Korean beauty products designed to cool the skin are becoming increasingly popular as temperatures rise. At Olive Young stores in Seoul, cooling solutions like scalp sprays, body wipes, and sheet masks are a staple. South Korea's high temperatures, often exceeding 95°F, and humidity levels above 90% have made these products essential.
Expanding Market Opportunities
While Western markets have been slower to embrace cooling cosmetics, the potential is growing. The global 'cooling agents' market is expected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR, reaching $7.1 billion by 2032, according to Dataintelo. In the UK, interest in 'cooling sunscreen' surged 30% in May 2026, with 17% of adults seeking skin-cooling products, Mintel reports.
The Science Behind Cooling
Dr. Christine Hall, an aesthetic physician, emphasizes the dual benefits of cooling products that offer immediate relief and longer-term skin barrier support. Gracie Tullio of Pureseoul notes that Korean products often use methyl diisopropyl propionamide (MDP) for stable cooling, unlike menthol, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Market Trends and Innovation
Cooling products are moving from vacation luxuries to daily essentials, addressing heat stress and improving comfort. Brands like Cell Fusion C offer products with soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid, while Aestura and Dr Melaxin provide innovative cooling solutions for everyday use.
Future of Cooling Beauty
Experts like Lisa Payne from Stylus believe that cooling technologies will become more integrated into Western markets, potentially transforming product categories. However, brands must balance consumer education with avoiding exploitative climate narratives.
With summers getting hotter, the demand for innovative, non-irritating cooling products is set to rise, challenging brands to educate consumers about the benefits of advanced Korean cooling systems.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/mid-heatwave-how-cool-can-koreas-cooling-beauty-market-get
