Management of PRTR-regulated substances
We develop and manufacture products by properly managing chemical substances that may have harmful effects on human health and ecosystems in accordance with the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) system of the Act on Confirmation, etc. of Releases to the Environment of Chemical Substances and Promotion of Improvements in Their Management.
The PRTR system is a system for tracking the amount of chemical substances that may be harmful to human health or the ecosystem that are released into the environment (air, water, soil) from business sites and the amount that is contained in waste and moves off-site, and for reporting this to government agencies.We appropriately report to the relevant government agencies the amount of substances released into the air, public waters, and soil, and the amount that moves off-site, that exceed the designated handling amount (annual handling amount of 1 ton or more), and we are also working to improve our Promotion of Chemical Safety activities.
Furthermore, among our domestic business sites, the Ueno Plant has notified Mie Prefecture, and the Osaka Plant has notified Osaka Prefecture, and both plants implement strict management and comply with the PRTR system.
The approach to selecting ingredients
Ingredient Selection Policy
Each ingredient is a crucial element that supports people's health and trust. We carefully select ingredients based on scientific evidence and honest standards. We not only comply with legal regulations, but also comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of each ingredient.
Furthermore, we not only focus on fulfilling functional requirements, but also consider the impact of our ingredients on the environment and society, from raw material procurement to post-use care. We are committed to sustainable value creation by selecting ingredients that can be used with confidence, while prioritizing harmony with people, society, and the environment.
About the ingredients used in cosmetics
At our company, we place great importance on selecting ingredients in order to create products that our customers can use with peace of mind every day.
Pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs are subject to strict legal regulations regarding the ingredients and formulations that can be used. Our company strictly adheres to these rules and uses only ingredients whose safety and effectiveness have been confirmed.
On the other hand, unlike pharmaceuticals, cosmetics do not have strict regulations on which ingredients can be used. Instead, regulations mainly specify "ingredients that cannot be used" and "ingredients with restrictions on the amount that can be used." Therefore, each company's approach and standards are also important.
At our company, we not only comply with these laws and regulations, but we also prioritize the safety and security of our customers, carefully selecting each ingredient based on the guidelines of the Japan Cosmetics Industry Association and our own unique standards.
To help our customers choose our products with greater confidence, we provide clear and easy-to-understand information about the ingredients.
Ingredients that are not used for the safety and security of our customers
We adhere to all laws and regulations and value balancing quality, safety, and environmental considerations.
Prioritizing the quality that allows our customers to use our products with peace of mind, we do not use the following ingredients in our products.
- Cyanide compounds
- benzene
- carbon tetrachloride
- 1,2-Dichloroethane
- 1,1-Dichloroethene
- 1,1,1-Trichloroethane
- 1,4-dioxane
- carbon disulfide
- Bismuth compounds other than bismuth oxychloride
- Cadmium compounds
- Chloroform
- D4 (Cyclotetrasiloxane)
- Coal tar
We ensure product safety by conducting rigorous evaluations based on our own safety standards.
Please note that the product may contain trace amounts of components that are technically difficult to avoid due to factors such as water, the natural environment, or the manufacturing process of the raw materials.
Volatile silicones
Silicone is an artificial ingredient used to smooth the surface of skin and hair. It has various functions, such as protecting moisture, improving the texture of creams, and making hair easier to comb. It is also characterized by its stable properties and low irritation.
There are various types of silicones, and among them, "volatile silicones" such as cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), cyclopentasiloxane (D5), and cyclohexasiloxane (D6) are known as ingredients that provide a light and smooth feel by evaporating after use.
Based on a balance between customer experience and product quality, we use D5 in some of our products. On the other hand, we do not use D4 or D6 based on regulatory trends in various countries, environmental considerations, and our own safety standards. We will continue to monitor relevant research and regulatory trends and respond appropriately.
Microplastic beads
Microplastic beads are a type of plastic particle smaller than 5 mm, and have been primarily used in rinse-off products such as cleansers to remove dirt and smooth the skin.
