A heated dispute has emerged between two leading Chinese skincare companies regarding the authenticity of recombinant collagen products. Giant Biotech’s brand Repacoll recently accepted an apology from a testing agency but vowed legal action against critics, while competitor Bloomage Biotech publicly defended the whistleblower.
The Testing Controversy Unfolds
On May 24, popular science blogger “Dr. Big Mouth” (Hao Yu) published test results claiming Repacoll’s “Collagen Stick” product contained only 0.0177% collagen-derived amino acids – far below the labeled amount. Giant Biotech swiftly denied these allegations, stating their products undergo rigorous quality control.
The conflict escalated when Bloomage Biotech, China’s hyaluronic acid leader, issued a 2,700-word statement on June 1 supporting Dr. Big Mouth’s scientific methods and revealing they had conducted independent verification tests. The publicly traded company warned it may release its findings publicly if concerns aren’t properly addressed.
Industry Rivalry Comes to Light
This dispute follows Bloomage’s May 17 article criticizing what it called excessive hype around recombinant collagen technology, which it suggested was being unfairly promoted over established hyaluronic acid products. While not naming Giant Biotech directly, the references to market reports about a leading recombinant collagen company made the target clear.
Analysts note this clash represents broader competition between China’s established hyaluronic acid sector, where Bloomage controls 44% of global supply, and emerging recombinant collagen technologies pioneered by Giant Biotech since 2000.
Scientific and Market Implications
The controversy raises important questions about:
- Standardized testing methods for novel cosmetic ingredients
- Marketing claims in China’s rapidly growing skincare market
- Investor enthusiasm for “next-generation” beauty technologies
Both companies maintain significant market positions – Giant Biotech with its HK$82.1 billion market cap and Bloomage as the dominant hyaluronic acid producer. The outcome of this dispute could influence consumer trust and regulatory scrutiny in China’s professional skincare sector.
Industry observers await further test results and potential regulatory involvement as this high-stakes corporate and scientific debate continues to unfold.
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