Cosmetic product proposal system and cosmetic product proposal method
The cosmetic product suggestion system uses three-dimensional skin tissue to evaluate candidate ingredients, ensuring cosmetics are suitable for individual users by simulating skin reactions and considering personal factors, thus enhancing the effectiveness of cosmetic recommendations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- POLA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing cosmetic recommendation systems fail to verify whether created cosmetics are suitable for individual users, as they are based solely on overall skin type and ingredient amounts without considering actual skin reactions.
A cosmetic product suggestion system that utilizes three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells to evaluate the biological response of candidate ingredients, determining active ingredients suitable for the user based on skin type, condition, and personal factors like medical history and lifestyle.
Enables the proposal of cosmetics verified to be suitable for individual customers by simulating skin reactions, improving the likelihood of addressing their specific skin concerns and conditions.
Smart Images

Figure 2026113800000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for proposing a cosmetic suitable for a customer and a method for proposing a cosmetic suitable for a customer.
Background Art
[0002] One of the factors particularly considered in selecting a cosmetic is whether it can solve one's skin problems (such as spots, wrinkles, dullness, etc.). Even if the purpose is the same, the formulations and forms of cosmetics vary widely, and consumers consider whether the ingredients contained in the cosmetics can solve their skin problems and whether they will have an adverse effect on their skin, etc., and then select a cosmetic. However, whether a cosmetic can actually solve one's skin problems is often unclear until one actually continues to use it. Depending on the skin type, physical constitution, and lifestyle of consumers, the purchased cosmetics may not only fail to work, but may even exacerbate skin problems or cause other skin problems. Therefore, it is not uncommon that although one purchases a cosmetic expecting to solve one's skin problems, one cannot obtain a satisfactory result.
[0003] To address such a situation, systems for proposing cosmetics based on customer skin information have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a cosmetic formulation system that includes a skin type determination device and a cosmetic formulation device, wherein the skin type determination device comprises: a first evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of a subject as a first skin type before applying a standard cosmetic for skin type determination to a predetermined area of the subject; a second evaluation unit that evaluates the skin type of a subject as a second skin type after applying the standard cosmetic to the predetermined area of the subject; a comprehensive evaluation unit that evaluates the overall skin type as a comprehensive skin type including the subject's tolerance to the cosmetic, based on both the first and second skin types; and a transmission unit that transmits skin type information indicating the overall skin type along with the subject's user ID, and the cosmetic formulation device comprises: a receiving unit that receives the subject's user ID and skin type information; a cosmetic formulation unit that identifies the amount of a plurality of cosmetic ingredients to be blended in accordance with the overall skin type of the subject and creates a cosmetic based on the identified blending amounts; and a cosmetic management unit that registers the subject's user ID in association with the ID of the cosmetic to be formulated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 079468 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0005] The system described in Patent Document 1 above creates cosmetics based on the overall skin type and the amount of cosmetic ingredients specified for each user. However, it is not verified whether the created cosmetics are suitable for the user. In other words, whether the created cosmetics truly solve the user's skin problems cannot be determined until the user actually uses the cosmetics.
[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can propose a cosmetic product whose suitability for the customer has been verified. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a cosmetic product suggestion system comprising a customer information receiving means, a screening result receiving means, an active ingredient determination means, and an output means. The aforementioned customer information receiving means is a means for receiving customer information, The screening result receiving means is a means for receiving the screening results of candidate ingredients for the cosmetic product to be provided to the customer. The active ingredient determination means is a means for determining the active ingredients of the cosmetic that are suitable for the customer, based at least on the screening results. The output means is a means for outputting information on cosmetics suitable for the customer, including the information on the determined active ingredients, linked to the customer information received by the customer information receiving means. The aforementioned screening involves applying the candidate components to three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells, observing the biological response of the three-dimensional skin tissue as an evaluation indicator, and selecting components that can improve the customer's skin condition.
[0008] Three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells possesses the characteristics of that customer's skin, including their skin type, constitution, and reaction to chemical substances. Therefore, it is expected that the reaction of the three-dimensional skin tissue to chemical substances will be the same as, or at least a reaction that allows for estimation of, the reaction of the customer's actual skin. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional skin tissue is a skin organoid made from customer-derived cells. Unlike mere cell aggregates, skin organoids are tissues that possess the function of skin. That is, skin organoids created from customer-derived cells possess the characteristics of the customer's actual skin and also function as skin. Therefore, it is expected that the reactions of skin organoids to chemical substances will be the same as, or at least similar to, the reactions of the customer's actual skin. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the customer information includes skin condition information, which is information representing the skin condition of the customer. The active ingredient determination means determines the active ingredients of the cosmetic product that are suitable for the customer based on the screening results and the skin condition. A customer's skin condition, including discoloration (such as blemishes and dullness), morphological features (such as wrinkles and texture), skin responsiveness to external stimuli (e.g., dry or sensitive skin), and skin barrier function, often influences their reaction to chemical substances. Furthermore, these conditions often directly relate to the customer's skin concerns. By including skin condition information in customer data and determining the active ingredients of cosmetics based on screening results and skin condition, it is possible to propose cosmetics that are suitable for the customer and tailored to their skin condition.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredient is an ingredient that improves the skin condition. As mentioned above, a customer's skin condition, including discoloration such as blemishes and dullness, and morphological conditions such as wrinkles and texture, is often directly related to the customer's skin concerns. Therefore, by using ingredients that improve skin condition as active ingredients, it is possible to verify whether or not the product is suitable for the customer, and to propose cosmetics that have a higher probability of improving the customer's skin concerns compared to cosmetics proposed by conventional systems.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the customer information further includes one or more pieces of information selected from the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits. The active ingredient determination means determines the active ingredient based on at least the skin condition, the screening results, and one or more pieces of information selected from the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits.
[0013] Even if an active ingredient is determined to be suitable for a customer based on screening using three-dimensional skin tissue, it is possible that, in light of the customer's medical history, its inclusion in cosmetics may be contraindicated or preferable to avoid. Furthermore, considering the customer's lifestyle and beauty habits, it is possible that an ingredient determined to be second or later in the screening results may be more likely to be effective than the active ingredient determined to be the most suitable for the customer. In such cases, by considering the customer's skin condition and screening results, along with one or more pieces of information selected from their medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits, it is possible to determine the active ingredients and provide the customer with personalized cosmetics. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to verify whether or not a product is suitable for the customer and to propose a personalized cosmetic product.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a beauty method determination means for determining a beauty method suitable for the customer based on the customer information, The output means outputs information on cosmetics suitable for the customer and a determined beauty method suitable for the customer, linked to the customer information. In addition to using cosmetics, it is also possible that the effects of cosmetics can be enhanced by engaging in beauty-related activities such as spa treatments, massages, exercise, and diet. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously propose cosmetics that have been verified as suitable for the customer, and beauty methods that are suitable for the customer. By combining these cosmetics and beauty methods, the likelihood of the customer obtaining the desired results increases.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system includes means for updating the criteria for determining the active ingredient by the active ingredient determination means based on the screening results and the evaluation of the cosmetic collected from the customer. As described above, even for the same ingredient, there are differences in whether it has an effect and the degree of the effect depending on the customer's constitution, medical history, habits, etc. Therefore, based on the screening results and the evaluation from customers who have actually used the proposed cosmetics, by updating the criteria for determining the active ingredient by the active ingredient determination means according to the customer, more personalized cosmetics can be proposed. Also, based on the evaluations from multiple customers, by updating the criteria for determining the active ingredient by the active ingredient determination means as a whole system, more customer-suited cosmetics can be proposed.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the above system, the active ingredient determination means determines the active ingredient suitable for the customer and the blending amount in the cosmetic. As described above, even for the same ingredient, there are differences in whether it has an effect and the degree of the effect depending on the customer's constitution, medical history, habits, etc. Therefore, by the active ingredient determination means determining not only the active ingredient but also the blending amount of the active ingredient in the cosmetic, more personalized cosmetics can be proposed.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the screening, the candidate component is applied to the three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from the customer-derived cells in the presence of the customer-derived biological sample. The three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells has the characteristics of the customer's skin quality, constitution, reaction to chemicals, etc., but there are tissues such as immune cells and blood that the three-dimensional skin tissue does not have. Therefore, in screening, by applying a candidate component to a three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from a customer's cells in the presence of tissues such as immune cells and blood that are not present in the three-dimensional skin tissue, screening can be performed in an environment closer to the customer's body. As a result, more personalized cosmetics can be proposed.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the screening is performed using a three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from the customer's cells and reflecting the customer's current skin condition. As a result of continuously using the proposed cosmetics, it is conceivable that the customer's skin condition is improved and becomes a skin condition different from the original skin condition. Therefore, according to the present invention, by using a three-dimensional skin tissue reflecting the (current) skin condition after being changed by the use of cosmetics, it is possible to propose more personalized cosmetics corresponding to the change in the customer's skin condition.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above system further includes a storage means. In the storage means, correspondence effective ingredient data in which the evaluation index and the effective ingredient corresponding to the evaluation index are linked is stored. The effective ingredient determination means refers to the correspondence effective ingredient data and determines, as the effective ingredient of the cosmetics suitable for the customer, the effective ingredient corresponding to the evaluation index indicating the effectiveness on the customer's skin among the evaluation indexes observed in the screening. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means further stores data in which the customer information and an identifier capable of uniquely identifying the customer are linked. According to the present invention, customer information can be easily managed.
