KAIST Spin-off Polyphenol Factory’s Quick Dry Shampoo Sells Out in 24 Minutes

November 12, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Hair drying friction took center stage on November 12 when KAIST spin-off Polyphenol Factory launched its Gravity Quick Dry Shampoo, following an initial stock sellout in 24 minutes joongangenews.com reported.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

  • KAIST professor Lee Hae-shin’s polyphenol surface-binding technology alters water droplet physics on hair strands rather than stripping internal moisture.
  • Clinical testing by P&K Skin Research Center recorded a 56.14% surface moisture reduction between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 5 minutes of drying time, compared to 29.46% in control groups.
  • Consumer surveys across South Korea and Japan highlight widespread friction regarding drying times, with approximately 70% to 75% of respondents finding the process cumbersome.

DryMax 609 Technology Modifies Residual Water Behavior on Hair

The formulation utilizes DryMax 609 technology to modify how residual water behaves on human hair after washing. Healthy hair features uniform cuticles that shed water easily, whereas damaged strands from bleaching or perming retain moisture in rough surfaces. The polyphenol technology forms a thin, uniform film that encourages surface water to pool into smaller droplets that detach more readily during blow-drying joongangenews.com reported.

“The process of drying hair is not determined solely by the performance of the hairdryer, but is closely related to how moisture stays on and escapes from the hair surface,” Lee Hae-shin, chair professor at KAIST, told joongangenews.com. He explained that the research team focused on whether polyphenol-based materials could influence the drying process starting at the shampoo stage.

“DryMax 609 is a technology designed to realize these ideas into an actual product,” Lee told joongangenews.com, noting that the design expands the role of shampoo beyond basic cleansing to include drying efficiency and volume changes.

Clinical Efficacy Versus Consumer Demand

Evaluations conducted by P&K Skin Research Center demonstrated that the test group achieved a surface moisture reduction rate roughly 1.9 times higher than control hair bundles during specific measurement intervals joongangenews.com reported. Additional evaluations showed a 23.56% increase in root volume and a 20.57% improvement in cuticle roughness indicators immediately after use joongangenews.com reported.

Market demand for quick-drying solutions stems from widespread consumer fatigue surrounding hair maintenance routines. A survey of 100 women by Polyphenol Factory showed that 47% spend 10 to 20 minutes drying their hair, while 30% spend 20 to 30 minutes, and 70% reported delaying or skipping hair washes due to the hassle joongangenews.com reported.

International markets reflect similar friction, with Japanese beauty studies showing that up to 75% of women find hair drying cumbersome and some resort to natural drying methods joongangenews.com reported.

Following the initial 24-minute sellout during an Olive Young pre-sale on November 5, the product shifted to reservation shipping amid rising restock inquiries joongangenews.com reported. Polyphenol Factory reported completing scalp hypoallergenic testing and filing functional cosmetics reports for hair loss symptom relief, with plans to exhibit the technology at the upcoming CES 2027 event in the United States joongangenews.com reported.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

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