Pharmaceutical companies are paying attention to a new health functional food called 'inner beauty.' It is a compound word of 'inner' and 'beauty,' meaning caring for health inside the body to achieve cosmetic effects. It is the concept of 'edible cosmetics' that improves the skin from the inside rather than just applying cosmetics on the surface.
Inner beauty products are expanding their scope to include not only skin health but also gut health and weight management. The forms range from powders to jellies and films that dissolve in the mouth. According to the market research firm Verified Market Reports (VMR), the global inner beauty market size is expected to grow from $4.8 billion (6.69 trillion won) in 2024 to $11.5 billion (16.23 trillion won) by 2033.
Domestic pharmaceutical companies are creating their own inner beauty brands or collaborating with other corporations through partnerships. They are aggressively entering the market by expanding sales channels to convenience stores, supermarkets, and home shopping.
CHA Biotech's subsidiary CMG Pharmaceutical recently introduced an edible retinol product called 'Delicious Retinol C Melting.' Retinol, a type of vitamin A, is known to promote skin regeneration and help improve wrinkles and maintain elasticity. This ingredient is commonly used in cosmetics, but it has been made into an edible powder. It can be consumed without water as it melts immediately in the mouth.
CMG Pharmaceutical extracted 100% plant-based retinol from moringa leaves. Each sachet contains 1,000 micrograms (μg) of retinol, which is 143% of the daily recommended nutrient intake. Delicious Retinol C Melting is a product jointly planned with Lotte Mart MAX and is available for purchase at Lotte Mart MAX locations nationwide and online. The company stated, 'You can enjoy skin care while savoring the refreshing lemon flavor.'
Dong-A Socio Holdings' over-the-counter drug subsidiary, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, launched the inner beauty brand Ailo in 2022. Ailo means 'what I love and consider important.' Recently, it introduced Aesabi gummies made from fermented apple without additives. Chomo is a mass of fermentation bacteria produced during the fermentation process of fruit vinegar.
The company explains that Aesabi helps with blood sugar management and weight control. It is fermented from apples grown in a mild climate in Hungary to create sweetness. Aesabi is sold at CU convenience stores, Kakao gift services, and online malls. A representative from Dong-A Pharmaceutical noted, 'This product helps create a healthy inner beauty habit without worrying about sugars and fats.'
HLB Pharmaceutical is presenting an edible PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) product called 'Natia PDRN Direct.' PDRN, derived from DNA and extracted from salmon, is known to aid in skin regeneration and wound healing. The company developed it into a film formulation that melts in the mouth. The film contains 100 mg of PDRN in a thickness of 1 mm. It was first aired on home shopping in April.
CJ CheilJedang's health functional food subsidiary, CJ Wellcare, recently launched an inner beauty product called 'Inner B Slimming Starter,' which helps with blood sugar and body fat management. Each bottle of liquid ampoule contains 5,000 mg of dietary fiber derived from 20 types of fruits and vegetables. The company explains that dietary fiber delays carbohydrate digestion and absorption, thus inhibiting post-meal blood sugar spikes and lowering cholesterol levels in the intestines. This product targets young consumers who eat vegetables before meals to prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes.
A representative from the pharmaceutical industry noted, 'More people are becoming interested in health and beauty from within, beyond just appearance,' adding, 'There's a trend targeting not only cosmetics applied to the skin but also edible cosmetics.'