The Power of Isoflavones: Insights from "Nameraka Honpo," Who Has Conducted Research for Over 20 Years

While there is a general perception that isoflavones are beneficial for health and beauty, many people might not fully understand the extent of their powers.

To shed light on this, we spoke with Yu Mitsuya from Nameraka Honpo, which launched its soy milk isoflavone series in 2004 after years of research on isoflavones, about the benefits of isoflavones and the products they offer.

What is the Skin-Enhancing Power of Isoflavones?

Isoflavones, a type of polyphenol found in soybeans, are known to exhibit effects similar to the female hormone estrogen due to their similar molecular structures.

"Estrogen promotes the production of collagen and elastin, which contribute to skin firmness and elasticity, while also helping to retain moisture. However, as estrogen decreases due to factors such as aging, stress, and irregular lifestyles, skin firmness weakens and dryness becomes more likely."

This is where isoflavones come into play. While it is important to ingest isoflavones through products like soy milk to replenish the body from within, it is known that the overall effect may dilute the concentration of isoflavones, reducing their effectiveness on the skin.

To maximize the benefits for the skin, applying isoflavones directly through cosmetics is considered more effective.

The Types & Amounts of Isoflavones Vary by Soybean

The health effects of isoflavones have garnered attention, leading to the soy milk boom around 2000-2005. The popularity surged after being featured in various health programs around 2003, gaining recognition for its beauty benefits as well.

"Our company has been researching soybeans for a long time, particularly focusing on isoflavones. We decided to deepen our research to explore how the beauty effects of isoflavones could be utilized in cosmetics, leading to the start of our development process."

Although isoflavones are often collectively referred to, there are actually 12 types, with the components and quantities varying depending on the origin and variety of the soybeans.

"As we advanced our development, we aimed to study as many soybean varieties as possible, collecting 55 different types from across the country.

"Our research revealed that different isoflavones are present in various quantities within a single soybean, and that the balance of these isoflavones affects their beauty benefits. It was also discovered that the effects vary depending on the type of isoflavone."

That's why Nameraka Honpo changes the type of soybean used across their three skincare lines.

"In the moisturizing line, we use Fukuyutaka soybeans from Kyushu, while in the anti-aging line, we have selected Tamahomare soybeans from Shiga Prefecture, which are ideal for aging care.

"Additionally, for the whitening line, we adopted Yukipirika soybeans from Hokkaido."

High-Purity Soymilk Isoflavones Born from 20 Years of Research

In cosmetics, fermented soybean milk containing isoflavones is often used. This fermented soybean milk is created by adding lactic acid bacteria to soybean milk, leading to the fermentation process, where various beauty components such as amino acids, vitamins, and peptides are produced through bacterial action.

"From the fermented soybean milk, we uniquely concentrate only the isoflavones to achieve high purity, known as 'High purity soy milk isoflavone.'

"Our moisturizing line, renewed in 2022, combines the fermented soybean milk with high-purity isoflavones, enhancing overall beauty benefits."

Thanks to the success of this unique technology, there has been a change in packaging as well.

With the achievement of high purity, we developed the world's first cosmetic ingredient displaying the name "Soy milk isoflavone" and were able to clearly indicate "containing Soy milk isoflavone" on the package.

"To obtain the designation 'Soy milk isoflavone,' it is necessary to acquire the international cosmetic designation, but achieving high purity allowed us to be the first in the world to obtain 'Soymilk Isoflavones.'

"As a result, it led to the development of new products in Japan with the designation 'Soy milk isoflavone' incorporated." 

Reflecting the Essence of Soy Milk in Appearance & Texture

As previously mentioned, Nameraka Honpo has three skincare lines: moisturizing, anti-aging care, and whitening. According to Mitsuya, "While maintaining the whiteness and smoothness associated with soy milk, we focus on ensuring that each product effectively delivers its benefits during development."

In March, two popular UV bases will be renewed.

"Skin Care UV Base NC" incorporates the earlier mentioned high-purity soy milk isoflavones. With a clear beige shade, it corrects skin color unevenness and dullness, and features a non-chemical formulation with 87% beauty serum ingredients.

"Medicated Pure White Skin Care UV Base N" focuses on whitening, preventing rough skin, and pore care. It contains 82% beauty serum ingredients and adopts a clear white shade that is expected to enhance skin tone.

"Both of these products contain over 80% beauty serum ingredients, making them reliable products that can be used with a skincare-like feel."

Activities to Expand the Possibilities of Soybeans & Isoflavones

While isoflavones are often highlighted as the beauty components found in soybeans, there are actually many other soybean-derived beauty ingredients used in cosmetics, such as hydroxylated lecithin, which contribute to skin absorption of these beauty components.

"There is still much that remains to be understood and is not widely known about soybeans and isoflavones, so we want to communicate this to consumers through conference presentations and news releases, and continue research to enhance the potential and value of soy milk isoflavones further."

Currently, with the rising health consciousness, once again, attention is being drawn to the health benefits of soy milk, signaling the arrival of a third soy milk boom. Why not experience the power of soy milk isoflavones on your own skin?