#South Korea #Seoul #K-Beauty #Kolmar Korea #skincare products

Kolmar Korea's Ambitious Expansion into Skincare

Kolmar Korea, a significant player in the global cosmetics sector as an Original Development Manufacturer (ODM), is intensifying its international strategy in the skincare market. The company is focusing on innovative products that represent K-beauty, leveraging uniquely Korean natural ingredients. This approach aligns perfectly with the growing global trend towards skincare emphasizing natural components and proven efficacy.

As the market for cleansing products and face masks continues to flourish, driven in large part by viral videos on platforms like TikTok, Kolmar Korea finds itself in an opportune position. The notion of the “Korean skincare routine” has become a buzzword, drawing attention from consumers not just for sunscreen products but also for cleansers and masks.

In response to this trend, Kolmar Korea is accelerating its global expansion by partnering with various brands to develop skincare products enriched with natural Korean ingredients. One noteworthy product is the Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam, developed in collaboration with the skincare brand Beplain. For over a millennium, mung beans have been utilized in Korea as a natural cleansing agent, and this product reimagines that legacy with a formula that boasts low irritation yet powerful cleansing effects. This product has surpassed sales of ten million units, winning consumer favor in the United States, France, China, and Vietnam, thanks in part to its popularity on social media.

Additionally, Kolmar is delving into natural mud-based facial masks, such as the Relief Mud Mask, which was created alongside BRMUD, a brand specializing in natural mud cosmetics. This mask contains over 30% mud sourced from Korea's Poryong, one of the world's largest tidal mudflat areas. Its ultra-fine particles, 40 times smaller than wheat flour, allow it to absorb impurities effectively yet gently. The product garnered the nickname “Cardi B’s Mud Mask” after being endorsed by the American singer on TikTok. Today, it is available in 11 countries, including at Costco stores in the USA.

Behind these innovative products is Kolmar Korea's commitment to advanced research and development. Over 30% of their workforce comprises researchers, with the company investing approximately 6% of its annual revenue back into R&D. The competitive edge is fortified through collaborations with around 4,300 clients worldwide, providing invaluable insights into global beauty trends.

Kolmar is continually on the lookout for unique Korean raw materials for cosmetic use. Recently, they scientifically validated the rejuvenating properties of Spiraea salicifolia (willow-leaf spiraea). The research findings have been published in a prestigious international journal, resulting in the inclusion of this plant in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (ICID). Last year, they identified the beneficial effects of Sophora flavescens (Japanese pagoda tree) extract in preventing hair loss and presented these findings at an international scientific conference, where they received considerable acclaim. Furthermore, the company is exploring commercial applications of scents from native Korean plants, such as hibiscus and lotus, aiming to emphasize the sensory value of traditional Korean flora.

A spokesperson for Kolmar Korea remarked, “As global interest in K-beauty expands from sun care to comprehensive skincare, we are enhancing our competitiveness by merging cutting-edge technology with Korea's natural treasures. Through ongoing investments in research and development, and relentless innovation, we aim to lead the global skincare routine utilizing uniquely Korean ingredients.”