THE WHAT? Injectable skin boosters derived from donated human tissue are emerging as one of the fastest-growing categories in South Korea’s aesthetic market, with strong consumer demand driving rapid commercial expansion and international growth plans.
THE DETAILS South Korean biotech company L&C Bio has seen growing demand for its Re2O skin booster, an injectable extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from donated human skin that is designed to restore skin structure rather than stimulate collagen production alone. The treatment, manufactured using tissue certified by the US-based Association for Advancing Tissue and Biologics (AATB), is targeted at ageing skin and volume loss, including patients experiencing so-called “Ozempic face”. Demand has outpaced production capacity, prompting L&C Bio to significantly increase manufacturing while expanding exports across Asia and preparing for entry into additional international markets, including the US. However, the category is also attracting ethical and regulatory scrutiny over the cosmetic use of donated human tissue and its potential impact on medical supply.
THE WHY? The emergence of human tissue-derived injectables highlights the convergence of regenerative medicine and aesthetic dermatology, creating new opportunities for biotech companies while raising important regulatory, ethical and supply chain considerations as the global anti-ageing market continues to expand.
Source: Bloomberg
