What Incospharm does

Incospharm Corporation is a Daejeon, South Korea-based bioactive material developer founded in March 2011 that designs, screens, and commercializes peptide-based and small-molecule cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients built around its proprietary AMPed™ (Autophagy Modulating Peptide Derivatives) platform. The company operates as a B2B ingredients supplier, producing a portfolio of more than 20 active ingredients across four technology categories: AMPed™-based peptides (Aquatide™, LiftDerm™, AdipoSOL™, MelaTrepein™, Sebodulin™, Cabelludin™, Serenitide™), recombinant polypeptides (rhEGF, bFGF), natural extracts (PolluxCD™, SOYAMINE, RedoxySense W, Pineapple Ceramide, Wasabi Flavone), and synthetic ingredients (2-GG, Bio-PEC™, DermAging Corrector, ICP De-AGE 1). Underlying technologies include a patented Lipase A enzymatic bioconversion process for producing Bio-PEC™ phyto-endocannabinoids, and the EPOTF platform jointly developed with Kookmin University and MetaPore for scalable exosome manufacturing.

The company monetizes primarily through ingredient supply agreements with global cosmetics manufacturers and brands, including exclusive supply deals for marquee customers such as Galderma (Cetaphil Eye Cream, Biotide/LiftDerm™), Unilever affiliate Carver Korea (AHC eyecream, Aquatide™), Dermalogica (MelaTrepein™), AH&NS Japan (Aquatide™), Dorco Korea, and Skin Reverse Lab. Distribution is executed through direct enterprise sales supplemented by regional channel partners such as J2K Bio (Korea), and pricing is structured around per-unit ingredient concentrations under multi-year contracts rather than public tier pricing. Secondary revenue streams include pharmaceutical drug-candidate licensing using the AMPed™ platform for chronic and intractable skin diseases, and contract research services in skin tissue histology and cosmetics efficacy evaluation using native human skin models. Headcount is 11-50 employees, the company is privately held and venture-certified, and operations are consolidated at a headquarters, R&D center, and factory facility in the Daejeon International Science Business Belt (relocated August 2022).

Name

Incospharm

Legal name

Incospharm Corporation (주)인코스팜

Website

https://incospharm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Incospharm is a South Korea-based bioactive ingredients developer using its proprietary AMPed™ autophagy-modulating peptide platform to supply cosmetic actives and pharmaceutical candidates to global cosmetics brands and manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bioactive Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Ingredients

NAICS

Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561), Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Care & Cosmetic Ingredients (IMAEABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dermatology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAL), Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG), Bio-based Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals & Specialty Bioactives (EUAAAIAK)

Keywords

• Bioactive cosmetic ingredients
• Autophagy modulating peptides
• Skincare active ingredients
• Cosmetic polypeptide ingredients
• Pharmaceutical drug development

Headquarters

HQ city

Daejeon

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Bioactive Cosmetic Ingredient Supply: B2B supply of proprietary bioactive ingredients including Aquatide™, MelaTrepein™, LiftDerm™, AdipoSOL™, Sebodulin™, Cabelludin™, and synthetic materials like Bio-PEC™ and 2-GG to cosmetics manufacturers and brands globally.
2. Pharmaceutical Drug Development: Development of new drugs targeting chronic and intractable skin diseases including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, photoaging, and actinic keratosis using AMPed™ platform technology.
3. Contract Research Services: Tissue sample production services (TMA, histology) and cosmetic efficacy evaluation services using native human skin models for pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Incospharm develops and supplies proprietary bioactive ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications, centered on its AMPed™ autophagy-modulating peptide platform. The company sells peptide-based active ingredients (Aquatide™, LiftDerm™, AdipoSOL™, MelaTrepein™, Sebodulin™, Cabelludin™, Serenitide™), cosmetic polypeptides (rhEGF, bFGF), natural extracts (PolluxCD™, SOYAMINE, RedoxySense W, Pineapple Ceramide, Wasabi Flavone), and synthetic ingredients (Bio-PEC™, DermAging Corrector, ICP De-AGE 1, 2-GG) to global cosmetics manufacturers under exclusive supply agreements. It also develops pharmaceutical drug candidates for chronic skin diseases and offers contract research services (skin tissue histology and cosmetic efficacy evaluation).

