5 Notable New Skincare Releases for August and September

1. Rohto Pharmaceutical DRX AZA Clear Serum (Released July 21)

A serious azelaic acid serum sold exclusively through medical institutions
- Contains azelaic acid, an ingredient drawing attention for acne, pore, and sebum care.
- Azelaic acid has been difficult to formulate, so products have mostly been heavy creams (such as AZ Clear), but proprietary technology made it possible to turn it into a water-based serum that spreads easily over the whole face.
Ingredient characteristics
- Because it contains pure azelaic acid rather than a neutralized form or a derivative, expectations are high for its sebum-control and acne-prevention effects.
- On the other hand, solvents such as DPG and ethoxydiglycol are presumed to be present at high concentrations, so note that people with sensitive skin may feel irritation.

A long-awaited, affordable ceramide care line
- With the lotion at about ¥1,430 and the emulsion at about ¥1,650, it offers the essence of the Sofina brand at an accessible price.
- A dual approach: protein care that conditions the keratin inside stratum corneum cells, and intercellular lipid care using Kao's proprietary pseudo-ceramide.
Low-irritation design
- It is "fragrance-free, colorant-free, and alcohol-free," which is unusual for Sofina, making it a formula that is easy to use even for those who dislike fragrance.

Fine fiber technology achieved without a device
- Applies know-how from the "Biomimesis Veil," which made headlines for spraying fibers using a dedicated device (¥55,000).
- Contains opened-fiber microfibers (plant-derived rayon) co-developed with Asahi Kasei, forming a uniform pseudo-skin film on the skin's surface simply by applying the cream.
Application of RNA analysis findings
- A serious anti-aging cream (¥14,300 including tax) whose product design applies findings from research analyzing skin condition.

Genuine "liposome" technology in an affordable fermented cosmetic
- Contains "Liposome Fermentation Drip," in which rice-derived fermented ingredients and fermented soy milk are encapsulated in nanocapsules.
- A noteworthy product that achieves, at an affordable drugstore price point, a formula that meets legal standards and can officially be called a "liposome."

Retinol derivative overhauled to "retinyl acetate"
- The gold all-in-one for anti-aging care has been renewed.
- It switches from the previous retinyl palmitate to capsules of "retinyl acetate," which is also used in premium lines, so greater beauty benefits and an improved feel can be expected.