Cosmax and KRIBB Join Forces for Joint R&D on Indonesian Plant Resources

Combining Expertise in Indonesian Native Plant Research with Advanced Bio-Research Capabilities

On the 22nd, at the Cosmax Indonesia R&I Center located in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jung Minkyeong, Head of Cosmax Indonesia Corporation (left), and Choi Sangho, Director of the Overseas Biological Resources Center at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, posed for a commemorative photo during the business agreement ceremony. Provided by Cosmax.

Cosmax, an Original Development Manufacturing (ODM) company specializing in cosmetics, announced on the 24th that its Indonesian subsidiary has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology to jointly develop new functional materials by integrating bio-technology.

The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, established in 1985, is a leading biotechnology research institution in Korea. It operates local biological resources research centers in four countries-Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Costa Rica-leading the discovery of new materials and international cooperation for the advancement of biotechnology.

Through this business agreement, Cosmax expects to create synergy by combining its expertise accumulated over more than a decade in researching Indonesian native plants with the institute’s advanced life sciences and bio-research capabilities. In 2023, Cosmax launched its native plant material brand "The'Arum" and has introduced more than 40 new materials to date.

The two companies will establish a joint research and development system that links basic science with commercialization technologies. They plan to expand bio-based cosmetics research and manufacturing by developing new materials that combine the biotechnological value of Indonesia’s unique plant resources with eco-friendly production technologies, ensuring both sustainability and efficacy.

Founded in 2011, Cosmax Indonesia has steadily strengthened its in-house research capabilities, establishing local research infrastructure such as a fragrance lab and a sensory lab within its R&I Center, and developing halal-friendly fragrances and formulations tailored to local consumers.

At this year’s International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) conference, the company presented a total of six research achievements, including studies on native plant materials incorporating exosome and PDRN technologies, as well as cleanser formulations tailored to Indonesian water quality.

Additionally, Cosmax is expanding open innovation across the public, private, and academic sectors through research collaborations with institutions such as the University of Indonesia (UI), Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Recently, it has also begun joint research on the female skin microbiome with the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN).

Jung Minkyeong, Head of Cosmax Indonesia, stated, "We will continue to strengthen our technological leadership by researching innovative materials that combine localized research with K-bio technology. From discovering new native plant-based materials to developing locally customized formulations, we aim to provide comprehensive solutions that cover the entire Indonesian beauty market."