[0021] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means further stores data in which the customer screening results and the customer identifier are linked. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily compare screening results using different components as candidate components. Furthermore, if multiple screening results are available, it is possible to track changes in the customer's skin condition and determine the active ingredients accordingly.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container used for collecting customer-derived cells and / or the culture vessel used in the process of preparing the three-dimensional skin tissue is marked with an identification code corresponding to the identifier. In order to recommend cosmetics that are suitable for each customer, it is necessary to manage cells taken from one customer and three-dimensional skin tissues prepared from those cells to prevent them from being mistaken for those of another customer. According to the present invention, it becomes easier to manage cells and three-dimensional skin tissue for each customer.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means stores a customer identifier and storage intention information, which is information relating to consent to one or more processes selected from storage, storage period, and disposal of cells derived from the customer and / or three-dimensional skin tissue made from cells derived from the customer. From a privacy perspective, when storing customer-derived cells or three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells, it is preferable to obtain prior consent from the customer, including details regarding storage period and disposal timing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the reliability and transparency of the above system can be improved.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means stores the customer identifier, the culture conditions for three-dimensional skin tissue produced from cells derived from the customer, the conditions for one or more previous screenings, and the results of one or more previous screenings, linked together. It is expected that the customer's skin condition will improve as a result of continued use of the proposed cosmetics. Therefore, it is preferable to conduct regular screenings and change the formulation of the cosmetics according to changes in the customer's skin condition in order to continuously improve their skin condition. Furthermore, designing subsequent screenings based on the cell culture and screening conditions from previous rounds shortens the time required to obtain screening results, thereby reducing the time from receiving a customer's application to proposing cosmetics to the customer, which is preferable from the perspective of customer satisfaction. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to continuously suggest cosmetics based on the skin condition. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time until the results of the second and subsequent screenings are obtained, and to improve the speed at which cosmetics are suggested to customers.
[0025] The present invention, which solves the above problems, includes a screening step of screening for active ingredients that improve the skin condition of a customer using three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells, This is a method for proposing cosmetics, which includes a cosmetic proposal step of proposing a cosmetic containing the above-mentioned active ingredient. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics whose suitability for the customer has been verified.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above method further includes a sample recovery step of recovering cells from the customer, The process includes a step of preparing a three-dimensional skin tissue from the recovered cells. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics whose suitability for the customer has been verified.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional skin tissue in the above method is a skin organoid. As described above, skin organoids possess the characteristics of the customer's actual skin and also function as skin. Therefore, it is expected that the reactions of skin organoids to chemical substances will be the same as those of the customer's actual skin, or at least a reaction that allows us to estimate the reaction of the customer's actual skin. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above method is performed using the cosmetic proposal system described in claim 1. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics whose suitability for the customer has been verified. [Effects of the Invention]
[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics whose suitability for the customer has been verified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0030] [Figure 1] This is a functional block diagram of the cosmetic proposal system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the processing flow by the cosmetic suggestion system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of a cosmetic proposal system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing flow by the cosmetic product suggestion system of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram of a cosmetic proposal system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0031] In describing the system according to the present invention, the following hypothetical examples may be used. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following hypothetical examples. <Hypothetical Example> Candidate ingredients for cosmetics: Four types: Ingredient A, Ingredient B, Ingredient C, and Ingredient D Evaluation criteria for candidate ingredients: X (wrinkle-related), Y (dullness-related), Z (dry skin-related) Biological response (evaluation indicator): Expression level of gene G. Gene G is involved in wrinkle formation. When the expression level of gene G increases, wrinkle formation is promoted. Screening results: When three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from cells derived from a certain customer was cultured for an appropriate period in the presence of component A, the expression level of gene G decreased compared to the control (suppression of gene G expression). When three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from the same customer's cells was cultured for an appropriate period in the presence of components B, C, or D, the expression level of gene G remained unchanged or increased compared to the control (no suppression of gene G expression).
[0032] 1. Cosmetic product suggestion system The following describes the configuration and operation of a cosmetic product suggestion system in a specific embodiment, but similar methods, devices, computer programs, etc., can achieve similar effects. Furthermore, the program may be stored on a recording medium. Using this recording medium, the program can be installed on a computer, for example. Here, the recording medium on which the program is stored may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Furthermore, in this invention, the term "cosmetic composition" includes cosmetics, quasi-drugs, and pharmaceuticals (topical and oral preparations).
[0033] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the cosmetic product suggestion system in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the cosmetic product suggestion system is configured such that a server device 1 and a user terminal 2 can communicate with each other via a network NW. Here, in the present invention, "user" refers to a person who uses the cosmetic suggestion system of the present invention. That is, the users of the cosmetic suggestion system of the present invention include both customers who are the target of the cosmetic suggestion (i.e., those who actually use the suggested cosmetic) and those who suggest the cosmetic, such as employees or researchers of a cosmetics company. The server device 1 may also be implemented by having multiple computers cooperate.
[0034] As server device 1, a general computer device such as a server can be used, which is equipped with computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), main memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), auxiliary storage such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, and various input / output devices including means for connecting to a network NW.
[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the server device 1 includes a customer information receiving means 11, a screening result receiving means 12, an active ingredient determination means 13, and an output means 14.
[0036] The customer information receiving means 11 is a means for receiving customer information input. The screening result receiving means 12 is a means for receiving input of screening results for candidate ingredients of cosmetics to be provided to customers. The active ingredient determination means 13 is a means for determining the active ingredients of a cosmetic product suitable for the customer, based at least on the screening results. The output means 14 is a means for outputting information on cosmetics suitable for the customer, including information on the determined active ingredients, linked to the customer information received by the customer information receiving means 11.
[0037] In this screening process, candidate components are applied to three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells, and the biological response of the three-dimensional skin tissue is observed as an evaluation indicator to select components that can improve skin condition. By determining the active ingredients of cosmetics suitable for the customer based on screening results using three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified as suitable for the customer.
[0038] Furthermore, the screening process may be carried out manually, including the creation of three-dimensional skin tissue, the application of candidate components to the three-dimensional skin tissue, the observation of biological responses in the three-dimensional skin tissue, and the determination of whether or not the candidate components demonstrate effectiveness against the evaluation index. Alternatively, the active ingredient determination means 13 may observe the biological response in three-dimensional skin tissue and determine whether the candidate component shows effectiveness against the evaluation index. Preferably, the active ingredient determination means 13 observes the biological response in three-dimensional skin tissue and determines whether the candidate component shows effectiveness against the evaluation index.
[0039] In this invention, "suitable for the customer" means having a high probability of improving the customer's skin concerns. Furthermore, "suitable for the customer" may also include maintaining the customer's skin condition (i.e., preventing skin problems). Additionally, "suitable for the customer" may mean having a high probability of improving the customer's skin concerns and being suited to the customer's constitution, etc.
