THE WHAT? South Korean beauty tech company APR has become Asia’s most valuable beauty company by market capitalization, surpassing regional rivals including Amorepacific, LG Household & Health Care, Shiseido and Proya Cosmetics.
THE DETAILS APR ended April with a market capitalization of approximately KRW16 trillion (US$10.9 billion), compared to around KRW8 trillion for Amorepacific and KRW4 trillion for LG Household & Health Care. The company is now ranked as the world’s third-largest pure-play beauty company behind L’Oréal and The Estée Lauder Companies. APR’s share price has risen more than 80% this year, supported by strong overseas demand. International revenue surpassed domestic sales for the first time in 2024 and more than tripled in 2025 to KRW1.23 trillion, accounting for over 80% of total revenue. The US market has been a key growth driver, with sales increasing nearly eightfold between 2023 and 2025. APR is also expanding across Europe through Sephora in 17 countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The company was recently named to TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential companies of 2026.
THE WHY? The growth highlights rising global demand for K-beauty brands and demonstrates how international expansion and beauty-tech innovation are reshaping the competitive landscape in the global cosmetics industry.
Source: Korea Herald
