Glass Skin, Colourism & SPF Scandals: The Truth Behind The Rise Of Korean Beauty - Behind The Beauty

[@JamesWelsh]

Hey! Really hope you enjoy todays video. A lot of time and research went into this one so i'd love you to watch the whole thing but please feel free to use the chapters to skip back and forth! Huge thank you to Charlotte Cho for helping me out with this!

[@user-oz9lt1zv5k]

Really appreciate and enjoy how thorough this video is 👍

[@SquintyBubbles]

Totally loving the detail you are going into in this documentary. Well done, you have created a fantastic piece of work. Bravo!

[@Kobe_]

Asia doesn’t have a “colorism” problem because they find fair skin more beautiful lil bro, quit being a tourist.

[@nadiahassan5307]

@@Kobe_As a darker skin Asian, yes they do, bro. Hence why whitening products remain a thing and hence why ppl continually still sell/buy fake skincare containing high levels of lead to appear whiter.

[@CrystalFier]

What chapters?

[@NickDiRamioTV]

13:43 Americans are shocked by bee venom in skincare, as though we haven’t been wearing lipstick with crushed beetles for decades 😅

[@afirewasinmyhead]

And honey is literally regurgitated by bees. 🍯

[@Boooo_39]

I at least understand the shock at bee venom because people associate it with bee stings. It obviously should not have an effect on you if you're not allergic, but I can at least see that train of thought That being said, I do have a friend that is allergic to bees who has decided they just don't want to risk topical bee venom products. Now snail mucin is one thing I did not understand the shock about. Unless someone was vegan or vegetarian, I just never understood the hesitancy. It can be done without harming snails.

[@julsdemers4740]

and as if animal venom in general isnt often used in beauty? a lot of esthetic treatments use venom or even more possibly dangerous things, f*ck's sake, we put PLASTIC in our bodies to change its shape in surgeries!

[@theOGLC]

I was going to say 'wait until they find out where the musk in their fragrances comes from' 😂 But apparently musk is mostly made synthetically these days

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

Omg Nick DiRamio watches James welsh???

[@THEMamaVicky]

I had no interest in KBeauty until a friend explained the main approach is CARE, and I'm slowly shifting my perspective, with loads of help from you, James. Ta!

[@CustardCream22]

That’s what I’ve been doing for 20 years before “kbeauty” became a thing 😂

[@tracey0820]

Where do you go to browse and purchase Korean skincare?

[@THEMamaVicky]

@@tracey0820 I have a friend who gets all kind of pr boxes, that she generously shares with me.

[@MADEbySOUL]

@@tracey0820yesstyle (delivery date can be long. Please see if the product has wait time), olive young, stylevana (personally they are quick and has great sales but see reviews), and now Amazon (check products are being sold by the actual brand or reputable seller). Check sales among these sellers because they do have sales or a 1+1 deal.

[@heysaras]

I think the main approach is looking as pale as possible.

[@amandanolan8310]

Tir Tir made MissDarcei their brand ambassador! I thought that was so smart and lovely.

[@JamesWelsh]

she 100% deserves it. she helped with their popularity so much!

[@maryeckel9682]

I love her! Great move on their part.

[@thecoolintroverttv8381]

She's amazing, i love her...she deserves it❤

[@Iamcoatcheckgirl]

She is the reason why I bought one .

[@rity6233]

100% agree, getting a dermatologist in the UK is so difficult- I went to the doctor and asked to see a dermatologist, he said I don’t have acne so I don’t need one??? My skin flares up, spots burn and I want to have clear skin not a pimple filled itchy face. It’s crazy.

[@stillwithyou7072]

It’s taken me 6 months to get my teenager help for her skin. I’m still waiting for the referral to come through. In the meantime we’ve started using Medicube products and her skin has improved in leaps and bounds.

[@mary_vakarian4289]

In the UK is a hell seeing every drs 🤦‍♀️ if you go private and willing to pay 200£ for 10 min consultation then you can have a chance

[@whelkpeopleofdoom]

That's super annoying - probably an insurance issue. My derm says I need electrolysis, like it is medically necessary, but insurance considers it cosmetic 100% of the time so they won't pay for it. I can't afford it on my own and asked my derm what else I can do and she's like ummm here's some clindamyacin? 🤷‍♀️

[@0ph3liar]

@@whelkpeopleofdoom how come you have to get that kind of treatment?

[@CaityRaindrop]

My sister has eczema, and it got really bad during her pregnancy, painful dry red raw peeling patches round her mouth, it badly affected her confidence. They agreed she should see a derm but it would have taken 8 months for her to get through the waiting list.

[@natashaleech231]

My husband is Indian, I have second hand experience through him... I really believe they mean 'whitening'. There is a huge problem with colourism in Asia. We went on holiday and we both got a tan, his mum was shouting at him for getting 'too dark'. It honestly made me feel so heartbroken 💔

[@aesinam]

In the Indian products, they definitely put bleaching agents

[@jiminswriter4209]

India has very different beauty standards from Korea. Whitening products in Korea are for brightening the skin tone.

[@leesiemoo]

Koreans definitely value paler skin tones. My partner is a dark skinned Korean and people can be really rude about it. I am the colour of paper so his family all compliment me for it. Even the incredibly sexy Sung Kang has said he's "too dark and too big" to be considered good looking in Korea.

[@dontknowdocare]

Being complemented for pale skin and scolded for dark skin sounds insane to me...completed for clear/good skin I can understand but white skin?? Bizarre .

[@NymphettEcho]

Yeah I’ve noticed that too. Korea may be a homogeneous society, but that doesn’t apply to skin tone. They’re humans so there are variations in skin tone and there are plenty of darker skinned Koreans and I’ve noticed the stigma against being darker than the pale beauty standard.

