Shinsegae International Competes with Exclusive Ingredient Development for 'Yeonjak' and 'VDV'

Yeonjak 'Calming and Comforting' Ampoule

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[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Shinsegae International is embarking on the development of exclusive ingredients to strengthen its competitiveness in the cosmetics business. The strategy is to secure core proprietary technologies in the fiercely competitive cosmetics market to establish unparalleled competitiveness.

Shinsegae International’s high-performance skincare brand Yeonjak launched the skin-soothing care line ‘Calming & Comforting’ in June this year, containing the exclusive ingredient Gosam extract developed jointly with a raw material company. Gosam has long been used as a traditional medicinal herb, with all parts from leaves to roots utilized due to its many beneficial components. It is known for its cooling properties, helping to control heat and remove moisture.

Through research on the efficacy of Gosam, Shinsegae International succeeded in jointly developing Gosam extract as Yeonjak’s exclusive material. To promote the benefits of Gosam, they co-authored and published a paper on the effects of Gosam extract in the Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetic Scientists. According to the paper, Gosam extract demonstrated excellent effects in strengthening the skin barrier and moisturizing the skin. The expression of hyaluronic acid, which excels in moisturizing, increased by up to 145%, and the formation of the stratum corneum membrane, the outermost layer of the skin, increased by 39%, protecting the skin from external irritants. Additionally, signaling substances related to inflammation decreased by 22%, showing a skin-soothing effect.

The developed Gosam extract was used as the key ingredient in Yeonjak’s Calming & Comforting line, targeting the rapidly growing sensitive skin cosmetics market. The Calming & Comforting line includes three products: a pad-type toner for gentle exfoliation, a cooling ampoule that lowers skin temperature by about 4 degrees immediately upon application, and a refreshing gel-type moisturizing cream that hydrates without stickiness. To minimize skin irritation, only mild ingredients with EWG Green grade (the lowest hazard level according to the US non-profit environmental research organization) were used, and suitability tests for sensitive skin were completed, making it safe for delicate and sensitive skin.

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Premium cosmetics brand Vidivici is focusing on the domestic and international cleansing markets with a patented cleansing foam. In August, Vidivici simultaneously launched the low-irritant cleanser ‘Mild Amino Facial Foam,’ which uses 100% amino acid-based surfactants, in the Korean and Chinese markets. The domestic patent application has been completed, and the Chinese patent application is currently underway.

Amino acid-based surfactants are derived from amino acid proteins, which are components of the skin, and are known for causing less skin irritation. However, they are often mixed with other surfactants because they alone have difficulty producing rich foam or achieving high cleansing power. In response, Shinsegae International partnered with Kolmar Korea to conduct joint research and development, releasing a product that overcomes the formulation and cleansing limitations of existing amino acid-based surfactants by using 100% amino acid-based surfactants.

Vidivici’s ‘Mild Amino Facial Foam’ features a soft cream texture with rich and gentle foam that does not irritate the skin. It is specially formulated with only three amino acid-based surfactants derived from 21 amino acids that make up skin proteins, providing excellent cleansing and moisturizing effects. Additionally, it contains prebiotics and probiotics fermentation extracts based on microbiome science to help the skin maintain its health naturally. It also includes Centella Asiatica extract, known for its skin-soothing properties, and panthenol, which supplies moisture, helping the skin stay hydrated and healthy without tightness after washing.

To ensure safety for sensitive skin, no artificial fragrances or colorants were added, and only ingredients with EWG Green grade were used. The product’s safety was officially verified by receiving the ‘Excellent’ rating for sensitive skin from Dermatest, a globally reputable dermatological research institute in Germany.

From November 8 to 11, Shinsegae International participated as an exemplary company in skin characteristic data and customized cosmetics at the ‘2021 K-Expo,’ hosted by six government ministries including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The company was recognized as a cosmetics firm possessing proprietary technology and patented ingredients and was invited to participate as a best practice case in this government-led Hallyu event.

The ‘2021 K-Expo’ was planned to promote Hallyu products online and offline throughout November and to support the overseas expansion of related industries, leading the globalization of Hallyu. Shinsegae International exhibited Yeonjak and Vidivici products, research achievements, and papers at the K-Beauty Korean Cosmetic Industry Institute space within the Ministry of Health and Welfare booth at the COEX Grand Ballroom.

Shinsegae International stated its intention to secure proprietary technologies that competitors cannot follow through investment and continuous research and development (R&D), and to develop additional exclusive materials. Through this, the company aims to enhance brand trust and recognition and to leap forward as a global cosmetics company loved in overseas markets.

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