Using the power of
amino acids to bolster
the function of proteins—
an essential part of
beautiful skin
Amino Beauty Theory
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Amino acids are the
skin’s main natural
moisturizing factors
The two main functions of skin is to act as a barrier between the outside and inside of the body and to maintain moisture. These functions are taken on by the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum. Natural moisturizing factors produced in the skin are essential for the layer’s moisturizing function, and amino acid and its derivatives make up almost half of these factors.
For this reason, amino acids have been used as a moisturizer for years in a range of cosmetics. Believing that amino acids also play other roles, we researched the compounds in the stratum corneum that relate to skin condition to find out what is occurring in the skin, how that affects the skin, and how to improve skin condition.
Information gained from inside the skin
The stratum corneum is produced within the skin and pushed outward, eventually being shed. From the moment the layer is produced until it has completed its duty, it fulfills its role by changing both its composition and shape.
We had the idea that perhaps we could shed light on the changes that take place inside the skin through detailed study of the stratum corneum. So we measured the condition of skin on the cheek and took samples of the outermost layer of the skin by applying and peeling off tape and using the shed skin that remains on the tape. Then we analyzed the samples. We classified skin condition into eight types based on factors such as moistness, presence and depth of wrinkles, and presence of spots, and measured the amino acids and proteins with the tape. This provided us exhaustive data on skin condition and composition. We then used the data to examine what changes occur inside the skin and how those changes affect skin condition.
Cutting-edge specialized technology
of the Ajinomoto Group
Our research progressed thanks to engineers with different specializations joining the study that started in the cosmetics department and combining cutting-edge technologies. Researchers accurately measured skin condition, extracted and analyzed the compounds that make up the stratum corneum with precision, conducted statistical analysis with the obtained data, and examined the results side by side with existing knowledge on skin. Achieving results would have been difficult without the inclusion of every specialization involved.
And due to remarkable advances in proteomic analysis (analysis of the proteins in the stratum corneum and their quantity), we are now able to gain several times more data than when we started the research. Thanks in part to incorporating such cutting-edge technologies, Amino Beauty Theory yielded results.
World-recognized amino acid-based
skincare approach
Amino Beauty Theory is the result of our research on the relationship between aging signs (such as wrinkles) and proteins and amino acids. We were given the opportunity to give an oral presentation on it after undergoing rigorous review at a conference of IFSCC (The International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists), the foremost authority in the cosmetics field.
The Ajinomoto Group will focus efforts on the development of cosmetics ingredients and skincare products based on the Amino Beauty Theory.
IFSCC (The International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists)
Established in 1959 for the purpose of sharing information internationally to advance cosmetics technology, IFSCC is an international organization and the foremost authority for cosmetics engineers and researchers worldwide. It holds annual international conferences to present and discuss the latest research, where only select papers that have undergone rigorous review are allowed to be presented.
Internal and external care based on Amino Beauty
Theory for beautiful,
healthy skin
Amino Beauty Theory is an approach for improving skin condition based on amino acids developed by the Ajinomoto Group. It is the result of over 10 years of researching skin and amino acids.
The proteins that comprise our bodies are made of around 20 types of amino acids.
Through continued investigation from a variety of angles, we identified the correlation between skin condition and proteins. This led to the development of Amino Beauty Theory, according to which amino acids promote the production of protein and the improvement of protein leads to healthy skin.
Our aim is to normalize the amount of necessary protein and prevent unhealthy skin that happens due to lack of protein by applying amino acids to the skin and replenishing the body with amino acids through food.
We will continue to drive activities to ensure people can achieve well-being by making healthy, beautiful skin a reality.
Amino Beauty Theory
Using the power of amino acids to bolster the
function of proteins—an essential part of
beautiful skin
Another Innovation Story
