Cosmax, South Korea’s cosmetics manufacturer, is broadening its research footprint through a new partnership with the National University of Singapore, building on its decade-long study of skin microorganisms.
The agreement, signed last month, adds NUS to Cosmax’s growing network of academic collaborations that includes Harvard University and Seoul National University. The partnership focuses on developing bio-based technologies for cosmetic production.
Prof. Matthew Chang from NUS’s medical school will lead research on strain improvement and cell design. The work aims to optimize production processes through genetic analysis, according to company officials.
The collaboration marks Cosmax’s latest push to advance its skin microbiome technology since its 2019 discovery of EPI-7, which the company says led to the first commercialized microbiome-based cosmetics. The partnership also includes training programs to develop expertise in skin microbiome research.
For Cosmax, the tie-up with Asia’s top-ranked university strengthens its position in sustainable cosmetics development as the industry shifts toward environmentally conscious production methods. The company is focusing on new materials including bio emulsion and beneficial bacteria.
The deal was facilitated by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the White Bio Innovation Cluster in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.
