EVOLUTION OFOUR INNOVATION
Evolution of Our Initiatives
Research Organization
Since its earliest days, Shiseido has adopted a scientific approach and made research activities the cornerstone of its cosmetics R&D. Our research organization has evolved over time, with the newest structure for R&D launched in 2021.
1916
- A testing room established as a pioneering R&D department
1939
- Testing room evolves into the Shiseido Research & Development Lab
1968
- Shiseido Research Lab opens in Yokohama, Japan
1989
- The Cutaneous Biology Research Center founded at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston by MGH, Harvard Medical School, and Shiseido, to conduct joint research in skin and hair science
2000
- Shiseido Research Lab renamed “Shiseido Research Center”
2001
- Shiseido China Research Center Co., Ltd. (China Innovation Center) established in Beijing to study Chinese cosmetic habits, skin, and hair and conduct research and development of products for the Chinese market
2014
- Shiseido Cell-Processing and Expansion Center (SPEC) established in Kobe
2019
- Global Innovation Center (GIC) established in Yokohama, Japan as an “urban open lab” integrating various expertise, information, and technologies
- GIC-led open innovation program “fibona” launched
2021
- Shift to a new R&D structure with the Brand Value R&D Institute and the MIRAI Technology Institute
- New R&D branch launched full-scale research activities in China’s Oriental Beauty Valley, a special zone for the health and beauty industry in Shanghai
Basic Research
Shiseido's areas of research continue to expand, adapting to changes in society and consumer lifestyles. With more than a century of experience in basic research, we have established a solid competitive advantage in the areas of kansei research, material science, and dermatology.
1948
- With the reopening of the Shiseido Research & Development Lab after WWII, the development of cosmetics expanded into the realm of modern science with the adoption of safety testing
1960s
- Focus shifts to dermatology and hair research in addition to conventional physical chemistry research (a comprehensive approach to research begins at Shiseido and includes safety and efficiency, psychological research, color and color materials, cosmetic analytical technology, and packaging materials research)
1983
- Shiseido develops a technology focused on collagen in the skin, which declines with age
2000
- Shiseido starts integrated research on cosmetics development and across wide-ranging fields in pharmaceuticals, food, safety, environment, and kansei
2014
- Shiseido develops a technology to produce collagen by focusing on stem cells in the dermal layer
- Shiseido develops the world's first technology that enhances the protection against ultraviolet (UV) rays when exposed to water and sweat
2018
- Shiseido acquires cutting-edge Second Skin technology that instantly conceals wrinkles and sagging skin, pioneering new frontiers in cosmetics
2020
- Shiseido develops new AI-based skin analysis technology Digital-3D Skin
Product Development
In addition to establishing areas of strength through our own basic research, Shiseido is creating better value propositions by integrating external cutting-edge technologies. In recent years, we have strengthened the areas of beauty and wellness by combining AI, digitization (apps, etc.), beauty devices, regenerative medicine, and sustainability.
1926
- Launch of our first refillable powder compact
1956
- Launch of Shiseido Spots Cover, a foundation designed to cover up skin burns caused by WWII and other disasters
2017
- Release of the Hada Pasha beauty app, which allows consumers to measure their skin with their smartphone and delivers optimal beauty advice based on the skin’s condition
2019
- Joint research launched to monitor the effects of UV-protective ingredients on coral
2020
- Production of a new hand sanitizer (designated quasi-drug) uniquely designed for sensitive and dry skin
- Launch of products with packaging materials using Green Planet, a 100% plant-derived biodegradable polymer made by KANEKA CORPORATION, a Japanese materials manufacturer
2021
- Development of Beauty Alive Circulation Check, a non-contact device to measure internal skin conditions available at Shiseido stores worldwide
- Development of innovative technology to convert UV rays into light beneficial for skin’s beauty in harmony with the environment
- Commercialization of patented Second Skin technology after three years of research and development
Research Achievements
Shiseido has received a total of 29 awards (including 25 top prizes) by the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC), the world's largest organization for cosmetics research. This unrivaled track record is proof of our superb capabilities in R&D, and these award-winning technologies play an active role in our product development. Shiseido will continue to provide innovative value by leveraging its R&D capabilities.
1976
- Shiseido wins first prize at the 9th IFSCC in Boston
2017
- Shiseido becomes the first company in Japan to receive approval for the use of pure retinol as an active ingredient to improve wrinkles
2020
- Shiseido sweeps first, second and third prizes for outstanding papers at 13th China Cosmetics Academic Research Conference
2021
- Shiseido wins top award at IFSCC 2021 Cancún Conference for a total of 29 IFSCC awards
Establishment of Our R&D Philosophy
In 2021, we established DYNAMIC HARMONY as a unique R&D philosophy to be shared by basic research and product development across the Group.
