Global cosmetics ODM (research, development and manufacturing) corporations COSMAX(192820) said on the 18th it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL) to develop new cosmetics using advanced science and technology infrastructure.
The Pohang Light Source (PLS-II), operated by Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, is a research facility that generates light more than 10 billion times brighter than sunlight to analyze material structures at the atomic level on the nanoscale. It is used to analyze microstructures across various industries, including new drugs, semiconductors and new materials.
COSMAX has used the synchrotron at Pohang Accelerator Laboratory to develop skin delivery technologies for basic cosmetics, such as liposomes, lipid nanoparticles and liquid crystal emulsions.
The business scale of related technologies also grew rapidly. According to COSMAX, sales related to skin delivery are expected to rise from about 6 billion won in 2021 to about 100 billion won this year.
The research results also led to technology awards. COSMAX won the IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award in 2021 for cosmetics based on a ceramide skin delivery system, and again in 2024 for cosmetics applying cationic liposome technology. During the development process of the 2021 award-winning technology, X-ray structural analysis using the Pohang synchrotron was employed to analyze the particle structure of cosmetics and interactions between ceramides and skin.
With this agreement, COSMAX will expand the scope of joint research, previously centered on basic cosmetics, to include sunscreens, color cosmetics and hair products. The two organizations will also establish an ongoing cooperation system to combine their research capabilities.
Specifically, they plan to study the nanostructures of skin delivery systems including liposomes and analyze how the structures of the skin and cosmetic film change after applying sunscreens and color cosmetics. They will also conduct structural studies of hair and cosmetic ingredients.
Through this, they aim to analyze the microstructures of cosmetics and the changes that occur in skin and hair, which were previously difficult to observe, and use the findings for new formulations and product development. The two organizations also plan to identify additional cosmetics research areas where the synchrotron can be applied.
Lee Kyung-soo, chairman of COSMAX Group, said, "This MOU is a strategic decision to further focus and maximize the capabilities of both organizations based on the results of our collaboration so far," adding, "By applying advanced synchrotron research to the cosmetics field, we will firmly establish the scientific foundation of K-beauty and take the lead in building a premium K-beauty image in the global market."
Kim Jae-young, director of Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, said, "Through the MOU with COSMAX, we will systematically expand the use of the synchrotron in the cosmetics industry," adding, "We will work together to create a virtuous-cycle model in which basic science infrastructure leads to innovation on the industrial front lines."