Kolmar Korea discovered that acne bacteria levels decrease significantly with age, potentially opening new paths for anti-aging skincare products. The finding, presented at the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists, shows that acne bacteria make up 83% of skin microbiome in young adults but drop to 61% in seniors.
The Korean cosmetics manufacturer partnered with Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital and Kyungpook National University for the research, which was published in the journal “Microorganisms.” Their study revealed that while acne bacteria levels decline with age, overall microbiome gene diversity increases.
The company has developed a carrier system to boost beneficial acne bacteria levels and improve skin adhesion. While the technology appears promising, independent verification of these claims will be crucial as the product moves toward commercialization, expected in late 2025.
The research also identified certain acne bacteria strains that inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with atopic dermatitis, suggesting these microorganisms play a more complex role in skin health than previously understood.
Kolmar Korea has filed patents for the microbiome technology, which was developed as part of a government-funded skin health initiative. The company aims to leverage these findings for a new line of “slow-aging” cosmetics.
