Ditching Imported Ingredients for 'This'? K-Beauty's Next Big Move and November's Hottest Beauty Secret

Seoul Beauty Room 4 min read

The K-Beauty industry is actively pursuing a strategy to reduce its reliance on imported ingredients, instead leveraging indigenous biological materials from Korea to strengthen its unique competitive edge. Alongside this, as November arrives, new beauty items, particularly innovative lip masks, are capturing consumer attention and injecting fresh energy into the market.

닥터자르트 BB 크림과 메이크업 브러쉬
Dr. Jart+ BB cream and a brush are placed together. Allurekorea

November K-Beauty Key Trends

As of November 10, 2026, an analysis of major movements in the K-Beauty market reveals that 'utilization of indigenous biological materials' and 'new lip masks' garnered the highest attention. This isn't a ranking of specific product sales, but rather a trend ranking based on key terms reflecting the industry's strategic direction and concentrated consumer interest.

RankChangeTrend KeywordKey Features
1▲Utilization of Native Organism MaterialsNational Institute of Biological Resources-COSMECCA KOREA agreement accelerates proprietary ingredient development
2▲11월 립마스크 신상Major brand new product launches and high interest, e.g., Prada Lip Jelly

Indigenous Biological Materials: Opening New Horizons for K-Beauty

One of the most noteworthy shifts in the K-Beauty industry is the development of unique cosmetic ingredients utilizing Korea's indigenous biological resources. According to a report by Hankyung (한국경제), the National Institute of Biological Resources (국립생물자원관) is accelerating this strategy by signing a business agreement with Cosmecca Korea (코스메카코리아) on November 11, 2026. This move is seen as an effort to reduce reliance on imported ingredients and secure K-Beauty's own differentiated competitiveness. By transferring research achievements in mass propagation of native plants to the industry, the goal is to develop unique K-Beauty ingredients specifically for the global market. This initiative is more than just launching new products; it's considered a long-term strategy to fundamentally strengthen K-Beauty's R&D capabilities.

붉은색 립 제품 용기
A lip product in a red container is placed with a clear lid. Allurekorea

The 'Lip Mask' Craze Heating Up the November Beauty Market

Meanwhile, as November rolls around, new 'lip mask' products are garnering significant consumer interest in the beauty market. According to Allure Korea (얼루어 코리아), the demand for lip hydration and care has increased during the dry season, leading various brands to introduce lip masks as popular 'beauty gift items.' Notably, Prada Beauty's Lip Jelly #00 Green, selected with YouTuber 'Holly' (홀리) participating as an honorary editor, has become a hot topic. Its solid balm texture melts into a jelly upon contact with body temperature, reportedly providing 24-hour hydration. These new product launches are driving growth in the lip care market and expanding consumer choices.

화장품 매장 진열대 모습
Various K-beauty products are displayed in a cosmetics store. 한국경제

Key Ingredient Analysis: Indigenous Biological Resources (자생 생물자원)

At the heart of this trend are Indigenous Biological Resources (자생 생물자원), which refers to the utilization of plants, microorganisms, and marine life native to Korea as cosmetic ingredients. This goes beyond simply being 'domestically produced'; it focuses on the unique components and benefits found in species that have thrived in the distinct climate and soil of the Korean Peninsula. For instance, specific indigenous plants can offer various skin-improving benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects, which can become an exclusive K-Beauty strength, difficult to replace with imported ingredients. The agreement between the National Institute of Biological Resources and Cosmecca Korea is expected to play a crucial role in scientifically identifying and industrializing this potential.

Editor's Pick: Must-Watch Beauty Item for November

This November, the editor's spotlight is on Prada Beauty's Lip Jelly #00 Green. This product launched with a 10g volume for 57,000 won. The solid balm gently melts into a jelly with body temperature, delivering 24-hour hydration and a soothing effect to dry lips. It's particularly recommended as a thoughtful gift for students who have completed the Suneung (수능) (Korea's college entrance exam) or for anyone embarking on a new beginning. Prada Beauty's Lip Jelly is manufactured based on its own proprietary technology, and major Korean OEM/ODM companies like Cosmecca Korea contribute to such innovative formulation developments, showcasing the true strength of K-Beauty.

화장품 가게 앞을 걷는 사람들
Two women walk past a cosmetics store. 한국경제
RSS_KBEAUTY

K-Beauty is now moving beyond a simple trend, solidifying its position in the global market through unique technological prowess and distinctive ingredients. By exploring the potential of indigenous biological materials and continuously introducing innovative new products that reflect consumer needs, K-Beauty's next moves are highly anticipated.

Sources

  1. 1.한국경제hankyung.com
  2. 2.Allurekoreaallurekorea.com
Risabae

Risabae

4.0M followers

OEM · B2B

Want to make this product yourself?

首
Seoul Beauty Room

Seoul beauty and styling trends, with K-beauty products put to the test.

Cheer the stars of this story

Log in to start collecting cheers on this article:

  • Read +5
  • Early reader +5 · 20 spots left
  • Comment +10
  • First comment +20
Log in for the early-reader bonus — 20 spots left

comments (0)

Related Posts

Trending now

  1. 1

    Once a BTS Trainee, 'Show Me The Money' Runner-Up Iron Dies at 29 After String of Controversies

  2. 2

    Life After K-Pop: Former Idols Reveal Challenges and New Beginnings Beyond the Spotlight

  3. 3

    Are Girl Group Members True Friends? Lee Mi-joo and Fellow Idols Discuss Reality of Industry Friendships

  4. 4

    Suzy, ATEEZ's Jongho Dating Rumors Dismissed by Netizens

  5. 5

    “He’s Not a Person, He’s a Product”: Fan Infiltrates Sasaeng Group, Exposing Disturbing K-Pop Stalking Tactics