The Innovative Collaboration Between Saga University and I-ne on Vitamin C's Skin Permeability

Research Announcement: Enhancing Vitamin C's Skin Permeability

Saga University has partnered with I-ne, a leading skincare company headquartered in Osaka, to study the effects of carbonation on the skin permeability of Vitamin C. This groundbreaking research will be presented at the 40th annual meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, scheduled for May 22–24, 2025. The research promises to shed light on an innovative approach to improving the efficacy of skincare products containing Vitamin C.

Research Overview

Presentation Title

- The Effects of Carbonation on the Skin Permeability of Vitamin C

Presenters and Collaborators

- Saki Hirakawa
- Yoshihiro Tokudome

Affiliated Institution

- Saga University

Summary of Research Findings

The study investigates how carbonation can help maintain the stratum corneum's barrier function, prevent dryness, and suppress skin irritation. Additionally, previous experiments using human dermal fibroblasts indicated that carbonation increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the dermis. However, the research on the ability of chemicals to permeate the skin in conjunction with carbonation had been relatively sparse.

To explore this further, the team combined Vitamin C with various concentrations of carbonated water (0, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 ppm) and created five test solutions containing 2% Vitamin C for evaluation. Initially, they measured the carbonation levels using a portable gas concentration meter, while pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed through a pH meter over a four-hour period. Following this, transdermal diffusion tests were conducted using Franz diffusion cells with a three-dimensional cultured skin model at 25°C for four hours.

Results indicated that the carbonation concentration reduced over time, with the 1,000 ppm sample averaging around 900 ppm, and the higher concentrations starting at approximately 2,200 ppm before decreasing. Notably, both pH and conductivity demonstrated minimal variation across samples. In the diffusion experiments, there was a clear increase in the amount of Vitamin C permeating the skin with higher carbonation levels. Above 5,000 ppm, there was no noticeable difference in carbonation levels, pH, or conductivity within the test solutions, suggesting that the quantity of carbon dioxide significantly influenced Vitamin C's permeability.

Background and Future Prospects

Background

Vitamin C is a well-known active ingredient in the beauty and skincare industry, frequently incorporated into a variety of skincare products. One major challenge has been allowing water-soluble ingredients like Vitamin C to effectively penetrate the skin barrier to maximize their benefits. I-ne's previous studies have suggested the potential of carbonation in enhancing transdermal absorption of Vitamin C, although the concept that carbonation can promote the absorption of beneficial components through the skin is still not widely recognized. This project aims to scientifically elucidate the mechanism by which carbonation aids absorption, to explore the synergistic effects of Vitamin C and carbonation for improving skin health and beauty outcomes.

Future Prospects

The research findings will be shared with the broader community through academic publications, fostering further advancements and innovations in the field of cosmetic science. The ultimate goal is to develop new skincare products that effectively combine Vitamin C and other difficult-to-penetrate water-soluble compounds based on insights gained from this research. I-ne aims to contribute to the overall enhancement of value in the beauty industry, not only through skincare products but also by applying its findings to a wider range of beauty technologies and services.

Previous Research Standouts

The announcement of earlier findings on February 28, 2024, showcased that carbonation significantly expedited Vitamin C's absorption into the skin, increasing its efficiency by approximately 44 times! For more details, visit Press Release.

Company Profile

- Company Name: I-ne Co., Ltd.
- Establishment: March 2007
- CEO: Yohei Onishi
- Location: 8th Floor, Midosuji Tower, 4-1-2 Minamikuhōri, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0058, Japan
- Website: i-ne.co.jp