Medical aesthetic products. Henkel opens J-beauty innovation hub in Tokyo

THE WHAT? Henkel has cut the ribbon on a J-beauty innovation hub in Tokyo. The center, which is dedicated to the Professional Hair segment, will leverage the long-standing expertise of Schwarzkof and Shiseido Professional in hair color developments and trends as well as premium hair and scalp care.

THE DETAILS Key features of the facility include a R&D lab, advanced product evaluation studio, color observation rom and behavior observation cube.

THE WHY? The hub is part and parcel of the integration of the Shiseido Professional business into the Henkel organization after its acquisition last year. Teams from both brands will co-locate to the new premises. Carsten Knobel, Henkel CEO, commented, “Asia is a highly dynamic region generating many trends and innovations, especially in the consumer goods market, which we are expanding and leveraging globally. With its inspiring and collaborative environment, our new innovation hub will help to accelerate impactful innovation and further strengthen our Hair Professional business in this strategically important region for Henkel. It supports our ambition to further advance our competitive edge and turn innovation into a true competitive differentiator.”

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.