Our Roots, Our Resilience
Our story began in the winter of 1967, when my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Moon, arrived in Toronto from South Korea with little more than hope, determination, and a strong belief in Korean beauty. Inspired by the growing beauty industry back home, they started a small business importing Korean beauty essentials, confident that quality products and honest values would resonate here too.
The early years were tough. Our first shop was in Cabbagetown, an area with very few Korean customers, and demand was slow. Still, my parents stayed committed to what they believed mattered most: hard work, honesty, and fair value. In my opinion, consistency is what carried them through when profits were uncertain.
Over time, their dedication paid off. As more people discovered the quality and affordability of Korean beauty products, word spread. Eventually, the business grew strong enough to move to Yonge and Bloor, right in the heart of Toronto’s retail scene. That moment marked a real turning point for our family.
Today, more than 56 years later, Cosmetic World continues to grow while staying true to the same principles it was founded on. What started as a small immigrant dream has become a trusted beauty destination for the wider community, not just Korean customers. I believe our longevity comes down to one simple philosophy: work hard, offer real value, and earn trust every day.
Our White Tiger, Our Promise
Cosmetic World was founded in 1967 on the belief that quality and honesty should always come first. Our white tiger mascot, inspired by Baekho, the guardian tiger in Korean culture, represents that promise. Strong yet approachable, it reminds us to protect what matters most: the trust our customers place in us. From our roots to today, we continue to curate Korean beauty with care, expertise, and pride. Cosmetic World is, and always will be, beauty protected by trust.