How Amorepacific Developed the Cushion Compact
The cushion compact — a sponge soaked in liquid foundation or sunscreen, dispensed by pressing an applicator puff against it — is one of the few K-beauty formats whose development is clearly attributable to a single company. It is widely credited to Korean cosmetics group Amorepacific.
The core idea
The cushion replaced traditional compact pressed powder or separately-bottled liquid foundation with an impregnated sponge housed in a portable compact, paired with an air-cushion puff. This let users apply liquid base makeup (often with SPF and skincare benefits) quickly and on the go, with built-in sun protection a key selling point in a market that prizes sun care.
Amorepacific and IOPE
Amorepacific is widely reported to have developed the format and brought it to market through its brands in the mid-to-late 2000s, with IOPE among the brands associated with the early commercial launch. The product is frequently described as having been inspired by the goal of reapplying makeup and sunscreen conveniently throughout the day.
Industry-wide adoption
After strong domestic success, the cushion format spread across Korean brands and was eventually adopted by global Western cosmetics houses, who launched their own cushion products. Amorepacific has publicly emphasized its patents around the technology, and the format's spread later prompted disputes over intellectual property in the industry.
- The cushion compact is widely credited to Korean company Amorepacific.
- IOPE is among the brands associated with the early launch in the mid-to-late 2000s.
- The format combines liquid foundation/sunscreen with a sponge and air-cushion puff.
- Global Western brands later adopted the cushion format.
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General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.