Leveraging Google trends to analyze the global impact of Korean skincare on consumer behavior and dermatology practices

Summary: Abstract Body: The rise of Korean skincare (K-Beauty) has transformed consumer beauty routines and influenced dermatological practices worldwide. Using Google Trends to analyze global search behavior from 2004 to 2025, this study examines the dissemination and impact of K-Beauty trends over the past decade. Data analysis reveals significant growth in search interest for key K-Beauty terms (e.g., "fermented skincare," "glass skin," "snail mucin"), particularly in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The worldwide rise of social media platforms like TikTok, which became the most downloaded app in 2020, has further enhanced global connectedness and culture sharing, enabling the rapid spread of K-Beauty trends and fostering cross-cultural engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when people spent significantly more time on social media, Google Trends data shows a noticeable rise in interest for "glass skin," shifting from a search interest (relative to peak 2025 search popularity) of below 35% to nearly 50% in early 2020. K-Beauty’s innovative concepts, such as fermented ingredients and multi-step regimens, have captured global attention. Fermented ingredients are valued for their enhanced efficacy, while multi-step routines offer customizable approaches to hydration and skin barrier repair. Regional differences highlight diverse consumer priorities, with Western markets favoring anti-aging solutions and Asian markets focusing on barrier repair. Google Trends serves as a valuable resource for dermatologists and industry stakeholders to track emerging trends, understand consumer preferences, and address educational gaps in skincare. Aligning dermatology practices with evolving interests can enhance patient engagement and promote evidence-based regimens. Future studies should incorporate social media analytics and clinical outcomes to further explore the relationship between digital trends and dermatological science. Nicole Buturla¹, Alan Wiggers¹ 1. Cleveland Clinic Akron General Department of Internal Medicine, Akron, OH, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research