Cosmetics for Space Invented in Japan
Two Japanese companies have immediately introduced their new jointly developed cosmetic products, including facial lotion and cleansing foam, specifically designed for the needs of astronauts.
This was reported by CNN.
The new line has received the symbolic name "Cosmology" and was presented by the Japanese companies POLA and ANA Holdings. The history of creating this "space" cosmetics line began after the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) approached companies with a request to create skincare products that would be convenient to use in space.
The companies began working on the development back in 2020, and only in 2022 did JAXA approve the next stage - the production of the first product samples.
To save water during space journeys, the cleansing agent is simply rubbed onto the skin, while the lotion remains in a semi-solid state, preventing it from spreading in conditions of low gravity.
The "space" cosmetics line is created to make people's stay in space more comfortable, as astronauts often complain of burning, itching, dryness, and increased skin sensitivity.
The creators of the new products have already announced that their cosmetics have successfully passed preliminary tests on ANA aircraft, where conditions similar to those in space are created.
Furthermore, the companies hope that their products will be used in other situations with limited resources, such as in evacuation centers during natural disasters.
It is worth noting that this is not the first instance of cosmetic products making their way to space stations. In 2021, former astronaut Joan Higginbotham told InStyle about her daily life in space, including how she used various cosmetics, including foundation, blush, mascara, and lipstick.
Additionally, in 2020, the American cosmetic company Estee Lauder sent 10 bottles of its own skincare serum into space for the purpose of shooting an exclusive advertisement on the International Space Station, from which the company later used footage in its promotional campaigns.