The Science of Sake Beauty

Why Sake Works 

For centuries, sake brewers — known as Toji — were famous for their remarkably smooth and youthful hands. Daily contact with sake and sake kasu held the secret.

 

Rich in Amino Acids 

Sake contains over 20 types of amino acids that deeply moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.

α-EG: The Collagen Booster 

Professor Ozeki of Kanazawa Institute of Technology discovered α-EG, a unique compound found in sake that stimulates collagen production from within.

Fermentation Power 

The fermentation process creates powerful enzymes and antioxidants that brighten, firm, and rejuvenate the skin.

Ferulic Acid: The Antioxidant Shield

Ferulic acid is a powerful plant-based antioxidant found in rice bran. It neutralizes free radicals, protects the skin from environmental stressors, and helps brighten the complexion by inhibiting melanin production.

Kojic Acid: The Radiance Enhancer

Naturally derived from the fermentation process of sake, kojic acid is world-renowned for its ability to brighten the skin. It effectively targets dark spots and uneven skin tone, promoting a more luminous and uniform complexion.

 

A World First in Skin Science

In 2017, researchers at Kanazawa Institute of Technology made a groundbreaking discovery:

α-EG (α-Ethyl-D-Glucoside) — a natural compound found in sake — was scientifically proven for the first time in the world to increase collagen density in the human dermis.

Both topical application AND drinking sake showed measurable results.

 

Topical Application Results 

When applied twice daily, skin with sake-containing cream (α-EG 0.09-0.1%) showed increased collagen density within 2-3 weeks compared to cream with no α-EG.

Notably, older age groups showed greater improvement in collagen density.

 

Oral Intake Results 

 After just 6 days of consuming sake containing α-EG, collagen density continued to increase for 1-6 weeks. Oral intake proved even more effective than topical application — as α-EG penetrates more easily through capillaries to reach the dermal layer, activating fibroblasts to produce more collagen.

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Kanazawa Institute of Technology Research by Professor Kenji Ozeki Department of Applied Bioscience, School of Bio and Chemical Engineering