IMCD introduces application lab and beauty studio in Seoul

SOUTH KOREA – IMCD has launched its inaugural Beauty & Personal Care Application Laboratory and Beauty Studio in Seoul, South Korea, marking a key step in expanding its Asia-Pacific presence within the dynamic K-beauty sector.

The facilities emphasize hands-on collaboration with clients’ formulation teams, supporting applications in skincare, hair care, color cosmetics, sun care, toiletries, and more. 

Equipped with mixing and homogenizing systems plus analytical and stability testing tools, the lab validates ingredient performance against market and regulatory standards.

The Beauty Studio Seoul functions as a product development accelerator, slashing R&D timelines by enabling brands and OEMs to prototype using pre-developed chassis formulations with varied textures and sensory profiles. 

Dongjoon Lee, Managing Director, IMCD South Korea, stated, “This opening is about being closer to our customers and doing the work side by side. South Korea is a fast moving and demanding beauty market, and our teams here understand what it takes to succeed.”

“The lab and Beauty Studio give our supplier and customer partners a place to test, learn, and create together.”

According to the company, customers can customize with active and sensory ingredients, often departing with tailored prototypes in under half a day. 

These spaces also host technical workshops, trend seminars, and training sessions, integrating trend insights and regulations to spur innovative formulations.

IMCD is expanding its footprint in South Korea’s influential beauty market through these new technical hubs, following its October 2025 acquisition of Dong Yang FT. 

This acquisition is strategic for IMCD as it will strengthen its presence in South Korea, one of the most innovative and largest beauty markets globally, known for being a trendsetter and exporter of beauty products. 

The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Meanwhile, earlier this yr, IMCD Group launched a new Beauty & Personal Care laboratory in Brea, California, to boost innovation in cosmetic formulation and customer collaboration across the Americas. 

The Brea lab integrates an expanded formulation area with cutting-edge equipment and dedicated rooms for workshops, innovation sessions, and brainstorming. 

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