Korean beauty has always been ahead of the game when it comes to skin care and products, but even more new things are coming our way in 2026. Integrated facialist April Brodie tells Refinery29 Australia that we should aim for “bloom skin” in 2026, even though “glass skin” has been popular for a while. This means we want skin that is even in tone, strong, and hydrated, and that looks healthy instead of shiny. It’s surprising that Korean skin care products are cheap and easy for beginners to use. Korean beauty has
We will go over the six Korean beauty trends for this year and explain why you should get on board as soon as possible. six Korean beauty
What do you need to know if you’re new to Korean beauty and skin care?
If the idea of buying Korean beauty products makes you feel overwhelmed, we’ll help you figure it out. Instead of making things complicated, you need to be consistent. You don’t need a routine with a thousand steps. “Start with the basics: cleanse gently, hydrate deeply, treat on purpose, and protect every day,” says the integrated facialist. “Viral products and miracle creams don’t give you the Korean glow that people all over the world love. It comes from following strict routines, respecting your skin’s barrier, and using scientifically backed products.” buying Korean beauty
Why do Gen-Z and TikTok users like Korean beauty so much?
Brodie says that K-beauty is popular with younger people because of its prices and results. “It combines education, visible results, innovation, accessibility, and low cost,” she says. “Younger people are very knowledgeable about ingredients and like brands that explain what their products do and how they work. Price is a big deal. K-beauty offers advanced formulas at prices that are easy to afford, which makes it appealing to Gen-Z and digital-first shoppers. K-beauty is popular
What are the six Korean beauty trends that will be big in 2026, and how can we get them in Australia?
1. Biotechnology and “smart beauty”Biotechnology, dermatological research, and ingredient transparency are all pushing K-beauty’s next evolution. Botanicals made in a lab, bio-fermented actives, and advanced cellular-support ingredients are becoming more common. Brands that mix real innovation with scientific credibility and honesty will be the ones that lead the world. Brodie says that in Australia, people can take advantage of this change by choosing formulas that are backed by clinical testing and evidence-based actives instead of marketing trends. Biotechnology dermatological research
2. From “glass skin” to “bloom skin”The integrated facialist says, “The aesthetic is changing from ultra-reflective glass skin to what I call bloom skin—skin that is hydrated, strong, and even-toned and looks naturally luminous instead of glossy.” “Barrier health, consistency, and discipline, not quick fixes, make skin look radiant.” To get this look, you need to layer hydration, gently exfoliate, and use ingredients that repair the skin’s barrier. glass skin bloom
3. Tech meets skincare: AI and personalizationTechnology is becoming a necessary part of skin care. “AI analysis and diagnostic tools now let us check hydration, pigmentation, sensitivity, and barrier integrity in real time,” she says. “This means that routines and treatments can change on the fly. In Australia, clinics and high-end stores are already using skin analysis devices that make personalized recommendations every time you visit. AI analysis diagnostic
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4. Treatments that don’t hurt and stop problems from happeningBrodie says, “There is a clear shift away from aggressive correction and toward preventative skin health.”People like microneedling, radiofrequency, skin boosters, and advanced facials because they make the skin stronger over time instead of making it change quickly. This is in line with the Korean idea that the best way to get long-term results is to help the skin do its job instead of getting in the way of it. preventative skin health
5. Clean beauty, ethics, and sustainabilityBeing open is becoming just as important as doing a good job. Consumers want to know where the ingredients come from, how they are made, and if the products are ethical and good for the environment. Korean brands are responding with traceable sourcing, refillable packaging, and environmentally responsible production. These are things that more and more Australian consumers want. Clean beauty ethics
6. Moving into hair, scalp, and whole-body care “K-beauty is growing beyond just facial skin care to include all aspects of skin health.” Scalp serums, shampoos that support the microbiome, and treatments that focus on the follicles are all becoming standard in hair care. Beauty is moving toward a model that connects skin, hair, health, and lifestyle. hair scalp whole
What Korean skincare products do you need to buy in 2026?
Brodie suggests products that help your skin’s barrier heal, grow back, and work properly for a long time. We want to treat the skin before it gets bad instead of after it gets bad. “These categories fit with the industry’s move toward functional skincare that improves skin health over time, not just looks good right now,” she says. skin barrier heal
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She suggests the Medicube PDRN Pink Cica Soothing Toner for $33 if you want to fix and hydrate your skin. The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toner ($22.99) has a pure centella formula that will help strengthen the skin’s barrier if it is sensitive or reactive. Dr. nineteen’s PoreXsome V.Peptox Jelly Toner, which costs $39.95, is a light, jelly-textured toner that will make your skin look like a cloud and deeply hydrate it. Lastly, Brodie suggests the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Toning Gel Toner Pad for $35. It gently exfoliates, hydrates, and treats all at the same time. Medicube PDRN Pink
