#Japan #Tokyo #Skin Care #Dr. Ci:Labo #Mandelic Acid

Introduction

Dr. Ci:Labo, a skincare brand grounded in beauty dermatology, made a notable appearance at the 44th Japanese Dermatology Conference, holding a luncheon seminar where ground-breaking results regarding their exfoliating products were unveiled. This two-day event took place on August 1-2, 2026, and was co-hosted in collaboration with the Japanese Dermatology Association under the theme "Tackling Pores and Blackheads with Daily Skincare: Connecting Indicators and Real Experiences."

Highlights of the Seminar

The seminar featured two main segments:

Part 1

Dr. Hiroki Fujita, Principal Scientist from Kenvue's R&D department, delivered insights on the mechanisms behind pore issues and skin barrier functions. He elaborated on the critical aspects of daily skincare focusing on moisture retention and skin transparency.

Part 2

Yumi Sekito, Chairperson of the Japan Esthetic Research Foundation, presented recent data on exfoliating products along with research findings on high-penetration Vitamin C derivatives. The discussions included changes in skin smoothness, hydration, and pore indicators, emphasizing evidence-based product selection and safety.

Background of the Presentation

With many women in their 30s experiencing visible pores, uneven skin texture, and reduced luminosity, skin concerns arise due to changes in turnover and functionality of the stratum corneum. While chemical peels conducted in clinics are effective for treating these concerns, they often come with challenges, including skin stress and the need for frequent treatments to maintain results.

To address this, Dr. Ci:Labo set its sights on creating a homepeeling solution that smoothly incorporates natural exfoliation into everyday skincare routines, scientifically verifying its efficacy and safety in targeting pore and blackhead challenges.

Study Overview

A clinical trial was conducted focusing on participants with acne-prone skin and signs of photoaging. Participants were divided into three groups:

1. Acne Group (n=33): Used a formula containing Mandelic Acid, Gluconolactone, and Panthenol across the entire face for daily application.
2. Anti-Aging Group (n=5): Utilized the same product under similar conditions to track efficacy.
3. Control Group (n=34): Received a chemical peel in a clinic with a 20% salicylic acid solution while continuing regular skincare.

The study spanned 56 days, focusing on a variety of metrics for assessment.

Main Findings

The skincare formulation featured Mandelic Acid (AHA) and Gluconolactone (PHA), combined with Panthenol for barrier support. The results underscored the product's success in maintaining moisture levels while facilitating smooth turnover of epidermal keratin, leading to various improvements in skin quality.

1. Significant Improvement in Skin Texture
Continued use of the product revealed clinical results equivalent to one chemical peel session. Results showed a remarkable increase in skin smoothness (+12.6%), gloss (+7.5%), and a reduction in acne severity (-25.1%). After 56 days, improvements escalated to +22.9% in smoothness, +26.8% in gloss, and -38.3% in acne severity.

2. Hydration and Barrier Function Improvement
The product significantly increased skin moisture levels (+92.89%) post-application and maintained this hydration, also indicating a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), thereby reinstating skin's moisture retention and barrier efficiency.

3. Oil Control and Pore Appearance
Users reported a statistically significant decrease in sebum levels and improvement in pore visibility following the regimen.

4. High Safety and Tolerance
In a consumer survey, 100% reported improved skin texture and balance of oil and moisture, with 96% affirming the product's suitability for daily use and expressed satisfaction with its performance.

Ingredient Highlights

• - Mandelic Acid (AHA): A larger molecular weight ensures gentle, everyday use while effectively controlling oil and promoting turnover.
• - Gluconolactone (PHA): An exfoliant that provides hydration and reinforces the skin's barrier function, easing sensitivity against external aggressors.
• - Panthenol: A moisturizing agent that enhances water retention and supports skin repair post-peeling.

Additional Research Findings

The seminar also spotlighted Vitamin C's role, particularly with high-penetration derivatives like APPS, emphasizing their contribution to creating skin luminosity.

The findings indicated that a regimen incorporating APPS could mirror results similar to professional treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, spot reduction, and firmness over an 8-week duration without adverse effects.

Conclusion

Based on these research outcomes, Dr. Ci:Labo strives to integrate clinical results into daily skincare routines, continually providing clients with solutions tailored to their skin worries, ultimately redefining the skincare landscape.