Research

Aging is known to cause various changes in appearance. In hair, these include graying, waviness, and a loss of strength and elasticity, while in the skin, aging leads to pigmentation, wrinkles, and sagging. Our Collaborative Research Laboratory focuses on these age-related changes and aims to develop and commercialize innovative cosmetic technologies based on scientific evidence.

To achieve this goal, we conduct research on hair and skin anti-aging technologies using functional cosmetic ingredients developed through advanced green chemical technologies. We also employ state-of-the-art analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and mass spectrometry (MS), to scientifically evaluate the condition of hair and skin, as well as the properties of cosmetic ingredients.

Our major research topics include:

In addition to these research activities, we collaborate across a broad range of fields, including packaging development, marketing strategies, and branding, to promote the social implementation and commercialization of our research outcomes. By integrating engineering with business management, we pursue interdisciplinary research that creates new value, addresses societal challenges, and fosters the development of new markets.

Development of Hair Texture Improvement Technology Using Bioconjugation

Seeds Category Life Sciences
Research Keywords Hair Care, Hair Texture Improvement, Hair Straightening

Research Overview

We have discovered a novel ingredient based on bioconjugation technology that improves hair firmness, elasticity, and waviness caused by hair aging. Our research focuses on elucidating its mechanism of action on hair and establishing production technologies for this ingredient.

Expected Effects and Applications

This technology has been confirmed to straighten tightly curled African hair. It not only reduces waviness but also improves hair twisting. Furthermore, by applying this technology to hair care products, it may become possible to achieve desired hair textures and hairstyles that were previously unattainable. We believe this technology has the potential to revolutionize the global hair cosmetics industry.

　   ※The figure is a computer‑generated image created to illustrate the research concept.

Development of Next-Generation Hair Coloring Technology for Gray Hair Using Natural Coloring Techniques

Seeds Category Life Sciences
Research Keywords Hair Color, Natural Pigmentation, Bioreaction

Research Overview

We are developing a novel hair coloring technology based on biotechnology to improve gray hair caused by aging. This technology applies pigmentation reactions that naturally occur in living organisms, aiming to create a safer, simpler, and more convenient hair coloring method compared with conventional hair dyes. In addition to this new technology, we are also working on the sustainable bioproduction of dyes and catalysts with consideration for the SDGs, as well as the development of innovative containers for hair coloring products.

Expected Effects and Applications

In Europe and the United States, there is a growing trend toward avoiding cosmetic ingredients that do not satisfy the following six requirements: 1. Feel, 2. Natural, 3. Biodegradable, 4. Sustainability, 5. Animal origin-free, and 6. Cost-effectiveness. This trend is now spreading worldwide. The technology we aim to develop fulfills these six requirements and is expected to become a next-generation hair coloring technology.

  ※The figure is a computer‑generated image created to illustrate the research concept.

Development of Skincare Applications for the Novel Functional Ingredient Fureglide®-1

Seeds Category Life Sciences
Research Keywords Furegride-1, Skincare

Research Overview

We have discovered that the functional ingredient Fureglide®-1, identified from fragrant vinegar traditionally consumed for its health benefits, exhibits PPAR-γ ligand activity and ARE activation activity. More recently, we found that Fureglide®-1 also possesses XRE inactivation activity and suppresses the expression of Artemin and MMP-9. In addition, RNA-seq analysis using keratinocytes and fibroblasts suggests further biological functions, and we are continuing to investigate the mechanisms and properties of Fureglide®-1. Furthermore, this ingredient has also been identified in Japanese black vinegar, and in collaboration with black vinegar manufacturers, we are working to elucidate its biosynthetic pathway.

Expected Effects and Applications

We aim to develop technologies that improve wrinkles and skin sagging caused by aging, as well as sensitive skin and atopic dermatitis induced by air pollution. Fureglide®-1, a functional ingredient discovered in fragrant vinegar, which has long been believed to provide health benefits, as well as black vinegar extracts containing this ingredient, are expected to have high added value as cosmetic ingredients.

  ※The figure is a computer‑generated image created to illustrate the research concept.