AJIDEW™：The Moisturizer That’s Redefining Sustainability

You might not know it, but the lotion or serum you use each day could contain a powerful ingredient shaped by decades of science and sustainability: AJIDEW^TM.

Developed by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. in 1971, AJIDEW^TM is a plant-derived, amino acid-based moisturizing agent that mimics the natural moisturizing factors (NMF) your skin produces, helping it stay hydrated and healthy.

What really sets it apart is how it’s made. Long before “eco-friendly” became the buzzword it is today, AJIDEW^TM was already created through a process that’s gentle on both people and planet. Let’s take a closer look.

It might surprise you to learn that Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has quietly supported the beauty industry for over 50 years. One of our key contributions is AJIDEW^TM, a moisturizing ingredient trusted by leading cosmetic brands worldwide since its creation in 1971.

Made from amino acids found naturally in healthy skin, AJIDEW^TM offers deep hydration with a light, non-sticky feel. It helps replenish the moisture that skin loses through daily living, and it may already be in the skincare or haircare products you use without you even knowing it.

Its secret lies in how our skin works. The outermost layer, the “stratum corneum,” contains Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), a group of compounds that includes amino acids and PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid). While PCA alone isn’t very hydrating*, when combined with sodium to form Sodium PCA, it becomes a powerful moisture magnet.

^{*“Hydrating” refers to substances that make it easier for the skin to absorb and retain moisture.}

That’s the foundation of AJIDEW^TM, a naturally inspired solution for healthier, more hydrated skin.

NMF, or “Natural Moisturizing Factor,” is a mix of moisture-retaining substances found in the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum. Though just the thickness of plastic wrap, this thin barrier plays a vital role in locking in hydration and defending against external stresses.

NMF is made up of amino acids, PCA, lactic acid, urea, and other components. When levels of amino acids and PCA drop—as they often do in daily life—skin loses its moisture and becomes dry or rough.

Moisturizing agents like AJIDEW^TM help replenish these key elements, supporting smoother, healthier skin.

Production of AJIDEW^TM begins with plants: sugarcane, to be specific. Sugarcane and other plants are fermented to yield glutamic acid, a type of amino acid. That glutamic acid is then further processed into PCA, the foundation of AJIDEW^TM. In other words, AJIDEW^TM is created using natural, renewable resources.

Using PCA, this skin-friendly natural moisturizing component, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has developed a variety of moisturizing ingredients, including AJIDEW^TM. Nowadays, these ingredients are sold worldwide, including in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

Since the creation of AJIDEW ^TM, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has gone on to develop several moisturizing agents that cater to an array of skin and hair needs:

AJIDEW^TM NL-50 and AJIDEW^TM A-100:

PCA and Sodium PCA, both of which are naturally present in human skin as part of NMF, help keep skin and hair hydrated and healthy-looking.

AJIDEW^TM ZN-100:

By combining PCA with zinc, a mineral essential for healthy skin, Zinc PCA helps control excess oil and leaves the skin and scalp feeling refreshed. And its benefits don’t stop there: it also supports collagen production and helps prevent collagen breakdown, making it a multi-functional ingredient that addresses a wide range of skin concerns.

PRODEW^TM 500 and PRODEW^TM 600

These two products feature a cocktail of amino acids tailored to mimic those found in skin and hair, enhancing their natural strength and resilience. Supplying a specific variety of amino acids reinforces the natural strength of skin and hair, which is lost over the course of our daily lives, and keeps them beautiful.

All of these agents share the same DNA: plant-based, high-performing, and kind-to-skin characteristics. That’s why they’ve found their way into facial cleansers, shampoos, soaps, serums, and even makeup.

AJIDEW^TM and umami seasoning AJI-NO-MOTO® may serve very different purposes—skincare and seasoning—but they share the same sustainable origin story.

Both are made from plant-derived glutamic acid, produced through the fermentation of sugarcane and other crops. In the case of AJIDEW^TM, this glutamic acid is further refined into PCA, a key moisturizing ingredient that mimics what’s naturally found in human skin.

But what makes both products truly unique is how they’re made: through umami seasoning AJI-NO-MOTO®’s bio-cycle. This closed-loop system reuses every part of the process (even the nutrient-rich liquid byproducts) all the way down to creating the fertilizer for growing more sugarcane, which starts the process all over again. The result is a circular, sustainable production model that minimizes waste, reduces CO₂ emissions, and gives back to Earth.

It’s a system where flavor and function both support a healthier planet.

Learn more about the environmental story behind umami seasoning AJI-NO-MOTO® here.

Although there are many moisturizers on the market, few check all the boxes the way AJIDEW^TM does. Derived from plants. Made through natural fermentation. Zero waste. High performance.

By maintaining these characteristics, cosmetics manufacturers can help resolve the many challenges facing our environment. And by choosing products that contain AJIDEW^TM, consumers become part of a broader cycle, one that supports human health, corporate responsibility, and environmental care all at once.

In other words, you’re not just caring for your skin. You’re caring for the future of our planet. We encourage everyone to choose sustainable, earth-friendly cosmetic products for everyday use.

Nana Haraya, who develops moisturizing agents through the bio-cycle in the Specialty Chemicals Department’s Personal Care International Marketing and Development Group at Ajinomoto Co., Inc., describes the excitement she feels in her work and ASV(Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value):

“Through “AminoScience”, we can create new ingredients like AJIDEW ^TM that are both highly functional and environmentally friendly. My goal is to keep developing things that bring joy and well-being to both customers and the planet.”

Sales Lead Mayu Atsumi in the Specialty Chemicals Department’s Personal Care Marketing and Industrialization Group echoes the same spirit in describing her own ASV:

“AJIDEW ^TM is already used in a wide range of products, but there’s still room to grow. By expanding awareness, we can help more people live in ways that enhance their own well-being and are kind to the Earth. That’s what my ASV means to me.”

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.’s amino acid-based ingredients like AJIDEW^TM are designed with sustainability in mind, maximizing the use of natural resources and returning them to the earth through eco-conscious practices.

Made from plant-derived materials and produced with care for people and planet, AJIDEW^TM reflects the Ajinomoto Group’s commitment to well-being.

The mission extends to other innovations too, AMIHOPE®, which addresses microplastic concerns in cosmetics. Through “AminoScience”, the Ajinomoto Group continues working toward a healthier future for all.