Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Drug research technologies move into South Korea’s cosmetics market
At a cosmetics industry event in Seoul on 5 November, companies discussed bringing drug research into skincare.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical has used a centella-derived ingredient from its wound treatment Medicasol in cosmetics, including the Centellian24 brand.
Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s research into EGF, a protein studied during development of a diabetic foot ulcer treatment, underpins products sold under the Easydew brand.
Centellian24’s reported cumulative sales from April 2015 to December 2024 exceeded 1 trillion won, but drug research does not prove a cosmetic works.
Cosmetics need separate checks for real-world skin effects and safety, because ingredients may behave differently in a skincare product than in a medicine.
Companies also need effective product design, marketing and distribution to turn research into products customers choose.
Drug and biotechnology research technologies are expanding into South Korea’s cosmetics market.
Examples include centella-derived ingredients used in Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s Centellian24 and EGF research linked to Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s Easydew brand.
Biotechnology companies are also exploring skincare applications for peptide platforms developed in drug research.
Speakers at a Seoul industry event said research findings alone do not prove that a cosmetic product improves skin.
They emphasized testing products on human skin and building effective formulation, safety, marketing and distribution strategies.
- Who
- South Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, cosmetics firms and investors.
- What
- Drug research technologies and ingredients are being applied to skincare and cosmetics.
- When
- The Bio-Cosmetic Media Day was held on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun in Jung-gu, Seoul.
- Why
- Companies are seeking new business opportunities by applying research assets to skincare, while speakers stressed that products must prove their efficacy and reach consumers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Centellian24 recorded cumulative sales of more than 1 trillion won, according to materials presented by Dongkook Pharmaceutical.
The Bio-Cosmetic Media Day took place in Seoul, where companies and industry participants discussed commercialization and market entry.
Donga Ilbo published its report on drug research technologies entering the cosmetics market.
- Event
- 2026 Bio-Cosmetic Media Day
- Event date
- November 5, 2026
- Venue
- Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Centellian24 sales
- More than 1 trillion won, from April 2015 to December 2024
- Cosmetics brand
- Easydew, based on research involving EGF
- Research applications
- Peptide platforms and polynucleotide (PN) combinations for skin boosters
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