Have you ever seen a new, cutting-edge beauty product or ingredient take over social media? Chances are, an Asian-owned beauty brand did it first. From 10-step routines to Ayurvedic adaptogens, Asian-owned skincare, makeup, and haircare brands continuously elevate the beauty industry, introduce science-backed (and just plain cool) ingredients to consumers, and create new dialog around how we all take care of our bodies. Below, just 17 of the Asian-owned beauty brands we've fallen in love with over the years.
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Beloved by makeup artists, estheticians, beauty editors, celebrities, and even royals, Tatcha's products are as luxurious as they are effective. Founder Vicky Tsai set out to create a skincare and makeup brand that was modern yet still inspired by ancient Japanese beauty rituals.
The Silk Cream, S$165, Tatcha at Sephora
Founder David Yi created Good Light to be the skincare brand that serves all people—regardless of gender identity or skin type. The Good Light Metamorphosis Skincare Set is great for sensitive skin.
Metamorphosis Skincare Set, US$64 (S$87), Good Light
The Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido is one of the oldest across the entire globe, and in our opinion, one of the top players in prestige beauty. Not only is the Shiseido name brand incredible (clock this foundation that melts into skin), but its portfolio includes Drunk Elephant, Clé de Peau, bareMinerals, and NARS, just to name a few.
SYNCHRO SKIN RADIANT LIFTING Foundation SPF 30, S$78, Shiseido from Zalora
Michelle Ranavat's luxurious and clean skin, hair, and wellness brand Ranavat was inspired by wanting to celebrate her Indian American culture. Many products feature Ayurvedic ingredients or rituals, creating products for those who've used the practices for years and opening doors to newcomers.
Brightening Saffron Serum - Radiant Rani, US$135 (S$182), Ranavat
CosRX is a skin care brand worth making room for. You might not think your daily routine needs snail mucin, or any of the brand's other high-tech ingredients, but trust us—it's well worth it. (Pro tip: This essence's healing properties makes it an excellent retinol companion.)
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, S$28.90, CosRX from Watsons
If you're into skincare, even a little bit, this won't be the first time you've heard about Glow Recipe. The fun and fruit-inspired line has taken over Instagram, and offers everything from this watermelon and niacinamide skincare-highlighter to overnight avocado and retinol treatments.
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, S$52, Glow Recipe from Sephora
Influencer Sarah Cheung's beauty brand, Sacheu, filled a simple yet important need in the beauty world: its gua sha and facial roller tools are made out of anti-bacterial stainless steel, making them that much more acne- and skin-safe.
Gua Sha - Stainless Steel, US$35 (S$48), Sacheu
Like everyone else on the internet, we can't get enough of EM Cosmetics, Michelle Phan's innovative beauty brand. The makeup aesthetic leans towards everyday wearable, with serum blushes you can tap on your cheeks, super precise eyebrow gels, and moisturizing mascara.
Color Drops Serum Blush, US$25 (S$34), EM Cosmetics
Inspired by Indonesian herbal medicine, Juara makes some of the most decadent and skin-soothing body creams and exfoliators.
Candlenut Body Creme, S$54, Juara
A version of this article first appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US