Saraya Lactoferrin
Laboratory
While investigating the efficiency of drinking lactoferrin, we discovered the excellent power of lactoferrin when applied to the skin. At SARAYA Lactoferrin Laboratory, we develop skin care based on real data, focusing on anti-aging care that shows effects on the elasticity and moisture of your beautiful skin.
We strive to improve every day, proving the capabilities of lactoferrin in skin care. Through original ideas and research results, we continously demonstrate the power of lactoferrin, be it at international conferences, or by being recognized in academic awards.
From 2011, we started to collaborate on lactoferrin skin care with the University of California, Davis, which is filled with tradition and academic knowledge centering on Dr. Ronedar, the global authority in lactoferrin research.
We have proceeded since then with proving the effect of lactoferrin in our joint activity and
continuing to explore new possibilities.
"I was immediately fascinated by the unknown power of lactoferrin since I met it at the University of California, and I have been discovering its unlimited possibilities to skin care through my research."
Dr. Suzuki's quest for discovery, "Lactoferrin Lab" research.
Profile: Mr. Yasushi Suzuki, the Head of Lactoferrin Laboratory
Lactoferrin Laboratory
Director. Doctor in Agriculture
Yasushi Suzuki.
Cosmetics containing lactoferrin are still rare in the world, although recently is gaining expectations as an effective cosmetic product for anti-aging care due to many aspects.
Lactoferrin Laboratory
Senior Researcher. Doctor in Agriculture
Ryu Mizuyuki.
Although it was very difficult to contain lactoferrin in high concentrations, believing in the unique skills developed at Saraya, Lactoferrin Lab was able to become a reality.
QWhich research did you do at the University of California?
ADr. Suzuki
At the University of California I was studying lactoferrin from a nutritional perspective.
Because lactoferrin is contained mostly in the colostrum (the first milk), we believed that there must be a mechanism to receive lactoferrin even for newborn babies growing only with breast milk, so we were fully devoted with searching the receptors of lactoferrin in the small intestine.（※1）
※ There are receptors in our cells that function like "keyholes", and by combining the corrrect components we can create a "key" that stimulate that receptor, sending a command to the cell.
Lactoferrin activates those cells by binding to the lactoferrin receptor on the surface of skin cells.
QWhere did you find the inspiration to use lactoferrin as a cosmetic ingredient for skin care?
AYasushi Suzuki
We found that Lactoferrin could be applied to the skin after joining Saraya.
Back in 2006, when investigating the ability of lactoferrin to improve our immunity and its antibacterial effects, we made an ointment with lactoferrin that was effective on bedsores.
After that, we collaborated with Seikei Pharmaceutical University to confirm and discover the effects in repairing damaged skin cells with a 0.5% concentration of a lactoferrin solution. This research was announced at the 2008 academic conference, receiving the forum's prize.
QAt Saraya, what where your first discoveries when starting to focus on lactoferrin as a possible way of preventing infectious diseases?
ADr.Suzuki
When talking about lactoferrin, as an immune component infection prevention is considered its main feature, attracting worldwide attention and research. Many academics have reported of its several features, such as antibacterials and immunity improvers, that protect newborns with a weak resistance to infections.
On top of those benefits already known, we found that lactoferrin is not only able to activate cells on the skin, but also verified its effect deep into it. We discovered that the amount of "collagen", "elastin" and "hyaluronic acid" increased up to even a 350%.
Among them we were able to increase the production of "elastin", a component that acts as a "spring" supporting the elasticity of the skin, a ground breaking feature that little products had achieved.
Applying this feature in a cosmetic product, it will have an anti-aging care effect, improving in the elasticity and resilience of the skin.
QThis verified data is based on the research at "Lactoferrin Laboratory", but what was the hardest thing in developing it as a cosmetic?
ADr.Suzuki
Actual formulation was handled by Senior Researcher, Dr. Ryu, but I can advance you that keeping the concentration of 0.5%, at which a skin cell repair effect was observed, was our priority.
Dr. Ryu
The first challenge was to achieve that 0.5% highly-concentrated lactoferrin formula with nonheat treatments and maintaining its active features.
It is a component difficult to make into a stable formulation for cosmetic products, especially if trying to maintaining its quality and natural pink color.
After many trials, hardships and attempts, we were able to create a stable formulation
that gelates while maintaining the natural pink color of lactoferrin.
In addition, by incorporating a 100% natural "penetrating capsule ingredient" derived from natural yeast, an original developed by Saraya, its asimilation rises, increasing the amount of lactoferrin that penetrates the skin.
※ 1) Ingredient for moisture and resilience ※ 2) Hydrolyzed collagen ※ 3) Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid ※ 4) Hydrolyzed elastin
In order to further enhance the moisturizing feeling and gel texture while maintaining the features of lactoferrin, extensive research with the cooperation and knowledge of a variety of people was vital, permitting us the creation of the gel "Lactoferrin Lab".
※Penetration enhancer component: bio-surfactant Sophorolipid (SOFORO)
QWhat was the thing that made you continue through all the problems?
ADr.Ryu
To be honest, there were times I was really frustrated, but I was motivated by the idea that it would be a waste of all the verified data we discovered about lactoferrin.
It is indeed a great ingredient for the skin, so I wanted to give my best in order for more people to be able to enjoy its benefits.
From that point on, I have continued my research to provide an even better product with outstanding sensation and cosmetic effects.
Dr.Suzuki
Since 2011 we started to collaborate with the University of California, and last year we announced internationally lactoferrin's features for the skin.
Through further research, we are looking for even more practical applications of this discoveries, aiming to create new products that will make people happy.