South Korean skin scientist develops compound that mimics endocannabinoids for cosmetic use

The compound, Neuromide, was found to improve the skin barrier function and significantly increase skin hydration without any psychological side effects.

Results of preliminary development and testing suggest that these compounds can be used for improving skin barrier functions.

What are endocannabinoids?

According to Park, endocannabinoids are messengers within the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which monitors our bodily systems.

“These endocannabinoids are similar to plant cannabinoids except that their pain-relieving effects last for a much shorter period and are not as psychologically powerful as plant cannabinoids​,” said Park.

Additionally, they also play a role in maintaining our skin health, said Park.

“There is also an abundance of endocannabinoid receptors between the brain endocannabinoid messengers and the [skin microbiome’s] endocannabinoid receptors that regulate and balance our skin’s health.”​

Relation to the skin microbiome

According to Park, Neuromide is able to increase the production of ceramides, “the brick and mortar structure of our skin barrier”.​

“A skin barrier full of healthy ceramides is smoother, hydrated, and free of inflammation and redness.”​

Through various tests, Park and his team have identified the endocannabinoid compounds that play a key role in skin health and can benefit sensitive and even healthy skin.

While there is not enough research on the skin, there is some research on endocannabinoid’s effect on the gut microbiome.

“Scientists have begun to distinguish a relationship between two specific endocannabinoid receptors, GPR55 and GPR119, that appear to mediate the potential effects of our gut microbiome on inflammation and immune function,” ​said Park.

He added: “There is an abundance of endocannabinoids receptors between the brain endocannabinoid messengers and the microbiome in our skin and its endocannabinoid receptors that regulate and balance our skin’s health.”​

Park concluded: “Nueromide as microbiome effector is our direction for a potent new cosmeceutical ingredient for both sensitive and troubled skin as well as safe for all skin types.”​

No legal issues

Unlike cannabis-based ingredients, Park believes Nueromide should not come under any safety and legal scrutiny.

“Neuromide was chemically synthesised with same structure with N-palmitoyl serinol which is produced by the human microbiome. The cannabis plant was not used, so there will not be any legal issue,” ​said Park.

With these findings, Park plans to develop large scale production of Neuromide for cosmetic and dermatological use.

He believes there will be a lot of demand for this ingredient for its benefits to the skin barrier.

“Today, almost all products are talking about skin barrier. More specifically, it would be good for sensitive skin such as atopic dermatitis, severe sensitive skin and the physical and mental stress associated it with.”​

He revealed that he has already applied for a patent in South Korea and another patent under the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

“As a skincare development company, we are working finding the formula that will encourage the endocannabinoid system already present in the skin to stimulate the healing effects of the endocannabinoids.”​