[0040] In the screening process of the present invention, "applying candidate components to three-dimensional skin tissue" means maintaining a state in which the candidate components can act on the three-dimensional skin tissue for a certain period of time. For example, this could include, but is not limited to, culturing three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells in the presence of a candidate cosmetic component (i.e., in a culture medium containing the candidate component), or dropping the candidate component onto three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells. Preferably, applying candidate components to three-dimensional skin tissue involves culturing three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells in the presence of the candidate components of the cosmetic. At this time, the culture period, culture conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.), and concentration of the candidate components are not particularly limited, as long as the biological response of the three-dimensional skin tissue can be observed.
[0041] Three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells possesses characteristics similar to those of the customer's actual skin, including skin type, constitution, tissue structure, and reaction to chemical substances. Therefore, the reaction of the three-dimensional skin tissue to chemical substances is expected to be the same as, or at least a reaction that allows for estimation of, the reaction of the customer's actual skin. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0042] The biological response of the three-dimensional skin tissue to be observed (the expression level of gene G in the hypothetical example above) is not particularly limited, as long as it is possible to observe whether or not there is a change in the response of the three-dimensional skin tissue when the candidate component is applied, and / or the magnitude of the response. For example, this could include, but is not limited to, the physical properties of three-dimensional skin tissue, the shape of three-dimensional skin tissue, the presence or absence of aging-related substances, the amount of aging-related substances present, the presence or absence of expression of specific genes, the expression level of specific genes, the amount of specific proteins present, the localization of specific proteins, or the presence or absence of inflammatory responses.
[0043] The physical properties of three-dimensional skin tissue include, for example, its elasticity, tensile strength, viscoelasticity, the structure and density of the skin including cells and dermal retinaculum, the coefficient of surface friction, the pH of the surface, the barrier function, and the rate of water evaporation. The shape of three-dimensional skin tissue can be exemplified by its flattening ratio, the number of skin appendages, the thickness of the cell layer, or the presence or number of interpapillary processes. Examples of aging-related substances include advanced glycocation endproducts (AGEs) and methylated histones.
[0044] The specific genes are preferably those related to aging phenomena such as age spots and wrinkles. Examples include, but are not limited to, TYRP1, TYR, SCF, KGF, c-kit, TRP1, MMP, OPA1, RGMB, DDIT3, FGF21, IGFBP2, GDF11, QSOX1, RBMS3, ZO-1, COL, ELN, and FBN. The specific protein is preferably one that is related to aging phenomena such as age spots and wrinkles. Examples include, but are not limited to, collagen, elastin, laminin, fibrin, leptin, tyrosinase, and proteinase.
[0045] The presence or absence of an inflammatory response can be determined by factors such as the amount of cytokines present, but is not limited to these.
[0046] The physical properties of three-dimensional skin tissue, the shape of three-dimensional skin tissue, the presence or absence of aging-related substances, the amount of aging-related substances, the presence or absence of expression of specific genes, the expression level of specific genes, the amount of specific proteins, the localization of specific proteins, or the presence or absence of inflammatory responses can be measured using appropriately known instruments and / or methods.
[0047] Whether a candidate ingredient can improve a customer's skin condition can be screened by setting appropriate evaluation indicators based on the relationship between the skin condition to be improved and the biological response related to that skin condition.
[0048] Furthermore, the screening result receiving means 12 may accept the measured values related to the biological response described above as screening results, or it may accept images and / or videos of the biological response when a candidate component is applied to three-dimensional skin tissue as screening results.
[0049] Referring to the hypothetical case described above, we will explain the relationship between the improved skin condition and the biological response related to that skin condition. For example, in the hypothetical case described above, let's assume the skin condition is "wrinkle formation." That is, let's focus on evaluation item X in the hypothetical case described above. In this context, improvement in skin condition can be defined as "suppression of wrinkle formation" or "reduction in the amount of wrinkles per unit area." Furthermore, in the hypothetical case described above, since an increase in the expression level of gene G promotes wrinkle formation, the biological response of "gene G expression level" can be used as an evaluation index. In the hypothetical case described above, when three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells was cultured for an appropriate period in the presence of candidate component A, the expression level of gene G in the three-dimensional skin tissue decreased. Therefore, candidate component A can be evaluated as showing efficacy according to evaluation index X. Accordingly, candidate component A can be evaluated as an ingredient that can suppress wrinkle formation and improve skin condition. In contrast, in the hypothetical case described above, when three-dimensional skin tissue was cultured for an appropriate period in the presence of each of the candidate components B to D, the expression level of gene G in the three-dimensional skin tissue did not change or did not increase. Therefore, it can be concluded that candidate components B to D did not show efficacy according to evaluation index X. In other words, it can be concluded that candidate components B to D do not suppress wrinkle formation and are not components that can improve skin condition. The criteria for determining what biological reactions constitute an ingredient capable of improving skin condition can be appropriately determined based on the relationship between the biological reactions and the skin condition.
[0050] The candidate cosmetic ingredients to be screened are not particularly limited and can include commercially available compounds, known compounds, and extracts derived from plants and animals. Furthermore, plant and animal extracts may be those that have undergone fractionation, purification, solvent removal, etc. Plant-derived extracts can include those derived from wild or cultivated plants, extracts from plants sold as raw materials for herbal medicines, and commercially available extracts. Furthermore, the culture conditions used for screening, such as the culture medium, culture temperature, and culture period, can be set according to the three-dimensional skin tissue used, with reference to known standards as appropriate.
[0051] In the hypothetical example above, the biological response to three-dimensional skin tissue was evaluated for each of the candidate components A to D. However, the biological response to three-dimensional skin tissue may also be evaluated for combinations of two or more components. In other words, the screening in the present invention may involve selecting one component from a plurality of candidate components that can improve the customer's skin condition, or it may involve selecting a combination of two or more components from a plurality of candidate components that can improve the customer's skin condition.
[0052] Furthermore, the screening may involve selecting physical stimuli suitable for the customer, either in place of or in addition to ingredients that can improve the customer's skin condition. Alternatively, the screening may involve selecting physical stimuli that enhance the skin-improving effect of ingredients that can improve the customer's skin condition. Examples of physical stimuli include, but are not limited to, irradiation with light of a specific wavelength, sound waves, ultrasound, radio waves, or radiation; application of vibration at a specific frequency; pressurization, heating or cooling; changes in oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen concentration; or the application of electromagnetic waves or magnetic fields.
[0053] In screening, when selecting a physical stimulus suitable for a customer, for example, the above physical stimulus is applied to three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells, and the biological response of the three-dimensional skin tissue is observed. The biological responses to be observed are not particularly limited, as long as it is possible to observe the presence or absence of changes in the response of the three-dimensional skin tissue and / or the magnitude of the response when physical stimuli are applied, such as the physical properties of the three-dimensional skin tissue, the shape of the three-dimensional skin tissue, the presence or absence of aging-related substances, the amount of aging-related substances, the presence or absence of expression of specific genes, the expression level of specific genes, the amount of specific proteins, the localization of specific proteins, or the presence or absence of inflammatory responses.
[0054] Furthermore, in selecting physical stimuli suitable for the customer, only candidate physical stimuli may be applied to the cultured three-dimensional skin tissue, or both the candidate components and the physical stimuli may be applied. When applying only candidate physical stimuli to three-dimensional skin tissue, it is possible to select physical stimuli that can improve the customer's skin condition. When applying both candidate components and candidate physical stimuli to three-dimensional skin tissue, it is possible to select components that can improve the customer's skin condition and physical stimuli that can enhance the effects of those components.
[0055] The three-dimensional skin tissue is not particularly limited as long as it is made from customer-derived cells, but it is preferably a skin organoid. Unlike mere cell aggregates, skin organoids are tissues that possess the function of skin. That is, skin organoids created from customer-derived cells possess the characteristics of the customer's actual skin and also function as skin. Therefore, it is expected that the reaction of skin organoids to chemical substances, etc., will be the same as, or at least a reaction that allows for estimation of, the reaction of the customer's actual skin. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0056] Skin organoids are made from customer-derived cells and their morphology is not particularly limited, as long as they have at least the epidermal and dermal layers. In addition to the epidermal and dermal layers, they may also have skin appendages such as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and hairs. Furthermore, the skin organoid may be a spherical skin organoid, or a layered skin organoid in which the epidermal layer and dermal layer are stacked. Preferably, the skin organoid is a layered skin organoid in which the epidermal layer and dermal layer are stacked.
