Dabao, Peking University launch joint anti-aging lab

Dabao, a skin health and beauty brand owned by Kenvue Inc, a United States-based consumer skincare company, and the School of Life Sciences at Peking University inaugurated "Dabao-PKU Joint Laboratory on Anti-aging" in Beijing on Friday.

The laboratory will explore the correlation between mitochondrial function and skin cell aging, while looking into the possibilities of applying their findings to skincare, said Kenvue in a statement.

The New Jersey-headquartered company said that the laboratory's findings will help identify new targets to enhance mitochondrial function in skin cells, specifically for the Chinese population, providing a foundation for more precise research, development and innovations of cutting-edge and comprehensive skincare products.

"While driving fundamental scientific research, we need to foster the translation of science into practical applications to enhance the value of our research outcomes," said Chen Xuemei, dean of the School of Life Sciences at Peking University.

Zheng Ruqing, deputy director of the technology development department at Peking University, said that the collaboration between universities and companies can effectively forge research projects that are demand-oriented, thereby achieving an organic integration and positive cycle of education, research and production.

Mitochondria, essential organelles in eukaryotic cells, power aerobic respiration and energy production. They also play key roles in cell differentiation, signaling, apoptosis and cell growth regulation. Research on mitochondria is vital for advancing human health, a growing consumer concern.

By establishing a joint laboratory with Dabao, we will leverage Peking University's research models, capabilities and achievements in mitochondrial studies to support Dabao in the field of skin health, offering new insights into skin cell science," said Li Chenjian, a professor at the School of Life Sciences of Peking University.

Expressing similar views, Caroline Tillett, chief scientific officer of Kenvue, said that the establishment of this joint laboratory with Dabao to support mitochondrial research in skin health reinforces the group's commitment to improving daily skincare for consumers through innovative science and research.

"Mitochondrial research is currently gaining increasing attention in the realm of skin health," said Tillett. "As a well-known brand in China, Dabao has always been rooted in science and oriented towards the skincare needs of Chinese consumers."

To further optimize its business environment and promote opening-up, China will encourage foreign companies to participate in key service sectors such as healthcare, eldercare, culture and tourism, sports, vocational education and finance, according to the 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment released by Chinese government in February.