The marine leisure market has grown as outdoor activities have increased post-COVID-19. According to the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the domestic marine leisure tourism industry recorded a growth rate of 9.3% compared to the previous year, and the global sun care market is also expected to grow by more than 7.4% by 2028. The increase in the population enjoying outdoor activities has brought changes to the sun care market. Leisure sunscreens, differentiated from regular sunscreens, have gained attention for their strong UV protection and waterproof capabilities.

Recently, a consumer culture that values product performance, environmental friendliness, and corporate sustainability has been spreading, particularly among the MZ and Alpha generations. Consumers actively seek 'reef-safe' products that protect the skin while also preserving the marine ecosystem.


OCEANCHILD is a company that emerged in response to this demand. Jinkyung Park, CEO of OCEANCHILD, who was responsible for product development at global cosmetics companies such as L'Oréal, Johnson & Johnson, and Missha for 14 years, launched the active sun care brand 'FOURSUMMER'. This sunscreen, which excludes harmful ingredients to the environment and skin, has been developed to be suitable for both leisure activities and daily life by implementing strong UV protection, waterproof function, and comfort without eye irritation.

CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "I established OCEANCHILD to overcome the limitations of existing sunscreens by understanding the demands of the field as a surfer and the expertise gained from cosmetics development experience." He pointed out that "existing regular sunscreens are easily washed away by sweat and water, and functional waterproof sunscreens cause severe eye irritation. They also contain chemical ingredients that kill corals." He added, "I did not dismiss this issue as a mere personal inconvenience but sought solutions by combining the data accumulated as a product developer with actual needs."

Prioritizing Safety with Mineral Sunscreens... Securing Technological Competitiveness

'Mineral sunscreen' is a physical sunscreen. It reflects UV rays on the skin surface, causing less skin irritation and providing immediate blocking effects upon application, but it may cause a whitening effect. 'Chemical sunscreen' is a chemical UV blocker that absorbs UV rays and converts them into heat for blocking. It has good spreadability and less whitening effect but can irritate the skin and takes time to take effect. Hybrid sunscreen combines the characteristics of both.


FOURSUMMER sunscreen is based on mineral sunscreen that completely excludes chemical UV blocking ingredients. Through proprietary technology development, it minimizes the chronic issues of whitening and stiffness in mineral sunscreens, achieving a smooth and transparent feel comparable to chemical sunscreens. It also secures strong blocking power and waterproof capabilities at the level of SPF50+ PA++++.

OCEANCHILD explains that it captured both functionality and convenience after repeated tests through deep research collaboration (MOU) with major manufacturers like Korea Kolmar and Cosmax. CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "Mineral sunscreen reflects UV rays like an umbrella, significantly reducing skin irritation. Minimizing the whitening effect to apply transparently is also a strength." In fact, the FOURSUMMER product received a 'skin irritation index of 0' in a primary irritation test conducted at a human skin clinical trial center with 34 adult men and women aged 19 and older. It also received a non-irritation rating in an eye irritation test, making it gentle without causing eye irritation. He added, "Since it was developed by directly testing with surfers, it implements waterproof capabilities that withstand the sea."

Choosing Coexistence, Not Compromise, Between Performance and Sustainability


OCEANCHILD realizes ESG values through its products. It completely excludes specific ingredients that harm coral reefs, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as chemical-based organic sunscreen ingredients. CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "The efficacy of the product and environmental protection are not optional but essential conditions," and "I will contribute to protecting the marine environment through ingredients harmless to corals." This is evident in the product name 'Ocean Proof,' which is registered as a trademark, meaning 'perfect protection while preserving the sea.'

Furthermore, it is designed to realize ESG values throughout the entire supply chain. It uses domestic natural ingredients with clear origins, such as ▲deep sea water from Goseong ▲fucoidan extracted from seaweed in Wando ▲birch sap from Inje, to enhance the quality of raw materials while promoting the local economy and coexistence. It also uses recyclable containers and packaging materials to minimize environmental impact. Efforts to closely link with leisure communities and environmental protection activities continue through participation as an official sponsor of marine leisure events and beach clean-up activities.

Launching New Colors... Expanding to Daily Use Sunscreens


OCEANCHILD has been recognized for its technological prowess by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and for its functional products by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, completing waterproof certification, dermatological tests, and patent applications. FOURSUMMER, launched in December last year, achieved sales of approximately KRW 48 million, 40 times the target amount, through Wadiz funding. The FOURSUMMER Ocean Proof sunscreen has recorded cumulative sales of KRW 70 million to date. CEO Jinkyung Park emphasized high brand loyalty, stating, "The repurchase rate is 45%. There are consumers who have purchased the same product more than three times since its launch last year."

OCEANCHILD seeks to expand beyond its core target of surfers and leisure enthusiasts to the daily consumer base. CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "In the domestic and international markets, the target audience is diversifying to include runners enjoying urban running, travelers going on overseas trips, and those heading to water activities, driven by word-of-mouth from actual users."

In line with this expansion, new colors reflecting consumer feedback were launched in October 2025. While the existing 'Sun Kissed' product was tailored to tanned skin for leisure enthusiasts, the 'Sun Blushed' color, with a bright peach hue, was added for consumers desiring a brightening tone-up effect. CEO Jinkyung Park added, "FOURSUMMER sunscreen is also called 'foundation-free sunscreen' due to its inclusion of wrinkle and whitening functional ingredients certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, such as niacinamide and adenosine, resulting in high satisfaction for daily use."

OCEANCHILD aims to continuously expand its lineup as a sun care specialist brand. Currently, FOURSUMMER is available in offline leisure specialty stores and online platforms like Coupang and Naver Smart Store, and plans to expand offline channels through a pop-up store at Hyundai Department Store in November 2025. CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "We aim to secure both online and offline channels by providing opportunities for direct communication and product experience with customers, and we aim to enter domestic specialized distribution channels in the future."

Aiming to Be a Total Lifestyle Brand Practicing K-Beauty


FOURSUMMER's challenge is expanding beyond Korea to the world. OCEANCHILD has been selected as one of the Top 30 companies in the '2025 Pioneers by KOSME X One Tree Hill Ventures' and is verifying and enhancing local market potential in Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Starting with this, it plans to build a global distribution network extending to the U.S. and Australian markets. CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "In the U.S., sunscreen is classified as a drug, requiring FDA approval," adding, "FOURSUMMER sunscreen has focused on securing ingredients and test data that meet export standards of each country, considering the global market from the early stages."

He continued, "Although it has been less than a year since the launch, the response from overseas consumers is high, and it is a time when capital and infrastructure are needed for rapid expansion," and "OCEANCHILD is actively seeking strategic investment and partnerships to build a global distribution network." In particular, it plans to expand brand recognition through collaboration with global local surfing communities and lifestyle brands.

Ultimately, FOURSUMMER aims to evolve into a global active lifestyle brand that provides experiences, not limited to sunscreen. CEO Jinkyung Park stated, "We aim to grow into a total lifestyle brand connecting surfing, travel, and wellness, helping everyone feel 'Everyday freedom with FOURSUMMER' to fully enjoy life in nature."

IT Donga Reporter Kim Yeji (yj@itdonga.com)

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