Korean Researchers Register Propolis Extract in International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary

Nuclear Research Institute's In-house Company 'Seoul Propolis' Successfully Improves Odor and Color

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A propolis extract ingredient developed by domestic researchers has been certified as an international cosmetic ingredient.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 30th that Seoul Propolis, a 'research institute company' utilizing its own technology, has registered the propolis extract ingredient in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (ICID).

The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (ICID) is a dictionary of international cosmetic ingredients published by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the United States. Currently, only cosmetic ingredients listed in the ICID, the EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database, and the Korean Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary can be used in cosmetic manufacturing in Korea.

The newly registered ingredients are two types: Water Ethanol Extract Propolis and Supercritical Extract Propolis. The ingredients were obtained through a newly developed 'supercritical cocktail method.' This method extracts propolis extract containing terpenoids, which have high skin regeneration effects, at high concentration using high-pressure carbon dioxide.

Seoul Propolis conducted wrinkle improvement, skin loss recovery, and skin bioactivity tests to verify the skin regeneration effects of this method. They established the raw material product process and researched and developed it to meet international ingredient standard specifications. In particular, the method solved the issues of the dark yellow-brown color and the distinctive irritating odor, which were previously considered obstacles to using propolis extract as a cosmetic ingredient.

Seoul Propolis expects that the registration of two cosmetic ingredients developed with its proprietary technology in the ICID will reduce Korea's dependence on foreign cosmetic materials, open the way for more diverse product development, and contribute to securing competitiveness in K-Beauty.