The Shared Kolmar Korea UV Filter Backbone
All three viral sunscreens were manufactured by Kolmar Korea using a standardized next-generation photostable organic filter chassis:
1. Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate) — High-efficiency UVA1 absorber (320–400 nm).
2. Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone) — Extremely photostable UVB filter with the highest molar extinction coefficient.
3. Tinosorb M (Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) — Hybrid micro-particulate broad-spectrum filter absorbing and scattering both UVA and UVB.
4. Uvasorb HEB (Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone) — Oil-soluble broadband UVB/UVA2 filter resistant to sweat rinse-off.
Because this chassis eliminates older degradable filters (Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate), none of the three products sting the ocular mucosa or degrade within 2 hours of UV exposure.
Why Tinosorb M Can Leave a Slight Cast on Deeper Skin
Unlike purely soluble chemical filters, Tinosorb M is an insoluble organic micro-fine pigment suspended in the water phase. It absorbs UV energy through conjugated electron systems while physically refracting a small fraction of visible light.
On Fitzpatrick skin phototypes I–III, Tinosorb M dries down completely invisible. However, on deep melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick V–VI), the micro-particulate refraction can manifest as a subtle lavender-gray haze when layered heavily.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica incorporates the highest water-to-lipid ratio, resulting in the most rapid evaporative dry-down and the lowest perceptible cast among the three.
Takeaway: Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica has the lightest gel-water texture with zero cast; Beauty of Joseon provides nourishing rice lipids for dry skin; Round Lab adds Betula Platyphylla sap for barrier hydration.
Botanical Differences: Rice Bran vs. Birch Sap vs. Centella
Beauty of Joseon incorporates 30% Rice Extract and Grain Probiotics. Rice germ lipids and oryzanol impart a rich, velvety emollient feel that doubles as a morning moisturizer for normal-to-dry skin.
Round Lab Birch Juice replaces part of the water phase with Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, offering natural trace minerals and monosaccharides that plump dehydrated barriers without oiliness.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica integrates Centella Asiatica leaf water and three molecular weights of sodium hyaluronate, calming transient neurovascular erythema in combination and acne-prone skin types.