Kolmar Korea has developed the country's first scalp sunscreen, the 'Scalp Sun Essence', signaling a strategic push into the rapidly growing global hair care market. With a 70-80% domestic share in sun care, the OEM giant is leveraging its expertise to create a new category for overseas buyers, particularly as demand for scalp care rises alongside the $98.5 billion hair care market.
Market signal
Kolmar Korea's Personal Care Research Institute, led by Director Lee Hyun-sook, has commercialized the 'Scalp Sun Essence' after a year of R&D. The product is designed to be applied directly to the scalp, similar to a facial essence, and has already attracted inquiries from over 10 global brands. This move comes as the global hair care market reached $98.5 billion last year, up 13.4% year-on-year, according to Euromonitor.
R&D and formulation details
Developing a scalp-specific sunscreen required significant adaptation. Lee noted that the scalp has larger pores and hair, making standard facial sunscreen formulations unsuitable. The team spent 6-7 months adapting existing sun care technology for the scalp, then additional time to achieve a non-sticky, powdery finish without residue. Inorganic sunscreens could appear like dandruff, while some organic options risked scalp irritation—each issue was addressed.
Regulatory and channel signals
Kolmar Korea obtained the first domestic approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for a scalp UV-blocking product. The company is also customizing formulations for different ethnic hair types, including Black hair, to target the U.S. market. This regulatory first-mover advantage positions Kolmar as a key partner for brands seeking to enter the scalp care segment.
What buyers should watch
For overseas importers and distributors, Kolmar Korea's scalp sunscreen represents a new OEM opportunity in the expanding hair care category. The company's sun care expertise and independent personal care lab (established in 2022, with 30% more staff) suggest strong R&D capacity. Brands looking to differentiate in the $150 billion combined body and hair care market should monitor this category for scalable, clinically developed products.
Sourcing context
Kolmar Korea's scalp sunscreen is part of a broader trend where K-beauty moves beyond skincare into hair and scalp care. With Korean hair product exports up 33% in the first four months of this year, the supply chain for functional scalp treatments is gaining traction. The company's ability to produce both general and ethnicity-specific formulations makes it a versatile partner for global clinic and retail buyers.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 15, 2026