Korean cosmetics contract manufacturer Kolmar Korea said Tuesday that its study on the antiaging effects of Spiraea salicifolia has recently been published in the international SCI (Science Citation Index) journal Natural Product Communications.
Conducted over two years in collaboration with Professor Lee Ki-yong’s team at Korea University’s College of Pharmacy, the study is the first to confirm that the plant extract helps slow skin aging.
A Korean native and a member of the Rosaceae family, Spiraea salicifolia has traditionally been used to treat arthritis and bruises, but its skincare benefits had not been previously explored. Kolmar Korea’s research found that the plant's extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wrinkle-reducing properties. Hyperoside, the active compound in the plant, slows aging and inhibits collagen-decomposing enzymes by up to 43 percent, helping to maintain skin structure and elasticity.
Following these findings, Kolmar Korea registered Spiraea salicifolia extract in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Korea’s official cosmetic ingredient database. The company has also secured a domestic patent for its use in cosmetic formulations.
Kolmar Korea said it plans to develop antiaging cosmetics featuring the newly found extract, citing China and the US as the key target markets, where there is growing demand for natural Korean ingredients.
The company has previously researched various native plants for cosmetics, including Sophora flavescens for hair loss, sunflower and lingonberry for skin protection, and aquatic plants for antiaging. It has also developed fragrances using Hibiscus syriacus and lotus flowers from Buyeo.
“With the rising popularity of K-beauty, we will continue to develop high-efficacy products using Korea’s unique botanical resources,” a Kolmar Korea representative stated. “Our goal is to create scientifically backed skincare solutions that combine tradition with innovation, allowing us to compete in the global market.”
hyelimchung@heraldcorp.com
