Cosmax, the global cosmetics ODM behind many K‑beauty favorites, is launching a skin microbiome study aimed at Indonesian consumers. By mapping how the country’s hot, humid climate shapes the skin’s microbiome, the company plans to build a localized database to inform premium, personalized skincare solutions.
Cosmax Indonesia announced on March 10 that it signed a research agreement with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Jakarta at the end of February to develop the Nusantara Skin Microbiome Map and advance local microbiome research.
BRIN is the presidentially mandated national research agency that coordinates R&D strategy and manages government research budgets. It conducts research in strategic fields like biotech and health and partners with industry on joint projects and technology commercialization. Cosmax says it will pursue long‑term collaboration with BRIN to turn research insights into commercial products.
The joint study will create a microbiome database reflecting Indonesian skin characteristics. Researchers will analyze the skin microbiomes of 410 participants — both those with healthy skin and those with acne‑prone complexions — across three major cities on Java: Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.
Indonesia’s tropical climate, characterized by heat and humidity, means oily and combination skin types are common. According to Cosmax Indonesia’s R&I Center Sensory Lab, eight out of ten teens and people in their early 20s either have acne‑prone skin or have experienced breakouts, and more than half of women in their 20s report acne as a primary skin concern.
Cosmax plans to use the microbiome map to expand R&D on climate‑adapted products and to develop solutions for neighboring markets. With Indonesian consumers increasingly seeking affordable yet personalized beauty, the company will scale research into reasonably priced formulations tailored to local skin traits.
Jung Min‑kyung, head of Cosmax Indonesia, said, "This joint research agreement lays the groundwork for offering tailored beauty solutions based on Indonesian consumers’ skin data. Through public‑private cooperation, we’ll serve as a bridge between K‑beauty and the Indonesian market and help drive innovation in the global cosmetics industry."
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