The Power of Innovative Beauty Serum "Pearl Essence Liquid-Crystal N" Born From Mikimoto Cosmetics' Pearl Research

The late Kokichi Mikimoto, who succeeded in pearl cultivation for the first time in the world, made his name known globally.

Building on long years of pearl research that revealed the benefits of pearls for the skin, Mikimoto Cosmetics was born.

For this article, we spoke with Yuki Tsushima from Mikimoto Cosmetics about ingredients derived from pearls and the popular "Pearl Essence Liquid-Crystal N."

The Power of Pearl Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The history of Mikimoto Cosmetics is surprisingly long.

In 1893, the founder Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in pearl cultivation for the first time in the world. However, in 1940, during World War II, a ban on luxury goods was enacted, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of luxury items, including jewelry.

During this time, the company focused on traditional Chinese medicine.

In China, it has been said for centuries that “consuming pearls leads to immortality,” and even today, the powdered medicinal pearl known as “珍珠” is believed to be effective for fever reduction, pain relief, and strengthening vigor.

In 1943, Mikimoto Pharmaceutical was founded, focusing on the “beauty power of pearls” through unique research. In 1966, Mikimoto became the first in the world to succeed in incorporating the pearl-derived ingredient “Pearl Conchiolin®［1］,” a rare extract obtained solely from the proteins that comprise just 5% of the pearl layer.

"'Pearl Conchiolin®［1］' is found in pearls and in the pearl layer (the inside of Akoya mussels) and contains several types of amino acids along with a structure similar to Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). NMF consists of around 40% amino acids and exists in the skin's stratum corneum. However, it is said that in dry skin, the amount can decrease to about one-third of that found in healthy skin. 'Pearl Conchiolin®［1］' is an ingredient that supports skin moisturization, similar to NMF."

Another pearl-derived beauty ingredient that Mikimoto Cosmetics has elucidated is "Pearl Collagen®［2］." This is extracted from the mantle (the part forming the shell) and its high molecular structure traps moisture, maintaining skin hydration.

Just the fact that it is pearl-derived gives a luxurious impression, and since all pearl-derived ingredients in Mikimoto Cosmetics products are extracted from pearls cultivated by the Mikimoto Group, each use brings a rich feeling.

“Our products originally had high moisturizing power, but many customers still struggled with inner dryness. When skin becomes 'inner dry' and cannot hold moisture, its barrier function diminishes, making it more susceptible to external stimuli such as UV rays.

"Therefore, we thought it essential not just to 'provide' through cosmetics but also to 'improve' the skin's foundation［3］, which led us to start developing the first-step serum.”

Mikimoto Cosmetics focused on one of the factors causing inner dryness being "hidden inflammation."

“Unlike typical inflammation, this refers to inflammation that does not manifest externally. It can be hard to notice due to the absence of symptoms like redness; however, inflammation can progress inside the skin. If left unchecked, it can lead to reduced barrier function, dryness, and dullness, which further promote aging factors like spots, wrinkles, and lack of firmness.”

Suppressing hidden inflammation and preventing inner dryness are also linked to anti-aging care［4］.

"Pearl Essence Liquid-Crystal N" incorporates not only pearl-derived ingredients but also marine ingredients, such as "Marine Saccharide［5］" for hydration and the original ingredient "Cholesteric Liquid Crystal LCM［6］."

“Marine Saccharide is derived from polysaccharides found in algae, providing moisture to the skin and forming a protective moisturizing barrier. On the other hand, the sparkling cyan Cholesteric Liquid Crystal LCM［6］ within the gel is expected to enhance barrier function repair and aid in the penetration of beauty ingredients.”

By combining "Pearl Collagen®［2］" and "Marine Saccharide［5］," we form a moisturizing barrier that retains skin moisture. When applied, the gel fits snugly on the skin, providing a sensation of lasting hydration even after applying lotion.

"We focused on a refreshing texture that is hydrating yet non-greasy. Many customers are repeat buyers, and there are plenty who say they can't live without it during this dry season."

Mikimoto Cosmetics has its own research facility and continues to conduct pearl research day and night. We look forward to seeing how the beauty power of pearls can bring radiance to our skin.