Proya Cosmetics, a prominent Chinese beauty company, has been awarded the 2026 IFSCC Podium Fundamental Research Award at the 36th Congress of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) in Perth, Australia. The research that garnered this accolade is titled "MGME1-Mediated Mitochondrial DNA Replication Homeostasis Regulates Skin Fibroblast Senescence via the cGAS-STING Pathway," selected from thousands of submissions globally.
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In addition to the main award, Proya secured a spot as a finalist for the Top 10 Podium Fundamental Research Award with another paper. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Proya as it becomes the first Chinese company to receive two awards simultaneously at the IFSCC Congress.
During the Congress, which ran from September 28 to October 1, Proya was also recognized as a "Technical Gold Benefactor" for its substantial contributions to cosmetic science research and development. Notably, the Congress accepted 76 papers for podium presentation and 749 for posters, with Proya achieving an all-time high by having all 20 of its submitted works accepted.
The award-winning research presented by Song Yaling elucidates the relationship between mitochondrial DNA replication and skin aging, suggesting that low levels of the regulatory factor MGME1 can lead to abnormal mitochondrial DNA activity, triggering inflammation and accelerating skin aging. This discovery sheds light on potential new avenues for anti-aging interventions.
Another significant paper presented by Feng Zhe focused on the effects of melanosome uptake by dermal fibroblasts, linking this process to cellular senescence and pigmentation. This research provides insights that could lead to more effective treatments for stubborn dark spots, emphasizing the importance of understanding the deeper layers of skin biology.
Proya's Chairman, Hou Juncheng, highlighted the company's dedication to scientific innovation and its ambition to integrate global research capabilities. Since 2020, Proya's investment in research and development has tripled, with the research team expanding to nearly 400 members, over half of whom hold advanced degrees. Proya currently holds 332 patents, reflecting its commitment to translating research into marketable products.
The company's progress at this year's IFSCC Congress follows its recognition as one of the Top 10 Basic Research Awards in 2025, further demonstrating Proya's ongoing dedication to original research and the development of innovative solutions in cosmetic science.
Proya Cosmetics, publicly listed with the stock code 603605, boasts various brands including PROYA and TIMAGE, and reported a revenue of RMB 10.597 billion in 2025, maintaining its position as the top company in China’s cosmetics industry for three consecutive years.