Japanese beauty company Kao is launching a skin analysis service based on skin surface lipids RNA (SSL-RNA) monitoring.
Called Skin Potential Analysis and launching this month, the method is said to provide a detailed picture of the skin’s current condition.
Using SSL-RNA, combined with corneo-spectrum analysis of the stratum corneum, Skin Potential Analysis aims to pinpoint what is happening in the skin at the time of analysis.
It assesses 12 markers responsible for what the Kanebo and Sensai brand owner calls ‘attractive skin’, including the skin’s barrier function, sensitivity to UV rays and glycation level.
The individual's results are then compared with those of the same age group, providing customers with information about their skin condition.
An advantage of this technique, according to Kao, is that while a person may be experiencing dry skin, for example, different approaches would be needed if the condition has different causes.
SSL-RNA expression information not only helps confirm the skin condition, it can also suggest the reason for dry skin specific to each individual.
Kao's RNA analysis journey
Skin Potential Analysis has been several years in the making.
In 2019, following Kao’s discovery of RNA in skin lipids, the conglomerate partnered with software firm Preferred Networks to combine machine learning with data from RNA in sebum with the aim of developing a beauty consultation service based on RNA monitoring.
Further to this, earlier this year, Kao revealed it was teaming up with e-commerce company istyle on an initiative to develop a system that enables the selection of cosmetics based on skin RNA types.
The company is aiming to build a database, based on the data of 10,000 people, to facilitate efficient cosmetics selection.