Itchy Skin Under Masks... Sunscreens and Trouble Care Products Gain Popularity

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] As mask-wearing has become routine due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), products that can alleviate skin troubles are gaining popularity in the sun care product category.

CJ Olive Young announced on the 7th that, based on an analysis of sun care sales from the 30th of last month to the 5th of this month, sales increased by about 81% compared to the same period of the previous month (2nd to 8th). In particular, sales of major mineral sunscreen (mineral sunscreen) products rose by about 132%, exceeding the industry average growth rate.

Mineral sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that forms a thin film on the skin to reflect ultraviolet rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin and break down UV rays, mineral sunscreens contain relatively fewer chemical ingredients and led the sun care market last year.

A representative ingredient is panthenol. Panthenol, a derivative of vitamin B5, has the property of binding moisture, enhancing the skin’s own moisturizing ability, and is known to be effective in soothing the skin. For example, the ‘Botanic Heal Bo Derma Defense Panthenol Sun Cream’ ranked among the top in the category with sales tripling within a month of its launch.

Sun care products containing green tea ingredients are also gaining attention. The ‘Round Around Green Tea Cica Sun Lotion’ ranked among the top 5 in sun care sales in March, with monthly sales increasing more than fivefold compared to the previous year. The naturalism brand Bring Green recently launched the ‘Bring Green Sacheolssuk Calming Sun’ following the popularity of its ‘Sacheolssuk’ line.

An Olive Young official said, “Even in an atmosphere where going out is discouraged and mask-wearing has become routine, sun care sales are increasing due to the stronger spring sunlight. As demand for trouble care caused by mask-wearing expands to sun care, multifunctional products combining mineral sunscreen with skin-soothing ingredients are expected to gain even more attention this year.”