KINS | Implementing NTU-origin bioscience venture technology in clinical practice. New product "KINS BioRevive Gel Mask" for acne-prone skin, focusing on skin microbiome, launched in Singapore.

KINS Inc. (KINS), a company based on microbiome* research, has begun offering the rinse-off gel mask "KINS BioRevive Gel Mask" at "KINS Clinic," its specialized acne treatment clinic in Singapore.

The product features "SmartArrow®," a precisely designed microbiome ingredient that targets and acts only on bacteria related to acne, while leaving beneficial skin bacteria intact.

*Refers to the totality of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that coexist with the human body.

This product was developed based on the needs of patients and the challenges unmet by existing treatments, as observed by KINS Clinic, which continuously treats over 150 acne patients monthly in Singapore. Specifically, KINS focused on SmartArrow®, an ingredient developed by ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd., a bioscience venture originating from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with technology seeds in skin microbiome research. The product was commercialized in collaboration with CHAKS Cosmetic Design & Services Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based manufacturing company with expertise in skincare production in Southeast Asia. This initiative is characterized by the rapid collaboration among KINS, which identifies needs in the clinical field; the university venture with its technological seeds; and the local manufacturing company, connecting problem identification to product development and integration into treatment protocols.

KINS Clinic Official Website: https://www.kins-clinic.com/

Background: Acne and Skin Microbiome Challenges in Singapore

In Singapore, regional studies indicate that approximately 88% of adolescents aged 13-19 experience acne1, with many cases persisting into adulthood. Reports also suggest that acne in individuals beyond adolescence accounts for about 30% of cases seen in specialized clinics2. In Singapore's consistently hot and humid climate, increased sebum production and pore blockage are common, and the bacterial environment on the skin is believed to be deeply involved in the onset and recurrence of acne.

Conventional treatments using antibiotics or broad-acting ingredients have been noted to potentially affect the skin's natural bacterial balance3, and studies targeting Singaporeans have reported the detection of antibiotic-resistant C. acnes strains1. Against this backdrop, a "precision" approach that targets only acne-related bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria is gaining attention as a complementary option to existing treatments.

Alignment with Singapore's National Research Direction

Singapore is advancing research on acne care based on the microbiome on a national scale. In November 2024, Sanofi, A*STAR, and the National Skin Centre Singapore announced a collaboration for microbiome-based acne research4. Following this, in April 2026, A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore published a new method for analyzing the activity of skin-resident bacteria in Nature Biotechnology, opening new avenues for research into skin diseases, including acne5.

The concept of SmartArrow®, which selectively inhibits only the biofilm of C. acnes related to acne while preserving beneficial bacteria, aligns with the direction of Singapore's national research efforts.

New Technology Adopted by KINS: SmartArrow®, Selectively Regulating Skin-Resident Bacteria

The core of KINS BioRevive Gel Mask is SmartArrow®, a proprietary functional ingredient developed by ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. This company is a biotech firm with research roots in institutions like Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU). KINS focused on this ingredient because its concept of targeting only acne-related bacteria matched the clinical challenge of "caring for the skin while protecting beneficial bacteria."

Antibiotics and broad-acting ingredients commonly used in traditional acne care tend to reduce not only acne-related bacteria but also beneficial skin bacteria indiscriminately. SmartArrow® addresses this by being designed to selectively suppress the biofilm of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which is prone to acne, while leaving other beneficial bacteria intact. Its precision in targeting specific bacteria and considering the overall skin bacterial balance represents a significant departure from conventional approaches.

SmartArrow® is a patent-pending ingredient that does not contain antibiotics and is designed for rinse-off use. In efficacy tests for acne, it demonstrated favorable results and high satisfaction in a 28-day clinical trial conducted under dermatological supervision, with no adverse events reported.

KINS BioRevive Gel Mask, with SmartArrow® as its main component, is formulated without antibiotics or harsh chemical ingredients and is designed to work in harmony with the balance of naturally occurring bacteria on the skin. This product serves as a complementary addition to existing acne treatments, supporting the skin's bacterial balance as part of daily skincare.

