In total, Cosmobeauty Seoul 2026 hosted over 550 exhibitors. The majority were Korean brands, and — as expected — active ingredients and functional cosmetics dominated the show trends. PDRN emerged as the standout breakthrough ingredient of the year, alongside established staples such as retinol, glutathione, collagen, and niacinamide, as well as the Korean hero ingredient cica (Centella asiatica). Notably, an increasing number of younger Korean brands are formulating with plant-based PDRN. Traditionally derived from salmon DNA, polydeoxyribonucleotide is now also being offered in vegan alternatives — an approach gaining particular traction among brands targeting Gen Z consumers.
Microneedle stamps and patches, along with spicule-based serums and creams, were also widely featured, reflecting how firmly these cosmetic technologies have become mainstream in the Korean market.
Here are the 10 most innovative launches spotted by Premium Beauty News at Cosmobeauty Seoul 2026:
1. Sooo Lab’s hair and body care products
Newcomer brand Sooo Lab, launched in 2024, has quickly gained recognition with its distinctive hair care innovation, earning both the Cosmoprof Asia 2025 award and the Cosmobeauty Seoul Rookie of the Year 2026 title. Its flagship product, Sooo Swim Shampoo, claims to remove up to 96% of chlorine buildup from hair in a single wash.
Founded by passionate swimmers, the brand was created to fill a gap in the market for products tailored to frequent pool users. Its in-house R&D team developed a patented chlorine-removal technology designed to eliminate chlorine, salt water, and hard water residues. All Sooo products incorporate this Zeodualite technology. Recent launches include an All-in-One Kids Hair & Body Wash and a fast-absorbing, hydrating body lotion.
2. Solep’s Aquapik Scalp Scaler
Korean scalp and hair clinic chain Wellkin’s home care brand Solep launched an interesting anti-hair loss scalp care system last July. The Aquapik Scalp Scaler and scalp brush set is designed for deep scalp cleansing. After applying the scalp scaler solution to wet hair and scalp, the double-ended massaging brush is used to stimulate the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells, boost blood circulation, and ultimately support healthier hair growth.
3. Julyme’s Perfume Recovery Butter Hair Mask
Hair fragrances are a fast-growing category in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Korea. Korean hair care brand Julyme is putting a distinctive spin on the trend with its concept of “scented damage care” — highly fragranced hair care and styling products designed to repair damaged hair while leaving a long-lasting scent. The Julyme range is built around three signature fragrances, each available across a full routine of shampoo, conditioner, hair oil, hair mask, and hair milk. Among its standout products, the Perfume Recovery Butter Hair Mask is a rich, buttery leave-in treatment that can also be used to style dry ends.
4. Farmstay’s PDRN & Vitamin
Korean mass market brand Farmstay’s new Firming PDRN & Vitamin face care range reflects the growing trend towards plant-based PDRN. Derived from ginseng, the exosome-boosted PDRN Capsule Serum offers a cream-in-serum texture for a light-weight yet protective hydration and wrinkle care.
5. Lubylab’s Glutathione Ampoule
Last year, Korean dermo brand Lubylab launched a face care product with a particularly interesting texture. The Glutathione Collagen Powder Ampoule, part of the brand’s five-SKU daily face care range, is dispensed as a dry powder formulated with temperature-sensitive ingredients. When the granules are applied to warm skin and massaged in, they transform into a creamy liquid.
6. ThinkBio’s PDRN Air Balls
Korean beauty manufacturer ThinkBio specializes in freeze-dried active ingredients spheres which dissolve in any liquid skin care product, adding a boost of functional face care ingredients. The brand’s latest Air Ball launches include a PDRN version (salmon DNA) and a Spicule variant which contains mini spicules made from hydrolyzed marine sponge, hyaluronic acid and madecassoside (a natural active derived from the leaves of Centella asiatica).
7. Snow2Plus’ Tok stamps
Korean magnesium microneedle stamp/sticker manufacturer Snow2Plus introduced a trio of serum-filled syringe-type single use skin and scalp stamps. PoreTok contains magnesium and niacinamide to improve skin texture, anti-ageing GlowTok stamp contains niacinamide, glutathione and PDRN, and ScalpTok tackles hair loss with caffeine, menthol and dexanpanthenol.
8. Tenzero’s Cooling Wipes
In Korea’s hot and humid summer season, cooling face and body care products are a popular category. Mass market brand Tenzero’s new Makeup Booster Chill & Cool wipes are designed to be used before makeup application and promises to cool down skin by 5°C thanks to a blend of skin-cooling ingredients.
9. TFIT’s Idol Cover Concealer
Korean makeup brand TFIT is known for its very wide range of foundation shades which offer more olive and brown shades than most other Korean color cosmetics brands. The brand‘s most recent launch is a 16-SKU light-textured cream concealer range which includes pale blue, green and reddish-bronze shades and are designed to be layered, offering even more color options.
10. Ginger6’s Body Lotion
Natural beauty brand Ginger6’s product range is based on pure ginger water. The brand steams and dries the ginger six times before extracting the hydrosol, offering the anti-oxidant and skin-brightening benefits of the plant without a strong ginger odor. The most recent Ginger6 launch is a trio of body care products. The Ginger Water Sugar Scrub is formulated with sugar crystals and eight types of hyaluronic acid to gently exfoliate the skin without drying it out.
