South Korea Cosmetics Hair Loss Products
The South Korean market for hair loss products has seen steady growth, driven by demographic shifts and a heightened focus on scalp health. Many South Korean consumers are increasingly opting for self-treatment before seeking professional medical help, contributing to a rising demand for hair loss solutions.
The market for hair loss care in South Korea is expected to grow from USD 245 million in 2020 to USD 400 million by 2025. The market share of hair loss care shampoos rose from 31.2% in 2015 to 42.7% in 2020.
Data from the Korean Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service shows a 13% increase in hair loss patients from 2017 to 2021. The industry estimates that, including those managing their condition independently, the total number of people experiencing hair loss in Korea could reach 10 million—about one in every five people. Young and middle-aged adults (20s to 40s) make up about 64% of hair loss patients, with a growing number of women concerned about hair loss and beauty.
Emerging trends include a preference for sustainable, eco-friendly products with premium ingredients and advanced technologies that enhance product performance. Additionally, younger consumers’ focus on individuality is driving market segmentation and diversification, as reflected in the increased popularity of keyword searches such as biotin, brewer’s yeast, scalp spa, and scalp serum since 2020.
The 2023 Functional Cosmetics Review Statistics from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) indicate a significant rise in reviews for products aimed at alleviating hair loss, with cases increasing from 28 in 2021 to 131 in 2023. In 2017, the MFDS reclassified hair loss alleviation products from quasi-drugs to functional cosmetics, easing regulatory requirements for U.S. exporters entering the South Korean market. All functional cosmetics require MFDS approval, with a review process of three to six months. The following combinations of ingredients in hair loss alleviation products do not require the submission of safety and efficacy data:
- A compound with 0.2% dexpanthenol, 0.25% salicylic acid, and 0.3% L-menthol.
- A compound with 0.3% niacinamide, 0.5% dexpanthenol, 0.06% biotin, and 2.0% zinc pyrithione solution (50%).
Despite intense competition, high consumer expectations, and strict regulatory requirements, there is a considerable market for and growth potential in premium and specialized products for hair loss treatment, including for sensitive scalps.
If you are looking for hair loss alleviation product export opportunity to South Korea, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service Korea at Office.Seoul@trade.gov.