According to government data released on March 16, South Korea has the largest percentage among major economies, accounting for 42.9 percent of all hair loss cosmetic patents submitted globally during the previous 20 years. 

Between 2002 and 2023, the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) examined patent applications for hair loss cosmetics, such as shampoos and ampoules. These products try to stop hair loss by regulating hormones, improving blood circulation or strengthening the scalp.

With 576 patents, South Korea was the top-ranked country, followed by Japan (272, 20.2 percent), the U.S. (231, 17.2 percent), China (119, 8.9 percent) and Europe (104, 7.7 percent). South Korea led patents pertaining to natural substances (50.0 percent) and bio-based compounds (56.4 percent) by ingredient type. With 32.6 percent of synthetic chemicals, the U.S. led the world, followed by South Korea with 24.8 percent.

While hair loss is more prevalent in Europe than in Asia, South Korea’s beauty-conscious culture and high social stigma around hair loss have spurred local innovation, according to a representative of the country’s pharmaceutical business. Ingredients derived from ancient medicinal literature like Donguibogam and Bencao Gangmu are the subject of several patents.

With 115 patent applications, South Korean biotech company Caregen dominated the field, followed by Amorepacific, a major player in the cosmetics industry, with 72. Three of the top 10 filers are from South Korea, with LG Household & Health Care at number four with 25. 

“South Korea has a blue ocean opportunity to gain a technological edge in the hair loss cosmetics market,” stated Lim Young-hee, director of KIPO’s chemical and biological sciences section.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco