Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Dongkook Pharmaceutical is teaming up with dermatologists to launch ‘Madeca Labs,’ a science-driven dermacosmeceutical brand set for the first half of 2027. The collaboration aims to blend R&D with clinical expertise for high-performance skincare targeting hospital and clinic channels.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical has joined hands with dermatologists to develop a science-based dermacosmeceutical brand, ‘Madeca Labs’. The company aims to combine its R&D capabilities with clinical expertise to create a high-performance skincare brand targeting hospital and clinic channels. The launch target is the first half of 2027.
Madeca Labs will feature product lines addressing various skin concerns, including skin barrier function, sensitive skin, post-procedure home care, and skin condition management. The core ingredient driving development is TECA (Centella Asiatica quantified extract), a compound derived from centella asiatica, which is a key asset of Dongkook Pharmaceutical.
On June 13, Dongkook Pharmaceutical held the inaugural ceremony of its Dermacosmeceutical Advisory Board, composed of five dermatologists. The board includes Dr. Yoon Choon-sik (Yemiwon Dermatology), Dr. Park Ji-ho (Oaro Dermatology), Dr. Park Young-woon (Villad Skin Dermatology), Dr. Lee Mi-hye (Lee One Dermatology), and Dr. Kim Sang-yeop (JF Cell Dermatology).
During the ceremony, Dongkook Pharmaceutical shared its over 50 years of R&D expertise in plant-based ingredients and its dermacosmeceutical business strategy. This was followed by clinical discussions on the direction of skincare solutions suitable for hospital and clinic channels, including the mechanism of action of TECA on the skin and formulation development strategies.
The advisory board will participate in the entire product development process through regular meetings, covering core ingredient selection, full ingredient composition, formulation testing, and sensory evaluation.
Dongkook Pharmaceutical previously launched the dermacosmetic brand ‘Centellian24’ in 2015 and has since expanded its hospital-exclusive brand ‘Madeca MD’ lineup. The company plans to grow its business step by step, focusing on the professional hospital and clinic channel by simultaneously expanding Madeca MD and developing Madeca Labs.
This strategy appears to involve transferring ingredient assets validated in the consumer market to the professional channel, building a layered brand portfolio. However, since trust in the hospital and clinic channel hinges on prescriptions and procedures, the success of the brand will likely depend on whether the advisory board’s participation translates into actual formulations and clinical evidence, rather than remaining a formal validation exercise.