Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Dongkuk Pharmaceutical is set to expand its professional skincare portfolio with the launch of ‘Madeca Labs’ in the first half of 2027. Targeting clinics and hospitals, the new dermacosmeceutical brand will leverage the centella asiatica-derived ingredient TECA, building on the success of ‘Centellian24’.
Dongkuk Pharmaceutical announced on the 24th that it is developing the medical science-based dermacosmeceutical brand ‘Madeca Labs’, targeting a launch in the first half of 2027. This strategy aims to expand its professional skincare business following the dermacosmetic brand ‘Centellian24’, utilizing the centella asiatica-derived ingredient ‘TECA’ (Centella Asiatica Extract).
Madeca Labs is a clinic and hospital-based skincare brand that combines Dongkuk Pharmaceutical’s pharmaceutical R&D capabilities with the clinical experience of dermatologists. It is being developed as a high-functional product line addressing various skin concerns, including skin barrier issues, sensitive skin, post-procedure home care, and skin condition management.
To develop the product, Dongkuk Pharmaceutical launched a dermacosmeceutical advisory board on the 13th of last month, consisting of five dermatologists. The advisory board includes Dr. Chun-sik Yoon (Yemiwon Dermatology Clinic), Dr. Ji-ho Park (Oaro Dermatology Clinic), Dr. Young-woon Park (Villad Skin Dermatology Clinic), Dr. Mi-hye Lee (Riwon Dermatology Clinic), and Dr. Sang-yeop Kim (JFCell Dermatology Clinic).
▲ Dongkuk Pharmaceutical Dermacosmeceutical Advisory Board. Photo: Dongkuk Pharmaceutical
At the inaugural meeting, the advisory board shared Dongkuk Pharmaceutical’s R&D capabilities in plant-based ingredients and its dermacosmeceutical business strategy, discussing the development direction for high-functional skincare products suitable for clinic and hospital channels.
In particular, based on Dongkuk Pharmaceutical’s research on the key centella asiatica-derived ingredient ‘TECA’, opinions were exchanged on skin mechanisms of action and product formulations. The advisory board plans to hold regular meetings and participate in product development processes, including core ingredient and full ingredient composition, formulation testing, and sensory evaluation.
Dongkuk Pharmaceutical is accelerating the development of its medical aesthetics business. In 2024, it officially launched the medical aesthetics business division ‘dkma’, targeting the skin beauty procedure market with hyaluronic acid fillers ‘Bellast’ and ‘Cablein’, and the botulinum toxin product ‘Vienox Injection’.
Subsequently, it expanded its product portfolio with the skin booster ‘Madecael’ combining centella asiatica-derived ingredients and chitosan, the hyaluronic acid-based skin booster ‘Inhillo’, the submental fat reduction injection ‘Millifit’, and post-procedure skin protection products ‘Madeca MD Cream & Lotion’.
Madeca Labs can be seen as a brand designed to leverage this clinic and hospital sales network while offering both injection procedure products and post-procedure home care products. The establishment of this brand is interpreted as a strategy to build a comprehensive medical aesthetics portfolio spanning from procedure products like fillers and toxins to skin boosters, wound dressings, and professional cosmetics for clinics and hospitals.
[Consumer News = Reporter Jeong Hyeon-cheol]