REFERENCE MATERIAL: 2018/11/29

  • Information
  • Research & Development

Research on Skin Care Linked to Emotions

Kao Confirms that Different Emotions are Evoked by Skin Care Products that Produce Different Textures During Application

This is an English translation of the information in Japanese on November 16th.

Kansei Science Research and Skincare Products Research laboratories of Kao Corporation (Michitaka Sawada, President) have been engaged in study of the relationship between sensation and emotions since 2012 with a focus on the kinds of emotions that are induced during use of cosmetics that produce different application sensations. Through the use of seven types of cosmetics (fragrance-free, color-free cream) that provide different textures upon application, individual emotions generated were confirmed based on an affect scale for cosmetics behavior* and Kao revealed that different textures produced during application evoke different emotions.

The research results were presented at the 21st Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Research on Emotions held in May 2013.

  • * The scale to evaluate emotions by 12 emotional factors during application of cosmetics. Related research results were presented at The Japanese Psychological Association in 2013.

Recent research findings

Kao confirmed the emotions generated during application of creams with different textures (fragrance-free, color-free cream) according to the following method.

Subjects and sample items
Study 1: 29 women in their 30s, samples used: P/Q/R/S
Study 2: 29 women in their 20s and 30s, samples used: R/U/W/X

* Sample R was used in both Study 1 and Study 2.

Method:
Both studies were conducted using the same procedure.
In each study, participants used 4 types of sample creams (fragrance-free, color-free cream) for 3 consecutive days (optional for morning skin care, mandatory for night skin care), and, after a 3-day period of use, participants evaluated the application texture of each sample as well as their emotions during use as night skin care. For the evaluation of emotions, an affect scale for cosmetics behavior was employed.

Results:
Evaluation of texture

As a result of the analysis of variance of the evaluation items of each texture, a significant difference was observed in multiple items in both studies 1 and 2, including "soft," and "sticky." Therefore, that there was a difference in the texture produced by application of the samples was clearly confirmed.

Evaluation of emotions
Analysis of variance was performed on the emotions (12 factors) during use of each sample. Results showed a significant difference was observed among multiple emotional factors in both studies 1 and 2. It was confirmed that different emotions were evoked by different samples used in the study.

Mapping of the cream texture and emotions
Correspondence analysis was used to evaluate textures and emotions evoked during use of each sample, and mapping of the results was performed. It was confirmed that samples located in different quadrants on the texture map roughly corresponded to the locations on the emotion map. The results showed that different textures evoke different emotions.

20181129-001-01

Fig. 1 Texture map during use

20181129-001-02

Fig. 2 Emotion map during use

Conclusion
In these studies, it was revealed that the emotion evoked is different according to the texture produced while applying cosmetics. It was also confirmed that the texture during application influences users' emotions and the relationship between texture and emotions was clarified.

About Kao

Kao creates high-value-added products that enrich the lives of consumers around the world. Through its portfolio of over 20 leading brands such as Attack, Bioré, Goldwell, Jergens, John Frieda, Kanebo, Laurier, Merries and Molton Brown, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people in Asia, Oceania, North America and Europe. Combined with its chemical division, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,500 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 33,000 people worldwide and has 130 years of history in innovation. Please visit the Kao Group website for updated information.

Media inquiries should be directed to:

Corporate Communications
Kao Corporation

+81-3-3660-7043
FAX
+81-3-3660-7044

Search News Release

Advanced Search
Date
From
To
Type
Tags

Search News Release

Advanced Search
Date
From
To
Type
Tags
Page Top