Exposing the Worst K-Beauty Products I Tried in 2025

  Lauren shares a global K-Beauty industry roundup spanning Australia, China, Germany, the U.S. and Canada, breaking down why 2026 marks a maturity shift for the category. This episode explores the major partnership signalling K-Beauty’s next phase, what happens when hype and expectations aren’t managed properly, and why trust is becoming the real currency of global growth. For full show notes and resources, visit STYLE STORY  Question of the Month A listener asks: How strict are skincare expiration dates? Is two years past expiry too long? Why do products often last far beyond the printed date? Products Mentioned in This Episode SANA Nameraka Honpo Soy Milk Isoflavone Wrinkle Eye Cream Aestura Retinoid Eye Serum COSRX AHA BHA Vitamin C Booster Serum Connect with Lauren Take a Korean style skin analysis:https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis Book a Consultation:stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy  Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast  Work with STYLE STORY:stylestory.com.au/pages/contact-us  Shop Jelly Ko:jellyko.com  Affiliate Disclaimer Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show. A Small Request If you use insights, data or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lauren shares the worst K-Beauty products and formats she personally tried in 2025 and explains why they failed in real-world use. This episode is a follow-through from the previous discussion on K-Beauty marketing trends that need to die in 2026, focusing on how hype, sensation and viral appeal often break down when products meet real skin. For full show notes and resources, visit STYLE STORY  This episode covers: The positioning of grinding cleansing balms on social media versus actual use  Cheilitis (inflammation of the lips) being linked to one of Korea (and Lauren’s) most beloved lip tints Why “mineral” sunscreen marketing can be misleading and why it matters for those with sensitive skin and conditions like rosacea  How K-Beauty marketing increasingly rewards spectacle and sensation over routine-friendly design Lauren also explains why these experiences are not isolated product failures, but oftentimes symptoms of a broader K-Beauty marketing problem. In the last few years a lot of products have been optimised for novelty, texture shots and performance on short form social media rather than optimised for daily use. This episode is not about shaming brands or people who might love the products but about understanding how skincare claims, formats and ingredient choices interact with real skin biology.   Products Mentioned in this Episode Dr. Melaxin Eyephalt Cream Grinding cleansing balms Rom&nd lip tints Some By Mi mineral sunscreen   Connect with Lauren Take a Korean style skin analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis  Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast Work with STYLE STORY: stylestory.com.au/pages/contact-us Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com   Affiliate Disclaimer Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.    A Small Request If you use insights, details or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

K-Beauty marketing reached a breaking point in 2025. Scientific language became performance, clinical procedures were mimicked with cosmetics and skincare education was replaced by spectacle. In Episode 275 of The Korean Beauty Show podcast, K-Beauty expert and industry consultant Lauren Lee examines the K-Beauty marketing trends that need to die in 2026 and why they matter for consumer trust, regulation and skin health. This episode covers: How exosome skincare lost its scientific meaning and why Korean regulators intervened Why topical PDRN marketing blurred the line between cosmetics and injectable treatments The ongoing misuse of spicules marketed as “microneedling in a bottle” How oversized skincare PR stunts promote overconsumption and environmental waste Why skincare theatre and viral gimmicks undermine skincare education and credibility Lauren also explains how misleading skincare marketing creates regulatory risk, confuses consumers and has the potential to damage long-term trust in the Korean beauty industry. For full show notes and resources, visit: stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast Connect with Lauren Book a Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast Work with STYLE STORY: stylestory.com.au/pages/contact-us Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com Take a Korean style skin analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysis  Affiliate Disclaimer Some links we share may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps to offset the cost of producing the show.  A Small Request If you use insights, frameworks or research from this episode in your own content, we ask that you kindly credit The Korean Beauty Show and tag us where possible. It helps others find the original source and supports the work that goes into creating these episodes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exosomes are the hottest topic in K-Beauty right now and one of the most misunderstood. In this deep-dive episode, host Lauren Lee breaks down what exosomes actually are, how brands are using the term, what the regulations says, and why Korea’s MFDS has officially banned “exosome” claims in cosmetic ads from 2025. Lauren also explains how this trend spread through clinics and TikTok, the difference between human-derived and plant or milk vesicles, and what regulators across the US, EU/UK, Australia and Korea are doing about it. Learn how to spot red-flag claims and separate hype from evidence in the next wave of