[Money Today] October 15, 2003SK chemicals, a chemical materials firm, is officially embarking on a cosmetics venture. On October 15, SK chemicals announced the launch of its skincare line, ?CARA.? 6 skincare products, based on sword bean extract, effective against acne and other skin conditions, have been released. Developed at the term of 3 years of research by the SK chemicals Life Science Institute, investing 1 billion won, these products apparently have outstanding properties to prevent acne and to speedily restore acne-damaged skin to health and beauty. Cara, a full skincare line including soap, wash foam, skin toner, emulsion, cream and patch, covering all the steps in a daily care routine, is due to be distributed through hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and skincare stores. The products are also available through online channels, such as http://www.yeoin.com, a women?s internet portal, and SKD2D (www.skdtod.com). ?The release of Cara is the result reaped by our R&D efforts in the biochemical field, a new business area we have been investing in,? says Hi-bong Lee, a team head at SK chemicals? Personal Hygiene Division. ?By staking out new markets for these products using SK chemicals? unique distribution channels, we plan to conquer a 30% share of the domestic market,? he continued. ?Whiteners, wrinkle treatment and atopy treatment products are forthcoming for a complete line of functional cosmetics,? Mr. Lee added. ?Our ambition is to lead the sector by making the brand an integral skin solution, with such programs as ?My Own Cara Skin Counselor,? he concluded. The current size of Korea?s acne treatment skincare product industry totals 30 billion won approximately.