THE RISE OF K-BEAUTY SKINIMALISM
images courtesy of Zalando
K-beauty devotees are streamlining their routines, fewer steps, smarter formulas. As highlighted in Zalando’s Beauty in Brief 2025 report, consumers are moving towards balance, cutting back on long rituals in favour of multi-tasking products that reduce time and decision fatigue. Not because multi-step routines no longer work, but because people want skincare that works harder for them. The trend? Skinimalism. Here are five K-beauty ingredient trends with lasting power.
Barrier Repair Heroes
(Ceramides, cica/centella asiatica)
Barrier-focused routines continue to dominate TikTok, with #barrierrepair gaining tens of thousands of posts. Irritation, breakouts, dryness and rough texture can all signal a compromised barrier, making simplified routines and targeted K-beauty formulas more appealing than ever.
Ceramides and centella asiatica support the skin microbiome, soothe inflammation and promote healing. Standouts include May:no’s Heather Calming Essence, a blend of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and ceramides. For sealing in moisture, TirTir’s Milk Ampoule Toner paired with Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Creamoffers a potent barrier-boosting duo.
Fermented & Probiotic Power
(Probiotics, fermented fruits, fermented soybean)
Once a niche for “skin intellectuals”, fermented skincare is now a mainstream SkinTok staple. Fermentation boosts potency and breaks down irritating compounds, making formulas more effective and suitable for sensitive skin. Key ingredients include fermented soybean, barley, pear and pomegranate.
Mixsoon’s cult-favourite Bean Cream remains a glass-skin essential, while Round Lab’s Soybean Nourishing Toner and Abib’s Heart Leaf Collagen Gel Mask highlight the shift towards clean yet potent ferments. And for combined skincare and SPF, Beauty of Joseon’s viral Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is a streamlined must-have.
Hydration Maximalists
(Hyaluronic acid complexes, water-based textures)
Hydration isn’t going anywhere, it’s getting smarter. Multi-molecular hyaluronic acid formulas deliver moisture across several skin layers, while lightweight water-based textures offer deep hydration without heaviness.
COSRX’s The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum plumps the skin with three molecular weights, absorbing instantly and fitting seamlessly into minimal routines. For richer moisture that still feels airy, Thank You Farmer’s True Water Deep Creamuses a water-gel texture with botanical extracts to nourish without overwhelming the skin.
Gentle Exfoliation
(PHAs, low-percentage AHAs, enzyme peels)
Harsh acids are fading; gentle renewal is in. PHAs, mild AHAs and enzyme peels offer smoother, brighter skin with less risk of irritation. Beauty of Joseon’s Apricot Blossom Peel Gel uses apricot blossom water and plant-derived cellulose to lift dead skin cells while hydrating.
For a more experimental take, Anua’s Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder provides soft exfoliation in a powder-to-foam format, removing impurities without stripping the skin and leaving it moisturised, ideal for minimal routines with maximum payoff.
Essence-Hybrid Multi-Taskers
(Toner-serum combos, essence-mists)
Essences and toners are evolving into hybrid multi-taskers that address multiple concerns in a single step. AXIS-Y’s Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner – a dual-layer mist packed with niacinamide, glutathione and vitamin C that brightens, evens and hydrates.
Similarly, TirTir’s Collagen Core Glow Essence delivers low-molecular collagen in a fine mist that boosts elasticity and provides all-day nourishment. These versatile formats are becoming staples in skinimalist routines.
Discover leading K-Beauty brands at Zalando.
