Recently, the significance of maintaining skin health during the summer has intensified due to recurring localized heavy rain and heat waves attributed to climate change. Consequently, the skincare landscape is transitioning from a focus on whitening to prioritizing skin barrier repair, soothing, hydration, and recovery. This shift has led consumers to adopt a more ingredient-focused purchasing behavior, where efficacy is paramount over brand allegiance.

Experts have identified three key functional ingredients for summer skincare: CICA (Centella Asiatica), PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), and hyaluronic acid. CICA is recognized for its ability to soothe skin sensitive to ultraviolet rays, PDRN aids in enhancing skin elasticity, while hyaluronic acid is lauded for its moisturizing properties that help retain hydration.

Highlighted products in this domain include the ‘Balancefull CICA Soothing Toner Pad,’ which combines five different CICA ingredients, the ‘UV Protection Sunscreen’ featuring alanine peptides, and the ‘Gluta PDRN Sunscreen’ enriched with PDRN, glutathione, and ceramides, all gaining attention as functional cosmetics for the summer season.

The beauty ODM (original design manufacturer) sector is accelerating its focus on ingredient and raw material competitiveness. Immiein is enhancing its global ODM capability by developing sun care and functional skincare products based on a segmented skincare portfolio and formulating capabilities that reflect seasonal and market trends.

With five dedicated research teams, Immiein holds 24 patents and over 5,000 proprietary formulations. It supports the development of customized products by accumulating diverse formulation technologies, including CICA, peptides, hyaluronic acid, hydrogel, sheet masks, and sun care.

Furthermore, it is actively strengthening its raw material viability. Collaborations with smart farming company Plantifarm and bio-material enterprise Biosplash have allowed the establishment of a supply system for CICA raw materials. Additionally, partnerships with Japanese material companies and Selbio Human Tech have led to the joint development of biodegradable functional sheets and natural cellulose-based masks and skin pads, thus enhancing the competitiveness of eco-friendly products.

According to a representative from Immiein, “The importance of functional raw materials and differentiated formulation technologies is increasing.” They add that the company will continue to strengthen its global competitiveness and customized ODM solutions, leveraging integrated R&D capabilities from ingredient research to raw material acquisition and formulation development.