日本語版はこちら: EDO BEAUTY LABの内部へ潜入 (Inside EDO BEAUTY LAB)
Ever wondered how new products are created at a cosmetics company? Our latest blog post invites you on a journey inside EDO BEAUTY LAB! Read on for an exclusive sneak peek at two upcoming products!
Inside EDO BEAUTY LAB
It’s nearly 2 years ago to the day when I submitted my proposal to the Edogawa Business Plan Contest. I had the the “simple “ idea of creating a green beauty brand based on our locally grown superfood, komatsuna. Little did I know that I my plan would become reality!
The first year consisted of navigating the many rules and regulations of the Japanese cosmetics industry. After many legal hurdles, I formally incorporated our parent company, Kabushiki Kaisha EDO BEAUTY LAB in May 2021. Months later, our Green Radiance Clay Mask and Komatsuna Print Tenugui launched in August 2021.
This year, I’m transforming [EDO BEAUTY LAB] into a lifestyle brand that puts emphasis on the synergy between the MIND, BODY, and SKIN.
After all, “self-care through skincare” remains my motto, and what better way to self-care than by pampering yourself?
I’m currently working on the following new products, and am eyeing an early autumn launch:
Inside EDO BEAUTY LAB: MIND, BODY, SKIN
MIND
Fragrances & Diffusers
Bath Salts & Bath Bombs
BODY
Komatsuna-infused health drink
Herbal tea
SKIN
New & improved Green Radiance Clay Mask in ready-to-go paste form
Dual layer facial mist
Inside EDO BEAUTY LAB: New Product Development
As per Japanese law, all cosmetics MUST be manufactured at a licensed facility. However, I enjoy getting creative, so I am making all samples at home, and will discuss my findings and expectations with my distributor.
Here are two samples that I am working on:
Green Radiance Clay Mask – Paste Form
When I originally created the Green Radiance Clay Mask, I envisioned a skincare product that anyone could customize 100% to their specifications for a tailored self-care Sunday experience.
The Green Radiance Clay Mask in its current form is a powder and contains only 3 ingredients. The benefits of powder clay masks are numerous, but perhaps its biggest draws are (1) its long shelf-life and (2) lack of preservatives.
To create a ready-to-go version of our Green Radiance Clay Mask, I have to do lots of problem solving!
To keep a clay mask in paste form, this requires the use of preservatives to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Parabens are a class of preservatives that have gained negative attention in recent years.
In these samples, I used phenoxyethanol, which is used as an alternative to parabens in a wide variety of cosmetics. The Japanese Ministry of Welfare, Health, and Labor Japan restricts the use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics at a 1-percent or less concentration. (Source)
Clay masks have a tendency to dry out the skin. This sample uses plant-based glycerin, a humectant, to keep the skin moisturized as the clay draws out impurities.
I’d like to add essential oils to this paste clay mask for an enchanted relaxing experience, but I did not have luck on my first attempts!
Dual Layer Facial Mist
Dual layer lotions and serums are one of my favorite skin care products. They moisturize and nourish the skin by restoring and protecting the skin’s balance, giving it a silky finish.
Personally, they remind me of science lessons in elementary school, where you had to observe the interaction between oil and water. Oil is less dense than water, therefore it floats on top of the water. For the “water” portion, I used a blend of purified water and shell ginger water, with Jojoba Oil as the carrier oil.
Shell ginger, by the way, is a plant native to Okinawa with a soothing floral scent. Ever since I tried the Lululun Okinawa-exclusive Shell Ginger Sheet Masks, I’ve been keen to try more skincare products with this ingredient!
Ideally, I’d like to add some kind of color to make the difference between the layers noticeable.
However, the current formula of purified water, shell ginger water, plant-based glycerin, and jojoba oil is 100% natural, so I better keep it that way! Perhaps an essential oil with a natural coloring might do the trick!
Another addition that I might make is the use of xanthan gum. In skincare, xanthan gum is an emulsifier. In the context of a layered product, it slowly keeps the mixture from separating after the bottle is shaken.
Inside EDO BEAUTY LAB: What To Expect
Over the course of the upcoming weeks, I plan to meet with my cosmetics manufacturer to discuss the two new products. I’m also keen to find a food manufacturer here in Edogawa City, in order to live up to our motto, “Green Beauty From Edogawa, Japan.”
As always, you can find the latest updates on the official [EDO BEAUTY LAB] Instagram account, in our Stories and “SAMPLE” Highlights.
For a more intimate look at being a small business owner in Japan and information on the Japanese cosmetics industry, check out my personal TikTok account @wadateni.
