First hyaluronic acid powder formulation developed and patented in South Korea

Four years of research cut skin irritation and rinsing hassle

Moisturizing endurance up to 62% higher than regular creams

New products combining retinol, centella asiatica extract in development

[Kolmar Korea]
[Kolmar Korea]

Kolmar Korea has developed a new powder cosmetics technology that dissolves and absorbs into the skin when rubbed after application.

The company announced Thursday that it has successfully developed a "hyaluronic acid powder" formulation — a powder form of hyaluronic acid, one of the most widely used moisturizing ingredients — and has secured a patent for the technology. Kolmar Korea said it is the first company in South Korea's cosmetics industry to render hyaluronic acid as sharp, powder-form crystals. The formulation reduces the skin irritation and rinsing burden associated with conventional spicule cosmetics while improving moisturizing endurance.

Spicules are fine, needle-shaped natural materials derived from marine sponges. They work by stimulating the skin's surface to help active ingredients penetrate. Because spicules are a hard material that does not dissolve in water, however, they can cause skin irritation and require rinsing off after use.

Kolmar Korea spent roughly four years researching ways to address those drawbacks. As a result, the company developed a process that hardens hyaluronic acid particles into solid crystals and then forms them into sharp powder grains measuring 250 micrometers.

Like conventional spicules, the sharp crystals in the new formulation contact the skin's surface to aid absorption of active ingredients. At the same time, the formulation takes advantage of hyaluronic acid's water-soluble properties, dissolving naturally into the skin when rubbed.

Application is straightforward: sprinkle the powder onto the skin and rub it in gently by hand. Because the powder dissolves completely, no rinsing is needed.

Moisturizing performance also improved. In Kolmar Korea's own testing, the newly developed hyaluronic acid powder showed moisturizing endurance up to 62% higher than that of a regular cream.

The key distinction of the technology is that it preserves the active-ingredient delivery mechanism of existing spicule cosmetics while replacing the material itself with water-soluble hyaluronic acid — using dissolvable crystals instead of micro-needles that remain on the skin, making the product easier to use. Industry observers expect the new formulation, which reduces skin irritation concerns while boosting moisturizing efficacy, to contribute to product differentiation and market expansion in the skincare segment.

Kolmar Korea plans to launch new skincare products using the technology. The company said it intends to develop intensive skincare products by combining the formulation with ingredients used for soothing and improving skin texture, including retinol, centella asiatica extract and allantoin.

Kolmar Korea also plans to extend the newly developed hyaluronic acid process to a range of other cosmetics formats, including serums, creams and mists. "We will continue to lead the K-skincare market with innovative technologies that allow consumers to feel real results on their skin," a company official said.


boo@heraldcorp.com