[@raerohan4241]

​@@dontknowdocare As if it's not the same in the west, just in reverse? Growing up being told I looked like a corpse/deathly ill/etc. and that I needed sun, then moving to the west and having my skin tone complimented instead of criticised, was an interesting experience

[@happysloth3208]

⁠​⁠@@raerohan4241it depends but that’s more of a thing within in white people. But for black and latino people colorism is still an issue. I’m black, and I would say colorism in our community is specifically related to eurocentrism. It’s actually really sad.

[@nijuuroku]

I looked Sung Kang up and wow, they really have strict beauty standards in Korea.

[@daphne8406]

I don’t think it is only «typos» when they use the word «whitening» instead of «brightening» 🤔 In Asia in general there is still placed a much higher value in the paler skin shades than the darker skin shades. Many Asians with even slightly darker skin shades are very discriminated against in many Asian countries. So they really do mean «whitening» as being the desirable and good thing, not a mistake. If they want to break through properly in the west they do need to adapt and let go of the mentality that «paler skin is beautiful skin» 🤷‍♀️

[@marilynmalcolm9920]

Agreed. I liked the rest of Charlotte’s insights, but I thought that she was being a little disingenuous about “whitening” being a perfect synonym for “brightening.” And if we’re being honest, “brightening” is just a dog whistle for “whitening.” There is so much interview footage of one of the members of BTS being the butt of the joke for being the darkest member, as an example. Light skin is lionized, dark skin is vilified. Simple as.

[@katitadeb]

THIS, brightening or whitening the final goal is the same: getting a lighter skin tone, a standard based in colorism

[@TheMimmieb]

Yeah tbh I think that part was hypocritical. If that was another western brand they would have tore them to shreds. As they should! Sure I think any brand can cater to whoever they like ! But then they can’t be angry when people get mad or don’t buy their products. Simple as everyone is buying with their dollar! If you want to exclude people that’s fine just don’t be mad when people say fuk of !

[@meizhou9279]

THIS!!!

[@LT11721]

Why? Why can’t they focus on what they like and view as beauty….. Just as black people need to develop their own companies to make their skin at their best and beautiful… No one company can be everything to all…

[@Ishtar2003]

I don’t mind if a makeup company is catering to a specific market, that’s fine; but if you are going to market and sell in other markets that have diverse populations, then you need to follow suit. It’s not just Korean/Asian brands, there are some Middle Eastern only brands that have very limited color ranges too. I myself am middle eastern and struggle to find my shade in brands that are only in the ME even though I’m very pale lol.

[@masodemic4509]

Many Koreans don't have such light skin tones either, they're selling shame

[@aesinam]

The ME brands definitely need to improve on their shade ranges cos they are a variety of tones in that market

[@beautifullEternal]

Girl the European brands still refuse and my black ass was born here. 😅

[@LT11721]

I am very fair, not that yellow fair. But pink…. I have never been able to find a makeup until now that suits my skin tone without making me look orange…. Actually I only wear tinted moisturizer as I do not like heavy makeup… never have… As with, seem off but hear me out, buying paint color for a home… so many factors make the color look right or wrong in a room… the light, other colors in the room. Same with skin color. Can we please stop with the bs. Huda beauty is a middle eastern company Egypt I believe. They make a beautiful “pink” colored powder called strawberry shortcake…. I love it… Go figure. An Egyptian company. LOL…. It’s all out there

[@LT11721]

@@beautifullEternalrefuse what?

[@SharonRaeRyan]

Korean skin care helped me learn so much more about ingredients. I love mixing western and asian skincare. High power actives mixed with amazing gentle hydration and barrier support.

[@rebeccaxx]

im havin heart surgery, im bout to bingewatch tons of vids of yours to calm myself down

[@PucaFlea]

Best of luck in your recovery 💜✨

[@fatimahlovesjoon6190]

sending all the good vibes!! 🫂

[@noa-ix9pe]

I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery xx

[@theOGLC]

Wishing you a speedy recovery!! 🫶🏼

[@rebeccaxx]

@@theOGLC thank you so much 🥰i really hope it goes well, i have heard lots of bad stories

[@marlbboro8091]

Colorism is such a problem. Indian makeup companies did not have base makeup shades for deeper or even Tan skin till a few years ago - especially after the proliferation of Mac who had the wider range than our own home brands. 🤦🏽‍♀️ I remember being so excited to visit the US where even drugstores had my skintone friendly shades. I remember even the UK didn’t have the range US brands had. And I am an NC 40!! (However the one area we led, more than any other country 30 years ago was in lipstick. The range offered just killed it in the tan to deep skin tones. Shades of brown, reds and berries. My mother and aunts had a range of ‘nudes’ to choose from. And I am GenX so I am talking about the time dinosaurs walked the earth. 😛)

[@iBurnCDs]

Born Korean and grew up in NA: I personally love K Beauty because it offers a lot at an affordable price, and I hope it now moves onto accmmodating a wider consumer base across the world. It'll be a real test of their dedication to clients to see if they'll recognize the value of developing shades and colours that are usually NOT used by Koreans. Time to step up their game and plan ahead. 😊

[@LovedAgainDollsTN]

I need to finish laundry… but I can wait an hour and watch James first. 😊

[@JamesWelsh]

Haha you deserve a break!

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

I was about to brag that I’ll be folding & hanging whilst listening but then my puppy cuddled up to me, that’s my sign to rest lol!

[@dodgek5270]

I just love long form videos. I got excited seeing it's an hour. Listening while showering, doing skin care, driving, etc it's just perfect.