[0057] Skin organoids can be produced using any known method as appropriate. If the cells are derived from the customer, they can be produced from pluripotent stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) or embryonic stem cells (ES cells), or from somatic stem cells.
[0058] Induced pluripotent stem cells can be induced using any known method as appropriate. The somatic cells used as the source can be customer-derived without any particular restrictions. Preferably, induced pluripotent stem cells are induced from somatic cells recovered from a customer's biological sample. More preferably, induced pluripotent stem cells are induced from somatic cells (urine-derived cells) recovered from the customer's urine, somatic cells (keratinocytes) recovered from hair, or somatic cells recovered from skin. Furthermore, known methods can be used to collect cells from urine, hair, or skin as appropriate.
[0059] Somatic stem cells include mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, neural stem cells, bone marrow stem cells, and germline stem cells.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the skin organoid is made from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the customer. Specifically, somatic cells are collected from a biological sample derived from the customer, iPS cells are induced from the collected somatic cells, and the skin organoid is made using the induced iPS cells. As described above, skin organoids created from customer-derived cells possess the characteristics of the customer's actual skin and also function as skin. Therefore, it is expected that the skin organoids' reactions to chemical substances, etc., will be the same as, or at least similar to, the reactions of the customer's actual skin. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, screening involves applying candidate components to three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells in the presence of a customer-derived biological sample. Three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells possesses the characteristics of the customer's skin, such as skin type, constitution, and reactions to chemical substances. However, it may also contain tissues that are not present in three-dimensional skin tissue, such as immune cells or blood. Therefore, in the screening process, by applying candidate components to three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells in the presence of tissues not found in three-dimensional skin tissue, such as immune cells and blood, screening can be performed in an environment closer to that inside the customer's body. As a result, more personalized cosmetics can be proposed.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, screening is performed using three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells and reflecting the customer's current skin condition. It is possible that a customer's skin condition may improve and change from its initial state as a result of continuing to use the recommended cosmetics. For example, a customer who had a lot of wrinkles may see a reduction in the amount of wrinkles after continuing to use the recommended cosmetics. In this case, since the physical properties of the customer's skin and the amounts of various components have changed, using a three-dimensional skin tissue that reflects the current skin condition after the changes in the screening process allows us to propose cosmetics that are suitable for the current skin condition. Therefore, according to the present invention, by using three-dimensional skin tissue that reflects the (current) skin condition after changes caused by the use of cosmetics, it is possible to propose more personalized cosmetics that respond to changes in the customer's skin condition.
[0063] User terminal 2 is a terminal device used by the user and is connected to server device 1 via a network NW. Any computer device, such as a PC (Personal Computer), equipped with a computing unit, storage device, and various input / output devices including means for connecting to a network NW, can be used as user terminal 2. Alternatively, a smartphone or tablet device may be used as user terminal 2. Dedicated applications for inputting and transmitting various information with server device 1, and browser applications for accessing dedicated web pages, are stored in the storage device, and the computing unit executes various processes, allowing any computer device to function as user terminal 2 of the present invention. User terminal 2 includes input means 21 such as a touch panel display, microphone, and keyboard, and display means 22 such as a display device.
[0064] Referring to Figure 2, the cosmetic product suggestion method using the cosmetic product suggestion system according to this embodiment will be explained. First, in step S1, the customer information receiving means 11 receives customer information.
[0065] Customer information is not particularly restricted as long as it is information about customers who are the target of cosmetic product recommendations. For example, customer information may include the customer's name, age, gender, place of residence, occupation, place of work, medical history, lifestyle, beauty habits, personality assessment results, blood test results, biopsy results, or information representing the condition of the skin, such as skin condition information and ideal skin condition. Furthermore, as in another embodiment described later, if a customer is assigned an identifier that can uniquely identify that customer, the customer information may also include that identifier. Customer information preferably includes at least information that can uniquely identify the customer (such as their name).
[0066] Customer information may be entered by the user via the input means 21 of the user terminal 2. For example, a questionnaire or the like may be displayed on the display means 22, and the customer may enter customer information via the input means 21. Alternatively, for example, a cosmetics proposer may enter customer information that has been acquired in advance via the input means 21. Furthermore, for example, both the customer and the cosmetics proposer may each enter customer information via the input means 21. Alternatively, as in the embodiment described later, if the server device 1 has a storage means and customer information is pre-stored in the storage means, the customer information receiving means 11 may refer to the customer information received via the input means 21 of the user terminal 2 and the storage means to obtain the pre-stored customer information.
[0067] Preferably, customer information includes skin condition information, which represents the condition of the customer's skin. Here, "skin condition" is not particularly limited to any information that represents the condition of the customer's skin, and includes both subjective skin conditions obtained from survey responses, etc., and objective skin conditions obtained from skin measurement data. Furthermore, the skin condition can refer to the skin condition of the face or the skin condition of other parts of the body. Furthermore, the skin condition of the face can refer to the skin condition of the entire face, or to the skin condition of a part of the face (for example, the cheeks, forehead, or around the eyes). Furthermore, the skin condition of the body other than the face can be described as the skin condition of each body part (for example, hands, arms, legs, etc.) or as the overall tendency of the skin condition of the body (for example, generally prone to dryness, etc.).
[0068] Subjective skin condition refers to the qualitative (perceived by the customer) state of the skin. Examples include, but are not limited to, the presence or absence of blemishes, wrinkles, sagging, firmness, elasticity, dullness, roughness, skin sensitivity, susceptibility to dryness, variations in these skin conditions across different parts of the face and / or body, or subjective changes in these skin conditions over time. Subjective skin condition can also be rephrased as skin concerns. Objective skin condition refers to quantitative skin conditions. Examples include, but are not limited to, the number of blemishes per unit area, the intensity of blemishes, the amount of melanin per unit area, melanin distribution, the number of wrinkles per unit area, wrinkle depth, wrinkle density per unit area, skin viscoelasticity, skin texture, skin color, moisture content, water evaporation rate, or the standard deviation or magnitude of these numerical values representing skin conditions, or the objective changes in these skin conditions over time. In other words, objective skin condition is skin measurement data.
[0069] Skin measurement data can be obtained using known equipment and / or methods. For example, it can be obtained through image diagnosis using photographs and / or videos of the customer's skin, or the customer's skin can be directly measured using known equipment. When acquiring skin measurement data through image diagnosis using photographs and / or videos of a customer's skin, the customer information may include photographs and / or videos of the customer's skin. The photographs and / or videos received by the customer information receiving means 11 may be processed as necessary, such as by trimming or cropping, and then used for image diagnosis using known equipment and / or methods. In this case, the photographs and / or videos of the customer's skin may be taken by the customer, or by the provider of cosmetics at the store, etc. The photographs and / or videos of the customer's skin may be of the customer's entire face, or they may be close-ups of a part of the customer's face (e.g., cheeks, forehead, eye area, etc.). Furthermore, the photographs and / or videos of the customer's skin may be close-ups of a part of the customer's body (e.g., back of the hand, arm, neck, etc.).
[0070] The customer information receiving means 11 may also accept skin measurement data obtained through image diagnosis or direct skin measurement as customer information. Furthermore, as in the embodiment described later, if the server device 1 is equipped with a storage means, photographs and / or video images of the customer's skin, skin image diagnosis results, or skin measurement data may be stored in the storage means. In this case, the customer information receiving means 11 may refer to the storage means to acquire photographs and / or video images of the customer's skin, skin image diagnosis results, or skin measurement data.
[0071] The ideal skin condition is the skin condition that the customer desires (wishes to have). Examples include having no / few / inconspicuous wrinkles, no / few / inconspicuous blemishes, no sagging, firm skin, no dullness, and smooth skin.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, customer information includes one or more pieces of information selected from the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits. Even if an ingredient is determined to improve a customer's skin condition based on screening using three-dimensional skin tissue, it may be contraindicated or preferable to avoid its inclusion in cosmetics depending on the customer's medical history. Furthermore, depending on the customer's lifestyle and beauty habits, an ingredient that was judged to be second or later in effectiveness in the screening results may be considered to be the most effective. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to propose personalized cosmetics that are verified to be suitable for the customer.
