The future of skincare
> Kose Corporation unveils two new key products
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N1907, kojic acid was discovered by the Japanese. Around 1975, research was carried out on its whitening effects, mainly due to the observation that the hands of miso and red wine makers appeared fair and bright. In 1988, kojic acid was approved as a whitening agent by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Thanks to a unique fermentation (bio-technology) method, Kose is able to obtain 100% pure kojic acid. This naturally-sourced substance has smaller molecules than general whitening agents, and is therefore able to penetrate into skin more effectively.
Dr Akinobu Hayashi, General Manager, Advanced Research Laboratories in Kose Corporation, explained how kojic acid works on the skin to lighten dark spots. “Pigmentation occurs due to a few reasons: UV exposure, inflammation, hormonal changes, stress, visceral imbalance and also genes. As a result of these ‘aggravations’, we get liver spots, age spots, freckles and inflammatory scars.”
The latest whitening beauty product that incorporates kojic acid is the Infinity Kose Realizing White Stick XX (RM254.40, 4g). It delivers the naturally-derived active whitening ingredient kojic acid to skin zones with dark spots through a stick-type serum. Experiments were repeatedly conducted to come up with a formula that accurately targets the root cause of pigmentation spots.
The next level A liposome is a tiny bubble made of phospholipids or the same material as a cell membrane measuring 0.1 to 0.2 microns. As cells measure 60 to 80 microns, liposomes are much smaller than skin cells. Thanks to its capsule format, it can be filled with active agents and deliver them to target areas in our skin before releasing them at designated timing. In addition, liposomes have moisturising properties, and are therefore capable of providing moisture.
It’s been nearly 30 years since the birth of liposome technology in skincare, and this year, Cosme Decorte is set to offer women a cutting-edge discovery that will help them achieve an unprecedented level of skin beauty.
The all-new Liposome Treatment Liquid (RM378.40, 170ml), the industry’s first multilayered liposome lotion, addresses roughness, dryness and dullness in ageing skin, as well as irregular texture caused by the weakening of the stratum corneum.
Dr Noburo Naito, Executive Director and Director of Research & Development Division of Kose Corporation, explained further on the rationale behind the creation of Liposome Treatment Liquid.
“We’ve discovered that there’s a substance between the layers of the stratum corneum, known as ‘skin capacitors’. This is the mechanism that allows skin to retain moisture. Skin with larger ‘skin capacitors’ are able to absorb and retain more nutrients, improving the barrier function and in turn, maintaining its healthy, beautiful condition.
“Some of the distinctive benefits of this treatment liquid include refined skin texture, minimised pores, visible clarity and improved moisture retention ability,” Naito said.
Present at the recent Kose SkinTech 2015 presentation were Kose Malaysia Managing Director Masaaki Hara and its Head of Marketing Kelly Tan.