regenerative skincare. Access Full Show Notes: https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/why-korea-banned-exosome-skincare-ads-and-what-it-means-for-the-industry CONNECT WITH US Book a K-Beauty Consultation for Your Business: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy Instagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty TikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty Threads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty Watch the Show on YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast Shop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com.au K-Beauty Newsletter: stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signup Product Finder Quiz: stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ BRIEF SUMMARY What exosomes are vs how beauty marketing uses the term Why exosomes are trending Evidence so far and the limitations  Human-derived vs plant / milk / synthetic vesicles Regulation round-up Takeaway: real science meets marketing hype See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did one of Korea’s most-loved lip tints secretly torch thousands of customer's lips? In this week’s K-Beauty News Update, host Lauren Lee breaks down the Rom&nd Juicy Lip Tint scandal and what the brand is doing to manage it.  Plus, we’re exploring how refill packs are changing the way we travel with skincare and the new stat proving Australia’s K-Beauty obsession and what it means for global trends. A listener wants tips for dry hands, fading stretch marks and affordable hair care that actually works. Lauren also gives her honest reviews of the best Korean makeup fixers and how to find the perfect skin clinic if you're heading to Korea for treatments.  Access Full Show Notes for this Episode: https://stylestory.com.au/blogs/podcast/from-viral-to-vulnerable-the-rom-nd-lip-tint-controversy-explained CONNECT WITH US Book a K-Beauty Consultation for Your Business: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyInstagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyTikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyThreads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyWatch the Show on YouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastShop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com.auK-Beauty Newsletter: stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupProduct Finder Quiz: Find your perfect K-Beauty product Products Mentioned in this Episode: So Natural All Day Tight Make Up Setting Fixer General Mist Mini Jung Saem Mool Essential Mool Micro Fitting Mist Tsubaki Fino Hair Mask  Fino Hair Oil  Dr Jart Ceramidin Hand Cream  Atopalm Stretch Mark Cream  Jelly Ko Bubble Tea Steam Cream Refill  Jelly Ko Dewy Glaze Toner Refill  Romand Juicy Lasting Tint  Jelly Ko Bubble Tea Steam Cream  Jelly Ko White Truffle SOUFFLÉ Serum Refill  Recommendation of the Week: Find the Right Korean Skin Clinic Consultation    All products recommended on the Korean Beauty Show podcast are selected by us. Some of our Show Notes may include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. These links helps us to offset the costs associated with producing, editing and distributing the podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

K-Beauty is no longer niche; in fact, it’s becoming a must-have toolkit for beauty industry professionals, from aesthetic doctors to dermal therapists. In episode 272 of the Korean Beauty Show podcast, Lauren Lee shares key insights from Australia’s biggest professional beauty expo, including: Why exosomes are everywhere (and what you really need to know) How professionals are adopting K-Beauty systems, not just products The rise of scalp care and the “skinification” of hair The Korean Lash Lift and what sets it apart For full show notes and resources, visit STYLE STORY.  Products Mentioned in this Episode: Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask, which sold out on Day 1. Gelato Glaze Lip Mask, which sold out on Day 2. CONNECT WITH LAUREN  Book a K-Beauty Consultation: stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyInstagram: instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyTikTok: tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyThreads: threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyYouTube: youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastShop Jelly Ko: jellyko.com.auTake Our Skin Quiz: https://jellyko.com/tools/perfect-product-finder/which-jelly-ko-product-is-perfect-for-me#/ Get a Free Skin Analysis: https://jellyko.com/pages/ai-skin-analysisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From lawsuits and mass brand closures to global expansions and lip product fails - on episode 271 of the Korean Beauty Show, we're breaking down what’s really happening in the Korean beauty industry in July 2025. Access Full Show Notes for this Episode Here  CONNECT WITH LAUREN Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyWatch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyMy Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyShop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyStay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupTake the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ K-Beauty News Headlines Olive Young Loses Major Infringement Lawsuit 8,831 K-Beauty Brands Closed in 2024  Kolmar Korea Opens Huge US Factory to Avoid Tariffs Aestura Expands to Sephora in Australia and Canada Question of the Week: Best Exfoliants for Dry, Sensitive Skin Products Mentioned:  Jelly Ko’s Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam  One Must, One Meh, One Miss: Lip Product Reviews Products Mentioned  Colorgram Fruity Glass Gloss Hera Sensual Nude Gloss Amuse Lip Smudger Banila Co Lip Smudger Jelly Ko Gelato Glaze Lip Mask Watch Recommendation: Dear Hongrang (Netflix) Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep The Korean Beauty Show running. Thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What kind of brand shuts down its entire production line for 72 hours just to ferment a single ingredient? In episode 270 of the Korean Beauty Show podcast, we’re sitting down with Mixsoon, a K-Beauty brand that stands out for all the right reasons.  