This guide is for retailers and online sellers in the US and UK who want to stock Korean skincare and makeup. It explains the kinds of K-beauty wholesale suppliers, the rules that apply when you sell imported cosmetics, how to check that stock is genuine and in date, and what to ask before you order.
Who sells K-beauty wholesale
| Source | What to expect |
|---|---|
| The brand itself | Many Korean brands run export or global wholesale programs. Clearest paper trail, but minimums and approval requirements can be high. |
| Korean exporters and B2B wholesale sites | Many brands in one order, shipped from Korea. Check who acts as importer, who pays duties, and whether labels meet your country’s rules. |
| US or UK distributors | Stock already in the country, faster delivery and smaller orders, at a higher unit price. Ask which brands they are authorized for. |
| General beauty wholesalers | May carry some Korean brands alongside other products. Ask where they buy them. |
Popular K-beauty products are widely copied, and grey-market stock (genuine goods sold outside the brand’s approved channels) is common. Whoever you buy from, ask how they source each brand and whether they can show it.
Rules for selling imported cosmetics
United States
- The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) added FDA requirements such as facility registration and product listing, and it places duties on the product’s “responsible person”. Ask your supplier who that is for each product they sell you.
- Cosmetic labels must meet FDA labeling rules, including information in English. Products with Korean-only packaging need a compliant English label.
- In the US, sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter drugs, not cosmetics (see the FDA’s sunscreen page). Many popular Korean sunscreens are made for the Korean market and are not sold under US drug rules. Check this before you stock any sunscreen, or any product that claims SPF.
United Kingdom
- Cosmetic products sold in Great Britain must be notified through the government’s Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications service by a Responsible Person based in the UK. If you import directly, that responsibility may fall on you. Ask the supplier whether each product is already notified and who the UK Responsible Person is.
Watch the product claims
In the US, what a product claims to do can change how it is regulated. A product that claims to treat acne, protect from the sun or otherwise affect how the body works may be treated as a drug rather than a cosmetic. Korean packaging and marketing are written for the Korean market, and some claims there would not be acceptable on a US or UK shelf. If you are new to this, start with products that make simple cosmetic claims, such as cleansers, toners, moisturizers and sheet masks, and get advice before stocking anything that makes treatment or SPF claims. Also check how you describe products in your own listings: copying a claim from the box makes it your claim.
How to check stock is genuine and in date
- Batch codes. Every unit should have one. Ask for the batch and manufacture or expiry date before you order.
- Shelf life. Agree a minimum remaining shelf life on arrival. Short-dated stock is hard to sell and may be refused by marketplaces.
- Seals and packaging. Check for intact seals, consistent printing and matching barcodes against the brand’s own product photos.
- Storage and transit. Ask how stock is stored and shipped. Heat can damage creams, serums and sunscreens.
- Invoices. An invoice should show the supplier’s legal name and address, your business details, product descriptions, quantities and date. Amazon may ask for invoices before letting you sell some beauty brands, and it sets the requirements in Seller Central.
Shipping and duties
Agree who handles import paperwork and pays duties and taxes before you order. With DDP (delivered duty paid), the supplier delivers with duties and import taxes paid. With other terms you may receive a separate bill on delivery. Ask who is named as the importer, because that party carries legal responsibilities for the goods.
Questions to ask a K-beauty supplier
- For each brand, do you buy from the brand or an authorized distributor? Can you show it?
- Are the products labeled for the US or UK market, or will they need relabeling?
- Who is the responsible person (US) or UK Responsible Person for these products?
- What is the minimum remaining shelf life on delivery?
- What are your minimum order, lead time and shipping terms?
- What happens if items arrive damaged, short-dated or wrong?
Beauty suppliers in our directory
Our Beauty and Cosmetic category lists general beauty wholesalers. The listings below describe skincare and cosmetics in their range; none of their listings say they specialize in Korean brands, so ask each one which brands they carry.
- Texas International: beauty, skincare, makeup, hair care and personal care products.
- Cosmetix Club: cosmetics, skin care and hair care for the US market.
- AMI Distribution: health and beauty products, home goods and closeout stock.
Checklist
- Decide which market you sell in (US, UK or both) and check the rules above.
- Avoid sunscreens and SPF products for the US unless they are sold under US drug rules.
- Shortlist suppliers and ask how they source each brand.
- Confirm labels, responsible person and notification status.
- Agree shelf life, shipping terms and who pays duties.
- Place a small order and check batch codes, dates and seals on arrival.
