A bee visits a goldenmane tickseed in bloom (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
JEONJU, Aug. 24 (Korea Bizwire) – A cosmetic product derived from royal jelly, patented by South Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA), has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in reducing wrinkles, according to skin experiments conducted by the agency.
The RDA announced on Wednesday that its royal jelly-infused cosmetic had been registered as a functional anti-wrinkle product with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in May. This classification, which requires objective proof of safety and efficacy, sets it apart from general cosmetics.
Royal jelly, a substance produced in the hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees, is known as the exclusive food source for queen bees throughout their lives. RDA researchers, recognizing its potential for skin protection against UV rays and moisturization, embarked on a study to commercialize these properties.
The research team found that when a serum containing royal jelly was applied to the eye area, skin roughness improved by 15.5% and wrinkle depth by up to 21%. These findings were submitted to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for approval.
Commercialization of the royal jelly-based functional cosmetic is currently underway through technology transfer to industry partners, with products expected to hit the market as early as next month. (Image courtesy of RDA)
Commercialization of the royal jelly-based functional cosmetic is currently underway through technology transfer to industry partners, with products expected to hit the market as early as next month.
In tandem with this development, the RDA has been actively breeding bee varieties, including the “Jelly King,” since 2019 to produce high-quality royal jelly. Recognizing the sophisticated production techniques required, the agency has also established a mass production system to ensure a stable supply of functional cosmetic ingredients to beekeepers.
The RDA anticipates that the registration of royal jelly-containing cosmetics as functional products will diversify income for beekeepers and advance the apiculture industry. Moreover, the introduction of new ingredients derived from domestic agricultural products is expected to broaden consumer choices in the cosmetics market.
Lee Sang-jae, head of the RDA’s Agricultural Biology Department, expressed optimism about the product’s potential. “Royal jelly-infused cosmetics will become a new source of income for beekeepers,” he said. “We will strive to support stable royal jelly production, revitalize domestic beekeeping, and introduce products that satisfy global consumers.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
