BEAUTY & TIPS

Is K-Beauty in India Overhyped? Why It’s Trending and If You Should Try It

The Rise of K-Beauty in India: A Game-Changer or Just Another Trend?

Introduction

Over the past few years, K-Beauty (Korean Beauty) has taken the Indian skincare industry by storm. Korean skincare, featuring 10-step skincare routines and innovative products such as BB creams, snail mucin serums, sheet masks, and glass skin trends, has captivated Indian consumers. The influence of K-dramas, K-pop, and social media trends has further fueled this obsession, making Korean beauty brands some of the most sought-after in the Indian market.

But the question remains: Is K-Beauty truly revolutionary, or is it just another beauty trend?

How Korean Skincare Brands Have Entered the Indian Beauty Market

1. The Rise of K-Beauty in India

K-Beauty’s popularity in India can be traced back to the global boom of Korean culture. With the Hallyu wave (Korean Wave) influencing fashion, music, and entertainment, the beauty industry also found its way into the hearts of Indian consumers.

A few key factors that contributed to this are:

  • Social Media & Influencers: Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok significantly educated Indians about Korean skincare. Beauty influencers and bloggers promoted and reviewed trendy K-beauty products, making them more desirable.

  • K-Dramas & K-Pop: Popular K-dramas like Crash Landing on You and The King: Eternal Monarch showcased flawless, dewy skin, setting new beauty standards in India. Fans started looking for ways to achieve “glass skin,” a term popularized by K-beauty.

  • Globalization of E-commerce: Websites like Nykaa, Amazon, and Myntra have made it easier for Indian consumers to access authentic K-beauty products without relying on international shipping.

2. Entry of Korean Brands in India

Recognizing the massive demand, several Korean brands officially entered the Indian beauty space. Some of the most popular K-beauty brands now available in India include:

  • Innisfree – One of the first Korean brands to enter India, known for its natural, eco-friendly skincare.
  • Laneige – Famous for its cult-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask and Water Sleeping Mask.
  • Etude House – Offers affordable Korean cosmetics and skincare.
  • Cosrx – Known for its Snail Mucin Essence and Acne Pimple Master Patch.
  • The Face Shop – A widely popular K-Beauty brand in India, selling sheet masks, cleansers, and serums.
  • Some By Mi – Gained popularity for its AHA BHA PHA Miracle Toner, targeted at acne-prone skin.

Major Indian e-commerce platforms and beauty retailers collaborated with these brands, making their products readily available. Exclusive launches, discounts, and influencer promotions helped skyrocket their sales in India.

The Debate: Is the Hype Real or Just a Passing Trend?

While K-Beauty has undoubtedly reshaped the Indian skincare industry, many wonder if the craze is overhyped. Here’s a breakdown of both sides of the argument:

1. Why K-Beauty Is Worth the Hype

Innovative Formulations – Korean skincare products focus on hydration, skin barrier repair, and gentle ingredients, making them effective for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Ingredient-Focused Approach – Many Korean skincare products feature unique, scientifically backed ingredients like snail mucin, centella asiatica, propolis, and fermented extracts that provide real benefits.

Affordable Luxury – Unlike high-end Western brands, K-Beauty offers premium-quality skincare at relatively affordable prices.

Holistic Skincare Philosophy – Unlike Indian beauty traditions that focus more on instant fixes, Korean skincare promotes consistent, long-term skincare habits for healthy skin.

Customization – K-Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. The variety of products caters to skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, and anti-aging.

2. Why Some Say K-Beauty Is Overhyped

Not Always Suitable for the Indian Climate – Many Korean skincare products focus on layering multiple products, which may not be ideal for India’s hot and humid climate. Heavy products can feel greasy and lead to breakouts.

Marketing Gimmicks? – Some experts argue that K-Beauty thrives on trendy, aesthetic packaging rather than groundbreaking formulations. Some viral products fail to deliver real results.

Expensive for Daily Use – While some K-Beauty brands are affordable, others come with steep price tags, making them inaccessible for many Indians.

Indian Skincare Is Equally Effective – Many Indian skincare brands, like Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm, and Minimalist, offer science-backed formulations at lower prices. Some people feel local brands provide similar results without the international hype.

