#.Using an infrared irradiation device, I raised the heat sensation on my forearm as if it had been exposed to hot summer sunlight for a long time, and the skin quickly felt scorching. I then applied a cooling ampoule over the forearm that still retained residual heat. As a cool sensation spread, the overheated skin began to cool down rapidly. Initially, the cold feeling was distinct, but there was no irritation or stinging sensation. Over time, the cooling effect gradually subsided, and it seemed as though the residual heat remaining on the skin also settled down.
This is Kolmar Korea's cooling technology that I personally experienced at its General Technology Center in Seoul Seocho-gu on the 12th. Lee Jung-mi, a senior researcher at Kolmar Korea's Skincare Research Institute Ma Seu-keu (Team Lead), stated, "In the past, the cooling sensation itself was important, but nowadays many clients prioritize long-lasting effects without irritation."
As heatwaves and strong ultraviolet rays continue, the cosmetics industry's cooling technology is also evolving. Development efforts are no longer limited to delivering a strong cooling sensation to the skin; instead, they focus on reducing irritation while maintaining the cooling effect for an extended period.
Among products manufactured by Kolmar Korea, those marketed with "cooling" claims have increased approximately sixfold over the past three years. Related domestic patents have also risen by about 88% compared to a decade ago. Based on data accumulated through collaboration with over 4,800 clients, Kolmar Korea applies cooling technology across all research fields, including skincare and sun care.
Applicable products range from skincare items such as mask packs, toners, creams, ampoules, and serums to sun care products like sunscreen, sun sticks, and sun sprays. Skin heat sensation can occur not only due to hot weather or ultraviolet rays but also when skin balance is disrupted by factors such as moisture deficiency or pore expansion. Consequently, the implementation of cooling technology varies across product categories.
The core of cooling technology lies in "long-lasting cooling without irritation." In the past, methods primarily involved using raw materials that produce strong cooling sensations, such as menthol, to strongly stimulate TRPM8, a skin cooling receptor. While this allowed for quick detection of coolness, it could also cause stinging or burning sensations on the skin.
Recently, the focus has shifted from intensity to sustainability. The approach now involves using low-irritation raw materials that act gently but continuously to maintain a subtle cooling sensation. Technologies such as encapsulating cooling ingredients or uniformly coating them onto fibers are also employed to ensure gradual release at a consistent concentration. Additionally, formulations are adjusted by considering the initial cooling intensity, duration of effect, and residual feeling after use when the product is first applied.
A representative cooling product developed by Kolmar Korea is CellfusionC's "Post Alpha Cooling Pad." It originated from a client request to add a definite cooling effect to the close-fitting sensation of mask packs. Through multiple adjustments to sheet materials and essence impregnation processes, the product was developed to adhere closely to the skin while effectively delivering a cooling sensation. Kolmar Korea's cooling technology has also been applied to products such as "Post Alpha First Cooling Mask" and "Cooling Peptide Ampoule."
A Kolmar Korea representative stated, "Alleviating skin heat sensation is also an important factor in slowing down skin aging. Consequently, inquiries from clients seeking to utilize cooling technology regardless of the season are increasing. Based on accumulated research data, we have the capability to realize any client's ideas."
Cooling technology is also expanding into the sun care sector recently. AHC's "Ice Jelly Sun Stick" applies a patented technology that achieves an immediate cooling effect by significantly increasing moisture content instead of separately adding cooling ingredients. The jelly-type formulation also enhances user experience. Kolmar Korea's cooling technology has also been applied to Bioplane's "Mung Bean Cooling Moisture Sunscreen," which gained attention as a summer sun care product for delivering a moisturizing feel while lowering skin heat sensation, recording top rankings in Olive Young's sun care category for one month in July this year.
in LIVING
