness and irritation. For instance, in July 2024, APR Co., Ltd announced that it would start producing PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) and PN (polynucleotide) materials in-house and entered the skin booster business using them. The company planned to build a production facility covering 1,500 pyeong on a 4,000 pyeong site in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, to complete it by the end of the year.

Gender Insights

The female segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2024. A driving factor for the women's market segment could be the high prevalence of cosmetic procedures. A significant portion of South Korean women opt for aesthetic enhancements. The trend of aesthetic surgery among women aged 19 to 29 further fuels the demand for non-invasive treatments such as skin boosters. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), South Korea has 13.5 cosmetic procedures per 1,000 people. In addition, estimates indicate that about one-third of South Korean women aged 19 to 29 have undergone plastic surgery.

The female segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate over the forecast period. The female skin boosters market in South Korea is driven by a rising demand for anti-aging solutions as women seek improved skin elasticity and youthfulness. The global recognition of K-beauty and the influence of social media have significantly boosted interest in advanced skincare treatments. In addition, a growing consumer focus is on skin health and wellness, with women seeking long-lasting hydration and rejuvenation. Together, these factors fuel the increasing popularity of skin boosters in the region.

End Use Insights

Medical spa dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Technologically advanced skincare, such as exosome-based skin boosters, is gaining popularity for its ability to rejuvenate and repair skin at a cellular level. These innovative treatments are in high demand in medical spas, attracting consumers who seek non-invasive, effective skincare solutions. As a result, the market for skin boosters is expanding in South Korea, driven by a desire for advanced, cutting-edge treatments. For instance, in April 2023, Xcell Therapeutics, Inc. launched a new exosome-specific medium, CellCor EXO CD, designed to effectively produce mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. The product was unveiled at a symposium in Seoul, attended by over 80 experts. The medium promises to improve the quality and yield of exosomes, which is crucial for advancing cell-based therapies and is seen as a key innovation in the growing exosome therapeutics market.

The dermatology clinics segment is projected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The growing trend of general practitioners opening dermatology-focused clinics, particularly in urban areas, is driving the demand for skin boosters and other aesthetic treatments in South Korea. For instance, 80% of the new clinics opened by general practitioners in South Korea in 2024 were dermatology-focused, with one-third of these clinics located in Seoul. This shift reflects a growing trend among GPs specializing in dermatology and aesthetic treatments rather than traditional fields such as obstetrics and pediatrics. Most of these clinics are concentrated in urban areas, especially in Seoul’s Gangnam-gu, indicating the demand for dermatological services in these regions.

Key South Korea Skin Boosters Company Insights:

Companies in the market undertake different strategies to strengthen their product portfolios and undertake expansions on a regional level to offer diverse, technologically advanced, innovative products to their customers. This is a prominently adopted strategy by companies to attract more customers. Furthermore, several market leaders acquire smaller players to strengthen their market positions. This strategy enables them to increase their capabilities, expand their product portfolios, and improve their competencies. Key players engaged in this growth strategy include Medytox, Inc.

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, Medytox Inc. established a new subsidiary named Luvantas to expand its presence in the U.S. market. The company appointed key executives to lead this initiative to introduce innovative medical aesthetic solutions, including botulinum toxin products, to North America.

• In August 2023, PharmaResearch obtained approval for Rejuran in Australia. Rejuran was the first PN product approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia.

• In July 2023, ExoCoBio acquired a majority stake in BENEV COMPANY INC, a U.S.-based global medical aesthetic company. This acquisition aims to enhance the commercialization of exosome technology worldwide, leveraging BENEV's established market presence and innovative products.

South Korea Skin Boosters Market Report Scope

South Korea Skin Boosters Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the South Korea skin boosters market report based on type, ingredient, gender, and end use.

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Mesotherapy

  • Micro-needle 

• Ingredient Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA)

  • Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN)

  • Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)/ Poly-D, L-Lactic Acid (PDLLA)

  • Polycaprolactone (PCL)

  • Exosomes

• Gender Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Female

  • Male

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Medical Spa

  • Dermatology Clinics