Korean cosmetics have been setting trends in the world of skin care for years. The K-beauty industry is known for innovative formulations, interesting ingredients, and technologies that often first become popular in Korea and then spread to the global market.
Every year, new ingredients and products emerge that attract significant attention from the skincare community. Some quickly go viral on social media, while others become long-term trends in skincare routines.
K-beauty trends that defined 2025
- spicules as a new generation of treatment serums
- PDRN as a skin regeneration ingredient
- NAD+ as a new anti-aging trend
- mochi cleansers for gentle skin cleansing
- tone-up SPF formulas
- fermented centella and Probio-Cica approach to skin care
Below we present some of the K-beauty hits that defined 2025 and the trends that particularly caught the attention of Korean cosmetics enthusiasts.
Spicules – microneedling effect in a serum
One of the most interesting trends coming from Korean cosmetics are spicules.
Spicules are microscopic structures derived from natural marine sponges that act like very gentle microneedling in formulations. When applied to the skin, they create microchannels that can help active ingredients absorb better.
Because of this, products with spicules are often used as treatments to improve skin texture, regenerate skin, and enhance the effectiveness of the rest of the skincare routine.
Spicules are one of the most interesting examples of how K-beauty combines innovative formulations and a technological approach to skin care.
Products with spicules worth knowing
PDRN – next-generation skin regeneration
One of the ingredients that has recently attracted great attention in the world of Korean cosmetics is PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide).
PDRN is an ingredient that has been used in aesthetic medicine for some time due to its regenerative properties. In skincare formulations, it is increasingly appearing in products that target skin renewal and improvement of its overall appearance.
In Korean cosmetics, PDRN is most commonly used in formulations that help:
- support skin regeneration
- improve skin texture
- alleviate signs of tired or damaged skin
- promote a healthier and more even complexion
This ingredient is particularly interesting because it is often used in products that target skin repair after irritations, as well as in formulations that help skin look fresher and more elastic.
Because of this, PDRN has recently become one of the most interesting ingredients in modern skincare, and it is increasingly appearing in serums, ampoules, and masks inspired by aesthetic treatments.
NAD+ – a new anti-aging trend
Recently, NAD+, a molecule that plays an important role in energy processes within cells, has been gaining increasing attention in the skincare world.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is naturally present in cells and participates in processes related to cell renewal and energy production. Because of this, it has become interesting in the field of skin care in recent years.
In skincare formulations, NAD+ is associated with supporting processes that can help the skin look:
- fresher and more rested
- more even-toned
- more elastic and resilient
- less tired or dull
Because of this potential, NAD+ is increasingly appearing in formulations that target signs of skin aging, as well as in products that focus on improving the overall appearance of the skin and its vitality.
Korean cosmetics are known for rapidly researching new molecules and technologies, and NAD+ is one of the ingredients that is increasingly appearing in modern K-beauty formulations inspired by biotechnology.
In combination with peptides, antioxidants, and moisturizing ingredients, NAD+ products are often part of routines aimed at skin renewal and maintaining a youthful appearance.
Regeneration and anti-aging favorites from the K-beauty world
Mochi cleansers – gentle cleansing with a focus on the skin barrier
Recently, mochi cleansers – gentle cleansers inspired by the elastic texture of mochi desserts – have been gaining increasing popularity.
These cleansers are formulated to effectively remove impurities while not disrupting the skin's protective barrier. Unlike harsher cleansers that can leave the skin feeling tight, mochi cleansers focus on gentle cleansing and maintaining skin hydration.
Because of this, they are particularly popular in routines for sensitive and dehydrated skin, as well as in routines that emphasize skin barrier health.
One product that has particularly stood out in this trend is the Arencia Mochi Cleanser, a gentle cleanser inspired by mochi texture that effectively cleanses the skin while helping to maintain its balance.
Tone-up SPF – sun protection with an added effect
Korean cosmetics have long set standards when it comes to SPF products.
Recently, tone-up SPF products – formulas that provide sun protection along with a subtle tone-evening effect – have been particularly popular.
Such SPF products often have a very light texture and can be used as the last step of a morning routine, while also helping the skin look fresher and more even.
One example of this approach is TFIT Tone-Up Sun Fluid, a light SPF that provides sun protection and a fresher complexion effect.
Next-generation Centella
Centella asiatica has been one of the most well-known ingredients in Korean cosmetics for years.
However, more advanced centella formulations have recently emerged that further enhance its soothing and regenerative properties.
One such approach is fermented centella, which is often combined with probiotic complexes to further support the skin barrier and help the skin recover more easily from irritations.
This approach is also used by the SKIN1004 Probio-Cica line, which combines centella with fermented ingredients and hydrating complexes to help soothe the skin and support its balance.
Particularly noteworthy in this line are SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule and SKIN1004 Probio-Cica Enrich Cream.
K-beauty trends continue to shape the skincare industry
One reason why Korean cosmetics remain so influential is their ability to continuously bring innovations – whether through new ingredients, technologies, or formulation approaches.
While some products quickly go viral, formulations that fit well into a skincare routine and support skin health have the most long-term value.
While ingredients like PDRN, NAD+, and spicules defined 2025, new technologies such as exosomes and advanced formulations aimed at skin barrier repair are also gaining increasing attention in Korea.
It is very likely that such approaches will define the next generation of skincare trends.
At Beauty Garden, we constantly monitor the development of the K-beauty industry and select products that make sense in modern skincare routines – to bring you innovations from the world of Korean cosmetics.