[0073] In this invention, "lifestyle habits" refers to all habits related to the customer's life. For example, a customer's lifestyle habits may include, but are not limited to, sleep duration, time spent outdoors, diet, and exercise habits (frequency and duration of each exercise session). Furthermore, "beauty habits" refer to habits related to a customer's lifestyle, particularly those they perform for beauty purposes. For example, a customer's beauty habits could include, but are not limited to, the frequency of skincare, the method of skincare, the number of skincare products they usually use, the types of skincare products they usually use (lotion, emulsion, cream, serum, etc.), the active ingredients contained in the skincare products they usually use, exercise habits such as training at a gym, walking, or yoga, and their sun protection measures. Furthermore, for habits that could fall under both lifestyle and beauty habits, such as exercise habits, the customer may choose one or the other based on their subjective opinion. For example, if someone goes to the gym or walks for beauty purposes, these exercise habits would be considered beauty habits. On the other hand, if someone exercises simply out of necessity, such as walking to work, it would be considered a lifestyle habit.
[0074] Next, in step S2, the screening result receiving means 12 receives the screening results of candidate ingredients for the cosmetic product to be offered to the customer. The screening result receiving means may receive screening results entered by the cosmetic provider via the input device 21 of the user terminal 2, or it may receive screening results that have been stored in advance in the server device 1.
[0075] For example, in the hypothetical case described above, the screening result receiving means 12 can receive information (such as the name) of ingredient A as a screening result. In this case, the provider of the cosmetic product inputs information such as the name of ingredient A via the input means 21 of the user terminal 2 (first reception method). In other words, in one embodiment of the present invention, the screening result receiving means 12 may receive as a screening result information (ingredient name, raw material containing the ingredient, sales company, etc.) selected by the cosmetic provider that can improve the customer's skin condition. In this case, the screening result (information regarding ingredients that can improve the customer's skin condition) is input by the cosmetic provider via the input device 21 of the user terminal 2.
[0076] In another configuration, for example, the screening result receiving means 12 can receive information on each candidate component A to D, and raw data of the expression level of gene G (i.e., information on the biological response) when each candidate component is applied to three-dimensional skin tissue, as screening results. In this case, the cosmetic provider inputs information such as the names of components A to D and the raw data when each candidate component is applied via the input means 21 of the user terminal 2 (second receiving configuration). In other words, in another embodiment of the present invention, the screening result receiving means 12 may receive as screening results information about the components subjected to screening and information about the biological response when each component is applied to three-dimensional skin tissue.
[0077] In the second reception configuration, when the screening is performed by the active ingredient determination means 13 observing the biological response in three-dimensional skin tissue and determining whether the candidate component shows efficacy against the evaluation index, the screening results may be stored in the server device 1 (or storage means, if provided). Alternatively, they may be stored in a different server device than the server device 1. The screening results in this case are not particularly limited as long as they are data that can be obtained using known equipment and methods, such as image data or fluorescence intensity measurement data. Preferably, when the screening is performed by the active ingredient determination means 13, which observes the biological response in three-dimensional skin tissue and determines whether the candidate component shows effectiveness against the evaluation index, the screening results are stored in the server device 1 (or storage means, if provided). In this case, the screening result receiving means 12 receives the screening result and / or the determination of an active ingredient as the screening result by referring to the server device 1 (or storage means) or another server device (preferred form of the second receiving form).
[0078] In yet another form, the screening result receiving means 12 may receive information about component A and information that "component A is effective against wrinkles" (information about evaluation index X) as screening results (third receiving form). In other words, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the screening result receiving means 12 may receive as screening results information relating to the components subjected to screening and information relating to evaluation indicators when those components are applied to three-dimensional skin tissue, expressed in natural language.
[0079] Note that two or more of the first to third application methods may be combined.
[0080] In the first and third reception configurations, the screening result reception means 12 may receive, as a screening result, information on component A, information on the biological response when component A is applied to three-dimensional skin tissue and / or information on evaluation item X for component A, as well as information on components B to D, and information on the respective biological responses when components B to D are applied to three-dimensional skin tissue and / or information on evaluation item X for components B to D. In other words, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 may include information on ingredients that were not evaluated as being able to improve the customer's skin condition.
[0081] As described above, the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 include at least information on the candidate components that were subjected to screening. Examples of component information include, but is not limited to, component name, raw material, seller, country of origin, and corresponding biological reactions.
[0082] As described above, the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 may be measured values (numerical values) of biological responses, images and / or videos of biological responses, or data entered in natural language such as Japanese.
[0083] The above describes a format in which screening results are accepted for one evaluation item (evaluation item X). However, it is also possible to screen two or more evaluation items (evaluation items X, Y, and Z in a hypothetical case) in parallel and accept the screening results for each of them. In other words, in the first to third application methods described above, screening results for multiple evaluation items may be accepted.
[0084] Next, in step S3, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredients of a cosmetic product suitable for the customer based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12. The method for determining the active ingredients of a cosmetic product suitable for a customer based on the screening results is not particularly limited. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for customers.
[0085] Specifically, for example, in the first reception method described above, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the screening results received by the screening result reception means 12 and determines ingredient A as the active ingredient for a cosmetic product suitable for the customer. In other words, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the information of the ingredients included in the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 and determines the active ingredient of the cosmetic product that is suitable for the customer. If the screening results include information on ingredients that were not determined to be able to improve the customer's skin concerns, the active ingredient determination means 13 selects ingredients that can improve the customer's skin concerns and determines the active ingredients of a cosmetic product suitable for the customer.
[0086] For example, in the second reception method described above, in a hypothetical case, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the screening results (raw data or screening results previously stored in the server device 1, etc.) received by the screening result reception means 12, selects the component A with the highest effectiveness for evaluation item X, and determines component A as the active ingredient. In other words, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12, selects the most effective ingredient, and determines the selected ingredient to be the active ingredient of the cosmetic product suitable for the customer.
[0087] In this case, the method by which the active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredient is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately by a biological response (evaluation index). In the hypothetical case described above, the screening result receiving means 12 compares the expression levels of gene G in the three-dimensional skin tissue when each component is applied, and determines component A, which has the lowest expression level, as the active ingredient suitable for the customer.
[0088] The active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredients of a cosmetic product suitable for the customer based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12, thereby enabling the proposal of a cosmetic product whose suitability for the customer has been verified.
[0089] In the third reception method described above, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the information received by the screening result reception means 12 that "ingredient A is effective against wrinkles" and determines ingredient A as the active ingredient for a cosmetic product suitable for the customer.
[0090] The active ingredient determination means 13 may determine one or more ingredients as active ingredients. When the active ingredient determination means 13 determines multiple active ingredients, it may determine the active ingredients by ranking the multiple ingredients in order of their effectiveness in improving skin condition based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12, or it may determine all ingredients as active ingredients without ranking them. Preferably, if there are multiple ingredients that can be selected as active ingredients based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredient by ranking them in order of their effectiveness in improving skin condition based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12.
[0091] The active ingredient determination means 13 may determine, in addition to the name of the active ingredient, the raw material of the active ingredient, the place of origin of the raw material, the overall formulation of the cosmetic product containing the active ingredient, or the name, form (cleansing, face wash, lotion, cream, etc.) or method of use (frequency of use, timing of use, etc.) of the cosmetic product containing the active ingredient. In this case, for example, the server device 1 may include an active ingredient database linked to information such as the name of the active ingredient, the raw material, the origin of the raw material, the name, form, and / or method of use of the cosmetic containing the active ingredient, and means for determining information on cosmetic products other than the active ingredient by referring to the database (not shown). If the server device 1 also includes storage means, the active ingredient database may be stored in the storage means.
[0092] Although not shown in the figures, the server device 1 may also have means (ancillary information determination means) for determining other information (ancillary information) other than information related to the active ingredient, such as other ingredients that can be used in combination with the active ingredient, or are preferably used in combination with the active ingredient, or the name, form, or method of use of a cosmetic containing such other ingredients. In this case, the server device 1 may include an accompanying information database in which the active ingredient and other ingredients that can be used in combination with the active ingredient, or that are preferably used in combination, are stored in association with each other. For example, the accompanying information determination means, based on the information of one or more active ingredients determined by the active ingredient determination means 13, refers to the database and determines other ingredients that can be used in combination with the active ingredient determined by the active ingredient determination means 13, or that are preferably used in combination. Furthermore, as in the third embodiment described later, if the server device 1 is equipped with storage means, the above-mentioned supplementary information database may be stored in the storage means.
