US tops China as No. 1 destination for K-beauty exports

South Korea's beauty industry is on a steep upward trajectory, with cosmetics exports hitting a record high for the first three quarters of this year.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, cosmetics exports totaled $11.1 billion in the January-September period, up 31.1 percent from the same period last year — closing in on last year's full-year export figure of $11.4 billion.

Third-quarter cosmetics exports came in at $4.17 billion, surpassing the second quarter's $3.98 billion.

By destination, the United States led all markets with $2.35 billion, followed by China at $1.58 billion and Japan at $890 million. By product type, skincare items dominated at $8.72 billion.

"We will strengthen cooperation between regulatory agencies to further elevate the standing of K-beauty," a Ministry of Food and Drug Safety official said, adding that the ministry plans to provide country-specific regulatory information and support halal certification consulting.

Meanwhile, domestic cosmetics brands including Amorepacific, LG H&H and APR are working to expand their export markets and capitalize on the K-beauty boom.