Development of Functional Ingredients Adding Value to Skin and Hair Care Products

Kao develops a range of functional ingredients in order to provide customers with reliable, science-based skin and hair care products.

As an example of unique botanical-derived ingredients, we discovered that a botanical extract called Chamomile ET, a botanical -derived active ingredient extracted from chamomile, inhibits melanin formation.
In addition, we found that tuberose polysaccharide (TPS) formed by callus cells protects the skin’s horny layer and blocks external stimuli to these layers. Furthermore, by applying chemical approaches to natural components, we have also been creating ingredients with new value: for example, t-flavanone derived from St. John’s wort, which stimulates hair growth^*1 .
What is important is that the raw materials from which we make functional ingredients not only offer improved effects but also meet quality requirements, such as safety and compatibility. This means that profound knowledge and precise technology at the component level are essential.
As such, Kao is developing unique manufacturing methods that achieve both effective extraction based on understanding the features of active ingredients, and the elimination of unnecessary substances through highly sensitive analyses of minor pigment or irritants that affect quality.

Employing cutting-edge technology, such as the latest computational chemistry, opens up enormous opportunities to develop higher-functioning ingredients.
For example, Kao ran the computer simulations on structures of a glycodipeptide, an active component of ginger that improves wrinkles, and its target of action, the NEP protein, successfully creating a new functional molecule.
We will continue to provide new value in the form of beauty products that satisfy customers by accelerating the development of innovative ingredients based on the fusion of science and digitalization.