In an industry built on speed, duplication and sometimes more hype than integrity, this brand is doing things differently, from farming its own Centella on Jeju Island to rejecting fear-based clean beauty narratives.    Access Full Show Notes for this Episode: Here    CONNECT WITH MIXSOON  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mixsoon_intl/ Korean Site: https://mixsoon.co.kr/ US Site: https://mixsoon.us/ Customer Service: [email protected]   CONNECT WITH LAUREN Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyWatch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyMy Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyShop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyStay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupTake the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/   EPISODE SUMMARY Lauren sits down with Mina from Mixsoon to discuss:  The founder’s beginnings as a distributor and how the brand “Mixsoon” was  born  How Mixsoon approaches both formulation and fermentation Growing their own Centella asiatica on a farm in Jeju Island  How the brand went from insider favourite to international “cult” brand  How they built a “clean beauty” brand without fear mongering  How the brand continues  to grow and survivor in the face of so many competitors shutting their doors  How their collaboration with Korean boy band Enhyphen came about  What’s next for Mixsoon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 269 of The Korean Beauty Show, host Lauren Lee takes you behind the scenes at in-cosmetics Korea 2025 to uncover the latest ingredient trends. From marine sponge microneedling to fermented collagen and high-performance sunscreen tech, Lauren breaks down what was real, what was marketing fluff and what might end up in your next favorite beauty product.This episode also touches on the future of beauty R&D, insights from STYLE STORY’s consultancy arm and what today’s expo floor says about tomorrow’s skincare shelf.   Access Full Show Notes for this Episode here    CONNECT WITH LAUREN Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancyWatch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcastFollow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeautyMy Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeautyShop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeautyStay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signupTake the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/   In This Episode We Cover:  Spicules: Marine sponge microneedles pitched as natural micro-exfoliators Exosomes: Stem cell-derived delivery agents with murky regulatory status Trending Functional Oils: Armorpheus, green coffee, ginseng, yuja, vetiver Vitamin K2: The “age killer” for vascular health and eye rejuvenation Astaxanthin LQ: Ultra-potent antioxidant (with a luxury price tag) Collagen & Inner Beauty: The science behind ingestible collagen and more Liposomes: Smarter, cleaner delivery systems with Korean-led R&D Next-Gen UV Filters: Microencapsulation, enzyme-enhanced SPF and more Biotech Formulation Trends: How delivery systems and functional actives are converging STYLE STORY's K-Beauty Consultancy: How Lauren works with biotech startups and ingredient developers in the beauty spaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 268 of The Korean Beauty Show, host Lauren Lee dives into the latest updates from the K-beauty world. This episode covers the shifting retail trends in Korea, the rise of convenience stores as beauty destinations, and the $435 million acquisition of Round Lab by Goodai Global. Plus, we explore the growing trend of dermacosmetics and the exciting news of Jelly Ko’s official launch in the UAE. Tune in for insights on what's shaping the future of K-beauty! CONNECT WITH LAUREN 📅 Book a Consultation: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/k-beauty-consultancy ▶️ Watch the Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekoreanbeautyshowpodcast 🧵 Follow me on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lauren.kbeauty 📸 My Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lauren.kbeauty 🛍️ Shop K-Beauty: http://www.stylestory.com.au/ 🍓 Shop Jelly Ko: http://www.jellyko.com.au/ 🎥 Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stylestory_kbeauty 💌 Stay up to date with K-Beauty: https://stylestory.com.au/pages/free-gift-signup 🧴 Take the K-Beauty Product Quiz: https://stylestory.com.au/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-your-perfect-k-beauty-product#/ K-Beauty News K-Beauty Retail: Convenience Stores as Beauty Hotspots Big M&A News in K-Beauty Dermacosmetics: The Next Big Trend Jelly Ko Launches in the UAE Question of the Week: Seoul Beauty TourA listener asks for recommendations while attending the Cosmobeauty Expo in Seoul. Lauren shares her must-do spots, including Myeong-Dong, Seongsu-dong and Hongdae, plus tips for a unique K-beauty experience. Recommendation of the Month – Our Mid-Year SaleUntil June 30, enjoy 25% off all products with the code EOFYS. Don’t miss out on our hero product, Bubble Tea Steam Cream, available in a refill version for extra savings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.