- KANEBO
- TAISHI story
Ever since life emerged on this planet 3.8 billon years ago,
living things have continually evolved over a very long period of time.
The flexibility of life is the force that drives evolution.
We possess a life force that is almost like an instinct for taking on harsh environments.
The protective layer of vernix.
Humans fight against dryness as soon as we are born into this world, enveloped by vernix caseosa. Vernix covers the baby’s skin in the amniotic fluid and shields their delicate skin soon after birth. This is our very first barrier—a protective layer that humanity acquired in the process of evolution.
The flexibility of life
is the force that drives evolution.
To survive in a continually changing environment, all living things must have the flexibility to adapt to these changes in the process of evolution. Humans are here today thanks to continual evolution driven by the flexibility of life.
KANEBO’s vernix-inspired reseach will change the future of skin.
Always staying close to the skin 24 hours a day, just like the vernix lipids enshrouding baby skin.
We believe that cosmetics with the power of vernix can bring hope that shines brightly for the future of skin.
The majestic beginning of vernix research.
It all started with a newspaper article in 1994.
One researcher happened to come across a newspaper article about mimicking the high functionality of vernix lipids and began to wonder whether their excellent moisturization function could be applied to skincare. This is where our journey began in exploring an unimagined and uncharted territory within cosmetics research.
The humanity’s first form of skincare.
Vernix covers the baby’s skin in the amniotic fluid and shields their delicate skin soon after birth.
They keep babies from macerating in amniotic fluid over long periods of time, and it also protects their skin against drying out and external aggressors when exposed to the air after birth.
Our research team analyzed the biological function of vernix lipids.
When we started our research, the components that make up vernix lipids were not known. As such, we collaborated with a university hospital to collect and analyze vernix samples from 20 newborns using gauze. Our analysis revealed that they contain a large amount of cholesterol esters and ceramides.
Vernix lipids have water-absorption and water-holding capacities.
Baby skin, being approximately half the thickness of adult skin, is inherently delicate. Furthermore, the skin barrier function is quite weak, leading to increased moisture loss and susceptibility to external stimuli. Vernix lipids enshroud and safeguard this remarkably delicate baby skin. This demonstrates the high functionality that vernix lipids have.
Initial success in creating skincare product ingredients with the main components of vernix lipids.
There were many ongoing struggles after launching efforts in vernix research. Vernix lipids can be seen as a natural moisturizing cream, and their composition includes many different oils. It was difficult to achieve a stable formulation, and so these efforts encountered hardships.
We overcame this issue by combining various oils through an almost artisanal method.
TAISHI - the Japanese term for vernix caseosa.
A new legend of KANEBO is about to begin.
- KANEBO
- TAISHI story