[@emmacraig7430]

i love ironing with earphones in to listen😂

[@ctrlmi]

not me listening while doing kitchen chores loll

[@meizhou9279]

Let’s be real here. Today’s “brightening” is just a PC term for “whitening” which is the actual intent from brands. As Asian brands expand into the western market they know “whitening” is not acceptable. It’s disappointing she went with a marketing pivot instead of address this obvious point which most people are aware of (based on this comment section).

[@raydizzi]

Yeah it felt like she was trying to gaslight those who have experienced the very real colourism & discrimination present in that society but it's like okayyyy...... I get that James isn't really in a position to disagree with a WoC about her own culture but it is absolutely an important point to bring up, as Charlotte absolutely benefits from being a pale skinned WoC and ALSO isn't in the place to speak for dark-skinned Koreans about their own treatment in society 🤷🤷 but everything else was good! lol

[@jazwhoaskedforthis]

I have the "ten steps" or whatever, but I don't use them ALL every time I wash my face. It's just nice to have if your skin needs it.

[@SamMKKK]

OMG AN HOUR LONG VIDEO, YESSSSS! Perfect for wash day. Leggo!

[@jennamenzies3652]

Korean sunscreen is what got me wearing sunscreen everyday. I just love the lightweight formulas and choose them over western sunscreens.

[@Andromeda14161]

Im in the process of converting from expensive high-end skincare (Estee, Bobbi) to Korean skincare, so this is great to know!

[@MyCrownstar]

So am I and one major takeaway for me was the fraud element for products in particular sunscreen. As I’m in the US and the FDA hasn’t approved filters that Korea used, technology they can’t be sold in the US, hence fraud sunscreen sold on Amazon. I need to order products from legitimate distributors such as Yesstyle, Olive&Young, etc. Shipping is a pain, but I just need to plan better.

[@IraDongBangTan]

You'll never look back. 💚

[@Crystal0139]

@@MyCrownstarI didn’t know they were doing that! Now I’m going to need to be careful with my orders 😬 I get haru haru wonder sunscreen on Amazon and I know it’s legit cuz I’m pale skilled and burn easy. I went swimming and didn’t burn so that’s a good sign. Ugh this makes me nervous tho

[@ILYATRAGER]

You'll never go back!

[@sofiashipilova3336]

Omg an hour long video !! That's exactly what I needed thank you James 🥰

[@JamesWelsh]

Hope you like it!

[@feelthejoy]

Yes I’m hype!

[@jasmine.lavender]

Yesss! Exactly what I was about to comment!!

[@mypathunfolding]

Odile Monod's videos about hanbang beauty in S. Korea really helped me understand why certain ingredients may be used in K Beauty products and I love learning more about why I might or might not want to try certain ingredients and the cultural role which plays into products and marketing in different countries. Great video, James!

[@coldzeroes]

thank you for commenting this! i didn't know who odile was and i'm so glad you mentioned her, i'm going to learn so much about hanbang now ❤️🥺🙏🏼

[@Lehanorah1918]

I love Odile . I learned so much from her .

[@albuszx]

I was saving the time to enjoy this video and it was SO WORTH IT! once again you've outdone yourself with information quality and delivery. I live by skincare made in Korea and just like most of the community this is hugely by your influence ❤

[@_Dani.Lynn_]

This was amazing! Love Charlotte Cho. I remember when SoKo Glam was the only place to purchase K-beauty in the states. I started using Korean skincare, gosh, since 2016. (I actually had to log in and check my first order). I will never not use Korean beauty. Does it have its flaws? Absolutely, but what isn’t? I’m 43 and am always complimented on my skin and I have to thank Korean skincare for that. The education I’ve received over the years has been life changing for me and I share it with everyone that I know. Thank you James for a wonderful video and sit down with her!!

[@crystalmichellef3rg23]

You're spoiling us with this hour long video, James!!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@undercovertopz]

im kind of disappointed that Cho seemed to almost gloss over tone up creams/whitening products. She should know full well ESPECIALLY as someone who's lived in Korea is that whiter skin is very much still unambiguously considered more beautiful in Korea and it's absolutely not just for evening skintone, oftentimes darker skin is treated as if it's an ailment. It's still a common compliment in Kr and Jp to be told "Wow you're so pale!" and it would be unambiguously taken as an insult if someone told you "Youre tan". This is big enough of an issue in my opinion that every beauty communicator like Cho should be actively and openly talking about it with honesty and grace.

[@0ph3liar]

honestly this. it's such a prevalent issue in so many countries. what pains me the most is seeing so many korean beauty influencers slap on a shade that's two times lighter then their own skintone and proceed to not blend it down their neck.. like they're not even trying to do it in a way thats undetectable?? and to say that koreans main skintone is pale is such a lie.

[@undercovertopz]

@@0ph3liar I totally agree. it's honestly quite a whiplash moment when their technique and science is incredible but then proceed to use a horribly matched foundation shade. I feel like a lot of Asian countries have developed makeup blindness to pale makeup- similar to how some western countries developed tan blindness in the earlier years. I grimaced seeing the Korean archery team's makeup in this year's olympics. Their face was 3 shades too white for their neck. I would blame it on sunscreen but then wouldn't their necks also be pale?

