”Skin Accessory” enables transformation beyond makeup: The journey from the researcher’s challenge to becoming a product.

Shiseido's open innovation program, "fibona," has launched the new "Skin Accessory" on Makuake on September 20th. This product utilizes Shiseido's "Second Skin" technology, which creates an artificial skin that integrates with the natural skin and corrects uneven textures, offering a unique co-creation of beauty products that are not available anywhere else.

What new beauty experiences are set to emerge with Shiseido's innovative product, "Skin Accessory," which leverages their cutting-edge technology, "Second Skin"?

We spoke with six members of the development team behind "Skin Accessory," composed of Shiseido researchers, to learn about their journey and the challenges they faced in bringing this product to market.

The Development Team of "Skin Accessory"
Project Leader: Shun Kubota, Yuya Uchiyama, Yoshiro Sadakami, Keisuke Hayashida, Wakana Kondo, Akane Yanagihara

The Birth of "Skin Accessory" Worn on the Skin

- What are your responsibilities in the “Skin Accessory” project?

Shun Kubota：I am a member of the Fundamental Research Team at Mirai Development Laboratory, where I serve as the project leader for the “Skin Accessory” project.

Yoshiro Sadakami：I am also a member of the Fundamental Research Team at Mirai Development Laboratory. In this project, I was involved in technology development.

Keisuke Hayashida：My specialty is the development of point makeup. I joined this project as part of my ongoing work to apply second skin technology, originally used in skincare, to | makeup development.

Wakana Kondo: I also work on point makeup development. In the “Skin Accessory” project, I collaborated with Hayashida-san to explore different formulation combinations and made | customer-focused suggestions regarding usage scenarios and sensations.

Yuya Uchiyama：I am responsible for the packaging and exterior design. In fact, I have been a photographer, capturing images of my wife in cosplay, and I realized that "Skin Accessory" | would be very convenient for cosplayers. As someone who uses these products, I wanted to be involved in this project, which is why I joined.

Akane Yanagihara: As the project manager, I oversee the overall progress to ensure that the project runs smoothly.

The structure of product development at fibona is characterized by researchers taking on various roles to launch products. I'm sure there have been many challenges in advancing | fibona's product development, but even when issues arise, everyone always approaches them positively, utilizing their professional expertise.

- What does the “Skin Accessory” set released on Makuake include?

Shun Kubota：This product consists of a gel and mist that create a flexible, transparent film, along with accessory parts. You apply the gel to your skin, place your desired accessory on top, and then spray the mist to form and fix the film. One of its features is that it adheres well even when you move your facial expressions, and it's easy to remove once you're | finished using it.

Akane Yanagihara: The accessory parts come in three main patterns: geometric designs, dried flowers, and holographic butterfly motifs. Each design also includes small crystals or pearls. With the collaboration of our creative director as a professional advisor, we have ensured that these accessories are unisex and allow for a variety of makeup patterns, making | them enjoyable for everyone.

The new form of self-expression: "Makeup that Enjoys Transparency."

- This product utilizes Shiseido's cutting-edge technology, "Second Skin." Why was it named "Skin Accessory"?

Shun Kubota：Second Skin is a technology that involves mixing two agents to create a transparent artificial skin. Originally, it was utilized to diminish the appearance of concerns on the skin, such as under-eye bags and nasolabial folds.

From there, through discussions with the research team, we realized that this technology could enable "transformations beyond makeup" and "new forms of self-expression." This insight became the foundation of the "Skin Accessory" project.

Shun Kubota：While we now live in an era where self-expression through fashion is possible, I feel that we still haven't fully achieved this when it comes to our faces. Makeup can express color and texture, but it doesn't significantly alter shapes. By utilizing the technology of Second Skin, we can overcome that barrier.

Just as we express ourselves through clothing, wigs, and colored contacts, we aim to expand self-expression by transforming not only the face but the skin itself into an accessory that adds dimensionality. This is why we named it "Skin Accessory."

- I heard that during the development process, opportunities were created for customers to actually use Second Skin at events like Halloween, and the feedback gathered from those experiences served as valuable insights for product commercialization.

Wakana Kondo：The technology behind Second Skin offers various ways to enjoy layering colors, but one distinctive feature that stands out as a unique aspect of makeup is the possibility of "enjoying transparent makeup." This realization came during a Halloween event held in 2024.

Participants were seen attaching pieces to their fingers like accessories or adding flowers to their ears in a targeted way, freely expressing themselves. This vibrant display of self-expression provided significant insights that ultimately contributed to the concept of "Skin Accessory."

Keisuke Hayashida：Initially, both agents used to create the film were gels, but it was discovered through the events that using a mist for the second agent would be more user-friendly and could result in a cleaner finish. Therefore, in the "Skin Accessory" project, we decided to incorporate a mist. This insight was also gathered from the experiences shared during the events.

