32 research findings unveiled, including 10 oral and 22 poster presentations

Oral presentations double from last year; one study named among top 10 applied research

Global R&I network spans 10 centers with 1,300 researchers

Cosmax researchers attend the IFSCC 2026 congress. [Cosmax]
Cosmax researchers attend the IFSCC 2026 congress. [Cosmax]

Cosmax announced Tuesday that it delivered more oral presentations than any other participating company at the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) congress.

The cosmetics manufacturer presented 10 oral papers and 22 poster papers — 32 research findings in total — at the 36th IFSCC congress, held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 (local time) at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia. One of the studies was named among the top 10 applied research works at the event.

The IFSCC congress is an academic conference where researchers and professionals from around the world gather to share the latest findings and technologies in cosmetics. Since its first participation in 2014, Cosmax has presented a cumulative 105 research results at the event through this year.

Particularly notable was the number of oral presentations, which doubled to 10 from five last year — the highest count among all global participants. Only research selected through the congress's own review process qualifies for oral presentation. The IFSCC awards two prizes to oral presenters: a basic research award focused on elucidating scientific mechanisms, and an applied research award centered on real-world application of technology.

This year's oral presentations from Cosmax spanned the full range of cosmetics research and development, covering basic research as well as makeup, sun care, hair care and fragrance.

In sun care alone, the company unveiled three research findings — an analysis of inorganic sunscreen efficacy using rheology and holography, a high-performance sunscreen formulated with naturally derived emulsifiers, and a multifunctional cellulose-based film combining UV protection, color control and anti-wrinkle properties.

In the biotech field, Cosmax showcased a microbiome probiotic encapsulation platform — named among the top 10 applied research works — alongside studies on bio-derived fermented lipids and clinical research conducted in Antarctica using Antarctic microbiomes.

The scope of research also broadened. In hair care, the company presented an AI-based alopecia areata prediction model and a global scalp lipidomics analysis. In makeup, it introduced a study on temperature-responsive thixotropy to improve foundation longevity in high-heat climates, while the fragrance segment featured research on reservoir-mediated release for enhanced scent persistence.

Overseas researchers also took part. Two researchers from the Cosmax China research and innovation (R&I) unit delivered oral presentations, while the Cosmax Indonesia R&I Center presented six posters covering skin care, makeup and materials research.

Cosmax currently operates 10 R&I centers across South Korea, China, the United States, Italy, Indonesia and Thailand, with a combined research workforce of approximately 1,300. The company reinvests 5 percent of annual sales into research and development each year.

Cosmax has sustained earnings growth on the back of the global popularity of K-beauty. In the second quarter of this year, consolidated sales reached 794.9 billion won ($585 million) and operating profit came in at 73.7 billion won, up 27.5 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively, from the same period last year — both record highs on a quarterly basis.

"We will continue to introduce innovative products that lead the global market, backed by our technology leadership," a Cosmax official said.


boo@heraldcorp.com