Final Verdict: Overhyped or Worth It?

The K-Beauty trend in India isn’t just hype—it has revolutionized skincare awareness, encouraging Indians to adopt better skincare habits. However, it’s also important to recognize that not all Korean products suit Indian skin types or climate conditions.

Instead of unthinkingly following the K-Beauty trend, the smarter approach is to:

🔹 Choose products based on your skin’s needs rather than trends.
🔹 Mix and match – Combine K-Beauty with Indian skincare for a balanced routine.
🔹 Be mindful of marketing gimmicks – Not every K-Beauty product will work for you.

Ultimately, K-Beauty is not a magical solution but has its merits. Whether it stays or fades away as just another beauty fad depends on how well it adapts to Indian skincare needs.

Why K-Beauty Became Popular in India

The Appeal of Flawless, Glass Skin Ideas

One of the biggest reasons behind the K-Beauty boom in India is the obsession with flawless, “glass skin.” This term, popularized by Korean skincare, refers to ultra-hydrated, poreless, dewy skin that appears smooth, radiant, and translucent—almost like glass.

For years, Indian beauty standards were largely influenced by fairness creams and quick fixes, but K-Beauty introduced a new concept: healthy skin over just skin tone. Instead of focusing on whitening, K-Beauty promotes hydration, nourishment, and repair, making it appealing to a broader audience.

The 10-step Korean skincare routine became a viral sensation, emphasizing:

Indian consumers, fascinated by the idea of achieving naturally radiant skin, turned to K-beauty products, hoping to replicate the dewy, youthful glow seen in Korean celebrities.

Influence of K-Pop, K-Dramas, and Social Media Trends

The Hallyu Wave (Korean Wave) played a massive role in making K-Beauty a household name in India. With the rise of K-pop groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and TWICE, along with K-dramas like Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, and True Beauty, Indian fans were introduced to flawless, glowing skin as a beauty standard.

K-pop Idols & Skincare Influence

  • Many K-pop idols openly discuss their skincare routines, making fans eager to try the same products.
  • Celebrities like Jungkook (BTS), Jisoo (BLACKPINK), and Cha Eun-woo are admired for their glass-like, smooth skin, leading to a surge in interest in Korean skincare brands.

K-Beauty’s Influence on Indian Skincare Trends

K-Dramas Showcasing Perfect Skin

K-dramas not only deliver captivating storylines but also set beauty trends.

Female leads like Son Ye-jin, Kim Go-eun, and Park Min-young are often seen using toners, sheet masks, and essences, making these products aspirational for viewers. Their flawless, dewy skin has set new beauty standards, encouraging fans to incorporate K-Beauty products into their own routines.

Social Media & Influencer Marketing

Social media has played a crucial role in K-Beauty’s popularity in India.

  • Beauty influencers on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok started reviewing popular K-Beauty products, leading to viral trends.
  • Hashtags like #GlassSkin, #KBeautyIndia, and #DewyGlow became a rage, with influencers sharing before-and-after results using K-Beauty products.
  • Countless skincare challenges, product reviews, and tutorial videos made it easy for Indian consumers to explore and experiment with Korean skincare.

Combining celebrity endorsements, social media trends, and the aspirational appeal of Korean beauty standards made K-Beauty an instant success in India.

Unique Formulations Like Snail Mucin, Fermented Skincare, and 10-Step Routines

Unlike traditional Indian skincare, which focuses heavily on herbal and Ayurvedic remedies, K-Beauty introduced scientifically backed, innovative ingredients that piqued curiosity.

1. Snail Mucin

Snail mucin became one of India’s most talked-about K-Beauty ingredients due to its skin-repairing, anti-aging, and hydration properties. Brands like COSRX and Mizon popularized snail mucin serums and creams, claiming to help:

Fade acne scars and hyperpigmentation
Provide deep hydration without feeling heavy
Improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines

Indian skincare enthusiasts eagerly experimented with this ingredient, leading to massive sales spikes.

