ASK Company Partners with Harvard Lab to Advance Araliadiol Research Using Organ-on-a-Chip Technology

ASK Company and Harvard Collaborate on Araliadiol Research

In a remarkable advancement in the field of beauty and wellness, ASK Company, the parent organization behind the renowned RIMAN brand, has announced a groundbreaking sponsored research agreement with the Mitragotri Laboratory at Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This partnership aims to explore the properties and applications of araliadiol, an innovative ingredient extracted from the Giant BYoungPool™, an exclusive formulation that has captured the attention of the K-beauty industry.

Araliadiol has emerged as a promising bioactive compound, demonstrating various biological benefits even at minimal concentrations. Some of its notable effects include anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activity that reduces reactive oxygen species, and improvements in skin appearance. The comprehensive understanding of araliadiol's efficacy is crucial for further establishing its potential in the cosmetic market.

To validate these findings, ASK Company pioneered a collaborative research network with top-tier institutions in South Korea. Collaborative studies with Sungkyunkwan University and Konkuk University have elucidated the mechanism of action of araliadiol, confirming robust cellular protection effects and enhanced efficacy. Furthermore, ASK has successfully developed a synthetic production process for pure araliadiol, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing and safety assurance as a next-generation cosmetic ingredient.

As part of the new agreement with the Mitragotri Laboratory, the research team will utilize organ-on-a-chip technology—an innovative biomimetic platform that simulates human physiological conditions on microchips. This allows researchers to observe biological responses in real-time and provides invaluable insights into the regenerative capabilities of araliadiol, particularly focusing on skin regeneration and hair follicle activation.

During the official ceremony held on April 13 at the Harvard Science and Engineering Complex, key figures from both organizations were present, including Professor Samir Mitragotri of Harvard, Mr. Joonghyun Ahn (Founder and Chairman of RIMAN/ASK), and Dr. Jiwon Seo (Researcher at RIMAN/ASK). This event symbolized the commencement of this essential research collaboration, marking a significant step toward expanding the understanding of araliadiol’s functionalities.

Mr. Ahn expressed the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, "This research initiative represents a milestone in our research and development journey. Our goal is to fully understand and validate the potential of araliadiol as a functional ingredient in the beauty market." This commitment promises to strengthen the legacy of Giant BYoungPool™ and solidify ASK Company’s distinctive position within the global K-beauty landscape.

Founded in 2018 in South Korea, RIMAN is a direct-selling global enterprise that strives to redefine the standards of K-beauty through innovative ingredients sourced from Jeju Island. Operating from its smart facility in Jeju, RIMAN manages all processes—from cultivating raw materials to product development—leveraging its flagship ingredient, Giant BYoungPool™, a unique variety of Centella asiatica. This ingredient was granted 20-year plant variety protection in July 2022 by the Korea Forest Service and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in September 2025.

Through this partnership with Harvard, ASK Company is keen on further solidifying its impact on the beauty industry while continuing to explore the endless possibilities of natural ingredients.