Product overview

Incospharm is a skin science-based biotech company developing bioactive ingredients for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The product portfolio includes AMPed™-based active ingredients (Aquatide™, LiftDerm™, AdipoSOL™, MelaTrepein™, Sebodulin™, Cabelludin™, Serenitide™), cosmetic polypeptides (rhEGF, bFGF), natural extracts (PolluxCD™, SOYAMINE, RedoxySense W, Pineapple Ceramide, Wasabi Flavone), and synthetic ingredients (2-GG, Bio-PEC™, DermAging Corrector, ICP De-AGE 1). The company offers contract research services including skin tissue histology sample production and cosmetics efficacy evaluation using native skin models. Underlying all products is the proprietary AMPed™ platform technology for autophagy modulation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aquatide™ AMPed™-based moisturizing ingredient that activates autophagy and SIRT1 to slow skin aging, enhance ceramide synthesis, and strengthen skin barrier function. For cosmetics manufacturers formulating skin moisturization, anti-aging, and barrier-enhancing products.
• LiftDerm™ (Hybrid Peptide BIO / Biotide) Peptide complex that improves epidermis and dermis structure through collagen synthesis stimulation and dermal-epidermal junction enhancement, reducing fine wrinkles. For anti-aging cosmetic formulations.
• AdipoSOL™ Anti-photoaging ingredient that protects skin from environmental stress through autophagy activation and adiponectin induction, providing redness relief and UV protection. For anti-photoaging cosmetic formulations.
• MelaTrepein™ Dual-action anti-hyperpigmentation agent that breaks down melanosomes via autophagy activation and inhibits melanosome uptake simultaneously. For skin brightening cosmetic formulations.
• Sebodulin™ (Seboduin) First sebogenesis-modulating ingredient based on autophagy signaling that helps restore healthy hydrolipidic film on skin with anti-inflammatory activity against C.acne. For acne-troubled and sebum-control cosmetic formulations.
• Cabelludin™ Proprietary peptide complex for scalp care that activates autophagy and β-catenin signaling to promote hair growth, reduce inflammation, and improve scalp environment. For scalp tonic/serum/lotion and shampoo formulations.
• Serenitide™ Triple-mode action peptide for sensitive and irritated skin that reduces UV and blue light-induced DNA damage and alleviates local allergic responses. For sensitive skin cream/lotion formulations.
• rhEGF (rh-Oligopeptide-1) Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (>95% purity) that stimulates growth and differentiation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, supporting wound healing and skin tissue regeneration. For advanced skin regeneration cosmetic formulations.
• bFGF (rh-Polypeptide-1) Basic fibroblast growth factor that promotes skin regeneration by activating keratinocytes and fibroblasts, stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthesis. For anti-aging and regenerative cosmetic formulations.
• PolluxCD™ (Crepidiastrum Denticulatum Leaf/Stem Extract) Plant extract that protects skin against air-pollution stress from fine dust, heavy metals, and UVB radiation, preventing pollution-induced skin aging. For anti-pollution and protective cosmetic formulations.
• SOYAMINE (Soybean Germ Extract) Soybean germ extract rich in polyamine that promotes collagen synthesis, improves skin elasticity and tone, reduces wrinkles, and minimizes pores. For anti-aging and pore-care cosmetic formulations.
• RedoxySense W (Rice Ferment Filtrate / SAKE) Rice ferment filtrate containing high-concentration thioredoxin (TRX) providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects for atopic dermatitis and various skin conditions. For soothing and antioxidant cosmetic formulations.
• Pineapple Ceramide (Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract) Pineapple fruit extract rich in glucosylceramide and vitamin E/K precursors that strengthens skin barrier and improves skin tone and texture. For barrier-strengthening cosmetic formulations.
• Wasabi Flavone (Wasabia Japonica Leaf Extract) Wasabi leaf extract enhanced with isosaponarin that promotes collagen synthesis, improves wrinkles, texture, and elasticity, with antimicrobial benefits. For anti-aging cosmetic formulations.
• 2-GG (Glyceryl Glucoside) Plant-derived ingredient combining glycerol and glucose that enhances aquaporin-3 expression for skin moisturization and barrier function, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For moisturizing cream/lotion/essence formulations.
• Bio-PEC™ (Biosynthesis Phyto-Endocannabinoids) Enzyme-catalyzed bioconversion-processed plant oils providing eco-friendly cannabinoid-like effects without regulatory issues, activating skin cannabinoid receptors for soothing and anti-inflammation. For calming emulsion and mask sheet formulations.
• DermAging Corrector Senolytic anti-aging ingredient with benzoyl tryptamine that induces selective elimination of senescent cells and reduces SASP-related skin damages. For anti-aging cream/lotion formulations.
• ICP De-AGE 1 (N-Dichloroacetyl Tryptamine) Dual-action anti-glycation ingredient that prevents AGEs formation and accelerates elimination of pre-formed advanced glycation end-products. For anti-glycation cream/lotion formulations.
• Cosmetics Efficacy Evaluation Service Efficacy evaluation service using native human skin models for measuring moisturizing, anti-aging, brightening, anti-wrinkle, and skin barrier functions with quantitative and qualitative protein analysis. For cosmetics and pharmaceutical R&D organizations.
• Skin Tissue Histology Sample Production Service Professional skin tissue sample production service including TMA blocks, paraffin blocks, H&E and specialized staining (Masson's Trichrome, Fontana Masson, Toluidine blue, IHC), and image analysis for histological evaluation of skin changes and protein expression. For pharmaceutical and cosmetics R&D organizations.