2. Fermented Skincare

Korean skincare emphasizes fermentation technology, using ingredients like:

  • Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate – Found in Missha Time Revolution Essence, it helps brighten and smoothen the skin.
  • Propolis & Kombucha – Naturally rich in antioxidants, helping with anti-aging and skin repair.

These fermented extracts promise deep penetration, faster skin renewal, and a youthful glow, making them extremely popular in India.

3. The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine

While Indian skincare traditionally focuses on 2-3 steps (cleanse, moisturize, and occasionally mask), K-Beauty introduced a multi-step approach for long-term results.

A typical 10-step routine includes:

1️⃣ Oil CleanserRemoves makeup and excess oil.
2️⃣ Foam Cleanser – Deep cleans pores.
3️⃣ ExfoliationChemical or physical exfoliation for brighter skin.
4️⃣ Toner – Prepares the skin for better absorption.
5️⃣ Essence – A lightweight hydrating product.
6️⃣ Serum/Ampoule – Targets specific concerns like acne or aging.
7️⃣ Sheet Mask – Provides extra nourishment.
8️⃣ Eye Cream – Reduces dark circles and fine lines.
9️⃣ Moisturizer – Locks in hydration.
🔟 Sunscreen – Protects from UV damage.

While not everyone follows all 10 steps daily, Indians adapted and simplified the routine to suit their climate and skin needs, making hydration layering a new norm.

The Benefits of K-Beauty Skincare

Innovative Ingredients – Centella Asiatica, Ginseng, and Rice Water

One of the biggest reasons K-Beauty has gained worldwide recognition is its use of innovative, natural, and scientifically proven ingredients. Unlike many Western skincare brands that rely heavily on synthetic compounds, K-Beauty incorporates traditional herbal extracts that have been used for centuries.

1. Centella Asiatica—The Ultimate Skin Soother

Centella Asiatica, also known as Cica or Gotu Kola, is a powerful medicinal herb with exceptional healing and anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient has become a holy grail in K-beauty, especially for people with acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Benefits of Centella Asiatica in K-Beauty Skincare:

Calms redness and irritation – Perfect for sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne-prone skin.
Boosts collagen production – Helps with wound healing and skin repair.
Rich in antioxidants – Protects against pollution and environmental stressors.
Deep hydration – Keeps skin plump, soft, and nourished.

2. Ginseng—The Age-Defying Secret

Ginseng is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that has been a staple in Korean skincare for centuries. Known for its revitalizing properties, ginseng helps to rejuvenate dull, tired skin and improve elasticity.

Benefits of Ginseng in K-Beauty Skincare:

Boosts circulation – Gives skin a natural, healthy glow.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles – Stimulates collagen production for firmer skin.
Brightens and evens skin toneReduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Fights oxidative stress – Protects skin from premature aging.

3. Rice Water—The Korean Brightening Secret

Rice water has been used in Asian beauty traditions for centuries, and K-Beauty has perfected its use in modern skincare formulations.

Benefits of Rice Water in K-Beauty Skincare:

Brightens and evens skin tone – Reduces dullness and dark spots.
Improves skin barrier – Strengthens moisture retention and hydration.
Soothes inflammation – Helps with acne, sensitivity, and sun damage.
Naturally rich in vitamins – Contains B vitamins and amino acids for overall skin health.

Gentle, Skin-Friendly Formulations—Perfect for Sensitive Skin

Unlike many Western skincare brands that use harsh chemicals, alcohol, and artificial fragrances, K-Beauty is formulated with a skin-first approach. Korean skincare is known for being gentle, non-irritating, and effective, making it ideal for sensitive skin types.

Why K-Beauty Works for Sensitive Skin:

Minimalistic yet powerful formulas – Uses ingredients that nourish the skin barrier rather than stripping it.
No harsh sulfates or parabens – Most K-Beauty brands focus on clean beauty formulations.
Hydration-based approach – Instead of drying out the skin, K-Beauty products emphasize moisture retention to keep the skin calm and healthy.

Affordable Yet High-Quality Skincare Options

One of the biggest myths about skincare is that expensive means better. K-Beauty breaks this stereotype by offering high-quality formulations at reasonable prices. Unlike luxury Western brands, which can cost a fortune, many K-Beauty products provide affordable alternatives without compromising on quality.