[0093] Furthermore, supplementary information may be determined by taking into account customer preferences from the customer information. In this case, customer information includes customer preferences. When supplementary information is determined taking into account customer preferences, the supplementary information database stores information on cosmetic ingredients that match those preferences. For example, if the supplementary information database stores information on the preference "I like citrus scents" and "ingredients that exhibit a citrus scent," and the customer information includes the preference "I like citrus scents," the supplementary information determination means may take into account the preference information included in the customer information and select other ingredients that can be used in combination with the active ingredient, or are preferable to be used in combination, from among the ingredients that exhibit a citrus scent.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredients of the cosmetic based on the skin condition acquired by the customer information receiving means 11 in step S1 and the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 in step S2. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines an ingredient that improves the customer's skin condition as the active ingredient of the cosmetic, based on the skin condition acquired by the customer information receiving means 11 and the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose a cosmetic product that contains ingredients that have been verified to be suitable for the customer's skin and that improve the customer's skin condition.
[0095] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredient based on the skin condition obtained by the customer information receiving means 11, the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12, and one or more pieces of information selected from the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits obtained by the customer information receiving means 11. As mentioned above, depending on the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits, the ingredients that can be included in cosmetics may be restricted, or the likelihood of effectiveness when used by the customer may vary. Therefore, this format allows for verification of whether or not the product is suitable for the customer, and enables the proposal of personalized cosmetics.
[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines the active ingredient and the amount of the active ingredient in the cosmetic composition. It is more preferable that the amount of active ingredient to be included be determined based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12. As mentioned above, depending on the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits, the ingredients that can be included in cosmetics may be restricted, or the likelihood of effectiveness when used by the customer may vary. Therefore, this configuration allows for verification of suitability for the customer and enables the proposal of personalized cosmetics.
[0097] Finally, in step S4, the output means 14 outputs information on a cosmetic product suitable for the customer, which includes information on one or more active ingredients determined by the active ingredient determination means 13, and the customer information received by the customer information reception means 11 in step S1, linked together. If supplementary information has been determined, the output means 14 may output information on a cosmetic product suitable for the customer, the customer information, and the supplementary information linked together. The information output by the output means 14 is displayed, for example, on the display device 22 of the user terminal 2. It may also be printed by a printing means (not shown), such as a printer.
[0098] With the above system, it is possible to propose cosmetics that have been verified as suitable for the customer based on the results of screening using three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells.
[0099] Based on the cosmetic information output by the above system, suitable cosmetic products can be sold to customers. Furthermore, based on the cosmetic information output by the above system, cosmetic products can be prepared using known methods and equipment. Furthermore, the cosmetics suggested by the above system can be provided to customers by appropriate means, such as by mail or in-store pickup.
[0100] The system of the present invention preferably includes means for updating the criteria for determining the active ingredient of the active ingredient determination means 13. The means for updating the decision criteria updates the criteria for determining the active ingredient in the active ingredient determination means 13 based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 and the evaluation of the cosmetic product proposed by the customer received by the customer information receiving means 11. The criteria for determining active ingredients can be updated to suit individual customers or as a system-wide update. As mentioned above, even with the same ingredients, the effectiveness and degree of effectiveness can vary depending on the customer's constitution, medical history, and habits. Therefore, by updating the criteria for determining active ingredients by the active ingredient determination means to suit the customer based on the screening results and evaluations from customers who have actually used the proposed cosmetics, it is possible to propose more personalized cosmetics. Furthermore, by updating the criteria for determining active ingredients by the active ingredient determination means for the entire system according to the present invention based on evaluations from multiple customers, it is possible to propose cosmetics that are more suitable for the customer.
[0101] Updating the criteria for determining active ingredients is not limited if it is tailored to individual customers, as long as it leads to more personalized cosmetics being offered. Furthermore, updating the criteria for determining active ingredients across the entire system is not limited if it leads to more suitable cosmetics being offered for the customer. For example, instead of selecting the active ingredient based on the screening results of a candidate ingredient that is judged to be the most suitable for a particular customer, the criteria for selecting the active ingredient can be updated to select the top three candidate ingredients with the highest degree of suitability for that customer. Furthermore, for example, if screening and / or customer evaluations reveal that a particular active ingredient is effective in a specific concentration range, the means for determining the active ingredient may be updated to use the screening results in that specific concentration range to determine the active ingredient. In this case, the system according to the present invention may suggest to user 2 that screening be performed in that specific concentration range in subsequent screenings.
[0102] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted or simplified in the description.
[0103] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the server device 1 further includes a means 15 for determining the beauty method. The beauty method determination means 15 is a means for determining a beauty method suitable for the customer.
[0104] Referring to Figure 4, the cosmetic product suggestion method using the cosmetic product suggestion system according to this embodiment will be explained. The processing and preferred configuration in steps S1 to S3 are the same as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the customer information includes information about the skin condition. In particular, it is preferable that the skin condition information includes skin measurement data.
[0105] In step S5, the beauty method determination means 15 determines a beauty method suitable for the customer based on the customer information received by the customer information reception means 11 in step S1. Preferably, the beauty method determination means 15 determines a beauty method suitable for the customer based on the skin condition received by the customer information receiving means 11 in step S1.
[0106] There are no particular limitations on the method for determining a suitable beauty treatment for a customer. For example, a database linking a given skin condition with one or more beauty treatments that can improve that skin condition may be stored in advance on the server device 1, and a suitable beauty treatment for a customer can be determined by referring to this database based on customer information. For example, a database is pre-stored in the server device 1 that links a predetermined candidate ingredient with one or more beauty methods that can enhance the effects of the candidate ingredient. Based on customer information, the server can refer to this database to determine a beauty method suitable for the customer. Furthermore, as in the third embodiment described later, if the server device 1 has storage means, these databases may be stored in the storage means.
[0107] Furthermore, if a physical stimulus suitable for the customer is selected during the screening process, in step S2, the screening result receiving means 12 may receive the physical stimulus selected as suitable for the customer, and based on the received selection result, determine a beauty method that can provide the physical stimulus to the customer as a beauty method suitable for the customer. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics and beauty methods whose suitability for customers has been verified.
[0108] The beauty method determined by the beauty method determination means 15 is not particularly limited as long as it is suitable for the customer, but it is preferable that it is a beauty method that improves the customer's skin condition. Alternatively, the beauty method suitable for the customer is also preferable to be a beauty method that enhances the effect of the ingredient determined as the active ingredient of the cosmetic product suitable for the customer. Furthermore, the beauty method suitable for the customer is also preferable to be a beauty method that uses an ingredient capable of improving the customer's skin condition, based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12. Furthermore, the beauty treatment method is preferably one or more selected from cosmetic medical treatments, beauty salon experiences, or improvements or additions to beauty habits, but is not limited to these.
[0109] Finally, in step S6, the output means 14 outputs the information of the cosmetic product suitable for the customer, which was determined by the active ingredient determination means 13 in step S3, the beauty method suitable for the customer, which was determined by the beauty method determination means 15 in step S5, and the customer information received by the customer information receiving means 11 in step S1. The information on cosmetics suitable for the customer, the form of output by the output means 14, and preferred forms thereof are the same as in the first embodiment.
[0110] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Parts common to the first and second embodiments may be omitted or simplified in the description. The cosmetic product suggestion system according to the third embodiment further comprises a storage means 16. The storage means 16 stores corresponding active ingredient data, in which evaluation indicators used in the screening process are linked to active ingredients corresponding to those evaluation indicators.
[0111] The relationship between evaluation indicators and active ingredients is not particularly limited. For example, there may be a one-to-one correspondence between evaluation indicators and active ingredients. Alternatively, multiple active ingredients may be associated with one evaluation indicator. Alternatively, one active ingredient may be associated with multiple evaluation indicators. Furthermore, an active ingredient associated with one evaluation indicator may also be associated with another evaluation indicator.
[0112] Furthermore, evaluation indicators and active ingredients may be stored linked together if their relationship is known. Also, if a new relationship between a new evaluation indicator and an active ingredient is revealed through the above screening, the user may input this new relationship via the input means 21 of the user terminal 2, thereby updating the data.
