Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute Healthcare Industry Support Office (SUSCARE)

basic information

【Support Content】 ○ Requested Testing - We accept commissioned analysis of raw materials such as cosmetics, as well as evaluation tests for product functionality and stability. ○ Equipment Utilization - Customers can use the equipment available at SUSCARE themselves. ○ Research and Development - We are developing alternative testing methods to animal experiments, aiming for their use in efficacy evaluation. ○ Support for Overseas Expansion - We provide a consultation window for customers considering product expansion overseas. ○ Human Resource Development - We hold seminars to cultivate highly skilled personnel capable of appropriately evaluating products. 【Main Equipment and Instruments】 ○ Analysis and Physical Properties - Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with elemental analysis capabilities - Optical Microscope (Digital Microscope) ○ Functional Evaluation - Evaluation using cultured cells (anti-wrinkle evaluation, anti-aging evaluation, antioxidant evaluation, etc.) - Multi-purpose hair testing machine - In vivo confocal Raman spectrometer ○ Stability Evaluation - Particle size distribution measurement device - Dynamic viscoelasticity measurement device *Membership registration is required to use SUSCARE's support services. ● For more details, please contact us.

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Applications/Examples of results

○ Analysis and Physical Properties Component analysis of raw materials allows for the exploration of useful substances. Detailed analysis of the obtained useful substances can also be conducted. ○ Functional Evaluation The ability to produce collagen, anti-wrinkle properties, and antioxidant capacity are evaluated using cells. ○ Stability Evaluation The mechanical properties of prototypes stored for a long time are evaluated.

Detailed information

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  Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Elemental Analysis Function This device (TM4000Plus) allows for the observation of images that reflect information about the surface roughness and composition of samples, as well as the acquisition of elemental maps (figures). ○ Surface Observation Example: Hair surface (adhesion of cuticle and conditioning agents) ○ Qualitative Analysis of Elements Example: Applicability of sunscreen agents, dispersion state of inorganic powders in foundation [Figure: Evaluation of Treatment Agent Application State] Comparison of qualitative analysis of elements in hair before and after the application of the treatment agent Silicon (Si), which was not observed before the application of the treatment agent (A), was observed on the hair surface after application (B).

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  Optical Microscope (Digital Microscope) This device (VHHX-7000) allows for high magnification observation, three-dimensional image construction through tomography, and quantification of surface roughness. ○ Morphological observation and size measurement Example) Cross-sectional shape of hair, evaluation of internal permeability of hair dye ○ Three-dimensional image construction Example) State of emulsion, evaluation of surface roughness of hair [Figure: Evaluation of permeability of hair dye into hair] Evaluation based on observation images of the permeability of various hair dyes into human gray hair (cross-sectional observation images of gray hair treated with various hair dyes) C penetrates into the hair and dyes it, while D's dyeing is only on the surface of the hair. A: Appearance of gray hair treated with various hair dyes B: Untreated C: Treated with commercially available hair dye (quasi-drug) D: Treated with commercially available hair dye (cosmetic)

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  Particle Size Distribution / Zeta Potential Measurement Device This device (Litesizer 500) allows for the evaluation of product stability by measuring the temporal changes in the particle size and size distribution of nanoparticles and fine particles in dispersions or solutions. Evaluations can also be performed in relation to changes in time, temperature, and pH. ○ Size Distribution Evaluation Example: Size distribution of nanoparticles in lotion ○ Particle Size Measurement Example: Measurement of the particle size of emulsions in lotion [Figure: Measurement of Particle Size in Emulsion] Evaluation of the high-temperature stability of Emulsion Product A The particle size of fine particles dispersed in Emulsion Product A was measured using dynamic light scattering after heating at 60°C for one week. The scattering from particles around 200 nm, which was observed before heating, disappeared after heating, suggesting that Emulsion Product A may change in quality when stored in a high-temperature environment.

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  Multifunctional Hair Testing Device This device (fibra one) can evaluate hair-specific mechanical properties such as smoothness and combability. [Figure: Measurement Scene] A: Evaluation of Hair Friction Properties B: Evaluation of Hair Combability C: Evaluation of Styling Product Fixation (Three-Point Bending Evaluation)

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  Dynamic Viscoelasticity Measurement Device This device (MCR502) sandwiches liquid or gel samples to investigate the relationship between strain and stress when subjected to sinusoidal vibrations or rotation, allowing for the determination of physical properties such as viscosity. Measurements can also be conducted under constant temperature and humidity. ○ Viscoelasticity Measurement Tests for Cosmetics Example: It can evaluate the flowability of cosmetics and the firmness when extruding from a container. ○ Accelerated Stability Testing Over Time Example: The long-term stability of hair conditioners can be assessed through accelerated tests by measuring frequency dispersion at different temperatures. [Figure: Evaluation of the Flowability of Cosmetics] Evaluation of the flowability and resistance to flow of emulsion and gel-type sunscreen creams when applied to the skin. The storage modulus (Gˊ) of Cream A was greater than the loss modulus (Gˊˊ), while Cream B showed little difference. Furthermore, the Gˊ of Cream A was larger than that of Cream B, suggesting that Cream A is less flowable than Cream B.

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  In vivo confocal Raman spectrometer This device allows for the non-invasive acquisition of skin composition by measuring Raman scattered light that occurs specifically in molecules. ○ Measurement of internal skin composition Example: Can measure ceramides, moisture, NMF, and urea, among others. ○ Measurement of the penetration of substances applied to the skin Example: Can evaluate the moisture content of human skin and the permeability of cosmetic ingredients. The thickness of the stratum corneum can be calculated from the depth distribution of moisture content. [Figure: Evaluation of the permeability of cosmetic ingredients into human skin] Focusing on the sharp increase in moisture content in the stratum corneum region, which saturates upon reaching the granular layer, the thickness of the stratum corneum is estimated from the intersection of two primary curves (Figure A). Using the error curve as an indicator, the permeability of the cosmetic is assessed (Figures B and C). The signal intensity during cosmetic application is higher than the error curve up to about 8μm, indicating that the cosmetic is penetrating into the stratum corneum (Figure B). The signal intensity when not applied is below the error curve at the surface, indicating that it has not penetrated (Figure C).