NineSigma, representing a global cosmetic manufacturer, seeks (1) a material that fills or conceals the deep roughness of the skin or (2) an in vitro substrate that substitutes the skin to evaluate the physical effect of cosmetic ingredients on skin. For the material described in (1), the client anticipates a wide range of approaches using superabsorbent polymer, open cell foam, micro reflective material (optical material), and any other potential materials. For the in vitro substrate described in (2), the client anticipates approaches using a model substrate which mimics the properties of human skin, especially the optical and mechanical ones. Potential proposals are widely welcome, including a technology seed which has not fulfilled the requirements but will only require additional development of three years or so for the material to be formulated for cosmetic use or for the substrate to be applied to evaluate the physical effect of cosmetic ingredients on skin.
While anti-wrinkle cosmetics intended for long term use have drawn public attention, no effective approach has been found to develop a technology to make the deep roughness of the skin invisible within a short period of time despite the increasing demand. To resolve this problem, an innovative technology and its vitro evaluation method are both required. Therefore, the client has issued this open request to discover (1) a material that fills or conceals the deep roughness of the skin and (2) an in vitro substrate that substitutes the skin to evaluate the physical effect of cosmetic ingredients on skin.
Submissions to this Challenge must be received by Jan 19, 2022.
Source: NineSights