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Screening of Raw Materials
SHISEIDO never compromises on safety, and our commitment begins with the basic ingredients that make up our cosmetics and skincare products. We conduct thorough analysis on each and every raw material, and use only those we are confident will be the safest for our customers to put on their skin.
This time-intensive process begins with selecting raw materials of the highest purity. We subject each and every raw ingredient to a set of tests to ensure the quality is at the highest refinement level possible. Then we work to remove any potential impurities from the raw ingredient that may appear to cause irritation to the skin appear.
Once they have cleared inspection, these raw materials are put through an extensive set of tests designed to ensure that the ingredient or mixture of ingredients does not irritate the skin. The ingredient is first applied by SHISEIDO’s scientists to artificial skin, composed of skin cells and collagen. If irritation does not occur, raw materials are then “patch tested” on human clinical test volunteers (under doctors’ supervision) to ensure there are no adverse affects.
Next, the raw ingredient is tested to ensure no stinging or itching occurs when it comes in contact with the skin. The ingredient is applied directly to the skin of researchers that are trained to sense the differences in skin irritation. It is only when raw materials pass through all of these steps that SHISEIDO will use them to produce skincare and cosmetics.
Just like there are recipes for food, there are recipes for skincare products and cosmetics. These detailed step-by-step instructions specify the sequence to mixing raw materials and take into consideration key factors such as temperature, lighting, and cooking time. Every single production process SHISEIDO undertakes is intricately thought out to maintain continuity of quality.
Artificial skin model as an alternative to skin irritation test
Patch test for ensuring that the product does not cause irritation