Yoshiro Sadakami：I analyzed the feedback from event participants to understand the various needs. Among the diverse opinions, we ultimately focused on the aspect of "enjoying transparency," as it encompasses elements that allow a broader audience to have fun and highlights points that can only be achieved with this technology. This focus ensures that the product resonates with many people while providing a unique experience.

What does "151" mean? A package design that "sticks out" from the existing ones.

- What aspects did you focus on in terms of development?

Keisuke Hayashida：It's a change to a mist. Since we needed to combine two types of base materials to create a film, it wasn't just a matter of changing one; both needed to be developed. I consulted with Sadakami-san about the base materials to be used, and Kondo-san repeatedly tested prototypes while providing feedback, which led to many late-night iterations of the prototypes (laughs).

Keisuke Hayashida："Skin Accessory" this time is marked as "09-151" on the package, and the "151" refers to the number of final prototypes.

Yoshiro Sadakami：Techniques for applying products to the skin have existed for some time. However, because the face moves a lot due to facial expressions, if the film is too stiff, it will peel off quickly. The feature of Second Skin is that it can create a flexible film even in such situations. Maintaining this flexibility while developing a composition that is gentle on the skin and adheres closely to it is another aspect that Hayashida-san and I focused on.

The packaging is also distinctive and leaves a lasting impression.

Yuya Uchiyama：The exterior shape is designed to convey that this is a challenging product that stands out from typical offerings, while the color aspect represents the ability to express various ideas. The label on the base material container is also designed to protrude rather than being applied completely flat.

Typically, in mass production at factories, such protruding designs are difficult to achieve. However, since this is a small-scale production and part of a challenging initiative like fibona, we were able to say, "Let's do it," and make it happen.

Shun Kubota：There are also fine details in the design. The main container includes two bags of accessory parts for each kit, and by removing the inner frame and transferring the parts, the main container can be used like a toolbox.

Additionally, the size is designed for portability, with a capacity that allows for at least 10 to 15 uses. I hope that users will start by using it for special occasions and eventually incorporate it into their daily lives.

"Skin Accessory" that fosters conversation holds the the potential for a new culture.

- Who would you like to use it? Also, do you have any recommended ways to use it?

Yuya Uchiyama: Recently, I attended a live event with a small acrylic keychain attached to my cheek. During the event, my favorite artist noticed it and interacted with me, which was such an exciting and fun experience! It was truly amazing. Even after sweating all day, it didn't peel off at all. I highly recommend this way of using it.

Keisuke Hayashida：The biggest highlight is that it can be used simultaneously by multiple people. It was impressive to see friends and families enjoying it together during Halloween events. For example, gathering everyone before an event and applying "Skin Accessory" on each other would be a fun way.

Yoshiro Sadakami：I also felt that the "shared creating space" during the Halloween event was really wonderful. I've always hoped that "Skin Accessory" could serve as a catalyst for building and developing communities. On the other hand, I would love for those with an otaku mindset or a passion for DIY to explore their own unique ways of using them.

Wakana Kondo：I also think that going to theme parks with friends would be an easy starting point for using them. It would be interesting if, from there, applying accessories directly on the skin gradually became a part of everyday life.

Akane Yanagihara：I have a background in theater, and I’ve found that wearing stage makeup really helps me get into character. In that sense, I feel that "Skin Accessory" is quite similar to stage makeup. Using these accessories can be a trigger to bring out a side of yourself that isn’t your everyday self, revealing "a version of yourself that you’ve never known before." I really hope that customers can experience this for themselves.

Shun Kubota: In addition to what the team members have mentioned, I would like those who feel unsatisfied with traditional makeup as a form of self-expression to try “Skin Accessory”. It is an easy-to-use product that also offers versatility, making it suitable for those who want to think creatively and find unique ways to express themselves.

- Finally, on behalf of the team, could you share your vision for the future that you envision through “Skin Accessory”, Mr. Kubota, the project leader?

Shun Kubota：I want to create a new culture through “Skin Accessory”. Since it is a product in a category that has never existed before, I believe that many people will initially use it as an item for special occasions. However, I also believe there will be a few individuals who feel deeply that this is the product they have been waiting for.

We are entering an era where customers will create their own definitions of what is right. As each person's creativity is expressed and they find various ways to use it, it will become a part of their daily lives and evolve into a culture. I want to see that kind of world.

“Skin Accessory” is a product that has the potential to grow alongside our customers even after its launch. We plan to establish a system for this in the future. We are also looking forward to finding ways to communicate with our customers.

text: Ikumi Tsubone
photo: Umihiko Eto
edit: Kaori Sasagawa