K-Beauty powerhouse Medicube, from APR, launches its full range at Ulta Beauty. Experience cutting-edge Korean skincare & beauty tech across the U.S.
APR’s flagship K-beauty tech brand, Medicube, is making a bold retail leap into the U.S. market with its upcoming launch in over 1,400 Ulta Beauty stores this August. The move represents one of the most expansive U.S. retail deployments for a Korean skincare label, reinforcing the global momentum behind K-beauty.
A Landmark Distribution Deal
Medicube’s parent company, APR, confirmed it signed a supply agreement with Ulta Beauty in late April. The deal encompasses 22 SKUs across both e-commerce and physical retail channels. It is a distribution strategy that’s usual for Ulta. The platform typically tests new brands online before committing to in-store distribution.
Included in the lineup are:
- Skincare favorites: Zero Pore Pads, Collagen Jelly Cream, and Deep Vita-C Capsule Cream
- Beauty tech devices: AGE-R’s Booster Pro (sold over 1 million units globally) and Booster Pro Mini
This contract ensures that Medicube products will be available at all Ulta locations nationwide from day one. It is a significant nod to the Korean beauty brand’s performance potential and rising popularity in Western markets.
Ulta Beauty: A Strategic Partner for Medicube
Ulta Beauty is one of the largest beauty retailers in the U.S. It has some impressive numbers:
- Over 1,400 stores
- Revenue of $11.3 billion in 2024
- A product catalog of approximately 30,000 SKUs from over 600 brands
APR’s partnership with Ulta provides Medicube with immediate access to an established, high-traffic consumer base, greatly expanding its U.S. visibility.
Innovation and Appeal: The AGE-R Advantage
Medicube’s AGE-R beauty devices, particularly the Booster Pro, have drawn significant interest among younger consumers through viral social media exposure. APR revealed it is in ongoing discussions with Ulta to potentially install dedicated in-store display zones for these devices, suggesting an ambition to create immersive retail experiences.
The curated product selection also caters to U.S. consumer preferences, reinforcing Medicube’s commitment to local market adaptation.
Building Brand Awareness Through High-Profile Campaigns
The Ulta deal follows several prominent U.S. marketing campaigns by APR, including:
A digital billboard in Times Square
A pop-up store in Los Angeles
Participation in CES 2025 in Las Vegas
These efforts have collectively raised Medicube’s profile in North America and reflect APR’s broader strategy to position it as a globally recognized skincare leader.
K-Beauty’s Continued Ascent
APR’s Ulta partnership signals a broader shift in how Korean beauty brands are approaching the global market. While many brands opt for incremental growth through online sales or niche boutiques, Medicube’s nationwide in-store entryis a testament to its strong brand equity and the international appetite for K-beauty innovation.
“By entering the representative beauty chain Ulta Beauty in the U.S. market, we are accelerating the expansion of customer touchpoints in North America. This is a key step in boosting our global presence.”
An APR representative
Summary
With its Ulta launch, Medicube is set to significantly elevate its footprint in the U.S. skincare market. By offering a mix of high-performance skincare and cutting-edge beauty devices at scale, the brand is poised to resonate with tech-savvy, results-driven consumers seeking the next wave in beauty innovation.
As global demand for K-beauty continues to rise, Medicube’s expansion into Ulta Beauty stores could serve as a blueprint for how other Korean brands might scale internationally.
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