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Some of the buzziest names in K-beauty are bringing the future of skin care to Ulta.
Ulta is expanding its offerings through new partnerships with brand incubators K-Beauty World and Hansung Beauty, which will bring than 200 new skin-care and makeup products from 13 new brands to the retailer, and beauty buffs can now earn Ulta Rewards on skin-care products featuring absorption-boosting spicules, antioxidant-boosting centella asiatica, galactomyces (known for brightening and hydrating), firming bifida ferment extract and many other innovative ingredients.
K-Beauty World has unveiled a slate of mass, indie and prestige skin-care brands Sungboon Editor, I’m From, Mixsoon, Neogen, Some By Mi and Chasin’ Rabbits at Ulta; next, Rom&nd (known for its “K-pop makeup look”) and rising cosmetics label Unleashia will launch on Aug. 3. Meanwhile, Hansung Beauty has introduced VT Cosmetics (its Reedle Shot treatments are cult favorites), as Ma:nyo (known for its deep cleansing oils) and Mediheal (renowned for its daily treatment pads), while Fwee (known for its adorable pudding pots) and Tirtir (known for its cushion compacts and concealers) will arrive on Aug. 3.
Founded by beauty entrepreneur Sarah Chung Park, B2B brand growth company Landing International is behind K-Beauty World, which previously brought its immersive Korean convenience store-inspired pop-ups to Los Angeles’ Westfield Century City shopping center, Austin’s South by Southwest and RevolveFest during Coachella; it’s also headed to Lollapalooza in Chicago later this month. (You can thank Park and her team for introducing Cosrx and Hanskin to your skin care routine.)
Hansung Beauty earlier this month introduced its brands to Los Angeles with its Skinsquared K-Beauty Hall of Fame pop-up event, which offered exclusive master classes with celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin and star esthetician Candace Marino (better known as the LA Facialist and who recently opened her first studio in Beverly Hills).
Ulta’s newest lineup comes ahead of Korean beauty retailer Olive Young’s U.S. expansion, but a date for its first store — set for Los Angeles — has yet to be announced, per Women’s Wear Daily. Until then, skin care enthusiasts can stock up on some of the best K-beauty products right now in stores and online at Ulta. Shop our favorites below.
Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Retinol Power Boosting Capsule Cream
Sungboon Editor’s Deep Collagen Retinol Power Boosting Capsule Cream contains white spicules, which are microscopic, needle-like sponges that gently create micro-channels in the skin — all to help your skin better absorb the product’s collagen and retinol for addressing fine lines, wrinkles and acne. (You’ll feel a slight tingling sensation.)
Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Day Miracle True Cica Clear Pad
Created for blemish-prone and sensitive skin, Some By Mi’s exfoliating toner pads swipe away dead skin, soothe redness, clear up congested pores and control oil, thanks to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), tea tree and cica extracts and willow bark water.
VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 100
You’ll know VT Cosmetics’ Reedle Shot derma treatments are working their magic if your skin starts feeling a bit “spicy.” Available in “hardness” levels from 50 to 300, the formulas feature cica reedle, which are “micro-sized, mineral-derived particles” that exfoliate the skin and boost absorption of hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract and other ingredients known for creating a glass skin finish.
I’m From is inspired by Korea’s traditional herbs and uses a fermentation process that helps to bring out the most nutrients in ingredients. The Rice Glow Set contains the brand’s bestselling Rice Glow Toner and Rice Cream, both created to strengthen and nourish the skin barrier. The products are formulated with sensitive skin-friendly rice extract, and we especially love the biphase toner’s lightweight, hydrating formula that doesn’t feel at all greasy.
Chasin’ Rabbits Bunny Line Smoother
We love massaging our tired under-eyes with Chasin’ Rabbits’ Bunny Line Smoother, which has a stainless steel roller ball applicator that soothes and refreshes the skin. The formula contains niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation; roll it under the eyes or around the nose and mouth to address wrinkles and dry skin.
Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence
Another cult-favorite product that we’ve added to our daily skin-care routine, Mixsoon‘s potent single-ingredient products are meant to be layered to create a customized regimen. The prestige K-beauty brand is known for its organic essences, such as the Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence (ideal for boosting collagen production in inflamed skin) and Galactomyces Ferment Essence (for controlling sebum, brightening skin and decreasing dark spots). Other favorites from the indie skin care company include the Bean Cream with soybean fermented extract (for balancing the skin’s oil and moisture levels) and the Bifida Toner (for improving the skin’s strength and elasticity).
Mediheal Retinol Collagen Lifting Pad
Mediheal may be best known for its sheet masks, and its Ulta inventory introduces its other affordable, dermatologist-formulated skin care essentials. The brand offers a range of daily treatment pads, eye patches and serums ($4 to $24) for brightening, firming and calming the skin, such as the Collagen Ampoule Pads, the Madecassoside Blemish Pads (for reducing dark spots) and the Retinol Collagen Lifting Pads, to name just a few.
Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence
Another prestige brand from K-beauty’s biotechnology-driven scene, Neogen Dermalogy uses “clinical grade innovations” and natural extracts. Among their top products ($22 to $38) at Ulta is the Real Ferment Micro Essence (which provides deep moisture and boosts ingredient absorption) and the Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum that features a gentle retinol alternative alongside vitamin C and squalane to brighten, smooth and firm the skin.
Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
Ma:nyo is best known for its oil and foam cleansers ($15 to $29), such as the top-selling Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean that contains nigella sativa, fermented sunflower and hazel seed oils for clearing out blackheads and regulating sebum while keeping the skin nourished and moisturized. (You won’t experience that too-squeaky, too-dry feeling here.)