Why K-Beauty Is Cost-Effective:

💰 Innovative yet budget-friendly – Korean brands invest in scientific research and formulation, making their products both effective and reasonably priced.
💰 Multi-functional products – Many K-Beauty products combine multiple skincare benefits, reducing the need for excessive products.
💰 Long-lasting formulations – A little goes a long way, making K-Beauty products a smart investment.

Is the K-Beauty Craze Overhyped?

The 10-Step Skincare Myth—Is It Really Necessary?

The 10-step Korean skincare routine is one of the most talked-about trends in the beauty industry. It promises glowing, flawless skin by following a detailed regimen that includes cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and targeted treatments. However, a major debate exists—is this routine truly necessary, or is it just an overcomplicated marketing strategy?

Indian Skincare Routines Are Traditionally Minimalist and Effective

Indian skincare has always been simple yet highly effective, relying on natural ingredients, Ayurvedic remedies, and minimalistic steps. Unlike Korean skincare, which promotes layering multiple products, traditional Indian skincare focuses on a few key steps that nourish, protect, and heal the skin.

Traditional Indian Skincare Principles Include:

Cleansing with natural ingredients like besan (gram flour), Multani mitti (fuller’s earth), and raw milk.
Hydration with lightweight oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, and rose water.
Exfoliation using natural scrubs like turmeric, sandalwood, and rice flour.
Sun protection with herbal formulations like aloe vera and saffron-infused creams.

For centuries, Indian women have maintained radiant skin with minimal steps, proving that a complex routine isn’t always necessary.

Do Indian Consumers Need Multi-Layer Skincare, or Is It Overcomplicated?

The 10-Step K-Beauty Routine Includes:

1️⃣ Oil Cleanser – Removes makeup and excess oil.
2️⃣ Foam Cleanser – Deep cleans pores.
3️⃣ Exfoliator – Removes dead skin cells.
4️⃣ Toner – Prepares the skin for better absorption.
5️⃣ Essence – Provides deep hydration.
6️⃣ Serum/Ampoule – Targets skin concerns like acne or pigmentation.
7️⃣ Sheet Mask – Delivers extra hydration and nutrients.
8️⃣ Eye CreamReduces dark circles and puffiness.
9️⃣ Moisturizer – Seals in hydration.
🔟 Sunscreen – Protects against UV damage.

While each step has its benefits, do Indian consumers really need to follow all 10 steps? The answer depends on individual skin types and lifestyles.

Why the 10-Step Routine Might Be Overhyped for Indian Consumers

🚫 Not Suitable for Hot, Humid Climates – Layering too many products can make the skin feel greasy and suffocated, leading to breakouts in India’s tropical weather.
🚫 Time-Consuming and High Maintenance – Following 10 steps every day is not practical for people with busy schedules. A simpler routine can deliver similar results.
🚫 Expensive & Unnecessary – Many Indian consumers find that spending on multiple serums, essences, and sheet masks is unnecessary when a good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen can do the job.
🚫 Risk of Overloading the Skin – Too many layers can cause product buildup, clogged pores, and irritation, especially for oily and sensitive skin types.

A Balanced Approach: Adapting K-Beauty to Indian Skincare

Instead of blindly following all 10 steps, Indian consumers can customize the routine to suit their skin type and climate.

✅ Morning Routine (3-4 Steps)

🔹 Gentle Cleanser
🔹 Lightweight Moisturizer
🔹 Sunscreen (must-have!)
🔹 Optional: Serum for specific concerns (like Vitamin C for brightening)

✅ Night Routine (4-5 Steps)

🔹 Double cleanse (oil cleanser + foam cleanser) if wearing makeup.
🔹 Hydrating toner or essence for extra nourishment.
🔹 Treatment serum (for acne, pigmentation, or anti-aging).
🔹 Moisturizer or sleeping mask to lock in hydration.

Do K-Beauty Products Suit Indian Skin Types & Climate?

The K-Beauty trend has taken over the Indian skincare market, with brands promoting their hydrating, multi-layered routines and innovative ingredients. But an important question remains—are these products actually suitable for Indian skin types and climate?