[@phunk8607]

It asian centric skin care. Asian prefer lighter skin care, not everyone need to be cancel culture with woke western ideal

[@katitadeb]

​@@phunk8607you don't have to be "woke" to realize how bad colorism is 🤡stop with that dumb "argument"

[@littleme901]

​@phunk8607 it's not lighter skin care. you can't change your skin that much. and koreans are really bad about shaming people with dark skin. if they want to have light skin fine but they shouldn't be putting others down for having different skin color

[@strawberrysena]

i've been using kbeauty since around 13/14 years old and i'm 20 now, i still do my skincare routine morning and night and its such a therapeutic and relaxing habit to have

[@solabis]

Hmm wish you touched on the subject of colourism bit more, i don’t think just a ‘homogeneous population’ explains the beauty standards in Asia (including in India). As an East Asian who prefers to look a bit tanned there are limited options for me even when it comes to shade ranges. i think a lot of it comes from internalised white supremacy and classism as well and while it definitely is a wider culture issue, brands limiting their offerings is reinforcing that culture.

[@theOGLC]

Completely agree with you! I'm surprised he didn't touch more on it. The limited shade ranges aren't just the result of the 'homogeneous population.'

[@JamesWelsh]

Hey! Sorry I thought I had done a good job at covering the historic relevance of that and the preference still for ‘lighter’ skin whilst expelling the business decisions of the brand! Guess I hadn’t sorry 😩

[@Honey-lv7pb]

Has nothing to do with white supremacy. It’s very simple: if you’re rich, you don’t need to do physical work outside, where there’s a high chance of tanning. Poor people aka workers are usually tanned, so pale = rich and obviously that’s more desirable. It’s just that it’s been a thing in east asia for so long that it became a beauty standard. Geishas paint their faces white

[@elonmusk921]

@@Honey-lv7pb​​⁠classism is not excusable just because it’s not racism. Colorism is wrong, regardless of any historical context

[@raerohan4241]

​@@elonmusk921 Agreed, so the preference of tanned skin in the west is also wrong, since that also has its roots in classism.

[@Glitteratti77]

James, you truly are THE authority on skin care. The honest truth you bring to all of us, is very much appreciated! As I am fighting cancer for the second time (leukemia) I am so grateful for the true nature of these products that are great for my skin❤

[@lauradoesart]

You got this internet friend! ❤

[@tracey0820]

You got this sending you healing and strengthening vibes!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@feelthejoy]

Tbh the Welshes are so trustworthy

[@sp8cey]

you got this!!!! sending you love and strength and beautiful clear skin queen

[@lizgreer6888]

I survived cancer almost 8 years ago. I had to go on a year long steroid treatment and it really damaged my skin. It is extremely sensitive now and ive tried to help it for years. James did a video about his favorite things about a month or 2 ago. It talked about a Korean rice milk product. I bought it and my skin feels so much better. A lot of the redness is gone and my face doesn't hurt so much. Hopefully it keeps working well through the harsh New England winter! Best of luck to you! It's a hard road. My niece had leukemia and she's been cancer free for over 10 years.

[@angelsnyder6381]

Ive watched many KZbin videos on skincare and I think you are one of the only ones I've decided to subscribe to and watch when you upload any video. I trust your insight and dedication to telling people the truth on skincare and how it works.

[@angelfish2077]

I think on the foundation shade thing, i think if you are expanding your make up brand to the west you need to be making it available to everyone. I think about brands like Innisfree and Nature Republic who have been prominent in the West for a while and have 3-5 shades, all different tones of white. It feels like it's not a priority. That aside, I also think it's wrong that the shades in Korea only have 3 shades, even within Korea there are Koreans that are far more than than the 3 base shades most beauty brands provide and there's increased immigration from countries that are again not being catered to. Inclusivity is still a major problem regarding Korean makeup brands sadly. I think it's important to continue to really promote voices calling for diversity!

[@Ali_Ali509]

Because it is not their priority. Priority is to make profit and so make product for majority. If you are expecting that they love their indicidual customers, they don't care 😂 You can call for inclusivity, but not in business.

[@hayazeedan]

This was so interesting to watch and Charlotte seems like such a sweetheart, someone youd actually enjoy talking to. Great vid James!

[@magn0llie]

I couldn’t believe when you said you got to interview Charlotte Cho! She was my first ever introduction to Korean Beauty as I got her book many years ago (it was translated to polish and it randomly caught my interest as it wasn’t a well known thing in Poland back then) and was inspired to actually start caring for my own skin too. She is a great writer and I love her book. Thank you for this video!

[@solarmoth4628]

My issue with the foundations is that a) Even if darker skinned Koreans are a minority, brands should still have products available for them. A western brand would not be excused for not catering to people with deeper skin tones even though they are often a minority. All Koreans should be able to find their shade. Many of these brands have expanded into SEA for longer and still haven’t changed to accommodate that market. B) Some Korean brands have promoting in the US for basically the entirety of my teenage and young adult years without even a hint of expanding their range. I get having different strategies but I think if you expand into countries with a wider range of skin tones that it should be higher up on the list.

[@raerohan4241]

Excepty western brands often don't have darker shades. Or fairer shades. Most western brands have ranges in the medium category, with a few in the fair and deep category. As someone with fair olive skin, I have never been able to find a match in western foundations. The sole exception was Fenty, but then they discontinued that shade! The point is, western brands don't make foundations for the minority colours either. Why is it you hold Korean brands to a standard higher than you do those of your own country?

[@aesinam]

​@@raerohan4241unfortunately profits drives companies, even Fenty. If that shade of yours wasn't selling, they would discontinue

[@LoveEachDay94]

@@raerohan4241and those brands are under scrutiny as well

[@ThatGirlJD]

​@@raerohan4241I have yellow olive undertones and I don't have a fair complexion. I have hell finding my shade. For some reason olive undertones are overlooked in all complexions. As far as Fenty is concerned, I wanted to use their foundation but they didn't have a shade match for me, and I'm Black.

