LG Household & Health Care has published research identifying key genes influencing skin tone in the scientific journal Nature Communications.
The Korean firm, which analyzed the skin genomes of over 57,000 East Asian individuals, says it marks a significant advancement in understanding the genetic basis of skin pigmentation.
Using advanced analytical techniques such as genome-wide association studies on large-scale genetic data, LG Household & Health Care’s Technology Research Institute identified 23 genetic regions that influence natural skin tone.
Notably, 11 of these regions were discovered for the first time in this study.
Among the newly identified genes, GAB2 is associated with promoting the phosphorylation of tyrosine, a precursor to melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation issues such as melasma.
Another gene, SLC45A3, is known to play a crucial role in cellular energy production and metabolism.
The paper, Identification of Skin Color Genes and Polygenic Adaptation through Genomic Analysis, was co-authored by researchers including Won Hong-hee from Sungkyunkwan University’s Samsung Convergence Medical Science Institute and Jeong Choongwon from Seoul National University’s School of Biological Sciences.
The research also developed a ‘genetic score’ method to predict innate skin tone. When applied to populations from 26 regions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, this method showed particularly high accuracy for Asian individuals.
The study quantitatively interpreted the interrelationships between environmental factors that significantly affect skin tone, such as latitude, sunlight exposure, and sunscreen use.
For instance, analysis predicted that individuals in the bottom 10% of the genetic score would benefit approximately twice as much from sunscreen’s protective effects compared to those in the top 10%.
LG Household & Health Care chief technology officer Kang Nae-gyu said: “The skin genes identified in this study can serve as target genes for developing high-performance skin radiance solutions.
“Through skin genomics-based research, we aim to introduce cosmetics that offer differentiated value to global customers.”
