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What Are Multi-Balms - The Latest K-Beauty Trend?

Updated: Jan 4, 2023

The Korean Skincare Product Taking the Beauty World by Storm


Chances are, you’ve seen a K-Drama or two, and you might have wondered why the main character was applying a colorful tube on her skin to freshen up. Was she out of blush and had to use her lip balm instead? Most likely the answer is no! She was probably using a multi-balm, the best-selling and biggest trending Korean beauty product of 2022.

What is it about this particular beauty product that’s causing all the hype this year? Continue reading below to find out what multi-balms are, and why they are the latest K-beauty trend.


What Are Multi Balms?

While looking similar to a lip balm, a multi balm is a product used to moisturize the skin to give it a healthy glow. Unlike lip balms, however, the versatile multi balm can be applied all over the face and neck, making it a very useful and practical addition to your makeup bag. A 10-minute makeup routine just switched into a 2-minute one!

What’s more, these adorable little tubes make it easier to avoid touching your face, thus spreading germs all over your skin. Just simply pop open the top of the balm, and voila! You can apply the balm to any areas of the skin that are dry and in need of some immediate hydration.

The purpose of these K-Beauty balms isn’t just to moisturize dry skin, however. These impressive multi-balms can include several beauty and skincare products in one, such as:

  • Makeup (primer, blush, or highlighter)

  • Sunscreen (blocks harmful UV rays from the sun)

  • Serum (reduces dullness, redness, blemishes, or aging)

  • Essences (a water-based skin care product that hydrates, protects, and boosts skin health)

Why They Are So Popular Right Now

What has caused the sudden popularity of the multi-balm? The answer lies in the beloved Korean dramas that have become a worldwide TV favorite. The influence of these addictive and entertaining shows shouldn’t be underestimated; about 18 million Americans watch K-dramas, which is just 5-6 percent of viewers all over the world.

These famous dramas have been introducing the multi-balm not-so-subtly in their programs, with beautiful actresses in the show applying the product liberally to freshen up their faces and necks.

The multi-balm craze has expanded even beyond Korean marketing, with American celebrities like Doja Cat, Ava Max,and Nas X joining in on the K-Beauty trend, promoting them in their music videos and talk show appearances.

With a large amount of influence from celebrities, it’s no wonder the beauty trend has caught on so rapidly. However, how effective are these multi-balms, really?

Do Multi-Balms Deserve All the Hype?

Popular culture is full of beauty fads that come and go, and it’s always a good idea to do some research before investing in a skincare product. It’ll be going on your face, AKA the most skin-sensitive area on your body! Below are some benefits of introducing a multi-balm into your daily skincare routine:

  • Reduces wrinkles and dark spots

  • Decreases acne scars

  • Prevents skin damage from harmful UV rays

  • Instant hydration and moisture after applying

  • Easy beauty product to travel with, from running errands to vacationing

  • Faster makeup routine and simple way to refresh makeup

4 Ways to Use Multi-Balms

Using a multi balm to moisturize your lips might be a more obvious choice. What are some other ways you can implement them in your beauty routine?

1. Apply it like eyebrow gel

This might be a surprising way to apply your multi-balm! While not a gel, stick balms are a great way to keep your brows looking clean and tidy. Simply swipe the balm over your eyebrows whenever they are acting up.


2. Use as a highlighter

Running late for girls’ night out? Rub the multi-balm on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, jawline, or browbone to add some shine to your look.


3. Calm the flyaways

Carrying hairspray and gel can be a pain, and predicting how the weather is going to affect your hair is almost impossible. Avoid this by packing your multi-balm with you! Rub the balm between your hands and apply it to any irritating flyaways you're dealing with.


4. Skin moisturizer

We all get those dry patches and spots on our skin and hands, especially during the colder months. Using your stick balm to moisturize your skin will not only bring you more comfort, but an increase in confidence too!


The Best ODM Multi-Balms Right Now

These multitasking stick balms by COSMAX offer multiple benefits within the product, with the additional option of adding any active ingredients of your choice to create your own formula. In just one tube, the Korean mega-hit item provides solutions to all your skincare and makeup needs.

The all-in-one stick Vitamin C balm contains a pure Vitamin C prescription to reduce dark spots and acne scars. Intended for oily skin, this formulated recipe contains 10% Vitamin C, double capsulation of Vitamin C, and 5% Green Citrus oil to help erase blemishes. Apply under the eyes or in other problem areas.


Ideal for combination skin, Cosmax’s CICA Stick Balm is formulated with Triple CICA (Centella Asiatica) complex to soothe and relieve stressed skin. Ingredients in the balm also include TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica), Madeca, and SSOSIDE to create a non-drying gentle, and targeted acne treatment.


Fight dry and sensitive skin with the Ceramide Stick Balm to keep skin nourished all day long. Active ingredients like 10000 ppm ceramide, sunflower seed oil, and almond oil, help to strengthen and restore the skin's moisture barrier. Just take out these easy-to-carry-around stick balms anytime during the day to maintain healthy and glowing skin all day long!


Upgrade Your Skincare Brand with COSMAX

Why purchase multi-balms from Cosmax? As the number 1 group for Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) beauty and health products, COSMAX products are used by one-quarter of the 7 billion people of the world. We already work with dozens of established beauty brands, including 15 of the world’s top 20 beauty companies.

At COSMAX we use state-of-the-art technology to produce cosmetic products with high-quality ingredients for the health, beauty, and sensibilities of your skin. Combining the science of Korean beauty with modern-day technology, COSMAX curates products for all skincare essentials.



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