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Editor's Note: This article marks the first in a series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. This series is designed to offer insights into the products, brands, and cultural shifts defining Korea’s beauty scene today.
SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - Visitors to South Korea often joke about needing an extra suitcase just for beauty products.
Yet, for first-time shoppers, navigating the country’s vast beauty market can be overwhelming. Amid an abundance of choices, Daiso’s budget-friendly K-beauty offerings have emerged as an unexpected favorite among both tourists and locals.
“Daiso has the advantage of accessibility. The prices are affordable enough to try without much hesitation, and the portioned formats are consumer-friendly,” said Yeon, a Korean shopper in her twenties. “However, product quality varies. Some items perform well, while others can be disappointing.”
Unlike its Japanese counterpart, Korean Daiso tailors its beauty products to local trends, incorporating popular K-beauty ingredients and formulations.
However, consumer experiences can differ based on product quality, manufacturing standards, and individual skin types. For those eager to explore, here are three standout products worth trying.
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VT Cosmetics’ Riddle Shot line has gained significant consumer interest for its use of spicules — microscopic, needle-like particles that gently stimulate the skin.
These products claim to promote pore refinement, skin regeneration, and improved absorption of active ingredients. When first introduced, the original Riddle Shot products were priced above 50,000 won for just 30ml, making them a costly gamble for consumers uncertain about their skin’s reaction.
Daiso’s version, however, offers smaller, single-use sachets priced under 5,000 won. This budget-friendly alternative has maintained steady popularity, particularly among those looking for travel-friendly or trial-sized skincare solutions.
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Stick Cleansing Powder
Enzyme cleansers, like Flor de Man’s Easy Stick Cleansing Powder, help exfoliate by breaking down dead skin cells and impurities.
“For oily skin prone to congestion, enzyme-based cleansers can be beneficial,” said dermatologist Park, speaking with AJP. “However, as alkaline substances, they can disrupt the skin’s pH balance, so they should be used in moderation.”
Personal testing once a week yielded results comparable to professional exfoliation treatments at dermatology clinics but at a fraction of the cost. Since availability varies by location, checking online before visiting a store is advised.
Daiso also offers a wide range of face masks catering to different skin needs, from professional-grade modeling masks used in dermatology clinics to convenient stick-type masks for single-use applications.
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“It’s great to have a variety of affordable face masks without committing to a full-sized product that may not suit my skin,” said Lee, a woman in her thirties. She even repurposes masks that don’t work for her face as nourishing treatments for her hair.
A Daiso official noted the growing demand for beauty and food products among international visitors.
“Thanks to the popularity of K-beauty and K-food, foreign tourists frequently seek these items at Daiso. Our strength lies in our fixed-price model, with six standard price points (500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 won). Unlike Daiso branches in other countries, we differentiate ourselves by offering affordable yet high-value products. Additionally, we launch hundreds of new items each month.”
For budget-conscious travelers eager to explore K-beauty without committing to high-end brands, Daiso’s skincare selections provide an accessible entry point — combining affordability with practicality and effectiveness.
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reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
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