Kolmar Korea, the manufacturing giant behind the global surge in South Korean sunscreens, is expanding its reach into the nascent market for scalp and hair UV protection. The move capitalizes on the growing “skinification” of hair care, a consumer trend that treats the scalp as an extension of the face, requiring similar levels of protection and nourishment.
The company has developed a “Scalp Sun Essence” featuring SPF 50+ protection, specifically engineered to overcome the aesthetic hurdles of traditional sunscreens. By optimizing the ratio of water-soluble and lipophilic UV filters, Kolmar has produced a lightweight formula that avoids the greasy residue typically associated with applying sunblock to hair-bearing areas. The product is slated for a domestic launch later this year, with plans to enter the U.S. market in 2027.
Beyond the scalp, Kolmar is introducing a photoprotective hair composition designed to shield the hair fiber itself from light-induced damage. While the hair care industry has long focused on protecting strands from the heat of styling tools, Kolmar’s technology targets the discoloration, dryness, and breakage caused by chronic UV exposure. The formulation uses high-refractive-index silicone oils to scatter light, reducing the volume of heavy oils needed and allowing for a breathable finish that can be combined with hair-loss treatments such as biotin and niacinamide.
To support these product claims, Kolmar has also pioneered a standardized evaluation method to measure UV protection efficacy in hair. By analyzing hair color degradation and structural changes before and after light exposure, the company provides a scientific benchmark for a category that has historically lacked objective testing protocols. The methodology was recently published in the journal Skin Research and Technology, signaling a push for greater regulatory and scientific rigor in the hair-care sector.
Kolmar Korea currently commands more than 70% of the South Korean sun-care market and serves as the primary manufacturer for viral brands such as Beauty of Joseon and Round Lab, which have recently surpassed 100 million units in cumulative global sales. This latest expansion into scalp and hair protection suggests a strategic pivot toward increasingly specialized sun-care segments as the company seeks to maintain its dominance in the global beauty supply chain.
