Daebong Life Science derives anti-ageing material from ‘ugly lotus roots’, realises first commercial application

Developed using plant-based mucin extracted from “ugly lotus roots with low marketability”, the company’s latest innovation aims to replace animal-based ingredients and provide a more sustainable anti-ageing solution.

The material has been applied in a serum produced by an indie K-beauty brand, which will soon be sold in the US via Sephora.

This upcycled lotus root extract serum is formulated with 2,3-Butanediol, a natural moisturiser made through an eco-friendly biofermentation process, as a solvent and preservative substitute.

It is said to strengthen the extraction of glycoproteins, a key component of plant-based mucin, and has been clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles around the eyes and improve skin roughness.

“K-beauty brands have been enjoying a second heyday in the US market with products containing snail mucin filtrate. At the same time, indie brands are presenting new visions with differentiated concepts and philosophies in line with rapidly changing trends in the beauty market. ​

“The fast expansion of indie beauty brands, not only in the US but also around the world, reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences toward products that are effective, and align with the values of sustainability and transparency. With the growth of indie beauty brands outpacing the overall beauty market, Daebong Life Science, as a leader in clean and derma beauty, will continue to provide innovative and sustainable solutions,” ​the firm said.
The company also attributed the booming popularity of indie beauty brands in the US to the shift in consumers’ purchasing behaviour from offline to online channels, as well as the increasing impact of social media influencers.

‘Solid growth’​

Based on consolidated financial statements, Daebong Life Science has shown “solid growth” in the second quarter of 2024, with sales increasing by KRW3.2bn (USD2.4m) and operating profit rising by KRW2.5bn (USD1.9m), compared to the same period last year.

This is said to be driven by growth in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical raw material sectors, and improved performance of its subsidiaries.

“In response to the needs of brands and manufacturers that are accelerating the development of new products that will lead to innovation in the beauty market, sales of competitive cosmetic raw materials are expanding. ​

“Together with BASF, the world's largest chemical company, Daebong Life Science provides comprehensive services, including research and development of cosmetic materials, trend analysis, independent technology development, application of digital transformation in the cosmetics industry, and efficacy and functionality evaluation.” ​

In addition, the firm has placed emphasis on peptides, an emerging ingredient in the global cosmetics market.

Through a strategic partnership with Lubrizol, it has established a line-up of unique peptide products, and aims to push sales growth via innovations based on Lipotec active ingredients.

“We plan to further accelerate growth in the second half of the year on the back of the positive performance in the first half. ​

“We are also speeding up preparations to move into the ‘Global Beauty Health R&D Center’ in Songdo, which is scheduled for completion in the second half of next year. This will be a key base for securing future growth engines.”​