GC Green Cross Wellbeing, Korea's First 'Hair Health Probiotic' Approved by MFDS

Approval Granted for Individually Recognized Ingredient 'LB-P9'

GC Green Cross Wellbeing announced on the 21st that it has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for 'Lactilactobacillus curvatus LB-P9' as an individually recognized ingredient that can help improve hair condition (shine and elasticity).

'LB-P9' is an individually recognized ingredient that was approved as the first functional probiotic in Korea for hair health management after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety included 'hair health' within the scope of health functional foods in 2022. In particular, following this approval, GC Green Cross Wellbeing now holds its third health functional food ingredient, following extracts of Lonicera japonica flower buds and Gujeolcho (Aster scaber) extract.

Recent studies have identified the reduction of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is crucial in the development process of hair follicle cells, as one of the causes of hair loss. LB-P9 demonstrated an increase in hair follicle cell count and hair density through animal model (pre-clinical study) research. By activating the Wnt signaling pathway, which plays a key role in cell and tissue regeneration, LB-P9 promotes factors involved in hair growth, significantly reducing the telogen (resting) phase and extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle cycle. More encouragingly, in tests comparing hair follicle thickness to confirm hair follicle cell proliferation, LB-P9 showed efficacy equivalent to finasteride-class hair loss treatments.

Additionally, in a human application trial, a clinical study on hair health functionality was completed over 24 weeks with 80 adult men and women who had mild or greater hair damage but no active hair loss disease. The study results showed a significant increase in hair elasticity (strength) by 452% compared to the control group after 24 weeks, along with a 221% significant increase in hair shine compared to the control group. Furthermore, in the most challenging category of participant satisfaction, a 67% significant improvement compared to the control group was observed, confirming the safety and efficacy of LB-P9 in hair elasticity, shine, and participant satisfaction.

Meanwhile, according to market research firm Spericol Insights, the Korean hair care market was valued at $1.19 billion in 2022, and the market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.0% from 2022 to 2032.

Kim Jaewon, Head of Research and Development at GC Green Cross Wellbeing, stated, "LB-P9 is an ingredient whose safety and efficacy have been confirmed in human application trials, making it a probiotic for hair care that consumers needing hair management can safely consume," adding, "We plan to introduce new products to consumers this year, leveraging the ingredient's functional strengths."

Since spinning off its health functional food business in May, GC Green Cross Wellbeing is advancing as a medical solution bio company with nutritional injection pharmaceuticals and aesthetic business as its two pillars. Notably, through the acquisition of Inibio on the 12th, the company has entered the botulinum toxin business, enhancing synergy with its aesthetic division. In addition to nutritional injections and hospital health functional food Dr.PNT, the company plans to diversify its business into pain management and aesthetics, solidifying its position as a specialized medical solution company.