Shiseido Develops Technology that Efficiently Delivers to and Retains Natural Moisturizing Factors at Target Stratum Corneum Site

Shiseido developed "Reservoir in Skin," an innovative technology*1 that facilitates efficient delivery and retention of "natural moisturizing factors"*2 in the stratum corneum, where they play an important role in moisturizing the skin (Figure 1). Natural moisturizing factors characteristically do not easily permeate through the stratum corneum and are easily washed away by daily soap washing. However, with this technology, the company successfully delivered PCA,*3 one of the natural moisturizing factors, to the stratum corneum, where it was retained. It was confirmed that the moisturizing effect enhanced and the smoothness of the skin improved.
This technology was developed using the company's exceptional drug delivery system (DDS) technology, which helps efficiently deliver useful ingredients to the skin. The development also focused on the stratum corneum, the "place" where the moisturizing ingredients exert their effects. By effectively delivering the moisturizing ingredients to the skin, the technology adds new value to skin care. In the future, the findings of this study will be utilized to provide solutions that promote healthy and beautiful skin, for example, by enhancing skin condition through harnessing the natural power of the skin and the components present within it.
The results of this study were partially published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

*1 Patent pending: International Publication Number WO 2024/142836
*2 Moisturizing components present in the skin that humans naturally have and refer to water-absorbing and water-retaining substances found in the stratum corneum and corneocytes (10%-30%).
*3 PCA: pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural moisturizing factor that moisturizes the skin

Figure 1: Development of a technology that facilitates proper delivery and retention of natural moisturizing factors in the stratum corneum