Fust Lab Launches Full-Scale Focused Ultrasound Driven ‘Surfactant Free’ Cosmetics ODM Project

[SWTV 이지한 기자] Fust Lab, a company specializing in focused ultrasound technology, announced the full-scale rollout of its surfactant-free cosmetics original design manufacturing (ODM) project driven by focused ultrasound processing technology.

DEBREX is a platform that maximizes nano-emulsification and dispersion through high-intensity focused ultrasound. By enabling emulsification, uniform particle dispersion, and hypoallergenic, high-performance formulations even without surfactants, it is recognized as a unique, surfactant-free manufacturing process compared to traditional mechanical agitation or high-shear mixing.

When the technology is adopted in formulation development, it can drastically improve the absorption and sensory profile of cosmetics by achieving stable emulsification without chemical surfactants. It expects to gain a competitive edge in the sensitive skin care market which demand the minimization of skin irritation.

Moving beyond simple technology-based OEM manufacturing, Fust Lab has expanded its business model from surfactant-free design stages to full-scale ODM model, offering a novel technological alternative for the cosmetics manufacturing process.

In fact, since last year, it has been developing various formulations and conducting sample testing of surfactant-free creams and emulsions targeting domestic cosmetic brands and manufacturers. Samples have been delivered to major domestic cosmetic brands, including Celltrion, AHC, and LG Household & Healthcare, receiving feedback of “superior absorption with silky smooth texture and even application”. Currently, it is optimizing product quality by precisely customizing the viscosity, particle distribution, and sensory profiles of surfactant-free formulations to meet client requirements, while simultaneously conducting safety assessments.
It is currently working on improving its level of qualities through making precise customization of viscosity, particle distribution and sensory profiles for surfactant-free formulation tailored to clients’ requirement and safety assessment simultaneously.

Building on these achievements, it is establishing a foundation for global testing and strategic partnership to scale its surfactant-free cosmetic ODM business. Supported by the global expansion program of Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok, the company laid the groundwork for international growth. Following a contract with Hyundai Corporation’s German subsidiary, Fust Lab has established a demo-room in Frankfurt, where it is currently conducting PoC for its cosmetics and raw materials targeting European clients.

The progress in Japan is also becoming increasingly evident. Since establishing its Japanese subsidiary last October, the company has been supplying demo equipment and conducting joint testing with local companies, including Meiji, Hitachi High-Tech, and Resonac. In fact, these efforts have already borne fruit, with Meiji placing a purchase order for equipment after recognizing the excellence of the company’s surfactant-free emulsification testing results.

Fust Lab aims to successfully conclude surfactant-free cosmetic testing for both domestic and international clients in the first half of this year, materializing its achievements in the cosmetic ODM business. Building on these milestones, it will expand its surfactant-free cosmetic ODM business across European and Japanese markets, while securing Series A funding for further accelerate its growth.

Officials at Fust Lab stated, “Surfactant-free cosmetic ODM business, driven by focused ultrasound technology, is the core engine for the growth. Moving beyond technical PoC, we are now entering the next phase, full-scale production and the realization of tangible business achievements”.

Meanwhile, driven by its surfactant-free cosmetic ODM projects and advancements in focused ultrasound technology, Fust Lab secured 3.1 billion KRW in funding last year, bringing its total investment to 6.6 billion KRW. Furthermore, the company continues to build its reputation as a technology-driven company by securing various accolades, such as winning the CES Innovation Awards for two consecutive years, being named a nominee for the Edison Awards, and winning the Shinhan ESG Demo Day.