Korean cosmetic ODM industry surpasses 10,000 global clients, driven by industry leaders Kolmar Korea and COSMAX, boosting K-beauty’s international influence.
The Korean cosmetic original development manufacturing (ODM) sector shows record-breaking growth with more than 10,000 clients. These are just from the top four manufacturers in the country – Kolmar Korea, COSMAX, Cosmecca Korea, and C&C International. This achievement showcases South Korea’s role in the global cosmetics market and K-beauty’s domination. It clearly highlights why South Korea is now a cosmetic innovation and production leader.
Leading Korean Cosmetic ODM Companies Drive the Expansion
Industry sources confirmed on April 23 that COSMAX currently leads the growth with approximately 4,500 clients. It marks an increase of 800 since the end of last year. Kolmar Korea closely follows with 4,300 clients, having gained 600 new partnerships in the same period. Cosmecca Korea supports about 1,200 clients, and C&C International serves roughly 400. These large numbers reinforce the scale and global reach of these companies.
Growing Global Demand for K-Beauty Manufacturing
This rapid expansion indicates strong international interest in Korean ODM services.
Domestic cosmetics giants such as Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care maintain solid relationships with these ODM companies. Global beauty powerhouses like L’Oréal and L’Occitane increasingly rely on Korean manufacturers for high-quality, innovative products.
Moreover, indie beauty brands from regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America are also opting for Korean ODM partnerships. All these companies plan to leverage Korea’s renowned cosmetic innovation.
Industry Insights Reflect Optimism
According to an industry insider, “While large beauty brands often place overlapping orders with multiple ODM companies, the figure of 10,000 demonstrates noticeable growth in the ODM industry. The K-beauty manufacturing industry, particularly with its recent expansion into global markets, is still evaluated as a field with high growth potential.”
Economic Impact and Market Projections
Reflecting this upward trajectory, the combined sales of these top four ODM manufacturers are projected to reach approximately 6.1 trillion won this year. It is a 14% increase from last year’s 5.4 trillion won. Such substantial financial growth highlights the ODM industry’s significant contribution to South Korea’s economic prosperity.
Kolmar Korea and COSMAX have both achieved 2 trillion won ($1.37 billion) in sales.
In 2024, Kolmar Korea achieved sales surpassing 2 trillion won for the second consecutive year. Notably, the company’s annual revenue reached 2.45 trillion won, demonstrating a substantial 13.8% increase from the previous year.
Cosmax officially entered the 2 trillion won club last year. Consolidated revenue experienced a 21.9% year-on-year increase, reaching 2.16 trillion won.
The Influence of K-Beauty’s Global Popularity
The worldwide success of K-beauty directly correlates with the rise of the Korean ODM industry. Famous globally for groundbreaking formulations, innovative ingredients, and effective skincare routines, Korean cosmetic products have revolutionized the beauty standards. ODM companies play a crucial role by designing and producing these products, which international brands then market and distribute under their own labels.
Why Korean ODM Companies Are Thriving?
The flourishing state of the Korean cosmetic ODM sector stems largely from robust investments in research and development and the agility to swiftly adapt to changing market demands. The partnerships with major Korean beauty companies enhance domestic strength and global market penetration.
Additionally, cultural influences such as the Korean Wave (Hallyu) continue to amplify global demand for K-beauty, creating a virtuous growth cycle for Korea’s cosmetic ODM industry.
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