[@Lizzo198]

Omg just what I needed on this Sunday afternoon! An HOUR long James video! Much love from Chicago!! ❤❤

[@SoggyDew]

I started skincare with Cerave which didn’t really do much for my acne and then moved on to Paula’s Choice as I got into my early 20s. Which was too irritating for me. As I switched to Korean skincare in my mid 20s, my skin has never looked better and more blemish free as it is now

[@EricaYE6]

Yay, James. Great interview! I look forward to you interviewing more and more people in the beauty industry. This is wonderful. 💜💙💜💙

[@nessafrankenstein]

omg an hour i’m sat

[@olivia.matcha]

i'm a k-beauty content creator myself so i'm so excited for this ahh

[@msSweeTae]

Can't wait to watch it tomorrow, but for now I'll go to sleep. Nighty

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Awwww Miss Darcei in the thumbnail ❤

[@carolynp552]

I love interviewer James! So engaging and fun to watch, I’m sure Charlotte had a great time too! More interviews please ❤

[@gunjanmaji9775]

Why is his voice so calming?? 😭😭😭😭

[@user-qy3xu9hg2j]

I am 64 and never had a good skincare regime - growing up, products were always too harsh. Or thick and smelly. Since accidently discovering K products, my skin is the best it has ever been. And even better, I ENJOY using them.

[@melp8175]

Great video James. I started buying from soko glam , by accident and have loved it since she started . I don’t know anyone to discuss it with, but your channel has filled a big void in my education . Thanks for honesty and research . And I thought you were just funny ….😂😂❤❤

[@Krissydoge]

I will admit, I really was not properly taking care of my skin until i hit my mid 20’s, stopped birth control and my face broke out like crazy. I was just going at it with salicylic acid and ruining my skin barrier. After discovering k beauty, i have learned so much about skincare and my skin has changed DRAMATICALLY, in combination with differin gel, i feel like a brand new person. Not to mention most of these products are fairly affordable and feel SO luxurious, i genuinely look forward to my skincare at the end of the day.

[@vapiddreamscape]

hey! excited to watch the video but the topic has got me thinking about a book chapter I read for a grad school class that seems like it may be of interest! Its called Experiments in Skin: Race and Beauty in the Shadows of Vietnam by Thuy Linh Nguyen Tu (2021, Duke University Press) and in it she discusses the cultural history of skin in Vietnam/SE asia post vietnam war as well as the military science and experiments done on skin at the time. What I found fascinating was the methodology as well as her discussions on the effects this history had on the region on how skin and skin disorders are viewed. could provide a similar vein of interesting research if you havent read it previously!

[@milkbunnie]

i don’t have a source, but i remember hearing that some brands don’t expand their shade range because “darker” shades don’t sell in korea, even ones that are similar to the more tan koreans. it was implied that consumers even when given a choice would still choose to buy the lighter shade to achieve the allusion of whiter skin:/ colorism is still deeply embedded in the perception of beauty among korean consumers

[@DimaRakesah]

I live in the US and my mom, who struggled with acne, went to a dermatologist and it didn't help her at all. I've heard similar stories where dermatologists approach acne in a very harsh/sterile way that doesn't work for a lot of people. Harsh ingredients, prescriptions, a fight fire with fire approach. It may work a bit short term, but harms the skin and can make it worse long term.And it's EXPENSIVE! I myself suffered with acne as well and tried the usual stuff. Benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, stripping cleansers, oil free everything, drying ingredients that would work at first then my skin went back to angry and breakout prone. K beauty really changed my skin! Hydrating, calming, soothing, gentle. Absolute game changer. I wish I had this stuff as a teen!

[@raigenhuss7030]

I’ve pretty much been using all ELF skincare for a while now and my skin has been great! I love their makeup melting balm, moisturizers, serums and toners. I also have their lip mask which is amazing

[@1hinita]

Their lip mask is GREAT. They are affordable and works great. It's the only brand I wear since I'm not a huge makup or skin care girly. It allowed me to be minimalistic and simple, so I Ike it 😊

[@MithMathy]

I was a bit disappointed during the shade range discussion that Koreans who have more melanin weren't acknowledged. Koream brands expanding their shade ranges is helpful for people *in * Korea, not just the global market.

[@tessajericho]

Amazing video! I really enjoyed the deep dive and interview format ❤

[@MichaelDavis-mh8bb]

A deep dive hour long James video?? Is it Christmas already, because this is a GIFT!

[@ChrystalVanDusseldorp]

Thank you, James and Charlotte, for all the amazing information. 💜🖤💜🖤

[@paprika7577]

You really took every question I have about Korean skincare and took it to the source I love that

[@tsheilma]

I started using Kbeauty about 2 years ago. I did not realizing why it worked so well on my dry, sensitive, rosacea skin. This helped explain why this skin care works for me.

[@cheshire-ex9tf]

As a Korean, I appreciate how you included all the different factors and opinions. Having darker skin than an average Korean, I also look forward to more Korean brands having darker shades. On one hand, I believe that brands should be more educated and alert to global standards and criticism. On the other hand, Korea having 'tone-up cream' is like Western countries having tanning cream. Is it okay to prefer tanned skin but not lighter skin? I understand that it could be connected to inclusivity and colorism from a global viewpoint, but can other countries criticize another country's domestic beauty standard from their point of view? (This is just my personal question concerning the disapproval of Korean beauty standards from other countries, and not so much about this video.) Your video is great as always James! I can see your love towards Korean skincare and the amount of effort you put in for thorough research❤ Thank you

[@kaecarter7116]

I've always thought this! why to Americans is tanning cream okay but tone up cream isn't?! it makes no sense

[@MossTunic]

if it didn't affect the way people with darker skin tones got treated, then it wouldn't be an issue. the problem is that people are treated uglier for having even slightly tanner skin, let alone darker brown shades. it's clear that very bright pale skin is still considered the most beautiful & that affects everyone, even if it's subconscious. my friend, who is mexican, grew up thinking her skin always looked dirty & was treated badly even though she's fairly pale tan. it got to the point where she would painfully scrub her skin & wear too many layers in the hot weather to prevent getting more tan. thankfully, she has a more healthy relationship with her body, but her reaction is not at all uncommon. we need to focus less on people advocating for more inclusion, & question more why being as pale as possible is the peak beauty for so many people, & how that affects those that don't fall under that umbrella. if no one was harmed by this because everyone's skin tones were elevated to that same level of status, then it would be fine. but there's still a clear hierarchy that harms many people, even if you only included korean people.

