According to the cosmetics industry on the 20th, KOLMAR KOREA(161890), a cosmetics Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) company, plans to launch a scalp sunscreen in the second half of this year. This is an attempt to pioneer a new product category aimed at preventing hair loss exacerbated by heat waves. “Scalp Sun Essence,” a scalp sunscreen developed by KOLMAR KOREA, not only provides SPF 50+ protection but also prevents hair from becoming tangled. A KOLMAR KOREA representative stated, “Since the news of KOLMAR KOREA’s first-ever development of a scalp sunscreen, we have seen an increase in related inquiries, including from existing clients,” adding, “Major domestic and international brands are currently considering the introduction of scalp sun care products, and inquiries regarding the development of over-the-counter (OTC) products for entry into the U.S. market are steadily increasing.”
COSMAX, INC.(192820), another ODM company, has begun developing hair care products targeting the curly hair market. Through a partnership with “ScienceCo,” a global provider of functional hair care ingredients, the company plans to launch shampoos and hair essences specifically designed for curly hair. COSMAX, INC. plans to apply its “CoreLink S” technology—designed to alleviate breakage, a common issue with curly hair—to its products and launch items tailored to specific hair and scalp types.Cosmetics manufacturers are expanding into the hair care market because hair care products account for a significant 20% of the cosmetics market, and the sector is expected to grow in the future. According to market research firm Global Market Insights, the global hair care market was valued at 138 trillion won last year and is projected to grow to approximately 179 trillion won by 2035. Amid recent heat waves around the world, which have increased demand for scalp and hair care, side effects such as hair loss resulting from the widespread use of weight-loss drugs are also driving the expansion of hair care products.
Some companies are already making a name for themselves by targeting overseas markets. #AROMATICA CO., a company specializing in scalp and hair care, sold over 2 million units of its flagship “Rosemary Scalp & Hair Care Line” last year. Its “Rosemary Root Enhancer” product accounted for more than half of total sales in the North American market during the first quarter of this year. The company is also expanding its market presence by successfully entering “Nordstrom,” one of the top three department store chains in the U.S., following its entry into online channels such as Amazon and Ulta Beauty.
APR(278470), a K-Beauty company, is also seeing success with its hair care products this year and plans to cultivate them as a new growth engine. During its second-quarter earnings conference call, APR stated, “We are seeing growth in new categories in the U.S. brick-and-mortar market,” adding, “We will aggressively target the hair care category.”
A cosmetics industry insider predicted, “The global hair care market is recently shifting away from a focus solely on shampoos and conditioners toward a more segmented approach that includes scalp health and condition management,” adding, “The competitive edge K-Beauty has established in the skincare sector—in terms of ingredients and functionality—is expected to extend into the hair care sector.”
