Inspired by the natural adhesive powers of mussels, Professor Lee Hae-shin of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has engineered a groundbreaking shampoo that is rapidly gaining worldwide attention. The product, aptly named Grabity, leverages the unique properties of polyphenol—a natural, transparent adhesive secreted by mussels—to help hair cling more firmly to the scalp, reducing hair loss dramatically.
Since its debut in April last year, Grabity has sold over 1.2 million units and generated 20 billion won (approximately $14.6 million) in sales. Clinical trials show it reduces hair loss by up to 70%, and for those with diagnosed hair loss conditions, the reduction can reach 90%, marking a significant breakthrough in hair care steps for people struggling with thinning hair.
The Science Behind the Success
Lee’s inspiration came from the question: how do mussels hold on so tightly underwater? The answer lies in polyphenol, a compound capable of strong adhesion even when exposed to water. Lee’s team processed polyphenol extracts from walnut shells into a high-adhesion formula patented as LiftMax 380, which is the active ingredient in Grabity.
Unlike many shampoos that merely add polyphenol extracts to conventional formulas, Grabity fundamentally transforms the compound’s structure to bond hair strands securely to their follicles. This creates a natural “glue” effect, preventing strands from loosening and falling out. This breakthrough addresses a core issue in hair thinning, where hair strands become narrower than the pores they grow from, making them prone to shedding.
Global Reception and Expansion
The shampoo’s international debut has been nothing short of spectacular. At the Foire de Paris 2025, one of Europe’s largest consumer trade fairs, Polyphenol Factory’s booth attracted roughly 10,000 visitors on the first day, selling out its entire stock twice over. The product also received enthusiastic responses at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, cementing its appeal across diverse hair types and ethnicities.
Currently available on Amazon, Grabity is poised for official launches in the US, Europe, Japan, and Taiwan, with partnerships already established to facilitate expansion.
From Lab Innovation to Everyday Impact
Lee’s research journey began in postdoctoral studies at MIT, where he explored polyphenol’s potential in targeted drug delivery for preventing arterial diseases. Recognizing polyphenol’s strong bonding abilities to proteins, he pivoted to hair care—also protein-based—to develop a product grounded in rigorous science rather than marketing hype.
“Our goal is ‘innovation in the everyday,’” Lee says. “Polyphenols are used in high-tech applications, but we want products people can feel and use daily. Accessibility is key.”
Polyphenol Factory is also developing new products using the same natural adhesive technology, including nail and eyelash adhesives and a novel hair implantation solution designed to visually restore thinning patches—particularly benefiting women with localized hair loss.
A Research-Driven Tech Company
With 237 academic papers and 68 patents to his name, Lee emphasizes that scientific validation underpins every product decision. “We don’t do concept-only products,” he explains. “If there’s no clear scientific foundation, we won’t pursue it.”
As Polyphenol Factory scales to meet soaring demand—sometimes seeing resale prices spike sevenfold—Lee remains focused on maintaining the integrity of his innovations and their real-world impact.
Grabity’s journey from mussels clinging to rocks to a viral hair loss solution illustrates how natural science and hair care tips can intersect to create products that resonate globally, offering new hope for those seeking effective, science-backed hair health solutions.
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