"The Most Innovative in the World"... U.S. Science Magazine Praises Korean Sunscreen

National Geographic Highlights Korean Sunscreen

Praised for Texture and Skincare Benefits

"Korea Is Leading the Global Sunscreen Market"

National Geographic, a leading U.S. science publication, has described Korean sunscreen as "the most innovative in the world," highlighting how Korean cosmetics research and development is driving the global sunscreen market.

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On June 23 (local time), National Geographic reported that Korean researchers are advancing sunscreen into skincare products that not only protect against UV rays but also strengthen the skin barrier, block pollutants, and provide scalp protection.

The article noted that these products are differentiated by incorporating moisturizing serums, anti-inflammatory ingredients, niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica (Cica), all of which are beneficial for skin health. This evolution means Korean sunscreens now go beyond simply blocking sunlight, aiming to protect the skin from a variety of external environmental factors.

National Geographic also focused on ongoing research at Kolmar Korea’s UV Tech Innovation Lab. The lab recently introduced a lightweight, scalp-specific sunscreen and proposed a new evaluation method for measuring hair damage caused by sunlight.

Additionally, the lab is developing 'optical refraction-based UV protection technology,' which refracts UV rays away from the skin, and 'smart UV protection technology,' where the formulation changes in real time according to UV intensity, humidity, and skin temperature. The publication explained that researchers are developing next-generation products inspired by the question, "Can sunscreen do more than just block sunlight?"

The article pointed out that while sunscreen is considered an essential step in daily skincare in Korea, only about 13% of Americans use it every day. It also mentioned that American sunscreens are often unsatisfactory in terms of texture and feel, whereas Korean products are "lightweight, quickly absorbed, and widely recognized for their elegant formulations as cosmetics," according to researchers.

National Geographic attributed these differences to regulatory environments. In the United States, sunscreen is classified as a drug and only 17 types of UV filters are permitted, while Korea and the European Union (EU) allow the use of more than 30 types, making it relatively easier to develop new products. Although some studies have raised concerns about the safety of certain UV filter ingredients, dermatologists generally believe that the benefits of UV protection outweigh the potential risks.

Kolmar Korea is continuing its research with the goal of developing personalized sunscreens using genomic information and products that support the skin microbiome within the next five years. Song Dasol, team leader at the UV Tech Innovation Lab, told National Geographic, "In the past, sunscreens were seen as products for the beach in Europe and the United States, but now they have become a part of everyday personal protection," adding, "Korea has led this change very quickly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.