K-Beauty Just Doubled in Australia, And ABC News Called Jelly Ko’s Founder to Explain Why
ABC News spotlighted K-Beauty’s surge in Australia and invited Lauren Lee, founder of Jelly Ko, to share what is driving it. The report shows Australians are among the biggest K-Beauty spenders per capita outside Korea, and the local market is projected to grow sharply through the next decade.
K-Beauty moved from niche to mainstream quickly in Australia. As ABC notes, specialty retailers and national chains have expanded shelf space to meet demand, and shoppers now expect gentle yet effective formulas, smart textures, and faster research cycles rather than annual launches.
The price to performance story is central. Korea’s lab ecosystem and competitive manufacturing produce formulas that deliver visible results without luxury markups. This value equation resonates with younger shoppers and loyal skincare users alike, fueling category growth and store expansion.
Culture has pulled the market forward as well. From the glow of so called glass skin to sensorial textures and social first education, skincare goals are now easier to understand and to replicate at home. Even industry conversations have shifted, with global beauty looking to Korea for what is next. Prevention focused routines built on hydration and barrier care have become the default, not the afterthought.
Where to start with your K-Beauty routine
- Cleanse at night with two steps when needed. Use an oil or balm to melt sunscreen and makeup, then follow with a gentle, low pH water cleanser so skin feels clean, not tight.
- Lay down hydration. A watery toner or essence helps replenish moisture and improves absorption for everything after. Pat it in rather than rubbing.
- Pick one serum goal at a time. Skin renewal with Retinol or deep hydration with hyaluronic acid or shea butter. Rotate extras a few nights each week.
- Seal with a moisturizer that fits your climate. Choose gel when humid and a richer cream whenever skin feels parched.
- Finish with SPF in the morning. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen you will actually wear and reapply when outdoors.
Go slow with new actives, keep your barrier happy with ectoin, squalane and panthenol, and adjust textures seasonally. Consistency wins.
Watch the ABC segment
Catch the full story on ABC News: Australians among biggest K-Beauty buyers as snail mucin, salmon sperm and glass skin lure skincare shoppers .
Manufacturing or exporting from Korea
If you are a global business exploring K-Beauty manufacturing, white label, or export pathways from Korea, talk to the experts at STYLE STORY. Our consultancy supports brand strategy, supplier selection, compliance, and go to market with a network on the ground in Seoul.