Indian Weather Is Humid and Tropical, Requiring Lighter Formulations

India’s climate varies from humid and tropical in coastal regions to hot and dry in central and northern areas. This means that heavy, occlusive skincare products may not always work well for Indian skin.

Key Challenges of Indian Climate for Skincare:

☀️ High humidity (especially in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata) – Thick, heavy creams can make the skin feel sticky, greasy, and prone to breakouts.

🔥 Extreme heat (North & Central India) – Excessive sweating can clog pores, making lightweight, breathable products a must.

❄️ Cold, dry winters (North India) – In colder months, extra hydration is needed, but not at the cost of heavy, pore-clogging formulations.

🌫 Pollution & Dust (Metro Cities) – Indian skin is constantly exposed to air pollution, dust, and dirt, which means anti-pollution and deep-cleansing skincare is essential.

Do K-Beauty Products Address These Issues?

Yes, Some K-Beauty Products Are Lightweight & Hydrating

Many K-Beauty brands focus on hydrating yet lightweight formulations that don’t feel heavy on the skin.

  • Water-based gel moisturizers (like Laneige Water Bank Cream) suit oily and combination skin in humid climates.
  • Essences and serums (like Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum) provide hydration without heaviness.

🚫 No, Some K-Beauty Products Are Too Heavy for Indian Skin

Korean winters are harsh and dry, so many K-Beauty products are designed to lock in moisture, which can be too much for Indian skin in hot weather.

  • Thick creams and sleeping masks may be too occlusive for oily skin.
  • Layering too many products (like toners, essences, serums, and creams) can feel greasy and clog pores.

Are K-Beauty Products Designed for Korean Skin Types Rather Than Indian Skin?

Korean skincare is designed primarily for Korean skin, which is different from Indian skin in many ways:

1. Indian Skin Produces More Melanin Than Korean Skin

2. Indian Skin Is More Prone to Acne & Oiliness

  • Due to humidity and pollution, Indian skin tends to get oily and acne-prone.
  • Some K-Beauty products use occlusive ingredients like shea butter and ceramides, which can clog pores for oily Indian skin.

3. Indian Consumers Need Stronger Sunscreen Formulations

  • Indian sun exposure is far more intense than in Korea.
  • Many Korean sunscreens are too mild (SPF 30-40) and don’t provide enough protection against harsh Indian UV rays.

The Future of K-Beauty in India—Will It Last?

K-Beauty has made a huge impact on the Indian skincare industry, introducing concepts like hydration layering, glass skin, and innovative ingredients like snail mucin and Centella Asiatica. However, as the Indian beauty market evolves, homegrown brands are rising, offering Ayurvedic, science-backed, and budget-friendly alternatives.

This raises an important question: Will K-Beauty remain a dominant force in India, or will it fade into a niche market?

The Rise of Indian Beauty Brands with Natural, Ayurvedic Formulations

Indian consumers are increasingly looking for skincare products that combine science with tradition. This has led to a boom in local beauty brands that focus on Ayurveda, herbal ingredients, and modern skincare formulations.

Why Indian Brands Are Gaining Popularity:

Ayurvedic & Herbal Ingredients – Indian brands use powerful natural extracts like saffron, turmeric, neem, and ashwagandha, which have been trusted for centuries.

Affordable Pricing – Compared to imported K-beauty brands, Indian skincare brands offer similar or better quality at lower prices.

Suits Indian Skin & Climate – Local brands focus on oily, acne-prone, and pigmented Indian skin, rather than Korean skincare, which is designed for cold, dry weather.

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Many Indian beauty brands emphasize vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable packaging, appealing to modern consumers.

Shift Towards Homegrown Skincare Solutions Inspired by K-Beauty

Rather than replacing K-Beauty, many Indian brands are adopting K-Beauty techniques and integrating them into local skincare traditions.

How Indian Skincare is Adopting K-Beauty Trends:

🔹 Hydration Layering – Inspired by K-Beauty’s essence + serum + moisturizer approach, Indian brands now promote layered hydration.

🔹 Fermented Ingredients – Inspired by Korean rice water and probiotics, Indian brands are incorporating fermented herbs into skincare.

