At WBI, pioneering biotech breakthroughs has always been in our DNA.
This is the story of how a groundbreaking discovery in our South Korean lab put WBI at the forefront of both the beauty and medical industries.
Our Origins: From Conditioned Media to Exosomes
WBI’s journey began in a lab in South Korea, where our scientists conducted stem cell research to better understand how our cells regenerate and heal themselves. This was where they discovered that the liquid left over from the culturing process, which was initially thought to be waste, was actually a golden treasure trove of growth factors, cytokines, and other essential proteins.
This culture medium, known as ‘conditioned media’, became the base for new skincare formulas, reversing visible signs of aging and addressing skin concerns linked to cellular damage, such as pigmentation and wound healing.
However, within this culture medium, we uncovered something even more powerful: exosomes—tiny, microscopic vesicles packed with thousands of potent growth factors, proteins, and signaling molecules capable of enhancing cell communication and regeneration. This discovery marked the start of WBI’s journey into exosome technology, leading to a series of transformative breakthroughs.
1st Breakthrough: World’s Only Immune Tolerant Exosomes
The discovery of exosomes revolutionized our understanding of regenerative science, advancing both the cosmetic and medical fields. However, one of the major obstacles in using exosomes in skincare was the body’s immune response. The immune system often recognizes exosomes as foreign and rejects them, reducing their effectiveness over time and even causing allergic reactions.
Our researchers found inspiration in nature. During pregnancy, the HLA-G protein helps protect the fetus from the mother’s immune system, enabling immune tolerance. We explored this concept, leading to a breakthrough: a patented method to attach HLA-G protein to exosomes, creating immune-tolerant exosomes (IT-exosomes). This breakthrough enabled our exosomes to bypass the body’s immune defenses and integrate seamlessly into cells, maximizing their regenerative potential.
The impact of immune-tolerant exosomes extends beyond skincare. In the medical field, IT-exosomes are now being used to support treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and injury recovery.
Setting the Standard for Exosomes Production
Creating IT-exosomes required replicating pregnancy-like conditions in our lab, allowing us to attach the HLA-G protein effectively. Additionally, we eliminated the use of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), a common but problematic component in exosome production, ensuring the highest purity and safety standards.
Our pioneering production methods have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Korean Nobel Prize and the New Excellent Technology Award three times. These honors acknowledge our commitment to advancing exosome science and creating safe, effective solutions for our clients.
Besides extending immune tolerance to plant-derived exosomes and PDRN exosomes to build a comprehensive portfolio of IT-Exosomes, we also combined these exosomes with other functional bio-ingredients to develop novel skin and hair formulas. This led us to launch our own product lines, MORIMANA and RetroEV.
2nd Breakthrough: Synthetic Exosomes
Achieving immune tolerance was a milestone for the exosome industry, allowing more widespread application. However, we recognized that some markets aren’t yet ready for human-sourced exosome technology, leading us to pursue a new solution—synthetic exosomes.
This year in 2024, WBI introduced synthetic exosomes, a lab-engineered solution designed to bio-mimic the benefits of human-sourced exosomes while delivering even greater control and customization. Synthetic exosomes open up the possibility of bio-personalization: customized exosome therapies that deliver bio-actives with precision, tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
This marks a new era of next-generation beauty solutions, where synthetic exosomes are formulated to offer highly targeted, effective treatments that align with our vision for personalized skincare.
Today: Building the Next Generation of Beauty Solutions
Our journey is far from over. At WBI, our focus today is on building holistic skincare systems that combine advanced formulas with innovative technology to create a fully personalized, science-driven skincare experience. We believe that effective skincare goes beyond standalone products—it requires a comprehensive approach where formulas, devices, and personalization work together seamlessly.
In 2024, we introduced several key advancements following this philosophy:
- AI Analysis Scanner: Our advanced AI-powered diagnostic tool enables consumers to assess their unique skin and scalp conditions at home or in clinics. By capturing and analyzing real-time data, this tool recommends the best-suited formulas for each individual, making personalized skincare more accessible and effective. The AI Analysis Scanner is part of our broader commitment to empowering consumers with knowledge, so they can make informed decisions about their skincare journey.
- Partnership with DermapenWorld: Recognizing the potential of microneedling to boost the efficacy of exosome-based treatments, we partnered with DermapenWorld to integrate our exosome technology into their renowned microneedling devices. This partnership enhances product absorption and effectiveness, providing users with more pronounced, longer-lasting results in skin rejuvenation and scalp health.
- Du:Exo Launch: Our latest innovation, Du:Exo, is a multi-functional beauty device designed to complement RETROEV® exosome treatments—preparing, delivering, and nourishing the skin to enhance outcomes. Tailored for modern beauty professionals, Du:Exo is equipped with different modes for Plasma, Electroporation, Ultrasonic, and Skin and Scalp Scanning, to cover multiple treatment steps with one portable device.
What’s Next for WBI
At WBI, our mission is to continually advance the science of skincare, creating solutions that are not only personal and precise but also profoundly effective in harnessing the body’s natural ability to regenerate and thrive. Looking forward, we are driven by a commitment to push the boundaries of what skincare can achieve.
Our research into immune-tolerant and synthetic exosomes, paired with innovative device integration, is setting a new standard for targeted, regenerative skincare. But this is only the beginning. As we explore new frontiers in bio-personalization, AI-driven diagnostics, and customized treatment platforms, we’re shaping a future where skincare becomes more intuitive, adaptive, and truly responsive to each individual’s needs.
For WBI, the future of skincare lies in deeper personalization and ever-advancing bioscience, transforming how people care for their skin and empowering them to experience the full potential of their skin’s health and vitality.