10 Cruelty Free South Korean Skincare Brands to Watch
South Korea has long been a mecca for skincare aficionados. Known for cutting-edge technology, trending ingredients, and packaging that's often too cute to resist, K-beauty brands have made a permanent mark on the global skincare landscape.
In this list, we bring you 10 up-and-coming cruelty-free South Korean skincare brands that are pushing the envelope in skincare science and ingredient integrity. Whether you're new to K-beauty or a long-time devotee, these brands offer something special—from minimalist design to eco-conscious practices and ground-breaking formulas.
Featured Brands:
1. Talitha Koum
Founded: 2022
Average Price: $40
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Happy Hippie
Talitha Koum crafts aromatherapy products that aim to elevate both spiritual and mental well-being. With a focus on natural ingredients and intentional blends, the brand seamlessly fuses ancient aromatic rituals with modern mindfulness techniques.
2. Tocobo
Founded: 2018
Average Price: $22
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Selfcare & Chill
Tocobo is all about botanical-based skincare with a minimalist flair. They focus on natural, effective ingredients, offering a curated range of products that prioritize quality over quantity.
3. Plodica
Founded: 2022
Average Price: $27
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Friendly Fun
Plodica takes a no-nonsense approach to skincare. With a clean aesthetic and functional formulations, the brand targets a broad range of skin types and issues, offering uncomplicated but highly effective solutions.
Founded: 2018
Average Price: $17
Cruelty Free
Brand Type: Millennial Minimalist
Beauty of Joseon revisits the ancient beauty secrets of Korean royalty and adapts them for the modern skincare enthusiast. With a product range rich in traditional ingredients, the brand balances historical wisdom with contemporary skincare science.
5. Aromatica
Founded: 2004
Average Price: $35
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Millennial Minimalist
Aromatica prides itself on being an eco-friendly and sustainable skincare brand. With a philosophy rooted in transparency, they emphasize clean, vegan-friendly formulations that are as gentle on the earth as they are on your skin.
6. by Wishtrend
Founded: 2016
Average Price: $27
Cruelty Free
Brand Type: Pop Play
By Wishtrend takes an agile, data-driven approach to skincare. They develop their products based on customer feedback and skin-related Q&As, leading to a diverse product line that aims to solve real-world skincare concerns effectively.
7. Abib
Founded: 2016
Average Price: $24
Cruelty Free
Brand Type: Modern Minimalist
Abib combines minimalist packaging with maximum efficacy. Known for their highly concentrated formulations, the brand aims to simplify your skincare routine without compromising on results.
Founded: 2019
Average Price: $22
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Apothecary Lab
Juice to Cleanse offers a fresh approach to skin detoxification. Leveraging the natural purifying power of fruit and plant extracts, they create products that cleanse deeply while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Founded: 2020
Average Price: $13
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Pop Play
Chasin' Rabbits is a whimsical brand that brings a touch of fantasy into everyday skincare. Beyond its playful branding, the company is serious about delivering effective, natural-based formulations designed for youthful, radiant skin.
10. Krave Beauty
Founded: 2017
Average Price: $23
Cruelty Free | Vegan
Brand Type: Pop Play
Krave Beauty cuts through the noise of the beauty industry by advocating for a simpler, more mindful approach to skincare. Their selective product line encourages consumers to listen to their skin's actual needs rather than be swayed by trends.
Thanks for taking the time to explore these remarkable South Korean skincare brands. Stay tuned for more insights and discoveries in the beauty world. Until next time.
//Jennifer Carlsson
