Figure: Newly developed method to examine indigenous skin bacteria. Collect stratum corneum from the forehead

Shiseido Company, Limited (“Shiseido”) has developed a new testing method to measure the amount and balance of indigenous skin bacteria in a simple and easy way in a short time through collaboration with YAMATO-ESULON Co.*1, Ltd. and ORCOA Co., Ltd*2. In most cases, it takes nearly one month to obtain the results of indigenous skin bacteria tests conducted as a service for consumers because it requires a specialized analysis after collecting the samples. With the application of a compact, simplified PCR*3 testing device, anyone can easily obtain test results in about 40 minutes, allowing them to know the status of their indigenous skin bacteria onsite. This leads to a high-value-added in-store experience and a new beauty service.
As one of the “Individual/Universal” approaches based on our R＆D philosophy “DYNAMIC HARMONY”, we tried to develop a method to easily grasp the state of indigenous skin bacteria, which varies between individuals, using the vast amount of data accumulated over years from our research on indigenous skin bacteria. Currently Shiseido plans to launch a “unique skin bacteria” measuring service using this testing method on a trial basis for visitors at the Shiseido Global Innovation Center (called “S/PARK”), a research and innovation hub located in the Minato Mirai area in Yokohama, Japan.

*1 YAMATO-ESULON Co., Ltd. http://yamato-esulon.co.jp/english/
*2 ORCOA Co., Ltd. https://orcoa.jp/ (Japanese only)
*3 PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction. A chemical reaction to amplify the genes of living organisms including viruses and bacteria.

Source: corp.shiseido.com