On the other hand, these materials can be released into the sea through wastewater, raising concerns both domestically and internationally about their environmental impact, such as marine pollution. Given this background, in 2010 we stopped adding new microplastic beads to our rinse-off products, and by 2016 we had completed the switch to microplastic bead-free formulations for all our cleaning agents. We have also been working on switching the formulations of many other products.
Currently, we use it only in a very limited number of products where its necessity is recognized, taking into consideration customer feedback and product quality. In the future, we will continue to explore alternative technologies while striving to balance environmental considerations with product performance, and we will closely monitor related research and regulatory trends to respond appropriately.
Octinoxate
Octinoxate is a UV absorber used in many cosmetics, including sunscreens, to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV-B) rays. It is highly effective in preventing UV damage and is one of the most widely used ingredients worldwide.
Based on the laws and regulations of each country and the latest scientific knowledge, our company prioritizes both functionality and safety in protecting our customers' skin, and uses octinoxate within the limits that meet our own safety standards. On the other hand, the environmental impact is a subject of ongoing international discussion, and research and regulatory responses, including those related to coral reefs, are underway. Our company will closely monitor these developments and continue to respond appropriately.
Alkyl sulfate
Alkyl sulfates (such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) are a type of surfactant with excellent foaming and cleansing power. They work by blending water and oil-based dirt, allowing for thorough washing. They are one of the most common ingredients that have been used for many years in numerous cleansing products to keep hair and skin clean.
Based on domestic and international knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of this ingredient, we use it within appropriate usage and concentration ranges, primarily in rinse-off products such as shampoos and body washes, while giving careful consideration to safety.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics and other products. It plays an important role in maintaining product quality and safety by suppressing the growth of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and yeast.
At our company, we prioritize both functionality and safety, based on the laws and regulations of each country and the latest scientific knowledge. We use phenoxyethanol within the limits that meet our own safety standards. In many of our products, we include it at a level well below the maximum concentration permitted by regulations, ensuring both skin safety and a comfortable user experience.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in products and maintain their quality. They are widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, playing an important role in preventing microbial contamination of products and ensuring their continued safe use.
At our company, we manage parabens based on our own safety standards, in addition to the laws and regulations of each country and international safety standards. We pay particular attention to skin safety and take the utmost care to formulate our products at levels well below those permitted by regulation.
We will continue to appropriately review and respond to matters based on the laws and regulations of each country and the latest scientific findings.
Tar dyes
Tar dyes (legal dyes) are colorants used to give color to cosmetics and are important ingredients that support the makeup effect that makes skin and lips look beautiful.
These ingredients have been approved for use after their safety has been confirmed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. To ensure that our customers can use our products with peace of mind, we comply with national standards and have also established our own standards, prioritizing safety above all else.
Furthermore, in order to achieve both product quality and safety, we will continuously monitor domestic and international regulatory trends and the latest scientific findings regarding tar dyes and respond appropriately.
BHT
BHT (dibutylhydroxytoluene) is an ingredient widely used in various products, including cosmetics. It acts as an antioxidant, preventing the deterioration of oils and vitamins through oxidation, and plays a role in maintaining the quality and stability of products.
At our company, we manage BHT levels at the minimum necessary concentration based on the laws and regulations of each country, as well as domestic standards in Japan, and our own safety standards. For both rinse-off and leave-in products, we determine the appropriate amount after confirming its safety.
Going forward, we will continue to verify the intended use and formulation of our products and take appropriate measures to maintain their quality and safety.
fragrance
Fragrances are composed of various naturally derived and synthetic ingredients and are used to give products their scent. They are an important element in enhancing the pleasantness and user experience of a product, and are widely used to recreate natural scents or create unique fragrances.
At our company, we manage our fragrances appropriately based on the standards of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), national laws and regulations, and our own safety standards. We pay particular attention to allergy risks, minimizing the concentration of fragrance components and designing formulations tailored to specific purposes. We will continue to take appropriate measures while prioritizing safety.