Kolmar Korea is accelerating its global skincare strategy by emphasizing “uniquely Korean” natural ingredients in cleansers and facial masks. As the ingredient-led beauty trend grows—driven in part by platforms like TikTok—the original development manufacturer is collaborating with brands to bring traditional Korean botanicals to international markets.
One standout product is the mung bean pH-balanced cleansing foam, co-developed with Beplain. Drawing on a 1,000-year history of mung beans used as a gentle cleanser, the formula balances low irritation with effective cleansing. It has sold over 10 million units in the U.S., France, China and Vietnam, buoyed by organic social media buzz.
Kolmar has also partnered with BRMUD to create the Relief Mud Mask, which contains more than 30 percent Boryeong mud—harvested from one of Korea’s largest tidal flats—and ultra-fine particles that absorb impurities without harsh abrasion. Nicknamed the “Cardi B mud mask” after the singer praised it on TikTok, the product is now stocked in 11 countries, including Costco stores in the U.S.
The company’s innovation relies on its robust R&D capabilities: over 30 percent of employees are researchers, and about 6 percent of annual sales are reinvested in R&D. Kolmar recently published anti-aging findings on Spiraea salicifolia in an international journal and presented research on hair-loss prevention with Sophora flavescens at a global conference.
“As global interest in K-beauty expands beyond sun care, we aim to lead the skincare routine with Korean ingredients,” a Kolmar spokesperson said, underscoring the company’s commitment to marrying advanced technology with native botanicals.