KT&G-owned Cosmocos’ itch-relieving formulation gets the nod from MFDS amid strong consumer interest in skin barrier-care

An affiliated company of Korean conglomerate KT&G’s beauty and health/life division, Cosmocos said that its Purple Peptiome Derma Cream is able to relieve itchiness by restoring the skin barrier function.

“Due to COVID-19, more people have sensitive skin or experience skin problems while wearing masks for long periods of time. As a result, skin barrier-care products and sensitive skin-soothing products have increased in popularity.​

“Even after the pandemic, interest in care for sensitive skin triggered by ultraviolet rays, fine dust, rapid weather changes, stress, etc. has continued and is expected to grow further in the future,” ​the firm said.

The Purple Peptiome Derma Cream is made with the patented Purple Mint, a raw material extracted from the native variety of Korean mint grown in the Gangwon region. Its benefits reportedly include strengthening skin barrier and reducing wrinkles.

In addition, Asper BiopepIV, a biosimilar active peptide found in Jeju yeast fermented extract, is added to provide a prompt calming effect on irritated skin.

The formulation also contains dexpanthenol, 10 types of hyaluronic acid, and five types of ceramides, which are similar to the components of the skin barrier.

These ingredients are converted into fine particles through a microfluidisation process to enable them to be more gently and quickly absorbed into the skin.

An efficacy evaluation by adult men and women showed that skin itching reduced by 47.15%, transdermal moisture loss decreased by 13.02%, and skin moisture content increased by 35.19% after four weeks of usage.

Further human application testing confirmed the immediate increase in keratin, a moisturising effect in up to 10 layers of the skin’s stratum corneum, and a 48-hour hydrating duration. The soothing effect and skin barrier protection against physical damage were also experienced instantaneously.

“The Purple Peptiome Derma Cream is a functional cosmetic formulation that combines Cosmocos’ proprietary raw materials, technology, and 30 years of know-how. Its efficacy is proven by how it has passed the review by MFDS.” ​

Focus on functionality​

Under Cosmocos’ portfolio are several cosmetics brands, including VPROVE, Man with Flowers, Danahan, Be The Salon, and in;usth.

In particular, VPROVE’s Asper biome range is formulated with the patented Asper Complex to help renew skin cells and enhance the skin’s moisture barrier.

The Asper biome Activating Synergy Cream works as a moisturiser to keep the skin soft and supple even in dry weather, improving its texture and boasting lifting effects.

Its non-oily formula offers rich moisture without clogging pores or sensitising the skin, helps maintain the skin’s “ideal pH level”, and regulates oil excretion to give a shine-free glow.

Additionally, in;usth’s cleansers have caught consumers’ attention for their jelly ball-shape design.

The Acne Jelly Bar Cleanser is made with raw materials upcycled from discarded “ugly carrots” from Jeju, with functions such as shrinking pores and suppressing sebum secretion; while the Watery Jelly Bar Cleanser contains extracts from Jeju green tangerines to leverage their moisturising, soothing, and antibacterial properties.

When applied, the jelly glides across the face and produces a foam cleanser-like lather to deliver a thorough and refreshing cleanse.

The product has passed a skin sensitivity test, illustrating the firm’s focus on safe and functional cosmetics.