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

Because the preference leads to a social hierarchy. You’re allowed to prefer whatever you want, tan vs pale in the US for example does not create the same hierarchy and does not cause the same social ramifications. That’s the difference.

[@chloeagape4853]

Oh, there's plenty of people here in the US who criticize how tanning is preferred (mostly amongst white people). Frankly, criticizing other people and countries is a pretty prized feature of America, so we would be crazy to not let other countries do it too! Lol.

[@margaesperanza]

Southeast Asian here who basically lives with East Asian beauty standards. I do not think its fair to compare lightening Kbeauty products to western tanning because the intentions are so so different. East asian colorism is very judgemental on wealth, status, and beauty standards. My nationality (Filipino) is sometimes used in Korean spaces as a slur/insult on darker skin. More darker skinned people face discrimination than lighter skinned people to boot. Western “tanning” also hinges on WHO gets to tan and look good, and its mostly going to be white people. Naturally darker-skinned POCs however? Not as much.

[@Unidentified-Mineral]

Here to support this longform content, James’s interviewing, k-beauty, all of it!!! Watching it twice!

[@efraysur]

You are the reason started using skincare. I really appreciate all the recommendations you give because they are so honest. Always really enjoying the deep dive videos.

[@12345Elenia]

When I switched to Korean skincare I never went back, life changing!

[@Ren98xx]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make such a comprehensive and enjoyable video! ❤

[@headerahelix]

I'm not buying the whitewashing of the whitening aspect of K beauty. Her claim that there is one skin tone in Korea is on its face absurd given that there isn't just one foundation shade available there, and even 100% ethnic Koreans complain about their darker skin not having shades available. Every ethnicity has a range of melanin in the skin, no matter how homogeneous the society. When people like Zendaya visit SK and the Korean journalists think it's appropriate to put whitening filters on her skin to make her appeal to the Korean public you're not being honest with yourself or with other people of colour about the extremely real issue of colourism in SK and it makes me not trust you, especially if instead of addressing the issue you just change the word to lightening/brightening as if the same colourist ideas behind it magically disappear. For further proof have a look at Korean celebrities pre fame and throughout their careers and notice how over time a lot of their skin tones dramatically changes to being extremely pale compared to their natural colour.

[@nadiahassan5307]

Before we even start this kind of convo, what is your ethnicity and skin tone?

[@headerahelix]

@@nadiahassan5307 I'm black, Jamaican specifically. Why would that matter?

[@kekayowrites]

@@nadiahassan5307what were you trying to prove here lmao

[@raerohan4241]

The fact of the matter is brands make what sells. That means no brands selling shades for the people that fall on the edges of the spectrum, unless that brand is specifically targeting that group. Western brands are no different - or have you not realised most of their shades are in the medium category, with only a couple in the fair and deep categories? I've never been able to find my fair olive shade in western brands. Fenty finally did release a shade that matched me, but then they discontinued it! So even the brand _known_ for its diverse range doesn't currently carry mine. Can't hold foreign brands to standards you don't even apply to brands within your own country...

[@headerahelix]

@@raerohan4241 You really read my entire comment about the horrors of colourism and how it's responsible for this and thought "well how can I make this about ME" huh? Ma'am, I'm sorry one of the most inclusive brands doesn't carry your specific shade but how ignorant do you have to be to be like "and that's why it's as bad as Korean brands that only carry 5 shades of pale and have no plans of changing and that's fine". It's not even about extreme ends of the spectrum, reread the part about darker skinned Koreans.

[@Phoenixx1322]

Love it when I get to hear James or Robert especially in a long video 🖤

[@nivarazat6670]

Thanks a lot for another great video of yours 🥰 Korean skincare really saved my skin. I had pimpels again and again for about 20 years and nothing helped, even medical products. Then I shot my last shot and tried korean skincare. My sensitive skin loves it and I barely get pimples anymore, maybe one in 3 months 🤩 I'm sooo happy 🫶

[@heythereitsholly307]

I have a ton of allergies related to things that go on my skin on top of sensitive skin. Most soaps, hand soaps, cleaning products, hand sanitizer. Etc. It was hard for me to find any brand of skincare that I could use. Until I tried Korean skin care. Literally changed my life. I now have a perfect routine I do (and alternate things throughout the week) and I'm not suffering whike nothing is helping or doing anything.

[@mrsgleek12]

Im in the same boat! My allergy is to artificial fragrance but because it's not all made the same, i never really know if it's going to cause a reaction. But with K-beauty products I don't have the same issue. Out of ten k-beauty products ive tried, only 1 caused a rash/hives which is significantly better than western products. Let me know if you have a fav for me to try!

[@heythereitsholly307]

@mrsgleek12 when I'm off work for the week Thursday I'll tell you my top 2 favs I use!!

[@Tumbleweed_]

Which brands are you using? Right now, my skin has become itchy, broken out in tiny spots...

