Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of the personal care brand Mamaearth, has issued a cautionary note about the growing trend of Indians “blindly” following the K-beauty trend, also known as the Korean beauty trend. She emphasizes that Indians should use skincare products specifically suited for Indian skin.
“I bet you’ve heard of or even used Korean skincare products. But did you know their formulations might not be the right fit for you?” Alagh, 35, wrote in a post on LinkedIn.
While acknowledging that Korean products can be beneficial, Alagh warns against relying solely on them for a complete skincare routine. She highlights two major differences between Korean and Indian skin that should be considered.
The first factor is melanin content. “Koreans have low melanin content in their skin, and hence they don’t go through problems like tanning, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dark spots, which we Indians have. Our skin is rich in melanin content,” she explained.
The second factor is climate differences. “They (Koreans) mostly have cold and dry weather, and hence they can layer 8-12-step skincare. For us, it might not work. In our hot and humid climate, as we sweat, a 12-step skincare routine will lead to clogging of pores which can lead to acne,” Alagh said.
Based in Gurgaon and known for her insightful posts about life and work, Alagh stressed that Indian skin concerns differ from those of Koreans. Therefore, Indians need skincare products that address specific skin issues, not just hydration.
“Korean skincare can be a valuable addition; however, relying solely on the ‘K-Beauty’ trend might not be the best approach,” she advised.
Alagh shared three crucial steps to better skincare:
- Know your skin type and concerns: Choose products that address your specific skincare issues.
- Embrace your Desi skin: Opt for products crafted for Indian skin and needs.