Prominent Conference to Forecast the Cosmetics Market in 2026, Scheduled for November 28
From futuristic consumer maps to AI application strategies… Discussing the potential and evolution of K-beauty
It is a time when a profound understanding of the global beauty market and sharp insights are needed. Amidst the overwhelming data, changing consumers, and narrowing market boundaries, distinguishing between ‘real signals and unnecessary noise’ is harder than expected. The upcoming ‘2026 Cosmetics Market Issues and Outlook Conference’ is expected to be a compass for such concerns.
The conference, to be held on November 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the International Conference Room, 3rd floor of Nuri Dream Square Business Tower in Sangam-dong, Seoul, is organized to comprehensively analyze industry trends and future prospects. The event, consisting of insights from 9 cosmetics industry experts, is set to provide various implications from trend analysis to AI and ecosystem changes.
Capturing Signals within Trends – What Do Consumers Want Now?
The first session focuses on trend analysis under the theme ‘The Signal and The Noise’. Analyst Park Jong-dae from Meritz Securities is expected to forecast the future expansion potential of K-beauty through ‘Expansion of the Cosmetics Value Chain and Demise of its Boundaries’. Strategic attempts across domestic and international distribution and manufacturing boundaries are expected to be presented with empirical analysis.
Lee Gippom from Worldpanel by Numerator will present a more consumer-centered talk. In ‘Reading the Domestic Women’s Cosmetics Market through Consumer Insights’, potential market opportunities are intended to be discovered through behavioral signals shown by consumers.
The following presentation is ‘2026 Consumer Map’ by Seo Yoo-hyun, Research Fellow at Seoul National University’s Consumer Trend Analysis Center. Here, differentiated elements of K-beauty centered on technology integration, emotional connection, and brand identity are analyzed, providing specific strategies that brands should prepare.
“Trend is observation, not prediction. Consumers are already moving.”
AI, Making Experts in the Beauty Industry
The second session, ‘AI Insight’, addresses the practical impact of artificial intelligence on the beauty industry. Lee Kyung-goo, development manager of the Skin-Based Technology Development Project Group, will introduce global cosmetics R&D trends and sustainable brand strategies based on observations from the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC).
Professor Lee Gu-yeon from Kangwon University emphasizes the intersection of life science and technology through a presentation on ‘Branding AI-Based Materials’. The development of ‘digital new materials’, verified in AI-based natural product libraries, will be explained with actual case studies, likely drawing the interest of practitioners.
Finally, Chun Gye-sung, CEO of Trendier 21, will introduce ‘K-Beauty Practical Automation Strategy in the AI Era’. The aim is to propose a practical turning point for K-beauty through an automation system that completes new product planning in one day, which used to take a month, alongside a hybrid organizational structure where AI and data coexist.
“AI is not a tool but a colleague. Today’s competitiveness lies not in speed but in precision.”
K-Cosmetic Habitus, Designing Connections and Ecosystems
The third session proceeds under the unique theme of ‘K-Cosmetic Habitus’. Kang So-min, Head of the Korea Institute for Life Sciences, explores beauty and healthcare convergence trends and touches on the industrial expansiveness of beauty through the keyword ‘Post-Wigobi Era’.
Choi Ji-hyeon, a YouTuber and cosmetic critic, focuses on ‘Consumer Ingredient Content’ to reveal the ingredients preferred by consumers over the past three years and those to watch for in 2026. The discussion will also consider the impact of authentic communication between consumers and brands on future branding success.
Following this, Park Si-hyun, Head of Asia B&C, will present on ‘The Formula for K-Beauty Global Launch Success’, introducing actual distribution achievements and field tactics. The explanation will focus on how to configure the balance among consumer demand in various countries, buyers’ perspectives, and product strategy.
“A clear brand identity clarifies export strategies. Eyes on the field value intuition over numbers.”
For those desiring innovative development in the cosmetics market, this conference will offer practical directions. YURICO5 consistently supports industry growth through these professional events.