[@rwatkins310]

I loved the part of this video where James sat down with Charlotte and she explained about k beauty. I often can feel so overwhelmed when it comes to korean skincare as there are SO many products I would love to try but am weary as I have super sensitive skin that easily freaks out- knowing that Koreans main concern when formulating their products is having sensitive skin in mind, I feel I can happily try out many of them now to try and help my skin get better. I really enjoyed this video James and appreciate you taking the time to create it 😊

[@LMBillingsley]

I think it's really important, especially when you're engaging with something that's being imported from another culture, the problematic aspects as well as the positives. Thank you for this deep dive! I really have been getting so immersed in KBeauty, and it's so much fun to explore it, but it's always important to be mindful and avoid cultish, dogmatic adherence to something you might not be fully informed about! ❤

[@agathemeherio2258]

Thanks for all the information and explanations! I'd love more videos on K & J Beauty as I am planning a trip to Japan...

[@sophieappleyard6682]

An hour long video of Jame!!🤩 I can lose an extra hour of sleep to listen to you💜💜

[@lettievanhemert]

I’d love to pop out to the dermatologist on lunch. I’m in the midst of a six month wait to see my derm for a checkup. And it’s “only” six months because I’m an existing patient. Otherwise it would be longer. I’m in the US.

[@solarmoth4628]

In the US I can see my Derm at least within a month or two. The quality of care you get depends heavily on the insurance and where you live, which sucks because your insurance can change so often. In Taiwan though I can see the derm within a week. I think the issue with both the US and the UK is lack of funding and increasing privatization. Taiwan has NHI and it’s much faster that both countries.

[@mollieerobinson]

I had never tried K-Beauty skincare products until I started watching your videos! And now all I use is K-Beauty! I LOVEEEEE it so much! 😍💜🖤

[@MikuHatsune159]

Wonderful video and interview! I decided to do my cleansing and skincare while this video was playing in the background since its been a while since i last done so.

[@boyarkinagi]

korean skincare is NOT affordable by any mean if you not love in korea, i live in Thailand and japanice/thai skincare is the only affordable thing here 30$ for toner anua is not affordable

[@elacampusano7341]

James, the conversation you had with Charlotte Cho was very interesting, thank you for making it possible 🥰

[@cassandrasantos5878]

This education around k-beauty is so valuable! I really enjoyed learning more about this

[@jojomarch]

A whole hour! Excellent, hope it does really well

[@JamesWelsh]

Thank you! Hope you like it!

[@jojomarch]

@@JamesWelsh Still watching but its *so* interesting. The interview with Charlotte is fascinating, your deeper dives are always so well researched and presented - great to see you do a longer video.

[@jcm85]

This was such a great video! I loved the quality of info and the discussion between you and Charlotte. I’ve been in the western beauty space since 2010 and only got into K beauty this year, but I remember seeing it take off years ago. This was really fun to watch! Looking forward to what you’re working on next ❤

[@cecilieharris]

This was such a great interview with Charlotte and great insight into the world of kbeauty. Very much enjoyed this.

[@crystalriley7451]

I found your channel in 2020 and became obsessed with kbeauty from there. My skin genuinely looks better now at 38 than it did in my 20s after switching to all Korean products. While I always took good care of my skin (and have worn sunscreen religiously since my tween years) I REALLY got into it in 2020. It has since become a passion, and I look forward to doing my routine every night. It’s become an integral part of my day. I am moving to South Korea next year, cannot wait to go to so many shops!!! Being American I can’t really afford to see a dermatologist, but I am looking forward to doing so once I move. I genuinely do think Korean products are better than Western ones by leaps and bounds!! I trust the ingredients more as well. Side note - Start Up is my ALL TIME favorite Kdrama and BTS my favorite group, so when I saw you use them both at the beginning I got so excited. 😝☺️

[@stinajones9847]

James' videos were my intro to k beauty and my skin thanks him daily!

[@Kalidreamine]

I don’t know if this is just my workplace because this is the first real job I’ve ever had, but it’s normal for people to wear pimple patches here at work and for no one to bat an eye. My coworkers who do this tend to be in my generation (gen z) but there are some millennials who do the same. I love it. No one cares and we all know it’s for bettering our skin. ❤ I work in a corporate-style specialty clinic.

[@katymahlum8376]

Amazing interview! 🤩

[@KawaiiKermit]

Racism and colourism is rampant in Asia because we all have the same beauty ideals that just spiked off into what we have today in each Asian country. It’s really interesting yet sad and as an Asian who isn’t pale and has been demonised many times for being ugly for being “too dark/black”, I wrote a research paper on this… doing the research actually gave me burnout because it brought back trauma lmao💀 even the palest of my Korean friends sometimes feel “dark” and I’m like PLEASE WHERE. We’re all beautiful no matter our colour, just a shame Asian cultures are rooted in colourism and segregation based on appearance and it has trickled down to modern day

[@natasha4172]

Love the longer video!!!

[@lindaoostmeyer4637]

Loved the video! You put so much hard work into this and it shows. Great job! ❤

[@0ph3liar]

LOVED THIS VIDEO!! I've been a kbeauty lover since 2016 when i first properly got into kpop but only recently have had the pennies to afford to buy anything for myself.. trying to ask my Mum (who never really cared for skincare) to buy me this korean toner from yesstyle at the age of 14 never went down well. seeing how far its come over the last few years was like watching your child grow up to this super successful boss man. i can only look forward to what the future has to offer as with everything thats happening recently i honestly think kbeauty will be THE skincare option. most of the time when i look at western skincare launches, i look at the ingredients, the sketchy marketing and the price tag and just think to myself, i can save my skin and bank account buying kbeauty.

