Korean sunscreen market heats up as summer approaches

CNP Laboratory‘s After-Ray Cooling Sunquid

South Korea’s sunscreen market is growing significantly as the summer season begins in earnest. Major cosmetics companies, including LG Household & Health Care Ltd. and Amorepacific Corp., are launching new products focusing on enhancing freshness and hydration.

According to industry sources on Tuesday, this year’s three key trends in the Korean sunscreen market are reducing stickiness to enhance a refreshing feel, providing moisture for skin elasticity, and maximizing skin care benefits from sun protection.

“Sunscreen has become an essential step in skin care, with a growing perception that it extends the basic protection of the skin,” said an industry insider. “Consumers are increasingly seeking new products that offer basic makeup functions or are convenient to carry for outdoor activities.”

The popularity of products that meet these customer demands is reflected in sales figures.

LG Household & Health Care launched Sunquid, a low-viscosity sunscreen emphasizing moisture and cooling functions, in February.

The company reported that its monthly sales have quadrupled compared to previous products.

One of the standout new products is the After-Ray Cooling Sunquid under its CNP Laboratory brand. It features a lightweight, hydrating formula with repair peptides and glu-hyaluronic acid to enhance moisture. The company noted that this product can reduce skin temperature by up to six degrees Celsius, offering an immediate cooling effect.

Amorepacific‘s Calming Shot Azulene Sunscreen

Amorepacific has also reported that sales of Hera’s sun care products increased by 26 percent on-year. The company’s new products, which offer robust UV protection along with anti-aging benefits such as wrinkle reduction and whitening, have been particularly popular.

Consumer preference is growing for sunscreens that are high in moisture and gentle on the skin.

Mamonde, another beauty brand owned by Amorepacific, recently introduced a sunscreen that provides an immediate cooling effect by lowering skin temperature by three degrees Celsius and includes eight types of hyaluronic acid for added hydration.

Aekyung Industrial is further segmenting its sun care products to meet rising demand. The company’s sun care sales grew by about 112 percent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period a year ago.