On May 28th, Aekyung Industry announced its participation in the 14th World Congress for Hair Research (WCHR), held at COEX in Seoul from May 28th to 31st, where it will present its research on new materials for alleviating hair loss.

Aekyung will showcase a poster titled 'A Study on the Hair Loss-Alleviating Effects of L-Tetrahydropalmatine.' This presentation underlines the significance of the company’s research into L-Tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP), a phytochemical derived from the herb Corydalis. Historically noted for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, the exploration of L-THP’s impact on hair follicles positions Aekyung as a potential leader in functional haircare formulations.

The company's findings indicate that L-THP stimulates proliferation in human dermal papilla cells and human outer root sheath cells while inducing the expression of hair growth factors such as Versican, Alkaline Phosphatase, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Notably, the induction of hair growth and suppression of follicular regression during human hair follicle testing demonstrates its potential as a viable functional ingredient for hair loss treatment.

Aekyung has secured relevant patents and completed the registration with the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (ICID), reinforcing its commitment to compliance and innovation. The company has also confirmed superior efficacy in clinical trials relating to the alleviation of hair loss symptoms, which marks a significant step towards regulatory approval for L-THP as a functional ingredient under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's review.

Building upon the proven effects and competitive material differentiation, Aekyung plans to accelerate its penetration into both domestic and international premium haircare markets. The rising trend of ‘skinification’—treating the scalp like skin—illustrates a growing consumer focus on high-efficacy ingredients, suggesting a lucrative market opportunity for variants of L-THP throughout premium product lines, including shampoos and tonics.

Lim Seung-eun, a researcher in Aekyung’s Beauty Convergence Research Team, stated, “This research meaningfully scientifically validates the hair loss mitigation potential of the natural compound L-THP. Moving forward, we aim to enhance our global market competitiveness through further differentiated material research and the development of functional haircare technologies.”

The WCHR, organized by the Korean Hair Research Society, serves as a global forum for disseminating cutting-edge research and technological trends related to hair and scalp, featuring attendance from major players in the industry, including Unilever, L'Oréal, P&G, Shiseido, Lilly, and Pfizer.