We report here on the effect of water-soluble solutes (sodium chloride, urea, formamide, ethanol and glycerin) on the colloidal stability of emulsifier-free dodecane-in-water (DD/W) emulsions. We found that emulsifier-free DD/W emulsions were destabilized with the addition of sodium chloride or formamide to water. On the other hand, the colloidal stability of emulsifier-free DD/W emulsions was hardly changed with the addition of urea or glycerin to water. Furthermore, we revealed that emulsifier-free DD/W emulsions were stabilized with the addition of ethanol to water.

Under normal illumination, the light penetrates into the skin and is scattered under the skin surface. This subsurface scattering in skin is the most important optical property that brings natural appearance and transparency seen in bare skin. In general, if a cosmetic foundation is applied to skin, the subsurface scattering is reduced, so the natural texture of bare skin disappears. We focused on the fact that subsurface scattering in skin varies with wavelength and developed two types of foundation to suppress the decrease of subsurface scattering. In this paper, we review the background and the principle of color material design for this purpose.

Various methods such as making the plastic surface conductive and conducting the plastic itself are selected in order to avoid problems caused by the static electricity of the plastic. Among them, we review the types and properties of a method using an antistatic agent such as a low molecular weight type antistatic agent and a polymer type antistatic agent. Particularly, we introduce the features of polymer type antistatic agent using specific examples of polymeric antistatic agent “Plectron PVL” excellent in compatibility with polyolefin which we developed and marketed.

Because safety to the environment and people is respected, safe and inexpensive non-fading colored materials are required. In this review, I will explain how to prepare a material displaying a vivid structural color by using a fine structure that is a comparable to the wavelength size of visible light and a black substance.

In Japan, the US, EU and main Asian regions, regulations provide lists of coloring agents which can be used in cosmetic products. Although the concept of “positive list” is common, each regulation has its unique aspect such as certification system in the US. In Japan, only organic coloring agents are subject to its positive list. To sell cosmetic products or coloring agents globally, it is important to pay attention to these differences. When new coloring agent is developed and its safety is substantiated, its early placing on the market will benefit not only companies but also consumers. The creation of global principles to accelerate the regulatory acceptance of new coloring agents is keenly awaited.