Applied Cosmetic Science and Technology Applied Cosmetic Science and Technology

In response to the global need to respect diverse individuality in terms of skin features, minds, and social attributes, desirable foundations have changed from those that simply conceal imperfections to those that bring out the beauty in individuality. Previous research with Japanese participants has shown that the spectral reflectance of skin is closely related to the impression that it creates. However, the relationship between impression and spectral reflectance has never been investigated for global skin tones. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively elucidate the relationship between skin spectral reflectance and impressions for the development of foundations that enhance the attractive impressions envisioned by each individual. We first classified global skin tones using a statistical method based on unique parameters derived from spectral reflectance. Second, we investigated the distinctive spectral reflectance patterns that can accentuate specific impressions in respective skin tone categories, using an observation room for precise control of participants' spectral reflectance closely matching the living environment. We found new global common denominators of 3 spectral reflectance patterns that enhance attractive impressions, and we identified the conditions for maximizing these impressions while maintaining the “natural-look” of each bare skin. We also discovered that foundations controlled to achieve these 3 spectral reflectance patterns had the same impression-enhancing effect as in the light source manipulation experiment. We concluded from our study that by creating a foundation based on our novel knowledge, the desirable impression envisioned by each individual could be achieved while making the most of the natural skin tone. This discovery is useful in bringing out individual beauty, by offering custom-made products that are tailored to the skin conditions and desirable impressions.