Bum-Ho Bin
2022-Present, Associate Professor
Ajou University, KOREA
2018-2022, Assistant Professor
Ajou University, KOREA
2010-2018, Leader
Amorepacific Corporation R&D Center, KOREA
HISTORY
Prof. Bin studied biotechnology in Japan as a government-sponsored scholar from Korea and Japan. He conducted research on artificial lipid membranes using Atomic Force Microscope at Gifu University, which laid the foundation for his subsequent studies at the University of Tokyo, where he focused on the purification and crystallization of membrane transport proteins. He later joined the RIKEN Immunology Center in Japan, where he investigated the disease mechanism of SCD-EDS, a condition associated with premature skin aging. There, he identified and reported several essential mineral transport proteins in the skin. His pioneering research established the molecular significance of minerals in skin health.
Driven by a passion for skin-related applications, He returned to Korea and joined the R&D center of AMOREPACIFIC. He systematically elucidated the roles of key proteins across all major skin cell types, including melanocytes, dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and immune cells. Recognizing the toxicity of existing whitening agents, he spearheaded the development of the first edible whitening ingredients and pioneered the creation of a sugar-based anti-melanogenic agent. These ingredients were shown to be highly effective in whitening while offering moisturizing benefits, with no irritation or toxicity. In addition, he uncovered the molecular mechanism behind Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 4 (OCA4), a form of vitiligo commonly observed in East Asians, which had remained poorly understood. Since joining Ajou University, He has been leading research that spans from fundamental skin biology to the development and manufacturing of cosmetic ingredients. To date, he has mentored around 40 master's and doctoral students, many of whom now work at Korea’s leading cosmetic companies.
