In an era of anxiety about aging and confusion amidst overwhelming beauty information, what is truly needed is not a temporary fix, but a reliable possibility for future beauty. Eternam Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takaaki Matsumoto), in joint research with Technoble Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka Prefecture; President & CEO: Shigeyoshi Sawaki), a cosmetic ingredient manufacturer, has confirmed the potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant to act on inflammatory responses and hyperpigmentation processes, which are considered factors in skin aging.

These research findings were presented at the 125th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Dermatological Association, held from June 11 (Fri) to June 14 (Sun), 2026, and the 26th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine, held from June 26 (Fri) to June 28 (Sun), 2026.

Presentation Title: "Investigation of Dermatological Functionality of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture Supernatant 3" Number: P1-17 (Japanese Dermatological Association version)

Presentation Title: "Investigation of Dermatological Functionality of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture Supernatant 3" Number: P13-1 (Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine version)

Research Background and Objectives

Culture supernatants of human stem cells, which have garnered attention in recent years, contain cell-derived cytokines and exosomes, and are expected to have high functionality for the skin, leading to investigations of their dermatological functions.

Our group succeeded in developing a human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant containing a larger amount of cytokines than supernatants from other stem cell sources, as a result of investigating efficient culture methods for human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs). We have reported on our research into its dermatological functions and the new findings obtained.

Research Content and Results

Anti-inflammatory effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant

Inhibition of Prostaglandin E2 (inflammatory substance) production

<Research Content>

Human epidermal cells were treated with the sample (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant) and cultured for an additional day. Subsequently, UVB was irradiated from the bottom of the culture dish, and culturing was continued. The supernatant cultured for one day was collected, and Prostaglandin E2 was measured according to the protocol of Prostaglandin E2 ELISA Kit-Monoclona.

<Research Results>

Significant inhibition of Prostaglandin E2 production was observed with 6.25% and 12.5% human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant.

Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome formation

<Research Content>

Human epidermal cells were treated with the sample (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant) and cultured for one day. Subsequently, UVB was irradiated from the bottom of the culture dish, and culturing was continued for 4 hours. Caspase-1 activity due to inflammasome formation was evaluated using FAM-FLICA Caspase-1 Assay on these cells. Then, DNA staining was performed with Hoechst33342, and the fluorescence intensity (Ex=355nm, Em=460nm) was measured. By dividing the FLICA fluorescence intensity by the DNA fluorescence intensity, the caspase-1 activity (inflammasome formation) per DNA was determined.

<Research Results>

Significant inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity was observed with 3.13% to 25% supernatant.

Furthermore, a significant suppression of caspase-1 activity was confirmed through actual fluorescence observation images.

Inhibition of epidermal cell membrane peroxidation

<Research Content>

Human epidermal cells were treated with the sample (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium) and cultured for 2 days, then replaced with HBSS and irradiated with UVB. LiperFluo was dissolved in HBSS to a concentration of 1 μM and stained for 30 minutes. After washing twice with HBSS, the fluorescence intensity was measured with a fluorescence plate reader and graphed.

<Research Results>

Significant inhibition of epidermal cell membrane peroxidation was observed with 25% human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium.

Inhibition of human basophil degranulation

<Research Content>

Sample solutions (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant) at various concentrations, adjusted with buffer, were added to human basophils. Subsequently, buffer containing compound 48/80 was added to induce degranulation. After 1 hour of induction, the supernatant was collected, and histamine fluorescence was measured using o-phthalaldehyde. Meanwhile, respiratory activity was measured by MTT reduction assay on the cells to evaluate cell viability.

<Research Results>

Cellular respiratory activity (viability) significantly increased with 25% human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium.

Histamine release showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on human basophil degranulation, with significant inhibition observed at concentrations of 3.13% and above.

Anti-pigmentation effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant

Inhibition of melanogenesis and transport-related protein production

<Research Content>

Human melanocytes were treated with the sample (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium) and cultured for an additional 24 hours. Subsequently, they were lysed and collected using ISOGENII reagent. Total RNA was recovered by standard methods, and cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription. Using the synthesized cDNA as a sample, qPCR was performed to detect the expression of various genes and the internal standard ACTB gene.

<Research Results>

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium was confirmed to suppress the expression of melanogenesis and transport-related proteins PMEL, RAB32, RAB38, and ANKR27 in human melanocytes in a concentration-dependent manner, with significant reduction observed at 12.5% and above. These results suggest the possibility of inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes.

Quoted from Ishida et al., "Mechanism of Melanogenesis, Maturation, and Transport" Microscopy Vol. 48, No. 1 (2013).

Observation of melanosome transport inhibition (co-culture observation of epidermal cells and melanocytes)

<Research Content>

A co-culture system of human melanocytes and human epidermal cells was treated with the sample (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant) and cultured for 72 hours. After washing once with PBS(-), fixation was performed by immersion in 15% neutral formalin solution for 30 minutes. After washing with purified water, Fontana-ammonia silver solution was added, reacted at 60°C for 2 hours, and observed under a microscope.

<Research Results>

Epidermal cells covering the bottom of the culture dish and melanocytes densely stained on top of them were observed. Among the epidermal cells, those that were darkly stained black were considered to have taken up melanin from melanocytes. Such cells were observed more frequently in the control group and less frequently in epidermal cells treated with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant. Furthermore, the melanocytes themselves showed lighter staining in cells treated with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant. These observations suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium has an inhibitory effect on melanosome maturation and transport.

Summary and Outlook

Evaluation of the functionality related to inflammation and hyperpigmentation of our proprietary human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant revealed inhibitory effects on prostaglandin E2 induction by UV irradiation, NLRP3 inflammasome formation, cell membrane peroxidation, and human basophil degranulation in normal human epidermal cells. Furthermore, suppression of melanogenesis-related protein expression (PMEL, RAB32, RAB38, ANKR27) in normal human melanocytes was confirmed, and in a co-culture system of epidermal cells and melanocytes, the possibility of inhibiting melanosome transfer was suggested. Based on these results, we have found that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture medium has the potential to suppress inflammation through various pathways, thereby addressing skin aging signs such as redness, itching, and wrinkles, as well as inhibiting hyperpigmentation and leading to brighter skin.

These results suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell culture supernatant not only maintains skin homeostasis but also has the potential to support the inherent healthy functions of the skin against signs of aging caused by factors such as aging, UV radiation, and friction. Furthermore, it is expected to provide new insights in the research fields related to skin condition maintenance and tissue regeneration mechanisms.

Eternam will continue to advance research with the goal of achieving "timeless skin," while contributing to the development of dermatology and regenerative medicine research based on the knowledge cultivated as a regenerative medicine research group.

About Eternam

Eternam Brand

"Eternam" is a skincare brand born from regenerative medicine research. It offers products including LIP SERUM, prescription skincare for medical institutions, and skincare for general consumers. "Eternam" means "eternity" in Latin, and delivers unprecedented beauty with a unique culture supernatant derived from highly rare umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. It is something offered to the longing for "eternal beauty" deep within the heart. It is something that accompanies one's feelings and gives the confidence to keep moving forward. Eternam aims to be such a brand.

Company Profile

Company Name: Eternam Inc.

Headquarters Location: 1-21-17-7F Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Representative Director: Takaaki Matsumoto

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of cosmetics

Founding: July 3, 2023

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