Shiseido Comprehensively Analyzes the Stratum corneum Components of the Lips

 Shiseido has comprehensively analyzed the stratum corneum proteins and bacterial flora of the lips, and clarified the properties of the lips in detail.

Until now, information on the lips was known from histological aspects such as surface shape and cross-sectional structure observation of the lips, but this time, the composition and ratio of the stratum corneum protein of the lips, the stratum corneum bacterial flora, etc. By comprehensively analyzing , it was thought that an approach to care from the viewpoint of the mucous membrane that exists continuously from the lips, in addition to the viewpoint of dermatology and skin care, is important for lip care.

Furthermore, in order to maintain and improve the health of the lip mucosa, we discovered hyaluronic acid as an ingredient that enhances the lip barrier function. By adding this ingredient to the lips, which have the properties of mucous membranes in addition to the properties of general skin, it is expected that the barrier function of the lips will be enhanced, and it will be possible to maintain moist lips without chapping.

Going forward, we will continue to conduct research to clarify the properties of lips in detail and create innovative value that leads to healthy and beautiful lips.

Unlike general skin, lips have a thinner stratum corneum and are less likely to form a sebum film. It is a part. In order to solve such problems, it is important to develop correct lip care based on lip research. Detailed information on layer proteins and bacterial flora has not been clarified so far.

Therefore, the company decided to implement not only conventional immunohistochemical staining methods, but also proteome analysis and microbiome analysis, which are comprehensive analysis methods, and undertake research to clarify the properties of the lips in more detail.

When the stratum corneum of the cheek and the lower lip were collected and the proteins in the stratum corneum were comprehensively analyzed by proteome analysis, a total of about 500 proteins were detected. Principal component analysis of these proteins revealed that the composition and abundance of proteins in the stratum corneum of the cheek and lower lip differed greatly. Among them, the protein (mucosal keratin), which is abundantly contained in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, was present more in the stratum corneum of the lips than in the stratum corneum of the cheek.

Next, we collected bacterial flora samples from each of the cheek, lower lip, and oral mucosa, and comprehensively analyzed the bacteria present in each site by microbiome analysis.

As a result, more than 4000 types of bacterial DNA were detected. As a result of analyzing this result by principal coordinate analysis based on the similarity between bacterial flora, we obtained the result that the bacterial flora of the lower lip is more similar to the mucous membrane than to the cheek.

From the results of the proteome and microbiome analyses, it was clarified that the lower lip protein and bacterial flora have the properties of the mucous membrane that exists near the lip. From this, it was shown that it is important to keep the lip mucosa healthy in order to keep the lips healthy.

Furthermore, as a result of searching for raw materials that can care for the lips, which have the properties of mucous membranes, it was newly discovered that hyaluronic acid, which is known as an ingredient that is highly effective in retaining moisture in the skin, has the effect of enhancing the barrier function of the mucous membranes. I found it in

By applying this ingredient to the lower lip, which also has the properties of a mucous membrane, it is expected that the barrier function of the lip will be further enhanced and it will be possible to maintain moist lips that are less prone to chapping.