🔹 Sheet Masks & Sleeping Masks – Originally a K-beauty trend, Indian brands now make herbal and Ayurvedic sheet masks.

🔹 Sunscreen Revolution – K-Beauty emphasized daily SPF use, leading to better sunscreen awareness in India.

Instead of blindly following K-Beauty’s 10-step routine, Indian consumers now adapt these concepts to suit their skin without excessive layering.

Will K-Beauty Remain a Niche Market or Integrate into Indian Beauty Culture?

Possible Scenarios for the Future of K-Beauty in India:

1️⃣ K-Beauty Becomes a Luxury Niche Market 💎

  • K-Beauty brands will remain popular among skincare enthusiasts but may not be mainstream due to high pricing and limited accessibility.
  • Indian consumers will use select K-Beauty products, like essences and serums, but rely on local brands for daily skincare.

2️⃣ K-Beauty and Indian Skincare Merge into a Hybrid Trend 🌿💧

  • Indian brands will continue adopting K-Beauty innovations, such as hydration-based skincare and lightweight formulations.
  • Affordable K-beauty-inspired products will become the norm, with brands mixing Ayurveda and modern Korean techniques.

3️⃣ K-Beauty Fades as Indian Brands Dominate 🚀

  • As homegrown brands improve their formulations, Indian consumers may shift completely to local skincare.
  • Pricing and availability issues could make K-Beauty less practical for long-term use in India.

Conclusion

The K-Beauty craze in India has undeniably changed the way people approach skincare. From hydration-focused routines to innovative ingredients like snail mucin and Centella Asiatica, K-Beauty introduced new skincare philosophies that challenged traditional Indian skincare habits. But the big question remains—is K-Beauty truly revolutionary, or is it just a well-executed marketing trend?

The answer lies somewhere in between. While K-Beauty has genuine benefits, such as gentle formulations, advanced hydration techniques, and effective sun protection, it is also heavily marketed, often making Indian consumers believe they need 10+ skincare steps to achieve perfect skin. In reality, skincare should be about what works for your skin type, not just following trends.

Skincare Beyond Trends—Finding What Works for You

Instead of blindly following hyped beauty trends, the best approach is to understand your skin’s needs and choose products accordingly. Whether it’s K-Beauty, Ayurvedic skincare, or minimalistic Indian skincare, the right routine is the one that suits your skin, lifestyle, and climate.

If you have dry skin, hydrating K-Beauty products like essences and ceramide creams may work well.

If you have oily skin, lightweight, water-based products from Indian brands like Minimalist or Dot & Key can be better suited.

If you want anti-aging solutions, K-Beauty’s fermented ingredients and ginseng-infused products can be helpful.

If you have pigmentation issues, Indian skincare brands offer potent Vitamin C and Kojic Acid formulations that may work better.

At the end of the day, skincare is personal—it’s about understanding what works for your unique skin rather than following trends blindly. Whether you choose K-Beauty, Indian brands, or a mix of both, the goal should always be healthy, well-nourished skin.

FAQ

1. Is K-Beauty suitable for Indian skin?

Yes and no. Some K-Beauty products, especially lightweight serums, essences, and sunscreens, work well for Indian skin. However, thick creams, heavy layering, and occlusive products may not be ideal for India’s hot and humid climate.

2. Are K-Beauty products worth the high price in India?

Not always. Many Indian brands offer similar formulations at lower prices. While K-Beauty products are well-formulated, import duties make them more expensive than they actually are.

3. Do I need a 10-step skincare routine for healthy skin?

No! The 10-step routine is a marketing concept, not a necessity. A simple 3-4 step routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen) is sufficient for most skin types.

4. Are there Indian skincare brands that offer the same benefits as K-Beauty?

Yes! Brands like Minimalist, Dr. Sheth’s, Dot & Key, and Earth Rhythm provide hydration-based, science-backed skincare similar to K-Beauty but formulated for Indian skin needs.

5. Will K-Beauty continue to be popular in India?

K-Beauty will likely remain a niche market, but Indian brands are rapidly growing by incorporating Ayurvedic and modern skincare innovations, making them more accessible and practical for Indian consumers.

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