Amorepacific, Korea’s largest cosmetics maker, said it would provide a combined service of skin cosmetics and direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, drawing the industry’s attention.
On Monday, LabGenomics, a molecular diagnostics company, and Amorepacific said they signed a contract to provide DTC genetic testing service. DTC refers to a service that allows consumers to request genetic testing directly without visiting a medical institution.
DTC genetic testing is drawing attention as interest in customized health care increases. Businesses also predict various possibilities through partnerships.
In 2021, telecom carriers scrambled to form service partnerships with DTC genetic testing companies. SKT tied with Macrogen, LG U+ took hands with Theragen Bio, and KT tied up with NGeneBio. Recently, Lotte Healthcare forecasted it would jump into the DTC genetic testing business through Theragen Bio.
Under the latest contract, Amorepacific plans to provide a “My Skin DNA” test on the “Amore Mall” using LabGenomics’ gene test service.
Based on the gene test results and skin analysis, it will also launch “My Skin Solution,” which provides valuable skin and hair management guides. Amorepacific aims to offer the company’s skin and hair care products that suit the solution, contributing to its revenue expansion.
According to the contact, LabGenomics will supply 3,000 tests.
Amorepacific, based on its market tests and customer satisfaction analysis, will sophisticate the business gradually, launching its service in earnest in June.
“We have high anticipation internally that we will provide gene test services to a global beauty company Amorepacific,” a LabGenomics official said. “We will seek new ways to collaborate with businesses in various fields to expand our DTC business.”
Emphasizing that LabGenomics has the advantage of accumulated gene information and analytical power, the official added that it would develop an enormous new market and extend its service to genetic information analysis and solution provision to maximize the efficacy of individualized DTC diagnosis contents.
Meanwhile, the government introduced the certification system of DTC gene test institutions this year following the revision of the Life Ethics Act in 2021. As a result, six businesses have won certifications from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They are LabGenomics, Macrogen,. NGeneBio, Genoplan Korea, Clinomics, and Theragen Bio.
The ministry explained that it evaluated these companies’ facilities, equipment and personnel, test items, PR and sales methods, and appropriateness of service management plans in certifying them.