COSMAX Signs MOU with Pohang Accelerator Laboratory to Advance K-Beauty Innovation

COSMAX, a global cosmetics ODM (research, development, and manufacturing) company, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory (PAL) to develop new cosmetics using advanced scientific technology. The MOU was signed on the 14th, during a ceremony held at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, attended by key representatives from both organizations, including COSMAX Group Chairman Lee Kyung-soo and PAL Director Kim Jae-young.

The Pohang Light Source II (PLS-II), operated by PAL, is an advanced research facility that generates light over 10 billion times brighter than sunlight, enabling precise atomic-level analysis of material structures at the nanoscale. Since it opened in 1995, it has supported nearly 100,000 researchers and over 28,000 research projects, producing more than 11,000 SCI-level papers across various scientific fields, including new drug development, semiconductors, and new materials.

COSMAX has built a strong technology base in the field of basic cosmetic skin delivery systems such as liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and liquid crystal emulsions by utilizing the synchrotron radiation facility at PAL. Sales from these skin delivery systems, which started at approximately 6 billion KRW in 2021, are projected to reach around 100 billion KRW this year. The company has also been recognized with the Jang Young-sil Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT in 2021 and 2024 for its achievements in technology development and industrialization.

With this MOU, COSMAX aims to expand its research scope from basic cosmetic collaboration to include sunscreen, color cosmetics, and hair products. A formal cooperative system will be established to strategically combine the capabilities of both organizations. This strategic initiative intends to create a foundation for leading the global cosmetics market by applying synchrotron radiation to the entirety of cosmetics research.

The key research areas include: 1) Nanostructure research of skin delivery systems such as liposomes; 2) Research on changes in skin and makeup structure after applying sunscreens and color cosmetics; 3) Hair structure research; and 4) Research on the structure of cosmetic materials. In addition to these, both organizations are committed to continuously exploring and expanding additional research areas that can integrate synchrotron radiation technology into cosmetic-related applications.

Lee Kyung-soo, Chairman of COSMAX Group, emphasized, "This MOU is a strategic decision aimed at further concentrating and maximizing the capabilities of both organizations based on past collaboration results. We will solidify the scientific foundation of K-Beauty by applying advanced synchrotron radiation research to the cosmetics field and take the lead in establishing a premium image for K-Beauty in the global market."

Kim Jae-young, Director of the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, stated, "Through the MOU with COSMAX, we will systematically expand the application of synchrotron radiation in the cosmetics industry and work together to create a virtuous cycle model that leads from basic science infrastructure to industrial innovation."