A Korean cosmetic company has developed the world’s first preservative-free cosmetics by using the lactic ferment of kimchi, pickled vegetables.

The firm plans to sell the anti-wrinkle cosmetics from next month.

Kang Sa-ouk, life science professor at Seoul National University, said yesterday a local cosmetic maker COTDE developed the product, named ``Ciracle’’ containing a culture fluid of Leuconostoc Kimchi, a lactic ferment of kimchi, which works as a preservative due to its anti-bacterial ability.

A couple of months ago, Kang’s research team, whose members include the head of the company, discovered the kimchi-ferment fluid was effective in eradicating germs and viruses.

Kang applied for a patent and transferred the technology of extracting the kimchi ferment to the cosmetic company for making the products without chemical preservatives.

``I transferred the technology to the company and this is the first time the fluid of kimchi ferment has been used in cosmetic products,’’ Kang said.

The company COTDE plans to sell Ciracle, anti-wrinkle cosmetics, from April 10.

``We applied the fluid to our product and we saw the fluid had great antibacterial features superior to other chemical preservatives. It was also found to have superior moisturizing power suitable for cosmetics,’’ said Jang Dong-il, CEO of the company and graduate student studying at Kang’s laboratory.

Jang expects good sales performance, saying a BBC news article brought about some controversy over using chemical preservatives. Back in January 2004, the British broadcasting company reported a study led by British scientists showing parabens, or chemicals used as preservatives, were found in tissue taken from women with breast cancer.

According to the article, while there is no evidence they cause cancer, the scientists have called for the use of parabens to be reviewed while the cosmetics industry insists the chemicals are approved for use by regulators and safe.

Jang said his company is under negotiation with a U.S. distributor to sell the fluid and the cosmetics product. If the deal is made, the exports will amount to 10 billion won, he added.

He also talked about the company’s plan to apply the fluid to other food products both for people and animals.

Kimchi, a traditional pickled and fermented vegetable dish, was also found last week to have clear remedial effects for chickens suffering from bird flu, Newcastle disease and bronchitis.
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