101 Guide to Korean Skincare: Top Performing Brands in the Wholesale Beauty Market

Korean skincare, long admired for its innovation and commitment to ingredient transparency, has become a cornerstone of the global beauty industry. In 2025, certain Korean brands are not just leading in consumer popularity, but also dominating the wholesale beauty space, serving as key players for retailers and professional buyers. Here are the top five brands currently (or about to be!) shaping the professional beauty landscape:

1. COSRX

Known For: Ingredient-focused, minimalist skincare

COSRX continues to be a powerhouse in the pro beauty segment. Its reputation for effective, no-frills products has made it a staple among both new and established retailers worldwide. Available on major B2B platforms like UMMA and Peacock Beauty Wholesale, COSRX’s most popular items include the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and the Acne Pimple Master Patch. These products offer consistent turnover for stockists due to their cult status and efficacy.

2. VT Cosmetics

Known For: Celebrity collaborations and innovation

VT Cosmetics has leveraged pop culture by aligning itself with K-pop icons and producing trend-forward skincare. In 2024 alone, the brand saw a 47.2% increase in annual sales, reaching approximately 434.9 billion KRW. This growth reflects its strong position in the wholesale market. Signature lines like Cica and Super Hyalon appeal to a broad audience and remain in high demand across professional distribution channels.

3. Medicube (by APR)

Known For: Clinical, dermatology-backed skincare

Operated by the tech-driven APR corporation, Medicube has emerged as a leader in functional skincare. Its product lines, such as the Red Line for acne-prone skin and the Zero Pore Pad, have become essential inventory for professional buyers seeking performance-backed treatments. In 2024, APR's revenue hit 685.8 billion KRW, demonstrating Medicube’s continued ascent.

4. Skin1004

Known For: Clean beauty and natural ingredients

With a strong commitment to ingredient purity and sustainability, Skin1004 has earned a dedicated global following. Wholesale platforms prominently feature products like the Madagascar Centella Ampoule and Hyalu-Cica Line, which blend traditional botanical elements with modern formulations. Its visibility in international wholesale networks makes it a smart addition for any professional beauty inventory.

5. Beauty of Joseon

Known For: Heritage-inspired formulations

This brand bridges tradition and science by integrating Korean herbal medicine with contemporary skincare science. Beauty of Joseon has gained traction in wholesale markets for its innovative textures and visually compelling packaging. Retailers have seen success with top-selling products like Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics and Dynasty Cream, which appeal to customers seeking both results and a cultural narrative.

These five Korean skincare brands not only offer high-quality, effective formulations, but also maintain strong supply chains and wholesale distribution models. For professional distributors, spa owners, and global retailers, aligning with these brands can ensure both consumer satisfaction and healthy profit margins.

Spotlight on the Golki Facial

Originating from Korea, the Golki facial is a deep muscle therapy that combines acupressure and lymphatic drainage techniques to contour the face and stimulate collagen production. Also known as bone therapy, this technique works by manually manipulating the facial structure to promote blood circulation, release tension, and enhance skin elasticity. Popular among celebrities and therapists alike, Golki facials are becoming a valued service in professional skincare clinics globally. Their inclusion in facial menus signals a commitment to holistic and cutting-edge Korean beauty traditions.

Whether you’re restocking your spa’s retail shelves or expanding a multi-brand ecommerce store, these Korean brands and pro-facial represent a reliable and trend-conscious investment in 2025’s beauty economy.