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Korean Beauty Trends & Industry News: 24-02-07


Cosmax's Bio Innovation: Securing a Competitive Edge in the Future of Cosmetics

Cosmax Group is pioneering a new frontier in bio-material development to secure a competitive edge in the future cosmetics market. Central to this initiative is the launch of "CosmaxBF (Bio Foundry)," aimed at harnessing biotechnological advancements using biological resources. This research consortium focuses on microbiomes, biosynthetic strains, and natural emulsifiers, extending its reach beyond the cosmetics industry to collaborate with various sectors.

The formation of CosmaxBF represents a strategic move to consolidate the group's dispersed bio-capabilities and foster synergistic collaborations to create future value. The consortium includes CosmaxBTI R&I Center, CM Tech, and Cosmax AB, involving around 100 researchers in open research collaborations with domestic and international universities and institutions.

Notably, the CosmaxBTI R&I Center has achieved significant milestones, registering over 80 patents related to microbial resources and publishing around 20 SCI-grade papers. These research outcomes are expected to contribute to groundbreaking studies, including the anti-aging effects of skin microbiomes and improvements in severe atopic conditions, with findings to be published in prestigious medical journals.

Cosmax Group plans to unveil advanced bio-research products, including AI-driven personalized skin microbiome platforms, epidermal lipid analysis, male pattern baldness and scalp aging treatments, artificial skin models, and skin organoid models. These efforts are built upon 12 years of skin microbiome research, marking the group's commitment to leading the future of the cosmetics industry through bio-innovation.


Thailand Delegation Visits Chungbuk, Opening a New Chapter in Cosmetic Industry Cooperation

Chungbuk's cosmetics industry is gaining international attention, with a recent visit from a Thai delegation exploring potential development and collaborative ventures. This visit marks a significant step in fostering cooperation between Chungbuk and Thailand in the cosmetics sector.

The delegation, comprising officials from Mae Fah Luang University and Thai-BISPA (Thai Business Incubators and Science Parks Association), along with entrepreneurs, toured the Chungbuk Cosmetics Clinical Research Support Center. They received technical consulting on cosmetic ingredients and manufacturing technologies. A mutual cooperation agreement between Chungbuk Regional Innovation Platform and Thai-BISPA is expected to strengthen industry ties.

Thailand, known as ASEAN's largest beauty market, anticipates significant synergy from this collaboration. Mae Fah Luang University's Vice Chancellor expressed keen interest in the Chungbuk cosmetics industry and committed to participating in the 2024 Osong Cosmetics Beauty Industry Expo.

The event, attended by representatives from Chungbuk Province, the Chungbuk Biohealth Innovation Center, and five domestic beauty companies, promoted Chungbuk's cosmetics industry and the upcoming expo. Discussions and the MOU signing between the two countries' representatives are likely to enhance business exchanges.

Chungbuk's Bio-Pharmaceutical Director encouraged the Thai delegation to actively participate in the expo, promising continued efforts to expand cooperation in student exchanges and other areas. This visit from the Thai delegation is a crucial opportunity for both nations to explore new cooperative ventures in cosmetics, education, and R&D.


Hair Loss Treatment Cosmetics Reviews Surge, Doubling Last Year

Last year saw a significant increase in the review of hair loss treatment cosmetics, doubling the previous year's figures. According to the "2023 Functional Cosmetics Review Statistics" released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, out of 943 functional cosmetics reviews, 131 were for hair loss treatment products, a substantial rise from 63 in 2022.

Sunscreen products led the review count at 341, followed by triple-function products for whitening, wrinkle improvement, and UV protection at 159, and dual-function whitening and wrinkle improvement products at 59. Notably, products aimed at restoring the skin barrier function, first recognized as functional cosmetics in 2020, have seen a gradual increase in development.

Of the functional cosmetics reviewed in 2023, domestic manufacturing accounted for 844 cases, representing 90% of the total, an increase from 85% in 2022. New active ingredients reviewed included five for hair loss treatment, three for wrinkle improvement, two for whitening, one for acne treatment, and one for skin barrier function.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety anticipates these review statistics will serve as foundational data for cosmetic R&D, supporting the domestic industry's development of functional cosmetics based on regulatory science. This trend reflects growing societal interest in hair loss and an increase in related functional cosmetic reviews.

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