The Rural Development Administration (RDA), led by Lee Seung-don, announced on the 10th that it has successfully developed functional cosmetics containing 'Winter Prince' and 'Onju Mandarin' citrus varieties, with proven capabilities in enhancing skin barrier function. This initiative underscores the expanding industrial applications for domestic citrus products, focusing on the substantial and stable domestic supply of these ingredients amidst increasing market demand for natural raw materials.

The skin barrier plays a crucial role in preventing harmful external substances from penetrating while also retaining moisture within the skin. A decline in the expression of proteins and collagen that compose the skin barrier can lead to dryness, itching, and inflammation, thus creating a significant opportunity for cosmetics positioned to improve these conditions. The research highlighted that citrus is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which offer excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, fitting industry requirements for appealing ingredients reminiscent of clean Jeju Island.

Among the tested varieties, 'Winter Prince' and 'Onju Mandarin'—which accounts for approximately 70% of total citrus production—demonstrated superior efficacy in skin barrier improvement assessments. Findings revealed that applying a mixed extract of these two varieties to artificial skin resulted in a significant increase, approximately doubling the expression levels of key skin barrier proteins, filaggrin and collagen, compared to the control group.

Furthermore, a four-week trial involving adults with compromised skin barrier function exhibited notable results: transepidermal water loss decreased by 15.4%, skin moisture content rose by approximately 61.7%, and itchiness was alleviated by 28.5%. Such metrics are critical indicators of consumer engagement potential and repeat purchase likelihood, suggesting increased brand loyalty for products leveraging these ingredients.

As a result of these findings, skincare products utilizing the extracts of 'Winter Prince' and 'Onju Mandarin' received formal certification from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April, as functional cosmetics aimed at restoring skin barrier function and alleviating itchiness. This certification is anticipated to bolster market entry strategies and enhance the product compliance profile, crucial for gaining traction in both domestic and international markets.

This research initiative was a collaborative effort involving the RDA, Jeonnam Bio Industry Promotion Agency, and the private sector, specifically Farmville Co., Ltd., culminating in patent registration and technology transfer. The industry partner is set to commence full-scale production by November, signaling a proactive approach to meeting the emerging market needs for innovative natural cosmetic products.

Kim Jin-sook, who heads the Specialty Crop Utilization Division at the National Horticultural and Herbal Science Institute, emphasized that leveraging 'Winter Prince' as an ingredient in the beauty industry could significantly enhance citrus farmers' incomes and broaden the distribution of new varieties. The future vision encompasses not just topical applications but also extends into ingestible beauty products and other bio-material research, indicating a strategic pivot towards integrating clinical efficacy with commercial viability in the evolving landscape of K-beauty.