Sun protection has always been at the heart of anti-aging skincare, but a new innovation is shifting the focus from surface defense to deeper, cellular protection. UV-R Pro is a breakthrough technology developed through a collaboration between Amorepacific and BASF, designed to address the root causes of photoaging in a way traditional sunscreens have not.

Why UV Protection Needs an Upgrade

For years, most sunscreens have concentrated on shielding the skin’s surface from ultraviolet (UV) rays, primarily targeting UVB, which causes sunburn. However, research highlights the role of UVA rays, longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the dermal layer. This deeper penetration can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and loss of firmness.

When UVA rays reach the deeper layers of the skin, they generate free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and contribute to the aging process. Traditional sunscreens often fall short in neutralizing these free radicals, leaving the skin vulnerable to oxidative stress and its long-term effects.

How UV-R Pro Works

Amorepacific’s Research & Innovation Center, in partnership with BASF, set out to tackle this challenge by developing an advanced antioxidant system specifically engineered for sun protection. UV-R Pro incorporates targeted antioxidants designed to inhibit the formation of free radicals triggered by UVA exposure. This approach not only blocks harmful rays but also helps neutralize the oxidative stress that accelerates skin aging.

To validate the effectiveness of this technology, the team utilized BASF’s Radical Skin Protection Factor (RSF) evaluation, which is a tool that measures how well a product defends skin against free radical damage. Through multiple improvements, UV-R Pro was refined to maximize both UV defense and antioxidant action, offering a dual approach to slowing the visible signs of photoaging.

A New Standard in Sun Care

UV-R Pro is set to debut in Amorepacific’s premium sun care lines, beginning with HERA products. This technology represents a shift in how we think about sun protection. It’s not just as a barrier, but also a proactive defense against the fundamental causes of skin aging. While SPF remains crucial for preventing sunburn, the next generation of sun care, exemplified by UV-R Pro, is about comprehensive protection.

Sources:

  • Amorepacific and BASF Jointly Develop UV Protection Technology to Combat Skin Aging. Amore Stories, March 19, 2025.
  • Amorepacific and BASF develop advanced UV protection technology. KBR (Korea Biomedical Review), March 14, 2025.
  • Amorepacific Teams Up With BASF To Develop An Innovative UV Protection Technology To Slow Down Skin Aging. The Monodist by Odile Monod, March 14, 2025.