Kao commercializes RNA-powered tech for skin analysis, debuts beauty subscription program

09 Nov 2022 --- Kao is introducing Skin Potential Analysis, a service powered by skin surface lipids-ribonucleic acid (SSL-RNA) monitoring technology, that allows customers to learn about their skin’s condition paired with an appropriate skincare regimen. Simultaneously, the corporation is launching a beta version of est Skin Athlete Gym – a subscription beauty program at Beauty Base by Kao Ginza, for 20 customers.

“Knowing precise information about one’s skin condition is the shortest way to the most appropriate skincare. With this in mind, Kao is introducing precision monitoring via Skin Potential Analysis for the first time,” the company says.

The service, launching this month, is used to promote Kao’s aim for “Precision Life Care,” which proposes optimal solutions for unresolved issues by precisely identifying the cause and solving it appropriately.

On the other hand, expansion plans for est Skin Athlete Gym are in the pipeline with further enhancement of services and full-scale roll-out in the spring of 2024.

The subscription program includes the services of a team of beauty professionals offering precision skincare solutions to achieve the most suitable skincare. Available both online and offline, the est Skin Athlete Gym includes treatment services and advice on diet and exercise methods under the supervision of external experts.

Skin Potential Analysis analyzes 12 markers responsible for healthy skin and recommends skincare accordingly.Employing skin surface lipids-RNA
The SSL-RNA monitoring technology collects facial sebum with an oil blotting film, from which the RNA is extracted and analyzed.

“It has also been reported that factors within the skin or inside the body responsible for the skin’s condition or skin problems, which had been difficult to determine so far, can be predicted and identified at the gene expression level,” the company details.

Kao’s research has identified “nearly 10,000 types of SSL-RNA expression information.” It is now conducting further research to analyze the functions of the stratum corneum – the skin’s outermost layer responsible for its appearance.

Elaborating on the research, the company shared that it has created the Corneo-spectrum Analysis technology to collect data at the molecular level and subject it to multivariate analysis. This allows for the prediction of the intrinsic functions of the stratum corneum.

Biomarkers and identifiers
Skin Potential Analysis uses the two biological specimens of SSL-RNA and the stratum corneum to pinpoint what is happening in the skin during the analysis. Kao is launching a beta version of est Skin Athlete Gym – a subscription beauty program.

According to the company, this is the “most distinctive feature” of the technology that uses specimens rich in internal skin data not apparent from the skin’s appearance.

It analyzes 12 markers responsible for healthy skin, such as moisture content, ceramide quality, melanin content, oxidation level, skin’s barrier function, sensitivity to UV rays and glycation level. Results are compared to the average of the same age groups, giving customers information about their skin condition.

It further illustrates that SSL-RNA expression information can confirm skin conditions such as dryness and infer the reason for it specific to each individual.

“If customers themselves collect SSL-RNA and corneum specimens using the appropriate method, this service allows them to obtain detailed information about their skin condition even if there is no store or advisor nearby,” concludes Kao.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria