Premier Anti-Aging Develops Patent-Pending 'Keratin Plug Crushing Technology' Achieving Both High Cleansing Power and Skin Gentleness

Premier Anti-Aging Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Kiyoshi Matsuura; hereinafter referred to as 'the Company') announces the development of 'Keratin Plug Crushing Technology,' a keratin plug cleansing technology aimed at achieving both 'high keratin plug cleansing power' and 'gentleness to the skin' through proprietary technology development.

In November 2023, the Company established the 'Premier Anti-Aging Lab' internally to integrate basic research and product development, enabling the agile development of unique products that meet customer needs. Rooted in our founding desire to 'scientifically prove the effects of anti-aging care' and as the source of the 'unique value' we insist upon, we value research and development that integrates reason and sensibility.

In the research and development of the 'Keratin Plug Crushing Technology,' we confirmed that a mixed material combining a natural moisturizing ingredient and a plant-derived amphiphilic ingredient breaks down the structure of keratin plugs and promotes their removal from pores. The research findings revealed this time will be adopted in future product development.

■ Background of the Research and Characteristics of the Technology

In recent years, cleansing products have been expected to care for clogged pores (keratin plugs) in addition to removing makeup. However, because a keratin plug has a hard, cohesive structure of sebum and keratin, increasing the cleansing power tends to cause skin irritation, making it difficult to balance 'keratin plug removal' with 'gentleness to the skin.' Furthermore, while the need for qualities such as 'gentle on the skin' and 'less prone to pore concerns' has grown from an anti-aging perspective, leading to the incorporation of naturally derived ingredients, a lingering issue has been that conventional oils often fail to provide a tangible sense of keratin plug removal.

Therefore, the Company focused on the properties (hardness and cohesiveness) of keratin plugs and promoted the development of technology that enables the 'breakdown and removal' of the keratin plug structure, which was previously difficult. As a result, we confirmed that a natural moisturizing ingredient (basic amino acid) breaks down the keratin plug structure while being mindful of the burden on the skin, and that this effect is enhanced when combined with a plant-derived amphiphilic ingredient.

■ About the Keratin Plug Crushing Technology

In developing the 'Keratin Plug Crushing Technology,' we collected a large number of keratin plug samples to explore useful materials and verify their effectiveness as formulations. In this verification, we used human-derived keratin plugs collected via pore strips from men and women in their 20s to 50s. The results of using a formulation equipped with this technology continuously for two weeks revealed that the 'keratin plug area on the nose' decreased by approximately 44%.

Unlike conventional care that tends to rely on strong cleansing and friction due to increased sebum secretion, the 'Keratin Plug Crushing Technology' is characterized by its ability to penetrate not only dirt on the skin's surface but also each individual keratin plug, crushing it from the inside to improve clogged pores. Furthermore, it is a proprietary formulation technology of Premier Anti-Aging (patent pending) that is expected to condition the pores after use while maintaining moisture.

■ Experiments Regarding the Keratin Plug Crushing Technology

Experiment 1: Ingredient Level

As a result of screening and verifying numerous ingredients, we confirmed that the combination of 'Arginine,' a basic amino acid, and 'Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine,' a plant-derived amphiphilic ingredient, demonstrated a high keratin plug crushing effect among cosmetic ingredients.

Experiment 2: Single Use of Formulation

As a result of verification using a formulation system, it was confirmed that the formulation equipped with the proprietary technology demonstrated an excellent keratin plug crushing effect compared to conventional products. From this result, improvement in clogged keratin plugs is expected through the use of the formulation equipped with the proprietary technology.

Experiment 3: Quantification of Keratin Plug Crushing Effect (Quantified using the number of keratin plugs = the area occupied by keratin plugs as an indicator)

Following the results of Experiment 2, the formulation equipped with the proprietary technology was used continuously for two weeks. As a result, it was revealed that the 'keratin plug area on the nose' decreased by 44% compared to before use.

Applying this technology to cleansing products enables keratin plug care that is considerate of the burden on the skin. It is also expected to maintain a moisturizing feel after rinsing and improve the skin blending and moisturizing feel of basic cosmetics used afterward.

■ Kazutaka Matsuo, General Manager, Technology Development Department, Premier Anti-Aging Co., Ltd.

The Company positions research and development (R&D) at the core of its corporate value, promoting evidence-based technology development and product design starting from the concerns and unmet needs of consumers. This time, by uniquely combining a basic amino acid (Arginine) and a plant-derived amphiphilic ingredient (Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine), we have established the 'Keratin Plug Crushing Technology' aimed at balancing 'high keratin plug cleansing power' and 'gentleness to the skin.'

Going forward, while accumulating solid evidence, we will continuously evolve technologies that contribute to solving issues such as pore concerns and dryness. We are committed to creating value that leads to the joy of using skincare products, the tangible feeling of improving skin, and ultimately, shining brightly while living one's own time.