Hybrid sunscreens are designed to combine the strengths of both mineral and chemical filters: high UV protection with a lightweight, elegant texture. But in practice, they’ve been tough to get right. When these two types of filters are mixed, they often separate or clump, which can lead to uneven coverage and reduced protection. Kolmar Korea’s latest innovation may be the breakthrough that changes that.

Their new technology, called UV-DUO PLUS, works by coating mineral filters with chemical sunscreen components. This stabilizes the mixture and helps the ingredients stay evenly dispersed throughout the formula. It’s a smart fix for one of the biggest technical issues hybrid sunscreens have faced.

In clinical testing, sunscreens using UV-DUO PLUS showed a 24.8% improvement in long UVA protection at the 400 nm wavelength compared to conventional products. Long UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are closely linked to photoaging, so better protection at this range could help prevent fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of sun damage.

The formulas also meet the highest sun protection ratings with SPF 50+ and PA++++, and have been approved by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Kolmar Korea is currently pursuing international patents and expanding regulatory approvals to bring this technology to global markets.

Also, this isn’t the company’s first big move in sun care. Kolmar Korea already makes up over 70% of Korea’s sunscreen market and was the first to receive FDA OTC certification for sunscreen in the U.S. Its second plant in Pennsylvania is set to open this year, increasing its annual production capacity in North America from 180 million to 300 million units.

With over 70 UV-related patents and a dedicated UV Tech Innovation Lab, Kolmar Korea is continuing to lead in sunscreen formulation. If hybrid sunscreens are going to live up to their potential, innovations like UV-DUO PLUS are what could make that possible.

Source:

  • Hui Ling Dang. “Kolmar Korea’s new stabilisation technology overcomes challenges of hybrid sunscreen.” CosmeticsDesign-Asia, 16 April 2025.