COSMAX, a global beauty ODM (research, development, and production) company, has announced that it received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for a non-declared solid (stick) anti-wrinkle functional cosmetic utilizing bakuchiol.
In the beauty industry, there is a growing emphasis on 'skin longevity' and 'slow aging', particularly among consumers in their 20s and 30s who are increasingly concerned about early signs of aging. COSMAX aims to diversify the functionality of its stick-type cosmetics in response to these trends.
The core ingredient of this innovation, bakuchiol, is a natural antioxidant extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Indian herb babchi. It possesses collagen synthesis capabilities similar to those of retinol and is referred to as the 'next-generation retinol.' As a plant-derived ingredient, it aligns with the rising demand for clean and vegan beauty products.
Unlike retinol, which is sensitive to light and UV, making it more suitable for evening use, bakuchiol is relatively stable under heat and light, making it applicable for daytime skincare products.
However, increasing the concentration of bakuchiol, which is in liquid form, while stabilizing it into a solid stick has posed a technological challenge within the industry. Increasing the wax content to solidify the ingredient often leads to stiffness in application and significantly reduces the absorption rate of active components into the skin.
COSMAX has overcome these limitations with its unique formulation control technology, creating a high-precision wax network structure that allows for a high concentration of bakuchiol while preventing issues like formulation clumping or oil sweating on the surface. As a result, it has achieved an optimal application texture that maintains a solid form but melts smoothly upon contact with the skin.
Basing its developments on this new technology, COSMAX plans to cultivate the existing moisturizing-focused multi-balm category into a 'high-performance multifunctional' premium line that addresses multiple skin concerns such as wrinkle improvement, elasticity, and brightening. They also aim to expand their proposals for high-functional stick-type cosmetics to both domestic and global clients, with product launches expected as early as this year.
A COSMAX representative stated, "This functional approval for the bakuchiol non-declared solid product proves COSMAX's exceptional R&D capabilities in skincare and reinforces our commitment to meet global consumer demands for high-performance beauty products while surpassing formulation limitations to aggressively pursue the global slow aging market."
