Addressing Deep Skin Concerns like Spots and Bruises: KOSE Develops 'Nano Concealer Sheet' for Natural High Coverage

KOSE Corporation (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Shinji Tanaka) has developed the 'Nano Concealer Sheet' through joint development with Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Masato Ozawa) to address deep skin concerns such as spots and bruises. This technology responds to the long-standing demand to naturally cover concerning skin imperfections that could not be fully resolved with conventional cosmetics alone, using a concealer sheet layered at the nanometer scale.

Background of the Research

Spots and bruises are serious concerns that significantly impact the Quality of Life (QOL) of individuals. To understand the reality of these concerns, KOSE conducted a large-scale internet survey of Japanese men and women aged 15 to 69. The results confirmed that approximately 40% of the respondents had some form of concern regarding spots or bruises, and about 70% of those individuals expressed a strong desire to cover their skin concerns.

Survey responses revealed that skin concerns often lead to a lack of self-confidence, feelings of depression, and anxiety about how others perceive them, showing that skin symptoms are a psychological burden and a barrier to social participation. This research highlighted that spots and bruises are universally present skin concerns and represent significant 'social and psychological challenges.' Furthermore, 'no effective countermeasure' was among the top answers, suggesting that these are not concerns that can be easily resolved using commercially available cosmetics.

Development of the Nano Concealer Sheet for Natural High Coverage

While concealers and sheet-type items exist for spots and bruises, there has been a trade-off: increasing coverage to address deep concerns leads to a heavy, unnatural finish, while seeking naturalness results in insufficient coverage. KOSE aimed to resolve this trade-off and achieve 'natural high coverage' not through traditional cosmetics but through a unique 'Nano Concealer Sheet' approach. Typically, the thickness of cosmetic films like concealers or sheet products is over 1/1,000th of a millimeter, which provides coverage but causes the cakey or unnatural look. By incorporating Panasonic Industry's technology for special printing on ultra-thin nano-sheets (approx. 1/1,000,000th of a millimeter), KOSE integrated its proprietary Concealer Veil Theory.

Integration of Proprietary Concealer Veil Theory for Natural Skin Integration

KOSE's proprietary Concealer Veil Theory consists of two theories derived from the analysis of various spots and bruises. The first is the Gradation Blend Theory. By gradually blending the contrast difference between the edges of the spot or bruise and the surrounding skin tone with a gentle gradation, a natural coverage can be achieved. The second is the Skin Mimicry Theory. Microscopic analysis of skin tone reveals very fine color irregularities. By intentionally reproducing this non-uniformity, the 'pasted-on' feeling characteristic of sheets was reduced to the extreme, achieving a natural finish.

By layering coverage ingredients at a high density on an ultra-thin nano-order sheet and incorporating sophisticated designs derived from the Concealer Veil Theory—designs difficult to reproduce with traditional cosmetics—KOSE succeeded in providing high coverage while naturally integrating with the skin, thus resolving the trade-off. In monitor tests with prototype products, positive feedback was received regarding quality, such as 'could naturally cover spots,' 'made vitiligo less noticeable,' and 'fits perfectly on the skin.' Additionally, positive comments on psychological effects were reported, such as 'stopped worrying about the symptoms' and 'felt a sense of security and emotional leeway by wearing it.'

Future Outlook

Through this research, KOSE listened once again to the voices of those with deep concerns like spots and bruises, for whom solutions had been insufficient. The clarification of the actual situation revealed that a solution tailored to these concerns is highly anticipated. KOSE will continue its research activities aimed at solving social and customer challenges, striving for a world where every individual can live a fulfilling life in their own way.