As summer descends upon us this June, both the temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) indices are on a steep rise. Likewise, this surge forecasts a wave of individuals prudently selecting and applying sunscreens to safeguard their skin. Interestingly, South Korea's venture into the sunscreen market traces back to 1959 with the launch of the ABC Parasol Cream by Pacific Chemical, a predecessor of Amorepacific.

The ABC Parasol Cream, originally marketed as a “cream that spares you the parasol,” was a pioneering summer staple, conceived at a time when sunscreens were an unfamiliar concept. So, how far has the trailblazing ABC Parasol Cream come in its evolution? Let's delve into this fascinating journey.

The renowned UK-based ‘Cosmetic Business’ has singled out the ‘beautification’ of sun care products as this year's pivotal trend.* This represents a leap in the evolution of sunscreens from merely offering UV protection to functioning as both skincare and base makeup. Notably, the ‘tone-up’ feature, designed to brighten one's complexion, is increasingly dominating the sun care market. Convenient for ‘No Foundation’ makeup or as a primer, it's especially practical during the sweltering summer months, when makeup is prone to melting off. Among the varied offerings, HERA's UV Protector Tone Up distinctly shines.

Sweeping the top spots in three distinct categories ^** in our internal data rankings, this product boasts an impressive record. It has maintained its position as the top-selling domestic sun care product for 17 consecutive years***, with cumulative sales exceeding an impressive 1 million units . True to its name, the UV Protector Tone Up centers around the ‘tone-up’ feature. Infused with Melasolv™, it curbs the production of melanin, enabling brightening care without leaving any white cast. With its incorporation of brightening ingredients, it promises more than mere transient tone-up effects, delivering lasting results. By effectively straddling the lines between skincare and makeup categories, it exemplifies the rising ‘skip-care’ trend. Consumers have applauded its comprehensive skin enhancement benefits, noting a visible increase in skin radiance and brightness. Moreover, its smooth application and non-sticky finish — key traits of a hybrid sunscreen — make it an apt choice in catering to today's discerning sunscreen needs.

Both Sulwhasoo's Wise Brightening Multi Protector and HANYUL's White Chrysanthemum Radiance Sunscreen highlight tone-enhancement and brightening properties in their sunscreen offerings. The Wise Brightening Multi Protector from Sulwhasoo not only refines and harmonizes lackluster skin tones, but it also boasts an anti-pollution function (with fine dust and blue light blocking capabilities - unique to product No. 2) that calms skin irritated by ultraviolet rays and heat. This product forms a triple protective layer with its diversity demonstrated by the choice of two variants, a hydrating type No. 1 and a fresh texture type No. 2.

In contrast, HANYUL's White Chrysanthemum Radiance Sunscreen is so exceptional at creating a subtle radiance and skin-brightening effect that it's affectionately known as the ‘LED Sunscreen.’ Its distinguishing features include a delicate floral fragrance and a generous 70ml capacity compared to other brands. With a track record of more than 850,000 units sold, it's making a strong bid for supremacy in the tone-up sunscreen market.

^* https://www.beautynury.com/news/view/101572/cat/10
^** The most purchased product by the integrated members of Amorepacific Beauty Point, the product most frequently repurchased by the integrated members of Amorepacific Beauty Point, and the top-rated sunscreen product bought by employees out of pocket.
^*** Kantar Panel's top domestic sun care brand (as of 2006 to 3Q, 2022).

You've likely heard many times that diligent application of sunscreen is a crucial step to help prevent aging. This means that sunscreens inherently serve as primary anti-aging products that safeguard skin from photoaging. There's now an upgraded product on the market that also addresses signs of aging, namely, IOPE's UV Shield Essential Sun Protector.

Rich in antioxidants, including ferulic acid and Vitamin E, our product addresses the visible signs of aging, infuses the skin with antioxidant energy, and shields it from the major contributors to skin aging, namely UVA, UVB, blue light, and fine dust. The ‘Post-on’ component, a proprietary formulation currently under patent review, helps to keep fine dust from adhering to the skin while sustaining a soft texture, thereby elevating the user experience. Due to the rigorous approval process for anti-aging claims, it is not easy to find products and brands with proprietary anti-aging ingredients and technologies, underscoring the distinctive value of our product. It resonates with customers through keywords like #Smooth_Outside_Moisturizing_Inside, #Non-sticky_Sunscreen, and #Antioxidant_Sunscreen, and has even achieved second place among the items most frequently ‘repurchased’ by Amorepacific's integrated customers .

Our UV Shield Outdoor Sun Patch, an ideal choice for outdoor activities or pre-vacation care, is part of the same UV Shield line. This provides convenient sun protection wherever you may be. It's noteworthy how such a diverse range of new sunscreen types is appearing on the market, catering to varied consumer lifestyles.

As observed, consumers lean towards multi-care sunscreens. What additional features might they desire? According to a Beauty+ magazine survey, ‘moisturizing’ tops the list, garnering 39.4% of responses. ^*

Common reasons cited for not applying sunscreen include an uncomfortable, rigid feeling upon application and an excessively oily texture that leads to stickiness, breakouts, or a white cast. Addressing these concerns broadly equates to providing ample moisturization. innisfree's Hyaluron Moist Sunscreen has won widespread consumer appreciation for its exceptional hydrating properties.

Our product formula, brimming with eight variants of hyaluronic acid and roughly 71% ^** moisture essence, is akin to a hydrating skincare product and ideally suited for dry skin. It is an organically derived sunscreen offering light, fresh absorption allowing for frequent reapplication without any residue or white cast. It has been given various nicknames, such as #Moisture_Sunscreen and #Hyaluro_Moist_Sunscreen, and interestingly, it's the the top-purchased product among men, who notably steer clear of sticky or dense applications.

Even sunscreens must heed the ‘Conscious Beauty’ trend. Several chemical constituents utilized in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can negatively impact marine life and devastate coral ecosystems. Concerning the ocean's coral reefs, this product embodies an environmentally friendly sunscreen, utilizing a reef-friendly formula, recycled tubes, plastic caps, and FSC-certified paper packaging printed with soy ink. If you aim to safeguard both your skin and the environment, this product presents an excellent choice.

How have you perceived the sunscreen evolution propelled by the ABC Parasol Cream? Applying sunscreen is no longer an option; it is an absolute necessity. Now that the pressing question is ‘Which sunscreen should I apply?,’ endeavor to find a suitable product among the array of sunscreens mentioned earlier, and cultivate a daily skincare routine. You may find that a diverse array of skin issues can be addressed just by choosing the right sunscreen.😊

^* https://post.naver.com/viewer/postView.naver?volumeNo=35698266&memberNo=33168218&vType=VERTICAL
^** The total ingredients comprise roughly 71.96% purified water, propanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, and pentylene glycol.