KCI recently announced the development of a new skin delivery technology, ‘EncapguardTM’, and the launch of two delivery systems utilising this technology: ‘EncapguardTM Cera-S’ and ‘Encapguard TM Cera-LNP5.’
EncapguardTM is a platform technology that encapsulates active ingredients—beneficial for anti-ageing, improving skin elasticity, and reducing pigmentation—into nano-sized carriers. This encapsulation ensures that the ingredients are safely delivered to the target areas without degradation from environmental factors. The technology is based on a drug delivery system (DDS) commonly used in pharmaceuticals, adapted for cosmetics to enhance delivery efficiency.
The newly launched EncapguardTM Cera-S and EncapguardTM Cera-LNP5 use ceramide as the main component, which helps retain moisture in the skin and serves as a protective barrier. As the delivery systems pass through the stratum corneum, the ceramide capsules break down and absorb into the skin, strengthening the skin barrier and allowing active ingredients to penetrate deep into the basal layer of the epidermis, thereby maximising skin improvement.
The efficacy of these two delivery systems was confirmed through human application tests. In a 12-hour skin penetration experiment comparing KCI’s systems with existing products, the group using KCI's delivery systems retained more active ingredients in the skin, with the difference increasing over time. EncapguardTM Cera-S showed outstanding efficacy delivering active ingredients deeper into the skin, while EncapguardTM Cera-LNP5 was excellent for delivering larger quantities of active ingredients.
KCI is currently in discussions with domestic and international cosmetic companies to develop products using the EncapguardTM technology. Additionally, the company plans to release two more delivery systems, EncapguardTM Cera-Cubosome and EncapguardTM Cera- Emulsion, by the end of the year. They are also developing various raw materials that combine active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides with delivery systems.
KCI supplies cosmetics and personal care materials to over 120 consumer goods companies in 37 countries, including L’Oréal. As one of the world’s top three suppliers in the hair conditioning sector, KCI holds leading global products and was the second company worldwide to commercialise the biocompatible material MPC (Methacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine), which mimics cell membranes. This material is used in cosmetics, contact lenses, and medical devices. Recently, KCI has focused on developing eco-friendly products, such as biodegradable conditioning polymers and naturally derived surfactants, to strengthen its competitiveness in sustainable materials.
