UNAH perfume sparks backlash for “tinted perfume” aimed at K-Pop idol knees
Korean scent brand UNAH is facing controversy for launching a new “tinted perfume” that adds color as well as scent to body parts like knees and elbows.
The brand marketed the product as a way to achieve the “K-Pop idol aesthetic” by giving users blushed elbows and knees — a look idols sometimes wear in photoshoots. The UNAH Instagram post showed pale legs with peach-tinted knees, promoting it as perfume plus color: “Just like idols get makeup applied to their knees and elbows before a shoot, now all you need is a spritz of UNAH.”
Price is set at ₩93,000 KRW (about $67.80 USD) for 50ml, with four scents named TIN, JACKY, VERO, and MOMO.
The concept immediately caught heat from Korean netizens slamming the brand for pushing unrealistic beauty standards. Comments included:
“What’s even the point of making something like this? You want women to start spraying perfume on their knees and elbows now…?”
“How did UNAH perfume end up going in this direction concept-wise? It used to be a brand that offered nice scents at reasonable prices…”
More critical voices called the idea “fcking Lolita” and “unnecessary”*, with some blaming “a man’s idea.”
UNAH responded to the backlash with a statement:
“At UNAH, we developed a perfume that leaves traces of color, and we put a lot of thought into how it could be used in everyday life. We considered various uses beyond fragrance, such as keyrings and clothing customization… This is just one suggestion—our brand never intended to imply or reinforce any specific standards or concepts that might cause concern… We’ll be more careful moving forward to ensure our intentions aren’t misunderstood.”
Despite the defense, many remain unimpressed, calling the trend another forced and confusing beauty standard.
Would you try tinting your knees with perfume?