Product Development and Integration into Treatment Protocols Through Tripartite Collaboration

The KINS BioRevive Gel Mask was realized through the collaboration of three Singapore-based companies, each with distinct strengths. KINS, identifying needs in the clinical field, initiated the project, while ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. provided the technological seeds and intellectual property, and CHAKS Cosmetic Design & Services Pte. Ltd. handled formulation development and GMP-compliant manufacturing. This collaboration seamlessly integrated the process from concept to product development and its incorporation into treatment protocols.

KINS (KINS Clinic/KINSLABO SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.) — Design of clinical protocols, education on the importance of skin-resident bacterial balance for patients.

ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd. — SmartArrow® functional ingredient, intellectual property, clinical evidence.

CHAKS Cosmetic Design & Services Pte. Ltd. — Formulation development, GMP-compliant product manufacturing.

This model, where a medical clinic specializing in acne treatment bridges the gap between patented, cutting-edge bio-ingredients and skincare products that patients can actually use, is still relatively uncommon in Singapore's skincare sector.

Comments from Stakeholders

"Until now, skincare has largely focused on visible aspects. However, in recent years, attention has expanded to the balance of invisible microorganisms on the skin. As our understanding of the skin microbiome deepens, it is becoming an important perspective in the daily care of acne-prone skin. KINS BioRevive Gel Mask embodies this perspective, extending microbiome-conscious care beyond the clinic into daily habits."

— Dr. Silver Chua (Medical Director, KINS Clinic)

Profile: https://www.kins-clinic.com/our-team/dr-silver-chua

"ArrowBiome's mission is to transform cutting-edge microbiome science into practical solutions that clinicians and patients can trust. SmartArrow® is a prime example of this, a precision, antibiotic-free technology that precisely targets acne-related bacteria while respecting the skin's ecosystem. By partnering with clinical leaders like KINS, we can demonstrate our science where it matters most—with actual patients, in actual care settings."

— Dr. Bert Grobben (CEO, ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertgrobben/

"With SmartArrow®, we designed a method to selectively inhibit the biofilm of C. acnes associated with acne without disrupting the majority of the skin microbiome. The integration of this technology into clinic-led products like KINS BioRevive Gel Mask is precisely why we founded ArrowBiome: to deliver precise, antibiotic-free solutions seamlessly into actual acne care, not just in theory."

— Dr. Boon Chong Goh (Founder & CTO, ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gohboonchong/

"Translating advanced microbiome science like SmartArrow® into clinically meaningful and patient-usable product experiences requires rigorous formulation expertise. We pursued a balance of microbiome compatibility and sensory feel, designing a minimal yet high-performance gel mask that offers high skin adhesion while leaving a soft, pleasant sensation after rinsing. What makes this collaboration particularly meaningful is KINS' commitment to bringing scientifically sound, patient-centric innovations into actual clinical care. By combining KINS' clinical vision, ArrowBiome's microbiome science, and CHAKS' formulation expertise and precise manufacturing processes, we have created a product that not only reflects technological innovation but also delivers a premium experience for actual patients and in-clinic use. We are honored to support KINS in pioneering the next generation of precision acne care."

— Nobuaki Matsuoka (CEO, CHAKS Cosmetic Design & Services Pte. Ltd.)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nobuaki-matsuoka-07037b50/

About Provision

KINS BioRevive Gel Mask will be provided at KINS Clinic in Singapore to patients undergoing treatment as part of their acne treatment protocols. For inquiries about KINS Clinic's acne care or to schedule a consultation, please visit the official website (https://www.kins-clinic.com/).

