Entertaining terms like “snail mucin” and “7-skin method” (both of which have gone viral in recent years). It’s safe to say the global beauty industry has been greatly influenced by Asian cultures.
And while there’s nothing wrong with admiring—and borrowing—beauty trends from other cultures, it’s important to remember that not all Asians are the same. There is a vast continent with many different countries, each with their own unique customs and traditions. What works for one person might not work for another. And just because something is popular in Asia doesn’t mean it should be blindly adopted by people of other cultures.
With that said, there are plenty of Asian-owned beauty brands out there that deserve your support. Here are 4 of them:
1. Huda Beauty
Founded by Dubai-based entrepreneur Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty is one of the most successful beauty brands in the world. The brand offers a range of products for every beauty need, from skincare to makeup to haircare. And thanks to Huda’s massive social media following, the brand has built up a cult following among beauty lovers all over the world.
2. Shiseido
Shiseido is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected beauty companies. Founded in 1872, Shiseido was ahead of its time in many ways, including being one of the first companies to use scientific methods to develop its products. Today, Shiseido continues to innovate, with a focus on creating products that improve the health of skin cells.
3. SK-II
SK-II is another Japanese skincare brand with a long history dating back to 1886. The brand is best known for its iconic Facial Treatment Essence, a product that contains over 90% Pitera™—a fermented yeast extract that helps improve the appearance of skin texture and firmness. In addition to skincare, SK-II also offers makeup and fragrance products.
4. Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo is a Korean skincare brand that combines traditional herbal medicine with modern science to create effective products that promote inner balance and outer radiance. One of Sulwhasoo’s signature ingredients is ginseng, which has been used in Korean medicine for centuries due to its purported ability to help improve circulation and brighten skin tone.