Why the Hype Around Korean Skincare is Just That—Hype

In the world of beauty and skincare, trends come and go. One minute, it’s all about coconut oil for glowing skin, and the next, everyone is obsessed with snail mucin. But one of the biggest skincare trends that has taken over the internet is Korean skincare, or as many call it, “K-beauty.” While K-beauty is known for its multi-step routines and aesthetically pleasing packaging, I want to challenge the idea that it’s doing something revolutionary—especially when Black skincare brands have been using these same ingredients for years.

The Myth of ‘Exclusive’ Ingredients in Korean Skincare

One of the biggest misconceptions about K-beauty is that it contains unique ingredients that can’t be found anywhere else. Let’s be real: that’s simply not true.

The same ginseng, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green tea, rice ceramides, licorice root, glycolic acid, aloe vera, and tea tree oil that you see in K-beauty products have been in Black skincare for years. In fact, The Melanated Bar has been using more than 70% of these ingredients since 2019! So why is it that when K-beauty brands use these ingredients, they’re seen as innovative and trendy, but when Black-owned skincare brands do it, it’s overlooked?

Glowing Skin Didn’t Start with Korean Skincare

Let’s talk about something that needs to be said: Black people have always been the blueprint for glowing skin. Period.

For generations, Black communities have passed down skincare wisdom—whether it’s using natural butters and oils to lock in moisture, understanding the importance of hydration, or finding solutions to combat hyperpigmentation. Black skincare has always been about preserving and enhancing our melanin, long before a 10-step routine became trendy.

So, when I see people acting like K-beauty “invented” the idea of hydrated, plump, and even-toned skin, it’s giving… selective memory.

Korean Skincare is a Trend—Black Skincare is a Necessity

There’s nothing wrong with people enjoying Korean skincare. But let’s keep it real: this is a marketing ploy. The virality of K-beauty is no different from any other internet-driven beauty trend. It’s being pushed as the new “it” thing, while Black skincare brands are still fighting for the same recognition—even though our products work just as well, if not better.

And what’s even crazier? Most “Korean skincare” ingredients aren’t even sourced from Korea. They’re globally used ingredients that have been popularized through smart branding and heavy influencer marketing. Meanwhile, Black-owned brands are often overlooked, despite creating products specifically formulated for melanin-rich skin.

The Disconnect: Why Some Black Women Overlook Black Skincare Brands

I’ve noticed a trend of Black women swearing by K-beauty while turning a blind eye to Black-owned skincare brands using the same ingredients. And I have to ask: why?

Is it because the internet has convinced us that something is only valuable when it doesn’t have “Black” in front of it? Because when it comes to “Korean skincare,” people will name-drop brands left and right. But when it comes to Black skincare, suddenly, it’s crickets?

If we’re being honest, there’s an anti-Black undercurrent in the beauty industry that makes it harder for Black brands to get the same visibility and hype. But it starts with us as consumers choosing to support brands that truly understand our skin.

Why The Melanated Bar is the Better Alternative

At The Melanated Bar, we’re not here to chase trends—we’re here to create real, effective skincare solutions for melanated skin. Our products don’t just contain the same high-quality ingredients found in K-beauty. They’re formulated specifically for Black skin, prioritizing hydration, hyperpigmentation care, and skin barrier protection.

Here’s what we offer that Korean skincare doesn’t:

✅ Formulations made with Black skin in mind (because our skin has different needs!)

✅ No unnecessary 10-step routines—just effective products that work

✅ Support for a Black-owned business that truly cares about YOUR skin’s health

The Bottom Line: Support Skincare Made for You

Korean skincare isn’t magic. It’s marketing. And the fact is, Black skincare brands like The Melanated Bar have been using the same ingredients—just without the viral hype.

Instead of chasing trends, let’s invest in skincare that actually understands and prioritizes Black skin. Because while K-beauty works, Black skincare has always been that girl.

🖤 If you’re ready to support Black-owned skincare that works, shop The Melanated Bar today. Your melanin deserves it!