South Korean cosmetics developer and original development manufacturer Cosmax said Thursday that it is in talks with the government for methods to authorize the global standardization of infrared protection factor developed by the company, the first attempt in the world.

Cosmax said it has developed sun care technology through a new clinical method, which can numerically measure IPF by comparing before and after its IPF-block product was applied to one’s skin. Such technology can be applied to various cosmetics, from sunscreens to color makeup and skin care products, the company said.

Exposure to infrared light is known to damage human skin and result in wrinkles and skin aging. Several studies have shown that under direct sunlight, the temperature of human skin can rise up to 40 degrees Celsius following the conversion of absorbed infrared light into heat. 

Health risks posed by exposure to infrared light became known in the early 2000s among European cosmetics companies, but there has not been a specific method to measure infrared light as well as clinical studies to develop beauty products that can help protect one’s skin from infrared light. 

The company said its development of sun care cosmetics would help K-beauty companies to continue to lead and dominate the global cosmetics market. 

In November, Cosmax’s patent sun care cosmetics, which can bounce infrared light off the skin, was given an award by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)