Amorepacific has identified biological mechanisms involved in the formation of healthy hair and discovered a new peptide to support this process. The related research findings are published in the September issue of the international journal Experimental Dermatology, entitled "COCH Expression in the Hair Follicle Microenvironment Is Associated With Cortical Disulfide Bonding and Tensile Resistance in Aging Hair."
This study elucidates how the microenvironment of hair follicles, where hair grows, impacts the strength and quality of newly formed hair, providing scientific evidence for the process of creating healthy and strong hair.
Based on the analysis of new hair from healthy adults, researchers found that the expression of a specific gene (COCH, Coagulation Factor C Homology) in the hair follicle is closely related to disulfide bonding, a key factor in determining hair strength. Disulfide bonds are essential for maintaining hair's strength and elasticity; the more bonds present, the higher the hair's tensile strength, making it less prone to breakage.
The research noted that individuals over 50 have a more than 21% reduction in disulfide bonding in their hair compared to those in their 20s and 30s, with tensile strength showing a decrease of over 40%. Additionally, a significant correlation was confirmed between disulfide bonding and hair tensile strength, suggesting that follicle environment can influence the quality of newly formed hair.
This research highlights the advancement of scientific understanding in peptide-based hair research that Amorepacific has been pursuing. The company has collaborated with global peptide specialist Croda to study scalp and follicle structure and to develop peptide ingredients designed to influence key factors related to healthy hair formation.
The 'GROW PEPTIDE™' is a next-generation haircare ingredient designed with a focus on the stages of healthy hair formation. This study supports the research direction for next-generation haircare solutions aimed at promoting healthy hair. Relevant technologies have recently been applied to the newly launched Rootzen line from the Ryo brand.
Seo Byeong-hwi, CTO of Amorepacific R&I Center, stated, "Good haircare begins not only with management after hair growth but also with understanding the process of healthy hair formation. Amorepacific has been researching the biological mechanisms and key factors involved in hair formation and linking them to new materials and products, such as peptides." He continued, "Based on research achievements including GROW PEPTIDE™, we will develop the 'Hair Longevity Solution' as a next-generation haircare technology that helps maintain healthy hair for longer."
