ImiIn Expands CICA-Based Skincare Operations through Strategic MOU

ImiIn announced on the 11th that it has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PlanTFarm and BIOSPLASH. This partnership is set to develop cosmetic raw materials utilizing Centella Asiatica, a key ingredient in CICA-based skincare, emphasizing a shift towards a green bio-collaboration model that blends smart farming and bio-technology.

The signing ceremony took place on the 10th, featuring ImiIn’s CEO Kim Joo-won, PlanTFarm’s CEO Kang Dae-hyun, and BIOSPLASH’s CEO Park Sung-yong at PlanTFarm’s headquarters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. This MOU is significant as it merges agricultural technology with bio-materials and cosmetic commercialization capabilities, reinforcing competitive differentiation in K-beauty ingredients and fostering a sustainable beauty industry ecosystem.

The choice of Centella Asiatica is particularly strategic, given its recognized properties for soothing skin and strengthening the skin barrier. The global skincare market has seen a marked uptick in the demand for sensitive skin care and dermacosmetics, positioning CICA formulations as increasingly relevant. This collaboration is expected to enhance product launches leveraging CICA’s popularity.

As per the agreement, PlanTFarm will cultivate Centella Asiatica within its smart farming framework, ensuring consistent quality and volume suited for cosmetic applications. Their vertical farming model optimizes growing conditions like light, temperature, and nutrient solutions, delivering stable production year-round, which is crucial for maintaining ingredient consistency and reliability—two vital factors for cosmetic manufacturers.

PlanTFarm is recognized as a leader in Ag-Tech, boasting the largest network of vertical farms in the country. It has developed cultivation recipes for over 110 types of crops and is now expanding into high-value crop markets through collaborations with corporate clients. The accumulated agricultural data and precision control technology will allow PlanTFarm to broaden its offerings into functional and beauty ingredient crop categories, marking a significant step towards commercialization within the green bio industry.

BIOSPLASH, established in 2018, focuses on bio-materials development, leveraging microbial big data and AI-driven research to create functional bio-materials. Their fermentation technology has been pivotal in producing materials for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. The recent introduction of fermentation-based retinol catapults BIOSPLASH into a competitive position, particularly as it expands its ODM operations targeting both domestic and international beauty brands.

PlanTFarm representatives mentioned that this agreement represents a meaningful initial step in transitioning their smart farming expertise into the beauty and bio-raw material sectors. By providing standardized national raw materials through precise environmental controls, they aim to bolster K-beauty ingredient competitiveness and contribute to a sustainable raw material ecosystem.

ImiIn representatives underscored the significance of this partnership as a connector between smart farming technology, bio-material capabilities, and ODM development expertise. The objective is to continue enhancing their ability to develop custom products tailored for global clients, underpinned by differentiated raw materials.