About KINS Clinic

KINS Clinic is a specialized acne treatment clinic in Singapore. Medical Director Dr. Silver Chua (PgDip Practical Dermatology, Cardiff University) leads daily medical care for acne, with Dr. Henry Loh (FAMS Dermatology) overseeing clinical aspects. Through personalized care combining prescription medications, lasers, facials, and microbiome-focused skincare, the clinic treats over 150 acne patients monthly.

360 Orchard Road, #11-09 International Building, Singapore 238869/Tel: +65 6015 0977

https://www.kins-clinic.com/

About ArrowBiome Pte. Ltd.

ArrowBiome is a Singapore-based biotech company that develops precision microbiome-targeting functional ingredients for skincare and personal care brands. By combining proprietary strain targeting, bioengineering, and ingredient development, they create high-performance ingredients that selectively modulate the skin microbiome to address issues such as acne and body odor.

https://www.arrowbiome.com/

About CHAKS Cosmetic Design & Services Pte. Ltd.

CHAKS is a Singapore-based cosmetic formulation and ODM/OEM manufacturing company with over 35 years of industry experience. They specialize in science-based, fully customized skincare formulations for Asian and global consumers, offering end-to-end services from concept and formulation development to GMP-compliant manufacturing and market launch.

https://www.chaksprofessional.com/

About KINS Inc.

KINS Inc. is a microbiome-focused health tech company with the mission to "Free the world from chronic diseases and symptoms through the power of microbes." Leveraging expertise in both medical professionalism and B2C marketing, KINS integrates three business segments: a product business with over 120,000 cumulative users; a clinic business serving as a site for treatment and clinical research of chronic diseases and symptoms related to microbes (two animal hospitals in Japan and one human clinic in Singapore); and a drug discovery business aiming for new treatments for chronic diseases and symptoms using data and samples obtained from both segments. Through this integration, KINS aims to liberate more people from chronic diseases and symptoms related to microbes.

Company Overview

Company Name: KINS Inc.

Location: 1-17-8-328 Shinkiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Minoru Shimokawa

Business Activities: Product business, clinic business, and drug discovery business based on microbiome research

Official Website: https://corporate.yourkins.com/

Media Inquiries Regarding This Release

Ryo Sueyoshi (KINS Inc. / KINS Clinic) Email: [email protected] Tel: +65 6015 0977

360 Orchard Road, #11-09 International Building, Singapore 238869

[Notes Regarding This Release]

・KINS BioRevive Gel Mask is a cosmetic product offered at KINS Clinic in Singapore and is not available for sale or provision in Japan at the time of this release. This release does not intend to promote the purchase or use of the product in Japan.

・The test results of the ingredients mentioned in this release were obtained by evaluating SmartArrow® as a standalone functional "ingredient" under controlled research conditions and do not indicate the efficacy or effectiveness of any specific finished product (cosmetic). This release does not intend to imply any pharmaceutical efficacy or effect, such as disease treatment or prevention, for the cosmetic product or its ingredients.

・This release does not constitute medical advice. The product notification in Singapore has been made to the local Health Sciences Authority (HSA) as a cosmetic product.

References

1 Tan HH et al. Community-based study of acne vulgaris in adolescents in Singapore. Br J Dermatol. 2007;157(3):547–51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17655737/

2 Han XD et al. Epidemiology of post-adolescence acne and adolescence acne in Singapore. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(10):1790–3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27400809/

3 Dessinioti C, Katsambas A. The Microbiome and Acne: Perspectives for Treatment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024;14(1):31–44. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38183614/

4 Sanofi, A*STAR & NSC Partner to Advance Acne Treatment Research. A*STAR Press Release, 22 Nov 2024. https://www.a-star.edu.sg/News/astarNews/news/press-releases/sanofi-astar-nsc-partner-to-advance-research-in-acne-treatment

5 New Study Reveals Hidden Skin Microbe Activity. A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore Press Release, Apr 2026. https://www.a-star.edu.sg/gis/home/press-releases/press-releases-2026/new-study-reveals-hidden-skin-microbe-activity--opening-new-possibilities-for-eczema--acne-and-skin-disease-research