Cosmax Introduces Hair Loss Care Products Using Natural Functional Materials

SoiAct Hair Care Products

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Global cosmetics research, development, and manufacturing (ODM) company Cosmax is actively targeting the hair loss care market.

Cosmax announced on the 30th that it will introduce hair loss relief shampoo and treatment products targeting the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) using ingredients extracted from soybean embryos.

After two years of research, Cosmax developed 'Soyact,' a natural-derived hair loss relief material. While existing functional materials generally improve the scalp environment to prevent hair loss indirectly, Soyact directly acts on hair follicle cells to promote hair growth.

The 'isoflavone' contained in soybean embryos has been found to be highly effective against hair loss symptoms caused by stress, which is common among younger generations. Clinical trials using shampoo containing 2% Soyact for 24 weeks confirmed improvements in hair loss and increased hair density.

Cosmax completed patent registration for Soyact in Korea and China and obtained functional approval for hair loss relief from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety last year. Starting in the second half of this year, the company is actively commercializing products and sequentially launching various premium hair loss care products utilizing Soyact, including shampoo, shampoo bars, treatments, and tonics, in collaboration with client companies.

In addition, Cosmax completed patent registration last year for two hair loss improvement efficacy materials, 'Miracle Mineral' and 'Oleuropein.'

Meanwhile, according to the National Health Insurance Service Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients treated for hair loss last year reached a record high of 234,800. Notably, about 44% (103,391 people) of all patients were in their 20s and 30s, indicating a rapid increase in hair loss symptoms among the MZ generation due to irregular lifestyles, excessive dieting, stress, and other factors.

Accordingly, the hair loss treatment market grew by 16.6% year-on-year to 125.5 billion KRW last year. Expanding the scope to include hair care products, food, and medical devices, the hair loss-related market size is estimated to be around 4 trillion KRW.

Park Myung-sam, head of Cosmax R&I Center, said, "Developing functional materials for hair loss relief using natural-derived ingredients is a field with very high technological entry barriers," adding, "Cosmax will expand the K-beauty category by developing innovative products in the hair care sector as well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.