Category: Product Service

Release issuing company: Nissho

Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Osaka, President: Yujiro Goto, hereinafter "Nippon Shokubai") has developed a new functional polymer for cosmetic materials. We have confirmed that it has the effect of inactivating the coronavirus. This functional polymer is expected to be applied to products that moisturize the skin and hair and protect them from bacteria and viruses. The functional polymer developed by Nippon Shokubai is composed of hydrophilic monomers and hydrophobic monomers, and is a new polymer that has both water retention and film-forming properties. So far, it has been confirmed that it has an antibacterial effect on bacteria and an inactivation effect on the influenza virus, which is an enveloped virus*1. In order to further verify its antibacterial and antiviral functions, Nippon Shokubai conducted an efficacy evaluation against SARS-CoV-2*2, which causes the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this evaluation, it was found that the virus inactivation effect was about 99% for 60 minutes and about 99.9% for 120 minutes under the test conditions with a polymer concentration of 0.1%. It was found that at a polymer concentration of 0.1%, sufficient effects can be exhibited by contact for 60 minutes or more. We will continue to acquire detailed data and clarify the effect of polymer concentration on SARS-CoV-2. Cosmetics containing this polymer are expected to protect skin and hair from damage caused by bacteria and viruses. Some of these results will be announced at CITE JAPAN 2021 (10th Cosmetic Industry Technology Exhibition). Explanation of terms *1 Enveloped virus: A virus with a membranous structure found in some virus particles, such as herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. *2 SARS-CoV-2: SARS coronavirus 2 (abbreviation: SARS-CoV-2) is a coronavirus that belongs to the SARS-related coronaviruses that cause the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). About Nippon Shokubai: Since its founding in 1941, Nippon Shokubai has expanded its business based on in-house developed catalyst technology. We deliver ethylene oxide, acrylic acid, catalysts for automobiles and industrial use, etc. to the world, and currently boast the world's No. 1 share in the superabsorbent polymer used in disposable diapers. Nippon Shokubai is a chemical company that operates globally under the corporate philosophy of "TechnoAmenity," which aims to provide "amenities" through "technology." https://www.shokubai.co.jpFor company press release PRTIMES top