Introducing My Skin Solution, an innovative beauty service by Amorepacific in collaboration with LabGenomics, a Korean healthcare company renowned for molecular diagnostics. Image courtesy of Amorepacific.
SEOUL, June 27 (UPI) — Amorepacific, the leading cosmetics manufacturer in South Korea, is set to revolutionize the industry with its personalized beauty consulting and products based on direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
Known as My Skin Solution, this unique service is offered in partnership with LabGenomics, a Korean company specializing in molecular diagnostics.
Adult customers aged 19 and above can access the tailored skincare service by purchasing a gene test kit from Amorepacific’s website for approximately $77.
Upon receiving the kit, customers simply swab the inside of their cheek and place the gene sample in a provided tube to be sent to LabGenomics.
The test results are anticipated to be available within a week, during which LabGenomics will analyze 11 genes associated with skin aging, pigmentation, and acne, as well as 58 other genetic characteristics like obesity and diet, according to Amorepacific.
“Our test allows customers to understand their current skin condition and its genetic features, providing all the necessary information for personalized skincare management,” explained an Amorepacific spokesperson.
“Customers will be invited to our dedicated office in central Seoul, where they will receive detailed analysis and personalized skincare recommendations based on the genetic information we gather,” they added.
At present, Amorepacific has chosen to limit the availability of this service to South Korea due to regulations governing at-home gene testing in many foreign countries.
Expert Market Research reports that South Korea is among the top 10 cosmetics markets in the world, generating $15.71 billion in sales in 2021.
The market is projected to experience annual growth of over 5%, reaching $21.54 billion by 2027.
Despite being a dominant player in the Korean cosmetics industry, Amorepacific has recently faced a decline in sales and profit, with its bottom line decreasing to $114 million in 2022 from the previous year, largely due to underwhelming performance in China.
In response to this downturn, the company has actively expanded into other markets, including the United States, while embracing innovative technologies to strengthen its position.
While Amorepacific pioneers personalized gene testing for consumers, it is not the first Korean company to do so since the laws supporting direct-to-consumer gene testing were revised in 2021.
In 2021, SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, formed a partnership with genetic testing company Macrogen to offer genome analysis services.
Lotte Healthcare also joined forces with Theragen Bio last year to venture into the genetics testing business.
However, critics express concern about potential unforeseen consequences of private gene testing.
“Direct-to-consumer genetic testing encompasses everyone. I’m not sure if the government has thoroughly evaluated its impact on the entire population,” commented Professor Shin Young-jeon from Hanyang University in a phone interview.
“There are concerns that companies may exploit this technology commercially without a comprehensive understanding,” Professor Young-jeon added.