[0113] In this embodiment, the active ingredient determination means 13, in step S3 shown in Figures 2 and 4, refers to the corresponding active ingredient data and determines the active ingredient that corresponds to the evaluation index that shows effectiveness on the customer's skin among the evaluation indexes observed in the screening as the active ingredient of the cosmetic suitable for the customer. The method of carrying out the steps other than step S3 and preferred embodiments are the same as in the first and second embodiments.
[0114] For example, suppose that the corresponding active ingredient data is stored with an evaluation index of "suppression of gene G expression" linked to the active ingredient "ingredient A". In this case, as in the second reception configuration described above, the screening result reception means 12 receives information on components A to D and the expression level of gene G when each component is applied to three-dimensional skin tissue as screening results in step S2. At this time, in step S3, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the corresponding active ingredient data of the evaluation index (expression level of gene G) that showed effectiveness on the customer's skin, as observed in the screening, and determines ingredient A as the active ingredient of the cosmetic suitable for the customer.
[0115] In another scenario, the data for the corresponding active ingredient might be stored linked to an evaluation index such as "effective against wrinkles" and the active ingredient "ingredient A". In this case, as in the third reception configuration described above, the screening result reception means 12 receives information about component A and information that "component A is effective against wrinkles" as screening results in step S2. At this time, in step S3, the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the corresponding active ingredient data for the evaluation index (effectiveness against wrinkles) that showed effectiveness on the customer's skin, as observed in the screening, and determines ingredient A as the active ingredient for the cosmetic product suitable for the customer.
[0116] In the hypothetical example above, only ingredient A corresponds to the evaluation metric indicating effectiveness on the customer's skin. However, screening results may reveal that there are multiple active ingredients corresponding to the evaluation metric indicating effectiveness on the customer's skin. In this case, the active ingredient determination means 13 may determine all active ingredients corresponding to the evaluation index showing effectiveness on the customer's skin as the active ingredients of a cosmetic suitable for the customer, or it may select one or more active ingredients from among the active ingredients corresponding to the evaluation index showing effectiveness on the customer's skin as the active ingredients of a cosmetic suitable for the customer. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, if there are multiple active ingredients corresponding to evaluation indicators that demonstrate effectiveness on the customer's skin, the active ingredient determination means 13 determines at least one active ingredient as an active ingredient for a cosmetic suitable for the customer, based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that are suitable for the customer's skin.
[0117] When the active ingredient determination means 13 selects one active ingredient from a plurality of active ingredients corresponding to evaluation indicators that show effectiveness on the customer's skin and determines it to be the active ingredient of a cosmetic suitable for the customer, it is preferable that the active ingredient determination means 13 refers to the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 and determines the ingredient that has been shown to be the most effective on the customer's skin as the active ingredient of the cosmetic suitable for the customer. When the active ingredient determination means 13 selects two or more active ingredients from a plurality of active ingredients corresponding to evaluation indicators that show effectiveness on the customer's skin, by referring to the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12, and determines them as active ingredients for a cosmetic product suitable for the customer, it is preferable that in the screening process, the active ingredients for the cosmetic product suitable for the customer are determined in order of their effectiveness on the customer's skin. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics that are more suitable for the customer's skin.
[0118] Furthermore, in the above hypothetical case, if an ingredient other than ingredient A (ingredient E) is pre-associated as an active ingredient with the evaluation indicator "suppression of gene G expression" or "effective against wrinkles," the active ingredient determination means 13 may determine ingredient E, in addition to ingredient A, as an active ingredient in the cosmetic product suitable for the customer. In other words, if the referenced corresponding active ingredient data also includes other active ingredients besides the active ingredient corresponding to the evaluation index that showed effectiveness on the customer's skin among the evaluation indexes observed in the screening, the active ingredient determination means 13 may determine these other active ingredients as active ingredients in addition to the active ingredient corresponding to the evaluation index that showed effectiveness on the customer's skin. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose multiple active ingredients for cosmetics that are suitable for the customer.
[0119] In another configuration, the active ingredient determination means 13 may also select an active ingredient for a cosmetic suitable for the customer from a plurality of active ingredients based on the screening results received by the screening result receiving means 12 in step S2 and the customer information received by the customer information receiving means in step S1. In this case, the customer information considered along with the screening results is preferably one or more selected from the customer information received by the customer information receiving means 11, including at least one of the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits. This configuration allows for the proposal of personalized cosmetics that are verified to be suitable for the customer and take into account their medical history and other factors.
[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means 16 further stores data in which customer information and an identifier that can uniquely identify the customer are linked. According to the present invention, customer information can be easily managed.
[0121] The type of identifier is not particularly limited as long as it can uniquely identify a customer. For example, an identifier can be a string of characters uniquely assigned to a customer. For example, it can be a string of characters consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, or a combination thereof. There is no particular limit on the number of characters.
[0122] Preferably, identifiers are automatically assigned when the customer information receiving means 11 receives new customer information. If identifiers are automatically assigned in response to new customer information, the server device 1 may be equipped with identifier assignment means (not shown). The identifier assignment means refers to the customer information received by the customer information receiving means 11 and existing customer information previously stored in the storage means 16 to determine whether the received customer information is new. If the customer information is new, it generates a new identifier and stores it in the storage means 16, linked to the new customer information.
[0123] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container used for collecting customer-derived cells and / or the culture vessel used in the process of creating three-dimensional skin tissue is marked with an identification code corresponding to an identifier. When verifying whether a candidate ingredient is suitable for a customer, it is essential that customer information and the screening results using three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells are reliably linked. This configuration allows for the linking and easy management of customer information with information on three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells. Furthermore, if there are multiple screening results, changes in the screening results can be easily compared.
[0124] The identification code may be the identifier itself, or it may be another symbol corresponding to the identifier. For example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code may be used as the identification code, and the server device 1 may recognize the identifier by reading it with the input means of the user terminal 2. Furthermore, if the identifier itself is an identification code, the server device 1 can recognize the identifier by having the user input it via the input means 21 of the user terminal 2, for example.
[0125] The containers used for collecting customer-derived cells can be customized in terms of material and shape to suit the biological sample used for cell collection.
[0126] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means 16 stores a customer identifier and storage intention information, which is information regarding consent to one or more processes selected from storage, storage period, and disposal of customer-derived cells and / or three-dimensional skin tissue made from customer-derived cells. The term "customer-derived cells" as used herein includes somatic cells, embryonic stem cells, somatic stem cells collected from customers, and induced pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells collected from customers' biological samples. From a privacy perspective, when storing customer-derived cells or three-dimensional skin tissue created from customer-derived cells, it is preferable to obtain prior consent from the customer, including details regarding storage period and disposal timing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the reliability and transparency of the above system can be improved.
[0127] The consent regarding the storage of customer-derived cells and / or three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells is consent to the storage itself. The consent regarding the storage period of customer-derived cells and / or three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells is an agreement to store them for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 years from the preparation of the three-dimensional skin tissue). The storage period of the three-dimensional skin tissue may be made selectable by the customer. The consent regarding the disposal of customer-derived cells and / or three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells is consent to the disposal itself after the storage period has elapsed. Information regarding the intention to store the data is received by the customer information reception means 11.
[0128] When acquiring storage intention information, it is preferable to acquire it at the time of the first use of the system according to the present invention. Alternatively, storage intention information may be acquired periodically. Furthermore, it is preferable to acquire storage intention information for customer-derived cells and storage intention information for three-dimensional skin tissue produced from customer-derived cells, separately. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage intention information can be changed at any time according to the customer's wishes.
[0129] When acquiring storage intention information, the output means 14 may notify the customer when there is a change in the storage status, such as when storage is started, when the end of the storage period is approaching (for example, one month before the expiration date of the storage period), or when disposal is completed. It is preferable that the notification be made in a way that can be viewed only by the customer and the cosmetic provider, such as on a My Page accessible on the web or through a dedicated application. If a dedicated application is used, it may also be a push notification.
[0130] Furthermore, storage intention information may also be obtained from the storage intention information of biological samples originating from the customer. Furthermore, the storage intention information may also include intentions regarding the use of the stored customer-derived cells and the three-dimensional skin tissue produced from those cells. For example, the information may include whether the stored customer-derived cells and the three-dimensional skin tissue created from those cells should be used solely for proposing cosmetics using this system, or whether the customer also agrees to use them for other purposes (such as basic research).
