Despite ongoing domestic consumption weakness, K-beauty companies posted record-breaking Q1 2026 results, driven by surging overseas demand. Export diversification away from China toward the U.S. and Europe is accelerating.
**APR** reported consolidated Q1 revenue of KRW 593.4 billion (up 123.0% YoY) and operating profit of KRW 152.3 billion (up 173.7% YoY), both all-time quarterly highs. Overseas revenue reached KRW 528.1 billion, up 179.9% YoY, accounting for 89.0% of total sales (vs. 70.9% a year earlier). U.S. revenue alone hit KRW 248.5 billion, up 250.8% YoY, representing 41.9% of total sales. According to Navigo Marketing, APR ranked No. 1 in the U.S. Amazon beauty category with a 14.1% market share in Q1. The company’s beauty device segment posted KRW 132.7 billion in revenue, up 46.0% YoY, also a record.
**Amorepacific Group** posted Q1 consolidated revenue of KRW 1.2227 trillion (up 5.0% YoY) and operating profit of KRW 137.8 billion (up 6.9% YoY), driven by channel diversification in North America and Japan. In North America, COSRX’s RX Line and PDRN Line expanded sales, supported by Amazon promotions. Derma beauty brand Estra saw triple-digit growth in the U.S. with its A-Cica Line. IOPE entered North American Sephora, targeting the premium high-efficacy skincare segment.
**Korea Kolmar** reported Q1 operating profit of KRW 78.9 billion, up 31.6% YoY, a quarterly record. Revenue reached KRW 728.0 billion (up 11.5% YoY), and net profit surged 158.7% to KRW 60.0 billion.
**Cosmecca Korea** posted Q1 revenue of KRW 185.1 billion (up 56.4% YoY) and operating profit of KRW 21.9 billion (up 78% YoY), driven by growth in both its Korean and U.S. units. In Korea, skincare sales rose 106.5% and sun care sales jumped 173.6% YoY. Its U.S. subsidiary, Englewood Lab, benefited from K-beauty brands seeking dual Korea-U.S. production to mitigate tariff risks.
An industry insider commented: "K-beauty’s export structure, once heavily concentrated in China, is diversifying toward advanced markets like North America and Europe. The combination of high-function product categories—derma, sun care, beauty devices—and ODM competitiveness is sustaining growth across the entire industry ecosystem."
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 13, 2026