For travelers visiting South Korea, shopping for cosmetics is an essential part of the experience. Recently, a new trend has taken hold, moving beyond topical cosmetics to “inner beauty”—products you consume to foster health and beauty from within. The best place to explore this trend is Olive Young, Korea’s leading health and beauty store, which offers the widest and most accessible selection of these innovative products.
To help you navigate the vast selection of inner beauty products in Korea, this guide offers a clear, factual breakdown of popular options, categorized by function.
A Key Pre-Shopping Tip: Look for the ‘Health Functional Food’ Mark
Before you purchase any product, it is crucial to check the packaging for the ‘건강기능식품‘ (Health Functional Food) text and its official certification mark. This label signifies that the product’s function and safety have been officially recognized by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). It distinguishes these items from simple ‘health foods’ or ‘beverage bases,’ so if you are looking for tangible benefits, finding this mark is the most important step.
Diet and Body Fat Management Products
The most competitive category in the Korean inner beauty market is undoubtedly diet-related products. Here are some of the most popular items designed to support your wellness journey in a healthy way.
Aîlo Line
Aîlo is a prominent brand launched by Dong-A Pharmaceutical, one of Korea’s leading pharmaceutical companies. The brand is known for its scientifically grounded approach.
The Aîlo Magburn Core Cut Ampoule is a dual-formulation product, consisting of a liquid ampoule and two tablets taken together. Its key ingredient, Applephenon from green apple extract, helps reduce body fat. The formula also includes magnesium to support energy production and muscle function, making it convenient to take before or after a workout.
For those seeking broader benefits, the Aîlo Dual Slim Cut contains green tea extract (catechin) and banaba leaf extract. This multi-functional product helps reduce body fat, improve blood cholesterol, and suppress post-meal blood sugar spikes.
tantan
tantan is an in-house brand (PB) developed directly by Olive Young, offering targeted and accessible wellness solutions.
Their tantan Jelly Double Cut Diet is a mixed-berry flavored jelly stick that combines three key benefits in one: Garcinia Cambogia extract to reduce body fat, indigestible maltodextrin to support bowel movements and curb post-meal blood sugar spikes, and hyaluronic acid for skin hydration.
Another popular option is the Slimming V Ssoc Tea, a powder you mix with water. It features banaba leaf extract, focusing specifically on managing blood sugar levels after meals.
Other Popular Diet Products
You will also find a wide array of other effective options on the shelves. FOODOLOGY offers a popular lineup including the “Cutting Jelly” and “Col-Eology Tea,” which primarily use Garcinia Cambogia extract. GRN+ Pinky/Greeny is famous for its intuitive, color-coded packaging; ‘Pinky’ helps block carbohydrates, while ‘Greeny’ uses green tea extract to aid in fat reduction and promote regular bowel movements.
Other notable brands include Cent D‘s ‘Fat All Kill Ampoule,’ Amorepacific‘s ‘Metagreen,’ Vitalslim’s ‘Diet All-in-One,’ and Kick the Hurdle‘s ‘Paxxi Diet,’ all utilizing ingredients like garcinia and green tea extract to support body fat management.
Probiotics for Women’s Health
Probiotics specifically formulated for women’s health are extremely popular.
Gynomaster
This product is a clear leader, often ranking number one in sales within Olive Young’s probiotic category. Gynomaster uses ‘Respecta Probiotics,’ an ingredient blend recognized by the MFDS for its ability to support vaginal health. Each serving guarantees 5 billion CFUs. Its small capsule size makes it easy to take, and because it’s shelf-stable at room temperature, it’s incredibly convenient for travel.
Skin Beauty (Collagen & Hydration)
Nourishing the skin from the inside out with collagen and hydrating ingredients is a cornerstone of K-inner beauty.
Nutrione BB LAB Pomegranate Collagen
A perennial bestseller, this pomegranate-flavored collagen jelly from BB LAB is a steady favorite. Its delicious taste makes it an enjoyable daily habit for anyone looking to support their skin’s health.
CJ Wellcare Innerb
This brand has a dedicated line of products featuring hyaluronic acid as the primary ingredient, specifically targeting skin hydration from within.
Cenovis
While Cenovis is an Australian health supplement brand, it offers many products tailored to the Korean market. Their hyaluronic acid and collagen jellies, designed to improve skin moisture and elasticity, are particularly popular choices.
Basic Health & General Supplements
You can also easily find a variety of supplements for general health maintenance. For magnesium, Dongwha Pharm’s ‘Buchaepyo Magnesium’ adds Rhodiola rosea extract to help with stress-induced fatigue, while ‘Cheonhajangsa Magnesium’ is a more comprehensive formula that includes calcium and vitamin D. For liver health, Cenovis ‘Milk Thistle’ is a popular choice. For improving blood circulation, Korea Eundan’s ‘rTG Omega-3’ is known for its high absorption rate.
Conclusion: A Guide to Smart Inner Beauty Shopping
Olive Young is the ideal place to get a comprehensive overview of the latest inner beauty trends in South Korea. It allows you to compare and choose from a diverse range of products tailored to different needs, including diet, women’s health, skin beauty, and general nutrition.
On your next trip to Korea, I encourage you to look beyond cosmetics and explore the world of inner beauty to cultivate a healthy radiance from within. And remember the most important tip: always look for the official ‘Health Functional Food’ certification mark on the packaging. I hope this guide helps you make the most of your shopping experience in Korea.