The Giverny Volcano Clear Pack model from BNH suits all skin types. It comes in a 180g tube.

Makers keep up research on better active components, underscoring the trend for natural skin care products.

South Korea suppliers of facial masks press on with product development, scouting for more natural and effective ingredients to keep improving and differentiating their expanding selections. They are eyeing the steadily growing market for nonaspetic beauty treatment options, particularly those that do not contain chemicals such as parabens, and synthetic surfactants and flavoring agents.

“All our current products use natural materials and antiseptics,” said Cody Kim, overseas marketing manager of Chamos Cosmetic Co. Ltd. The supplier is adding paraben-free models to its catalog, which consists of midrange models.

BNH Cosmetics Co. Ltd, which offers entry- to midlevel products, adopts hypoallergenic components. “Our sheet masks use 100 percent cotton or eucalyptus fiber, which is harmless to the skin and enhances its vitality through increased absorption," said Jayun Ahn of the global business department.

The line in South Korea includes variants made of pure-cotton, long-fiber, Tencel or nonwoven fabric, or that with air pockets. There are also facial masks based on bio cellulose and hydrogel materials. The choices extend to packs that wash off or are applied for overnight use, and sheet kinds.

Types that contain relatively new components such as snail extract, hyaluronic acid and collagen are available as well. These are becoming popular, said Jeongeun Hong, The Muse brand marketing specialist of Ancors Co. Ltd. The content ratio varies from 0.001 to more than 10 percent, depending on product characteristics and suppliers’ promotion concept.

The number and types of extracts are many, and encompass those from fruits, herbs and marine algae. Regarding active ingredients and their concentration, there is no real difference in standards between global and South Korea markets, said Chamos’ Kim.

Clay masks are another popular item for their cleansing and sebum absorption benefits. BNH employs powder from South Pacific volcanic ash in its clay pack products for its purifying and soothing properties.

“We are constantly doing our R&D to maximize the advantages and effects unique to clay masks,” said Jason Lee, vice president of Boryeong Health & Life Co. Ltd.

Ancors turns out companion products such as three-step nose packs, in response to rising demand in China.

Despite the added cost from sustained improvements in the line, most South Korea companies are keeping prices steady. Chamos adjusts outlay for the packaging materials instead to remain competitive in the midrange market. Boryeong raised its quotes but at 3 percent only.

There are about 100 manufacturers of facial masksin the country. They include suppliers specializing in the category and those offering other cosmetics. Genic, iMine and C&Tech are among the major players in the former group.

Companies export products mainly to Asia. Mainland China is the leading destination of interviewed makers. BNH allocates 10 percent of output for overseas markets, primarily the mainland. Chamos sends nearly 70 percent of output overseas. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan are also among its key markets. The supplier also ships to the US, Europe and Brazil. Twenty percent of Boryeong’s yield goes to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam as well. At Ancors, the share is about 15 percent, and delivered to Taiwan, Russia and Turkey, besides the mainland.

Product gallery

Ancors Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Karen Snail Hydrogel Mask
MOQ: 5,000 pieces
Delivery: 35 days
Description: Hydrogel; 25mL; 15.4x17.4cm

Ancors Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: O’vive Premium Brightness Ginseng Mask
MOQ: 5,000 pieces
Delivery: 35 days
Description: Sheet type; pure cotton; 25mL; 14x16.4cm

BNH Cosmetics Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Giverny Volcano Clear Pack
MOQ: 3,000 pieces
Delivery: 40 days
Description: Volcanic ash powder; 180g; for all skin types

BNH Cosmetics Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Acwell Rice Whitening Mask
MOQ: 3,000 pieces
Delivery: 40 days
Description: Fermented rice, Sang-hwang mushroom, niacinamide, eucalyptus; no paraben, talc, mineral oil, sulfate

Boryeong Health & Life Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Magic FoamPack Pouch
MOQ: 20,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: 33% Boryeong mud powder, various minerals; two pouches, 8mL each; patented

Boryeong Health & Life Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Magic FoamPack
MOQ: 5,000 pieces
Delivery: 30 days
Description: 33% Boryeong mud powder, various minerals; 150mL; patented

Chamos Cosmetic Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Snail Repair Sheet Mask Pack
Delivery: 21 days
Description: Snail mucus; paraben-free