Your favorite K-Beauty faves might just get pricier—here’s why your skincare haul could cost more soon.

If Korean sheet masks, serums, or the latest trending toner have become part of your daily beauty routine, there’s a shake-up happening that you need to know about. The U.S. government has ended the de minimis exemption. So what is that, exactly? It’s a rule that once allowed low-value imports (like beauty products) to enter the country duty-free, so now you might get charged extra fees and higher prices for the K-Beauty products that you love (NBC News).

According to the US International Trade Commission, U.S. imports brought in an estimated $1.7 billion K-beauty products in 2024. That’s more than a 50% increase from the previous year. Shipments under $800 didn’t have to pay customs fees, making it easy for small businesses (and everyday shoppers) to get international goodies without breaking the bank. Now that that little safety net is gone, importing products from Korea, or practically anywhere else, can hit you right in the wallet with some unexpected extra costs.

This isn’t just a small bump in price. As retailers and online stores scramble to try to figure out how to adjust, it could translate into scoring fewer deals, getting significant, higher markups, or having slower shipping before things settle down. And speaking of shipping, carriers are also working out how to follow the new rules, which could lead to delays and additional fees when your skincare orders cross the ocean.

For K-beauty fans, this is a reminder that global trade policies affect the little things we love. Your beloved sheet masks, cleansers, and serums may soon cost more or take longer to arrive. So if you’ve been eyeing something special, now might be the time to grab it before prices go up.

Photo by Ashley Piszek/Unsplash