Cosmax discovers microbiome KERA-3 strain, all-rounder skin enhancement
17 May 2022 --- Leader of the K-Beauty industry, Cosmax, has discovered a new microorganism, KERA-3, “considered a family-level discovery.” The company expects the discovery to impact cosmetics and academic biology.
The second-generation skin microbiome is to be branded and commercialized as Rappoilot.
The discovery comes after its first-generation world’s first anti-aging skin microbiome.
“Within the next five years, we will build a skin microbiome research roadmap to endeavor as a leader in the field,” says Lee Byung-man, president at Cosmax.
Moreover, the company’s discovery of KERA-3’s effects will be published in the international microbiology journal .
Imitating the skin’s environment
“Cosmax’s second-generation skin microbiome was discovered through a culture method that imitates the skin’s actual environment,” shares the company.
“The new strain is the third in about 2,000 bacteria, hence it is called KERA-3.
The new strain offers a broader range of benefits when comparing KERA-3 to the anti-aging-focused first-generation skin microbiome.
“It is particularly efficacious in lipid synthesis, skin firmness and skin barrier reinforcement,” details Cosmax. Additionally, it offers hydration, anti-aging effects and tone improvement.
Moreover, Cosmax has been developing a microbiome platform since 2019, which will become active in May.
“Cosmax developed a new AI algorithm called SKIMInet based on genetic information collected from 1,000 test participants. This is the first system to comprehensively analyze skin environment elements and even genetic data. It is built so that the customer can input consumer skin data for analysis and product commercialization.”
Skin microbiome research history
Cosmax’s Research and Innovation Center has been studying skin beneficial microbes since 2011.
Microbiome is a combination of “microbe,” which inhabits human tissues and “biome,” referring to an ecosystem.
“[Ecosystem] refers to the microorganisms and their genetics inside the human body. It is often found in the intestinal, skin, oral, or respiratory organs, but their functions have not yet been proven,” shares the company.
Earlier this March, the company found a new microbiome group with characteristics similar to materials that form the skin barrier.
Before the discovery, the company succeeded in finding a new group of microorganisms from infants and children who have high skin firmness and skin barrier density.
“This is a discovery at a scale considered a novel family in both genetics and taxonomy. In genetics, a newly discovered microorganism is deemed a new family when it has a genetic domain with a difference of 10% or more compared to existing organisms,” says the company.
Edited by Venya Patel
