Incospharm launches autophagy-inducing MelaTrepein

Launched on 13th June 2018 at in-cosmetics Korea 2018, MelaTrepein took its place at the event's Innovation Zone, along with its sister product, PolluxCD.

New launch​

Supporting its goal to develop and introduce active ingredients that “really do make difference in human skin”​, Incospharm developed and introduced MelaTrepein at its leading domestic industry event, in-cosmetics Korea 2018.

MelaTrepein offers strong whitening efficacy, confirmed by in vitro tests and human clinical trials. It achieves this by reducing melanosome transfer from melanocyte cells to keratinocyte cells by inhibiting endocytosis of keratinocytes. It eliminates melanosome already deposited on keratinocytes by activating autophagy.

Incospharm’s latest solution does not affect the activity and growth of melanocytes, providing reassurance against side effects such as vitiligo. MelaTrepein also only impacts keratinocytes and so does not need to be absorbed into fibroblast cells.

The South Korean company also introduced PolluxCD, a natural extract that protects the skin against various air-pollution stress such as PM, BaP, Heavy metals and UVB, and prevents pollution-induced skin ageing. It is suitable for applications in skin care, sun care, anti-pollution and anti-inflammation. The extract activates autophagy, protects skin cell against pollution-induced toxicity and reduces pollution-induced inflammatory cytokine production.

Building its portfolio​

Founded in 2011, Incospharm has strived to become the global leader in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries through developing innovative active ingredients that actively induce autophagy in various cells.

As it works towards securing globally-recognised technical leadership in the development of autophagy-based peptides and non-peptide active ingredients for anti-wrinkle, moisturising, anti-oxidant, and brightening of the skin, Incospharm introduces MelaTrepein.

Partnering with Arysta Health and Nutrition Sciences in Tokyo, Japan, since its inception, Incospharm now has a seven-strong product portfolio that builds upon the awareness and importance of autophagy.

Incospharm develops special active ingredients for skin complaints such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, inflammation and also hair-loss. Its ingredients are also designed to protect against UV radiation, allergens or pollutants such as PM2.5 by activating cellular homeostasis mechanism known as autophagy.

The importance of autophagy​

Autophagy relates to the “accumulation of damaged cellular components is characteristic of tissues in all organisms as they age and has been proposed to be responsible for their functional loss in ageing”,​ Incospharm explained.

In the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, there is increased interest in creating and launching ingredients to “enhance autophagic activity to slow-down ageing progression”.​

The spotlight on autophagy was pushed onto the international stage in 2016 when Yoshinori Ohsumi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for “discoveries of the mechanisms for autophagy”​ on 3rd October 2016.

Efficacy over concept​

MelaTrepein activates autophagy. It also leads to the reduced expression of PAR2, degradation of Melanosome and inhibition of melanosome inflow. This efficacy has applications in anti-pigmentation, skin care, sun care, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory nature.

Speaking with Keedon Park, CEO of Incospharm at in-cosmetics Korea 2018, we explore what Korean consumers are searching for: “In the last three-four years, Korean consumers are increasingly looking for beauty products that are not only popular but that have strong efficacy."​

“This represents a shift from a concept-based market to one that is led by active ingredients. This, in turn, creates an opportunity to move from beauty-based products to those that help people with skin conditions,”​ added Park.