Maximizing UV Protection and Application
Targeting the Global Sun Care Market
Korea Kolmar announced on the 24th that it has succeeded in developing the world's first complex sunscreen technology combining inorganic and organic UV filters. Based on this technological capability, the company is determined to expand its market share in the domestic and international sun care markets.
A researcher at the Kolmar UV Tech Innovation Laboratory is conducting research related to ultraviolet protection. Provided by Kolmar.
Sunscreens are divided into organic and inorganic UV filters depending on the method of UV protection. Organic UV filters absorb UV rays into the skin and convert them into heat energy to release, resulting in less whitening effect and better application. Inorganic UV filters reflect UV rays on the skin surface, causing less skin irritation and providing excellent UV protection, but they have a whitening effect. Although mixed UV filters combining both types have been developed, there was a technical limitation where the organic UV filter components would aggregate with the oil components in the formulation, preventing a tight coverage on the skin.
In response, Korea Kolmar introduced a new complex raw material where the inorganic UV filter component is coated and wrapped by the organic UV filter component, and developed the 'UV-Duo Plus technology' that evenly disperses this raw material within the formulation. This technology blocks not only UV rays but also long-wave UVA (LONG UVA), which causes photoaging, helping to slow down the aging process.
Korea Kolmar completed the patent registration for a "cosmetic composition for UV protection containing UV blocking substances composed of organic-inorganic complexes" to pioneer the new market of complex sunscreens. The sunscreen applying UV-Duo Plus technology confirmed a sun protection efficacy of SPF 50+ PA++++ and received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a functional sunscreen cosmetic.
To target overseas markets, an international patent application (PCT) is underway. A Korea Kolmar official stated, "While mixed UV filters simply combining two components are sold on the market, there is no complex sunscreen that perfectly combines organic and inorganic components. Through UV-Duo Plus technology, we plan to develop various sun care products and expand our presence not only domestically but also globally."
Meanwhile, Korea Kolmar established the industry's first 'UV Tech Innovation Research Institute' in 2022 and holds over 70 patents related to UV protection. The company is also gaining prominence in the growing US sun care market. With the operation of its second US factory scheduled for the first half of this year, it plans to focus on producing basic cosmetics and sunscreens, increasing the North American subsidiary's production capacity from 180 million units to 300 million units.
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