Cosmax develops microbial-based emulsifier for pure natural cosmetics

Cosmax, South Korea¡¯s largest cosmetics original design manufacturer (ODM), has successfully developed a microbial-based emulsification system that can make cosmetics without using chemical-based emulsifiers, paving the way for the world¡¯s first mass production of pure natural cosmetics, according to the company on Monday.

In cosmetic production, emulsifiers or surfactants are essential components, which used in almost all basic products such as skins, toners, lotions, and creams.

However, emulsifiers are not good for skin health because they dissolve necessary lipids on the skin. Until now, emulsifiers, even of natural origin, are eventually made by chemical synthesis, said Kang Seung-hyun, head of Cosmax BTI R&I Center.

The company discovered a beneficial bacteria called EPI-7 which feeds on the sebum of human skin, while conducting skin microbiome research since 2011. It later developed a bio-nano-emulsion production technology by intensifying research in cooperation with United Active. EPI-7 breaks down triglycerides without affecting the skin barrier and helps form various functional lipids, Cosmax said. It took more than five years for the company to identify the optimal conditions for EPI-7-led emulsification and its mass production.

Cosmax is now developing a new product using this microbial emulsification system in partnership with a local cosmetics company with a goal of launching it at the end of this year. Cosmax expects that the product will draw attention as the world¡¯s first natural bio-cosmetic that does not use surfactants. The research results will be published in an international scientific journal early next year.

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