The Korean cosmetics industry is dominated by two major companies – LG Household and Healthcare and AmorePacific.
In 2019, AmorePacific posted global sales of US$5.7 billion through 30 major brands, including Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Innisfree and Etude.
The Korean giant also owns Annick Goutal, the French fine fragrance brand, and has made huge strides in building its international business across Europe, the US and Australia to become the world’s 12th largest cosmetic company.
AmorePacific has acquired a minority stake in Rationale, the cult Australian skincare company.
Founded in 1992, the company specialises in personalised solutions through its Essential Six Collections.
Celebrity fans include Rose Byrne and Lara Worthington and prices are exy – just over $900 for the total Essential Six regimen.
Rationale products are sold through 15 flagship stores, online at rationale.com and more than 50 clinics operated by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons nationwide.
AmorePacific will adopt an advisory role and acquire voting rights on Rationale’s board of directors with plans to expand the brand internationally to South Korea, the US, the UK and Hong Kong over the next five years.