[@suhailreads]

Amazing video James. Just got into korean skincare this month after having to restock my favorites. Im american living in Germany and my american “staples” are not as easily accessible so since Im trying new products I thought I might as well give kbeauty a go. IT WAS SO OVERWHELMING! I have already gotten some products but this video really helped with answering some questions I still had. Im into kpop so I already knew about colorism in korea but Im glad you touched in it ❤️

[@Jess-737]

I prefer Korean when it comes to everyday maintenance. But with my very resistant Melasma, the American approach is the only one that works, hydroquinone. Yes I’ve tried all the other alternatives. I’m talking clinical Melasma, not sunspots or regular dissociation. I’m very OCD-ish about sunscreen, am only outside to run errands and even wear sunscreen at night due to indoor lighting.

[@krissy424]

Same, I’m a very dark skin tone and my skin gets PIH if I look at it wrong lol. Hydroquinone is the goat! I need both!

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Thank you for this ❤️

[@ewrtw3726]

Charlotte seems so lovely thank you for the informative video 🙌

[@TiaUK1]

I loved this so much James thankyou so much! K Beauty has completely overhauled my skin… actually thanks to you James! ❤❤❤

[@jenm9099]

26:01 I remember one product that had to be changed. It was called "White Power" essence and as a mixed race woman I almost fainted!!

[@harrietxo2310]

WHAT 😭

[@Hannah-zw9ow]

LMAOOOO 🤣🤣🤣 honestly I love honest mistakes like that, I think they’re so funny. Glad they changed it, but to me it’s all in good fun. Makes a great funny story. Also mixed race, btw.

[@JamesWelsh]

Omg was that the COSRX one?!

[@jenm9099]

@@JamesWelsh Yes!! 😆 😂 😆

[@nikki2370]

Yeeesss thank you James!!❤

[@vanessajirona]

This video is so well structured and the interview brings such an interesting perspective to K-beauty. I personally prefer a simple routine (4 steps for me) but my skin has been better ever since I started to focus more on hydration 😊

[@Luna04567]

Korean sunscreen and understanding the actual science behind the sun finally convinced me to start wearing sunscreen regularly instead of only at the beach/in the summer

[@emko24]

As a Canadian who was 'made in Korea' and grew up here in Canada, I never accepted the whole "whiter is prettier" beauty standards over there. I personally associate pale skin with sickness and tan skin with health, take that as you will. I love me some Clio foundations but alas, even their darkest shade 'Ginger' is wearable during winter for myself. It's a pet peeve of mine when I have makeup clients who want their face base to be MAC NC15 when most of them are much darker (which applies to most Asians in my experience). And the cherry on top is that Koreans can be super racist ! My parents and aunt make me cringe with their racist remarks at family dinner😢. And don't even get me started on the unrealistic expectations they hurl at the female K-Pop idols. Just ugh.... Side note: I think 10 steps are excessive but hey if it works for you go for it. Clients have often complimented my skin and I always tell them proper hydration and genes. I've had decent skin all throughout my adulthood and I never had more than half a dozen steps for my routine. As to why a lot of Koreans identify as having 'sensitive skin', well most clients I've had like to think they have sensitive skin when they usually don't haha. I've only gone back a couple of times but given the pollution levels in Seoul especially, I wouldn't be surprised if that slowly deteriorates the skin barrier.

[@xg2513]

I am always so fascinated about how humans are never happy with how they are because I was bullied so so badly for being super pale and I was constantly told I was ugly and disgusting and I needed to tan to fix my overly white skin… it’s so insane to me how people are never happy with how they are.

[@naye6359]

Irony of how wanting pale skin is racist and wanting dark & tanned skin is sexy and looking healthy 😂 like you and other ppl said y’all associate pale skin as sickness is also racist.

[@emko24]

@@xg2513 I am so sorry to hear you were put through that. I hope your heart has healed from that. Yes, it is always the classic case of humans wanting what we don't have, innit.

[@emko24]

@naye6359 I said personally, meaning my own looks. I never claimed pale=sickness for other people. Don't put words in my mouth.

[@naye6359]

@@emko24 just because you said “personally”, you didn’t had to add that line and downplay certain race lol if I said I personally think dark skin look bit muddy y’all gonna call me racist.

[@muddyotterspottery569]

I got into K-Beauty because of your channel and I love it!

[@ishathakor]

honestly my skin changed for the better when i started incorporating more elements of kbeauty into my skincare routine. i have sensitive combination skin and very few western products ever worked for me. even some of the really beloved and expensive skincare brands give me contact dermatitis. none of the korean ones give me any problems. also, the emphasis on hydration just REALLY helps my skin. their sunscreens are also the only ones i can put enough of on my face and tolerate leaving on. i use the beauty of joseon one and the formula is genuinely PLEASANT. i started using snail mucin and it's doing wonders for my skin. i used hyaluronic acid for hydration before but even that would occasionally irritate my skin. snail mucin is so soothing. korea has a lot of issues with beauty standards but they have great skincare formulations and i hope their beauty standards catch up to the modern times so i can start using their beauty products too (i'm brown)

[@tensaiaga]

I’m so glad kbeauty is so popular now. I always had problems with western products because my skin is sensitive with rosacea and it’s also acne prone. I could use products like avene or la roche but I wanted something else that’s affordable and it won’t harm me. I’m really glad kbeauty is here I can even find in shops in my country 🥺 It also changed my skin and now I’m more careful but i also know more about the ingredients. it just impacted me and my lifestyle

[@sheilahbuettner8452]

Very informative video. I am so happy thanks to your channel I discovered Tirtir and my skin has never looked better. I wish I'd had it 40 years ago!

[@hanywhiskey]

thank you for this video! so informative