NEOPHARM
Our Science

Skin Barrier Science

About the CenterLamellar StructureCore Technologies

CRID Center

Research for Healthier Skin

Beginning with the development of its proprietary pseudoceramide and MLE formulation technologies, the NEOPHARM CRID Center has pursued research dedicated to healthier skin.

NEOPHARM CRID Center — laboratory equipment for skin-barrier research

From skin-barrier research to healthy skin

The Center's research took shape in the ATOPALM brand, with a focus on skin-barrier function.

Since then, research on numerous proprietary ingredients has expanded into multifaceted studies of skin physiology.

National Projects

National R&D Projects

Skin-science research capabilities built through government-funded R&D programs.

Patents

87 Registered Patents

87 patents registered in Korea and abroad based on our proprietary technologies (as of June 2026).

Papers

84 Research Papers

84 research papers published in domestic and international journals, including SCI(E) journals (as of June 2026).

Multi-Lamellar Structure

The Skin's Multi-Lamellar Structure and the Maltese Cross

When the multi-lamellar structure of the lipids between corneocytes is observed under a polarizing microscope, a distinctive cross-shaped pattern known as the Maltese cross appears.

Skin Science

Advances in skin science

The multi-lamellar arrangement of intercellular lipids is an important feature of the skin barrier. NEOPHARM has worked to create a multi-lamellar structure that closely resembles the skin's own lipid structure.

Our Technology

NEOPHARM's proprietary formulation technology

MLE (Multi-Lamellar Emulsion) formulation technology shows a distinct Maltese-cross pattern under a polarizing microscope, indicating that MLE has a multi-lamellar structure similar to that of skin lipids.

Healthy skin barrier vs. MLE® formulation

The MLE® formulation forms a multi-lamellar structure similar to that of a healthy skin barrier, with a Maltese-cross pattern observable under a polarizing microscope.

Lamellar StructureLamellar Structure
Maltese CrossMaltese Cross
Healthy skin barrier
Electron microscope image of the multi-lamellar intercellular lipid structure of a healthy skin barrier
Maltese-cross pattern of a healthy skin barrier under a polarizing microscope
MLE® formulation
Electron microscope image of the multi-lamellar structure of NEOPHARM's MLE formulation
Maltese-cross pattern of NEOPHARM's MLE formulation under a polarizing microscope

Core Technology

NEOPHARM's Core Technologies

Core-Boost-Linker ceramides forming, reinforcing and linking the lamellar structure of the skin barrier in the intercellular lipid layer
01Core Technology I

Pseudoceramide Technology

Pseudoceramides are lipid ingredients developed in-house by NEOPHARM to resemble natural ceramides in structure and function. In formulations, they form a lamellar (liquid-crystal) structure designed to resemble intercellular lipid organization, helping maintain moisture and reduce moisture loss — one of NEOPHARM's core proprietary technologies.

A three-part combination of Core (Ceramide 9S·9SP), Boost (Ceramide 5SP) and Linker (Omega-Ceramide-16) — NEOPHARM's proprietary ceramide system designed to support a skin-like lamellar structure.

Multi-lamellar MLE particles being delivered between the intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum
02Core Technology II

MLE®, Our Proprietary Skin-Barrier Formulation

MLE® is a patented multi-lamellar formulation technology using pseudoceramides to closely resemble the intercellular lipid structure of the stratum corneum. It helps maintain moisture while supporting the distribution of cosmetic ingredients within the stratum corneum.