18 march 2025
From tradition to innovation: Kolmar Korea reveals first evidence of Spiraea salicifolia’s anti-aging effects
A recent study conducted by Kolmar Korea in collaboration with Korea University’s College of Pharmacy, has revealed the anti-aging potential of Spiraea salicifolia, a traditional Korean medicinal plant.
Spiraea salicifolia’s skincare potential
A study carried out by Korean cosmetic manufacturing giant Kolmar Korea found that extracts from Spiraea salicifolia (꼬리조팝나무), a plant indigenous to Korea, exhibit anti-aging properties. Their findings were published in the internationally recognised SCI-indexed academic journal Natural Product Communications, marking the first scientific evidence supporting the skin benefits of Spiraea salicifolia in the cosmetic industry.
After two years of joint research with Professor Ki-Yong Lee (이기용) and his team at Korea University’s College of Pharmacy, Kolmar Korea has published a study confirming that the extract of Spiraea salicifolia possesses the ability to inhibit skin aging.
From tradition to innovation
Spiraea salicifolia, a member of the Rosaceae family and the Spiraea genus, is a plant native to Korea. While the plant has been historically used as an ointment to treat arthritis and bruises in Traditional Korean Medicine, its potential benefits for skin health had never been studied prior to the recent research conducted by Kolmar Korea.
Inspired by its traditional applications, the company’s research team investigated further topical uses of Spiraea salicifolia and discovered that it offers a wide range of skin benefits, including antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and improvements in the appearance of wrinkles.
Key findings and skin benefits
According to the study, the flavonoid Hyperoside, which is naturally found in Spiraea salicifolia, plays a key role in inhibiting skin aging. Researchers found that the extract of Spiraea salicifolia can inhibit collagen-degrading enzymes by up to 43%, which helps preserve collagen, maintain skin elasticity, and mitigate skin aging.
Future applications and global expansion
Based on these results, Kolmar Korea has recently registered Spiraea salicifolia extract with the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (ICID). The ICID establishes global standards for cosmetic ingredients, and this registration is an important milestone for Kolmar Korea in using this ingredient in the international market. In addition, the extract has been registered in the domestic Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary, and a domestic patent has been granted for a cosmetic composition that includes Spiraea salicifolia extract.
Kolmar Korea currently plans to develop anti-aging cosmetics using their patented Spiraea salicifolia extract to expand its presence in global markets, particularly in China and the United States. The demand for anti-aging cosmetics in China is on the rise, while interest in natural cosmetics featuring unique Korean ingredients is also growing in the United States and other regions.
Source: 매일경제.
Words: © 2025 Odile Monod.
Visuals: Kolmar Korea.
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