KGC Insamgongsa Develops 'Red Ginseng Composition' to Improve Skin Microbiome

Selective Promotion of Beneficial Skin Microbiota Growth to Enhance Skin's Natural Regeneration Ability

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] KGC Ginseng Corporation announced on the 30th that it has developed a ‘Red Ginseng Composition’ that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria present on the skin and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, thereby activating the skin’s self-regeneration ability.

The R&D headquarters of KGC Ginseng Corporation and the research team of Professors Soonhong Yuk and Kiyong Lee from Korea University College of Pharmacy recently confirmed that the red ginseng composition, manufactured using KGC’s proprietary technology, effectively inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria known as harmful strains, while promoting the growth of beneficial strains such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, which regulates moisturizing functions.

The microbiome is a term that collectively refers to microorganisms residing in the human body. The skin microbiome maintains balance through an appropriate harmony of beneficial and harmful bacteria, creating a healthy skin environment.

Although previous studies have reported that red ginseng is effective in improving skin pigmentation, wrinkles, atopy, and acne, this is the first scientific verification of a red ginseng composition that selectively reduces harmful skin bacteria and promotes only beneficial bacteria. The company stated, “This research confirms that the imbalanced state of microorganisms can be restored to a normal state, which is expected to activate the skin’s self-regeneration ability and help prevent skin aging.”

The research results were published in the recent issue of JGR (Journal of Ginseng Research). KGC Ginseng Corporation has applied this red ginseng composition to its flagship Jeonggwanjang Donginbi products, ‘Jasaeng Essence’ and ‘Jasaeng Cream,’ and has completed domestic patent registration.

Nausuk Na, head of the Cosmetics Business Center at KGC Ginseng Corporation, said, “We confirmed through cell experiments as well as human application tests that the red ginseng composition developed by KGC Ginseng Corporation selectively promotes the proliferation of only beneficial skin bacteria,” adding, “It is significant that we revealed the effectiveness of the red ginseng composition in maintaining the homeostasis of the skin microbiome.”