Medical aesthetic products. Kao launches Space Shampoo Sheet developed for astronauts 

THE WHAT? Kao is set to launch a new dry shampoo named Space Shampoo Sheet for Earth and Beyond, originally developed for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). 

THE DETAILS The sheets, which can be used with one hand without water, will be offered in limited qualities to consumers via Rakuten Ichiba, one of Japan’s largest e-commerce shopping malls.

The product will be sold through FUNTECH Lab&Biz, Kao’s open innovation platform.

THE WHY? Originally used by astronaut Koichi Wakata, KAO is targeting on-the-go consumers, stating that the product is: “ideal when users seek a change of pace or are too busy to bathe or shower with water.”

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.