Quantifiable outcome

• First Asian company to win Gold in Innovation Zone Best Ingredient at in-Cosmetics Asia 2016
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Kookmin University (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 December 2023Joint development of EPOTF technology for mass production of exosomes. Academic-industry collaboration combining university research expertise with company technology development capabilities.
• MetaPore (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 December 2023Joint development partner for EPOTF technology for mass production of exosomes using innovative filtration technique. Three-way collaboration with Kookmin University.
• J2K Bio (Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 June 2023Distribution sales agreement for cosmetics ingredient portfolio. J2K Bio serves as the exclusive distributor for Incospharm's cosmetic ingredient products in the Korean market.
• Medica Korea (Korea)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2022Business cooperation agreement for collaborative development in pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors.
• Dermalogica LLC. (USA)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 July 2021Supply agreement for MelaTrepein™ ingredient for skin brightening products in the professional skincare market segment.
• Dorco Corp. (Korea)secondaryOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 June 2019Exclusive supply of Aquatide 5000 for men's shaving products, targeting the growing male grooming market segment.
• Skin Reverse Lab Corp. (Korea)secondaryOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2019Supply agreement for Aquatide5000 for skin care product development and commercialization.
• Carver Korea Corp. (Unilever Affiliate)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 September 2017Exclusive supply agreement for Aquatide™ ingredient for AHC eyecream products. Carver Korea is an affiliate of global consumer goods giant Unilever, providing strategic access to major retail channels and brand visibility.
• Galderma (Switzerland)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 September 2017Exclusive supply of Biotide (LiftDerm™) for Cetaphil Eye Cream products. Galderma is a leading global dermatology company, providing access to pharmaceutical-grade cosmetics market.
• AH&NS Corp. (Japan)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2017Exclusive supply agreement for Aquatide™ for the Japanese market, expanding geographic reach to one of the world's largest cosmetics markets.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sederma (Croda International): French specialty bioactive ingredient developer for skincare, now part of Croda. Highly comparable as a peptide- and active-based cosmetic ingredient supplier serving global brand owners, but with substantially larger scale and R&D resources.
• Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (IFF): Specialty cosmetic active ingredient maker acquired by IFF. Directly comparable B2B model selling bioactives to cosmetics brands, but with broader portfolio and global commercialization infrastructure.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: Swiss fragrance/beauty major with a sizable active ingredients business for skincare. Comparable end-customer overlap but with vastly larger product breadth, scale, and regulatory reach.
• Croda International: Global specialty chemicals leader with a major personal care actives division (including Sederma). Comparable customer base and ingredient category but operates at much larger scale across many chemistry platforms.
• Evonik (Care Solutions / Personal Care): German specialty chemicals major with significant cosmetic actives portfolio. Comparable in selling differentiated ingredients to cosmetics brands, but with broader technology base and global footprint.
• BASF Personal Care: One of the largest global suppliers of cosmetic active ingredients, including peptides and bioactives. Comparable end-market but incomparable scale; sets the competitive ceiling for boutique actives suppliers.
• DSM-Firmenich (Personal Care & Aroma): Global personal care ingredients giant with bioactive and skin-active portfolio including peptides. Comparable in ingredient category and global brand customer base, but operates at significantly larger scale and breadth.

Direct peers

• Lipotec (Lubrizol Life Science): Spanish-origin developer of peptide-based active ingredients for skincare (e.g., Argireline). Closely comparable as a boutique peptide-focused cosmetic active supplier with global brand customers.
• Mibelle Biochemistry: Swiss developer of bioactive cosmetic ingredients using novel mechanisms (plant cell culture, peptides). Directly comparable in technology positioning, ingredient portfolio model, and target customer base.

Regional players

• Corum Inc. Taiwanese specialty ingredient developer focused on peptides and bioactives for skincare. Comparable in product type and customer profile, but primarily serves Asia-Pacific rather than competing directly in Incospharm's global account footprint.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Incospharm