K-beauty brands and ODM manufacturers posted record first-quarter results in 2026, driven by strong export growth and a favorable exchange rate. APR, Kolmar, and Cosmax all achieved all-time highs in revenue and profit, signaling robust demand for Korean beauty products and devices among overseas buyers and distributors.
Record Q1 for APR and Major Brands
APR reported consolidated Q1 revenue of KRW 593.4 billion (up 123% YoY) and operating profit of KRW 152.3 billion (up 173.7% YoY), both all-time quarterly highs. The company operates the MediCube cosmetics line and Age-R beauty devices through a global D2C sales network. Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care also posted strong results, benefiting from high export exposure and the weak won.
ODM Giants Kolmar and Cosmax Also Surge
Korea Kolmar posted Q1 revenue of KRW 728 billion (up 11.5%) and operating profit of KRW 78.8 billion (up 31.6%), both record highs. Cosmax reported revenue of KRW 682 billion (up 16%), operating profit of KRW 53 billion, and net profit of KRW 43.8 billion (up 312%). These ODM firms supply global beauty brands and are seeing increased orders from overseas clients.
National Export Data Confirms Trend
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea's cosmetic exports reached USD 1.374 billion in April (up 33.4% YoY) and USD 1.18 billion in May (up 24.2% YoY), setting monthly records for two consecutive months. The weak won has made Korean products more price-competitive abroad, offsetting rising raw material costs.
What Buyers Should Watch
Importers and distributors should note that the weak won environment is likely to persist due to ongoing Middle East conflicts, providing a cost advantage for Korean-sourced beauty products and devices. However, industry insiders warn that prolonged war could push raw material and logistics costs beyond what exchange rate gains can offset. Buyers may want to lock in contracts early to hedge against potential cost increases.
Sourcing Context
APR's success with beauty devices and skincare highlights growing demand for integrated device-and-product systems. ODM firms like Kolmar and Cosmax offer flexible manufacturing for private-label and contract brands, making them attractive partners for overseas clinics and distributors looking to expand their product lines with Korean-quality formulations.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 14, 2026