Cosmax, a cosmetics research, development, and manufacturing (ODM) company, announced on the 14th that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National University of Singapore (NUS) in December last year. This partnership aims to collaborate on the entire process from strain improvement to synthesis, and also focuses on nurturing future talents to innovate the industry.
NUS is a prestigious comprehensive university in Singapore, ranked 8th globally and 1st in Asia according to the QS World University Rankings. The medical department collaborating under this MOU is one of the university’s oldest divisions, established in 1905 with over 100 years of history.
Cosmax, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Hwaseong-city White Bio Innovation Cluster in Gyeonggi-do, is pursuing this MOU to strengthen research in skin microbiome. The partnership with NUS aims to develop cutting-edge technologies in the bio field and commercialize them.
Reflecting the current industry trend that emphasizes environmental protection and sustainable chemical processes, Cosmax is accelerating the development of new materials. The focus is on advancing the bio emulsion (a natural emulsification system) and skin anti-aging beneficial bacteria (EPI-7), developed through its decade-long skin microbiome research.
To achieve this, Cosmax plans to collaborate closely with Professor Matthew Chang from NUS’s medical school on research projects that cover the entire process, from strain improvement to cell design and biosynthesis.
The two institutions intend not only to conduct academic research but also to optimize processes through genetic characteristic analysis of strains and apply them to actual cosmetic production sites. They also aim to train specialized personnel in skin microbiome, contributing to nurturing future talents in the bio sector. Through this, Cosmax plans to produce professionals who will lead innovation in the global bio industry.
A Cosmax representative mentioned, “The collaboration with NUS is a significant opportunity to advance and specialize biological transition research by establishing a partnership with a globally top-tier research institution,” and added, “Furthermore, through trained professionals, we will contribute to the development of innovative technologies for sustainable development.”
Cosmax began its skin microbiome research in 2011, discovering the EPI-7 microorganism while studying the relationship between resident skin bacteria and human skin aging, and successfully commercialized the world’s first skin microbiome cosmetics in 2019.
In 2022, it discovered the second-generation skin microbiome ‘Strain CX’, known for broad skin improvement effects, and successfully commercialized it. Over a decade of research has resulted in securing over 3,000 strains and continuing to develop derivative technologies such as natural emulsification systems, eco-friendly soil probiotics, and wound coverings.
Recently, Cosmax has been expanding partnerships with prestigious domestic and international universities to innovate technology in the skin microbiome field and cosmetics industry. Just last year, they entered joint research agreements with Seoul National University, Harvard University in the U.S., and Fudan University in China, working towards creating a global skin microbiome map.