The Scalp Ages Too... Spotlight on Functional Products for 'Skinification'

Jikup's 'Caresella Nadimo Scalp Tonic'.

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] ‘Skinification,’ the trend of treating the scalp and hair like skin, is emerging as a new trend in the beauty industry. Due to hair loss, which commonly occurs even among younger generations, there is a growing demand for fundamental care, leading to increased attention on scalp care products.

According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service on the 27th, the number of people who received medical treatment for hair loss at hospitals reached 233,194 in 2020, with those in their 20s and 30s accounting for over 40%. Including these groups, the domestic population experiencing hair loss is estimated to be around 10 million, and the hair loss market size is estimated to exceed 4 trillion KRW.

Jikup’s ‘Caresella Nadimo Scalp Tonic,’ a cosmetic product applied to the scalp, is sprayed evenly on the scalp after shampooing and gently tapped to aid absorption. It contains a patented ingredient, Aster tataricus callus culture extract, developed by the General Bio R&D Center, which is included as an active ingredient in an external preparation composition for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Niacinamide helps maintain moisture within the scalp, and the low-irritant ingredient panthenol helps maintain the pH balance of the scalp and hair, aiding in scalp protection.

Additionally, ingredients such as winter cherry root extract, Indian gooseberry fruit extract, houttuynia cordata extract, and polygonum multiflorum root extract help relieve scalp irritation, reduce stress, and prevent damage. EGF & FGF components, which help strengthen the skin barrier, enhance the elasticity of the scalp and hair.

A Jikup representative stated, “It forms a mildly acidic moisture protective film on the scalp, helping to maintain a moist and healthy scalp and hair,” adding, “It is a portable product suitable for use during seasons with strong sunlight or on days with prolonged outdoor activities.”

Ceramo’s ‘Phyto Boosting Tonic’ can be used like a moisturizing pack for the scalp. It contains over 99% of the patented Phyto Booster Complex, which activates hair roots and improves the scalp environment. When soaked on a cotton pad and used as a moisturizing pack, the product provides immediate moisture and nutrition to the scalp, offering a soothing effect. It can be lightly applied by using it like a mask pack on the parting or forehead line or sprayed closely onto the scalp. According to a company official, it adds moisture to the scalp without greasiness, helping to prevent inflammation, dandruff, and hair loss.

Aromatica’s ‘Aromatica Rosemary Scalp Scaling Shampoo’ and ‘Aromatica Tea Tree Purifying Shampoo’ help maintain a clean scalp and allow scalp pores to breathe. Both products contain lipophilic BHA (beta hydroxy acid), which manages scalp oil and sebum, and do not use sulfate surfactants or silicones that clog scalp pores, creating a naturally breathable scalp environment. Additionally, these products have completed functional product registration with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for alleviating hair loss symptoms.

Amorepacific launched ‘Ryeo Inje Forest Path’ and ‘Ryeo Yangyang Wave’ in June, offering relaxation for the scalp. Ryeo Inje Forest Path Shampoo features a comforting citrus floral scent, while Ryeo Yangyang Wave Shampoo carries a lively citrus spicy fragrance. Both products effectively address major scalp concerns such as odor, sebum, and heat. They remove 99.9% of crown odor and maintain fragrance for 72 hours, allowing for a fresh scalp.

An industry insider said, “Consumers are increasingly recognizing the importance of scalp care, which has been somewhat neglected compared to hair care,” and added, “Various products reflecting the demand to delicately care for the scalp, which is sensitive to temperature and humidity like skin, are expected to continue to be released.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.