[0131] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the storage means 16 stores a customer identifier, the culture conditions for three-dimensional skin tissue produced from customer-derived cells, the conditions for one or more previous screenings, and the results of one or more previous screenings, linked together. It is expected that the customer's skin condition will improve as a result of continued use of the proposed cosmetics. Therefore, it is preferable to conduct regular screenings and change the formulation of the cosmetics according to changes in the customer's skin condition in order to continuously improve their skin condition. Furthermore, designing subsequent screenings based on the cell culture and screening conditions from previous rounds shortens the time required to obtain screening results, thereby reducing the time from receiving a customer's application to proposing cosmetics to the customer, which is preferable from the perspective of customer satisfaction. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to continuously suggest cosmetics based on the skin condition. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time until the results of the second and subsequent screenings are obtained, and to improve the speed at which cosmetics are suggested to customers.
[0132] Culture conditions for three-dimensional skin tissue produced from customer-derived cells include, but are not limited to, the conditions for inducing induced pluripotent stem cells, the composition of the culture medium, culture period, culture temperature, and cell number used to produce three-dimensional skin tissue from customer-derived cells, as well as the composition of the culture medium, culture period, culture temperature, and cell number used to maintain the structure of the produced three-dimensional skin tissue. The conditions for conducting one or more screenings prior to the previous one include, but are not limited to, the composition of the culture medium used in the screening, the culture time of the three-dimensional skin tissue, the culture temperature, and the amount of candidate component applied. The results of one or more previous screenings could include, but are not limited to, the names of active ingredients deemed suitable for the customer and their optimal concentrations, or the names of ingredients deemed unsuitable for the customer.
[0133] 2. Method of proposing cosmetic products This invention also relates to a method for proposing cosmetic formulations. The present invention provides a method for proposing cosmetics, comprising a screening step of screening for active ingredients that improve the skin condition of a customer using three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells, and a cosmetic proposal step of proposing cosmetics containing the active ingredients. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics whose suitability for the customer has been verified.
[0134] The methods for producing customer-derived cells, three-dimensional tissues, screening methods, and preferred forms thereof can be applied to the matters described in "1." above.
[0135] The proposed cosmetic product is limited in terms of other formulations and forms of the cosmetic product, as long as it contains at least the active ingredients screened in the screening process. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to a cosmetic composition containing an active ingredient, other ingredients that can be used in combination with the active ingredient, or are preferable to be used in combination with the active ingredient, or a cosmetic composition containing such other ingredients is also proposed.
[0136] A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a sample collection step of collecting cells from a customer, and a three-dimensional skin tissue preparation step of preparing the three-dimensional skin tissue from the collected cells.
[0137] In the sample retrieval process, cells are collected from the customer. The method of cell recovery is not particularly limited. The cosmetic provider may collect biological samples such as hair, urine, or skin from the customer, and then separate and recover the cells from these biological samples. Alternatively, the customer may collect biological samples such as hair themselves, seal the collected samples in containers provided in advance by the cosmetic provider, and send them to the cosmetic provider by mail or other means. The cosmetic provider who receives the biological samples may then separate and recover the cells from these samples. The customer's biological sample is preferably hair, urine, or skin.
[0138] In the three-dimensional skin tissue fabrication process, three-dimensional skin tissue is created from the customer's collected cells. The method for fabricating the three-dimensional skin tissue and the preferred morphology can be determined by applying the matters described in "1." above.
[0139] If the cosmetic composition method of the present invention includes a sample collection step and a three-dimensional skin tissue preparation step, it is preferable to perform the screening step using the three-dimensional skin tissue prepared in the three-dimensional skin tissue preparation step.
[0140] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional skin tissue is a skin organoid prepared from the customer's cells. According to the present invention, it is possible to propose cosmetics whose suitability for the customer has been verified. The preferred form of the skin organoid can be determined by applying the matters described in "1." above.
[0141] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic formulation suggestion process is performed using the cosmetic formulation suggestion system described in "1." above. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily propose cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for the customer. [Industrial applicability]
[0142] The present invention can provide cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for customers. Furthermore, it can manufacture cosmetics that have been verified to be suitable for customers.
Claims
1. A cosmetic product suggestion system comprising a customer information receiving means, a screening result receiving means, an active ingredient determination means, and an output means, The aforementioned customer information receiving means is a means for receiving customer information, The screening result receiving means is a means for receiving the screening results of candidate ingredients for the cosmetic product to be provided to the customer. The active ingredient determination means is a means for determining the active ingredients of the cosmetic that are suitable for the customer, based at least on the screening results. The output means is a means for outputting information on cosmetics suitable for the customer, including the information on the determined active ingredients, linked to the customer information received by the customer information receiving means. The aforementioned screening is a cosmetic product proposal system in which candidate components are applied to three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells, and the biological response of the three-dimensional skin tissue is observed as an evaluation index to select components that can improve the customer's skin condition.
2. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional skin tissue is a skin organoid made from customer-derived cells.
3. The aforementioned customer information includes skin condition information, which is information that represents the skin condition of the customer. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient determination means determines the active ingredients of the cosmetic suitable for the customer based on the screening results and the skin condition.
4. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 3, wherein the active ingredient is an ingredient that improves the skin condition.
5. The aforementioned customer information further includes one or more pieces of information selected from the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 3, wherein the active ingredient determination means determines the active ingredient based on at least the skin condition, the screening results, and one or more pieces of information selected from the customer's medical history, lifestyle, and beauty habits.
6. Furthermore, the system includes a beauty method determination means for determining a beauty method suitable for the customer based on the customer information, The cosmetic product suggestion system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output means outputs information on cosmetic products suitable for the customer and a determined beauty method suitable for the customer, linked to the customer information.
7. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, further comprising means for updating the criteria for determining the active ingredient by the active ingredient determination means based on the screening results and the evaluation of the cosmetic collected from the customer.
8. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient determination means determines the amount of the active ingredient and the amount of the cosmetic that are suitable for the customer.
9. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, wherein, in the screening, the candidate component is applied to the three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells in the presence of a biological sample derived from the customer.
10. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, wherein the screening is performed using three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from cells derived from the customer and reflecting the customer's current skin condition.
11. Furthermore, equipped with a memory device, The storage means stores corresponding active ingredient data, in which the evaluation index and the active ingredient corresponding to the evaluation index are linked. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 1, wherein the active ingredient determination means refers to the corresponding active ingredient data and determines the active ingredient corresponding to the evaluation index that shows effectiveness on the customer's skin among the evaluation index observed in the screening as the active ingredient of a cosmetic suitable for the customer.
12. The cosmetic product suggestion system according to claim 11, wherein the storage means further stores data linking the customer information with an identifier that can uniquely identify the customer.
13. The cosmetic product suggestion system according to claim 12, wherein the storage means further stores data linking the customer's screening results and the customer's identifier.
14. The cosmetic proposal system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the container used for collecting customer-derived cells and / or the culture vessel used in the process of producing the three-dimensional skin tissue is marked with an identification code corresponding to the identifier.
15. The cosmetic product suggestion system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the storage means stores a customer identifier and storage intention information, which is information relating to consent to one or more processes selected from storage, storage period, and disposal of cells derived from the customer and / or three-dimensional skin tissue made from cells derived from the customer, linked together.
16. The cosmetic product suggestion system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the storage means stores the customer identifier, the culture conditions for three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from cells derived from the customer, the conditions for performing one or more previous screenings, and the results of one or more previous screenings in association with each other.
17. A screening process in which three-dimensional skin tissue prepared from customer-derived cells is used to screen for active ingredients that improve the customer's skin condition, A method for proposing cosmetics, comprising a cosmetic proposal step of proposing a cosmetic containing the above-mentioned active ingredient.
18. Furthermore, a sample collection process for collecting cells from the customer, A method for proposing a cosmetic product according to claim 17, comprising a step of preparing three-dimensional skin tissue from the recovered cells.
19. The method for proposing a cosmetic composition according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the three-dimensional skin tissue is a skin organoid.
20. The cosmetic proposal step is performed using the cosmetic proposal system described in claim 1, the cosmetic proposal method according to claim 17 or 18.