Words by Sarah Rogers // Photo by Tokyo Kohaku
Korean skincare is known for its glow-inducing results, soothing ingredients, and beautifully layered routines… But can it also be sustainable?
The short answer is: yes, absolutely. Like the rest of the beauty world, K-beauty is shifting toward greener practices, with more brands focusing on eco-conscious packaging, gentle formulations, and mindful production.
The good news is, you don’t have to give up your glow to lower your impact. With a few smart swaps and a little ingredient awareness, your routine can support your skin and the planet without sacrificing the fun, sensorial feel K-beauty is loved for.
Here’s how to make more sustainable choices, the Korean skincare way.
What Makes a Skincare Product Sustainable?
“Sustainable” is a word that gets thrown around a lot. But when it comes to skincare, it usually comes down to how a product is made, what it’s packaged in, and how long it sticks around once you’re done with it.
Compostable, Recyclable, Biodegradable: What’s the Difference?
- Compostable packaging can break down naturally into organic matter, but it usually needs specific conditions (like industrial composting) to do so properly.
- Recyclable materials like glass, aluminium, and some plastics can be processed and reused, but only if cleaned and sorted correctly.
- Biodegradable is a broader term. It simply means the material will break down eventually, but that could still take years, depending on the environment.
When evaluating a product’s sustainability, consider the entire lifecycle, not just whether the jar looks eco-chic. Is the container reusable or easy to recycle? Does the formula require a ton of water to produce? Can the packaging be refilled or repurposed?
Even better: look for brands that are transparent about their materials and environmental practices, not just using buzzwords on the label.
Eco-Conscious Formulas and Packaging
It’s not just what’s outside the bottle: it’s what’s inside, too. Sustainable skincare isn’t just about packaging. It’s also about formulations that are gentle on the planet as well as your skin.
Formulas That Don’t Cost the Earth
Many K-beauty products already avoid harsh or unnecessary ingredients. But for a greener routine, look for:
- Minimalist ingredient lists (less processing = less environmental impact)
- Vegan and cruelty-free formulations
- Locally sourced or upcycled ingredients (like rice bran, mugwort or cica grown in Korea)
Waterless products (like balm cleansers, serum sticks, or solid shampoos) are also becoming more popular. They reduce packaging waste and environmental shipping impact by cutting down on product weight and bulk.
Packaging That’s Smarter, Not Just Prettier
K-beauty is famous for its adorable packaging, but many brands are now embracing sustainability without losing that charm. Think:
- Refill pouches or cartridges
- Glass jars and bottles
- Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics
- Mono-material tubes (easier to recycle than mixed plastics)
Keep an eye out for clear recycling symbols, and opt for brands that avoid unnecessary outer boxes or plastic wrapping where possible.
K-Beauty Brands Doing Sustainability Right
The K-beauty world is full of innovation. While not every brand is perfect (yet), several are making meaningful changes when it comes to packaging, ingredients, and long-term environmental impact.
Haruharu WONDER
Known for their sleek, recyclable packaging and fermented black rice line, Haruharu WONDER uses eco-conscious ingredients and is actively reducing single-use plastic in its product range. They also avoid artificial colourants and unnecessary fillers, which helps keep both the formula and its impact clean.
Mixsoon
This minimalist brand is built on transparent ingredients and simple routines. Their packaging is often recyclable, and their approach to skincare is refreshingly pared back, meaning less waste, fewer unnecessary steps, and more room for skin to breathe.
Torriden
Torriden’s focus on refillable systems and vegan formulations makes them a great pick for anyone trying to lower their environmental footprint. Their DIVE-IN range, for example, includes refill pouches for their best-selling hyaluronic acid toner.
How to Build a Greener K-Beauty Routine (Without the Stress)
Sustainability doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You don’t need to overhaul your entire shelf overnight. In fact, the most sustainable approach is often the simplest: use what you have, then make smarter choices when it’s time to restock.
Start Small
Swap a single-use item for a longer-lasting alternative, like a reusable cotton pad, a refillable toner, or a solid cleansing bar. Choose one product with recyclable or glass packaging next time you run out of something. Little steps add up over time.
Think Multi-Use
Products that work in more than one way—like a mist that doubles as toner, or a balm that can be used on dry patches and lips—mean less packaging, fewer purchases, and a more streamlined routine.
Shop Mindfully
When browsing for Korean skincare, look for curated stores that stock brands with transparent practices, smart packaging and ingredient-conscious formulations. Supporting these choices helps move the industry in the right direction, without compromising your glow.
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