Daiso Korea’s Beauty Revolution: Top Budget K-Beauty Picks & In-House Brands Like Sigmoolwon
Stella's Meta Description: Daiso Korea is redefining budget beauty in 2025. Discover viral skincare and makeup under $5, including top products from in-house brands like Sigmoolwon, Drop B, and Play 101.
Introduction: How Daiso Became a K-Beauty Powerhouse
What comes to mind when you think of Daiso? Probably stationery, laundry clips, and cute storage bins. But in 2025, Daiso Korea is shaking things up — not in home goods, but in K-beauty. Step into any larger Daiso branch in Korea, and you’ll find dedicated beauty zones, viral TikTok products, and in-house brands that rival established Korean cosmetic lines — all for ₩5,000 or less.With the rise of Sigmoolwon, Drop B, and Play 101, Daiso Korea is more than just a bargain store — it’s fast becoming a budget beauty empire.
Why Daiso Korea Beauty Is Booming in 2025
Quality Meets Affordability
Daiso beauty products are manufactured by reputable Korean OEMs who also make cosmetics for high-end K-beauty labels. Many formulas are similar to mainstream products, with less luxurious packaging but equally effective results.Social Media-Driven Demand
Beauty influencers across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram regularly post about ₩10,000 full-face challenges, and it’s not unusual for Daiso beauty items to sell out after one viral video. Hashtags like #다이소뷰티 (#DaisoBeauty) and #다이소화장품 (#DaisoCosmetics) are everywhere.Evolving In-House Brands
Daiso isn’t just selling third-party items. With brands like Sigmoolwon (식물원), Drop B, and Play 101, it’s building an ecosystem of skincare and makeup that’s tailored to Korean beauty trends, and impressively, dermatologically aware.Inside Daiso Korea's In-House Beauty Brands
Sigmoolwon (식물원): Botanical Skincare for Sensitive Skin
Launched as Daiso’s signature clean skincare line, Sigmoolwon — meaning “Botanical Garden” — focuses on plant-derived ingredients, minimal irritation, and low-cost accessibility. With simple, muted packaging and a gentle philosophy, it appeals to both teens and ingredient-conscious skincare fans.Best Sigmoolwon Products:
- Cica Toner (₩3,000): Soothes redness and balances skin with Centella Asiatica
- Aloe Vera Gel (₩2,000): Multi-use hydrator with 95% aloe extract
- Green Tea Foam Cleanser (₩3,000): Gentle but effective cleansing for oily skin
- Hand Creams (₩1,000): Scents like bamboo, calendula, and white musk
- Sheet Masks (₩1,000): Mugwort, rice, tea tree, and aloe variants with great fit and hydration
Drop B: Clinical Skincare Without the Price Tag
Drop B is Daiso’s derma-style skincare line, targeting acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin types. Inspired by cosmeceutical brands like Manyo Factory and Some By Mi, Drop B delivers ingredient-focused solutions with modern, scientific branding — all under ₩5,000.Best Drop B Products:
- Blemish Calming Serum (₩3,000): Salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree
- Soothing Ampoule Toner (₩3,000): Ideal for post-acne recovery
- Pore Care Pads (₩3,000): Pre-soaked toner pads for sebum control
- SOS Spot Patch (₩2,000): Transparent, ultra-thin hydrocolloid patches that stay put
- Why It’s Popular:
Play 101: Everyday Color Cosmetics for K-Beauty Looks
If Sigmoolwon is for skin and Drop B is for treatment, then Play 101 is all about color and fun. This in-house makeup line focuses on playful but wearable shades and intuitive packaging perfect for makeup newbies and minimalists.Packaging Note: Not to be confused with Etude’s “Play 101” collection (which has ended), Daiso’s Play 101 is a completely separate line, unique to Daiso Korea.
Best Play 101 Products:
- Water Tint (₩2,000): Lightweight gradient lip color in juicy shades
- Powder Blush (₩2,000): Matte and shimmer finishes, ideal for layering
- Auto Eyebrow Pencil (₩1,000): Comes with a spoolie for natural blending
- Eyeshadow Singles (₩2,000): Great color payoff with low fallout
- Cushion Puff Compact (₩2,000): Seamless base makeup application tool
Other Viral Daiso Beauty Items You Can’t Miss
Daiso’s collaborations and limited-edition items deserve a category of their own. These products may not fall under a specific brand but have gone viral due to performance, packaging, or influencer buzz.Cell Fusion C Dermablock Sun Cream (Daiso Exclusive)
# Price: ₩3,000–₩5,000# Why It’s Special: Made by Cell Fusion C’s parent company for Daiso only
# SPF50+ PA++++, lightweight and fragrance-free
Daiso Jelly Lip Tint
# Price: ₩2,000# Texture: Gel-like, non-sticky, and ideal for gradient lips
# Colors: Coral Jam, Rose Fig, Strawberry Milk
# Comparable To: Peripera Ink Tint
✨ Glitter Eyeshadow Pots
# Price: ₩2,000# Why You’ll Love It: High shimmer payoff, ideal for aegyosal
# Colors: Champagne Beam, Rose Star, Honey Flash
Mini Perfume Roll-Ons
# Price: ₩3,000# Scents: White Musk, Baby Powder, Peach Soap
# Longevity: Surprisingly long for the price point
Where to Shop Daiso Beauty in Korea
If you're in Seoul, don’t miss these top-tier Daiso locations known for their expanded beauty sections:- Daiso Myeongdong Flagship: Best for tourists and full ranges
- Daiso Gangnam Station: Great stock of new drops
- Daiso Hongdae Youth Street: Trend-driven crowd = fresh products
- Daiso Dongdaemun: Perfect for late-night K-beauty hauls
Tips for Navigating Daiso’s Beauty Aisles
# Go Early: Viral items sell out quickly# Check Expiry Dates: Daiso refreshes stock regularly
# Look for Brand Logos: Products will often show “by Cell Fusion C” or “OEM by Cosmax”
# Try Before You Judge: Many Daiso products outperform expectations despite simple packaging
Final Thoughts: Daiso’s K-Beauty Rebrand Is Real
Daiso Korea is no longer just a discount chain — it’s a rising force in affordable K-beauty innovation. With clean skincare from Sigmoolwon, clinical-inspired care from Drop B, and playful cosmetics from Play 101, there’s something for every type of beauty lover.Whether you're building your first skincare routine or just want to refresh your makeup bag on a budget, Daiso proves that great beauty doesn’t need a big price tag — just good formulation and a smart eye.
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