Development of a "Blinking Artificial Skin Model" Replicating 20,000 Daily Movements for New Eye-Area Aging Evaluation

Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co., Ltd. has successfully developed a new artificial skin model that faithfully reproduces the human eye area and validates the impact of "blinking" using advanced stem cell culture technology.

While skin vitality is maintained by new cells generated from stem cells, facial skin undergoes constant stretching due to expression changes. The eye area is particularly unique, subjected to incessant dynamic stress from approximately 20,000 blinks per day.

In this research, the company integrated an artificial skin model, created based on 3D scans of the human eye area, with an electric mechanism that automatically repeats blinking. This innovation allows for the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation—a primary cause of skin aging—within an environment that mimics daily movements. A patent application has been filed for this technology (Patent App. 2026-072079).

Tests confirmed the model's high durability, showing no tissue damage or tearing even after 20,000 blinks. Furthermore, increased expression of oxidative stress markers was observed in areas with high blinking loads, enabling the evaluation of cell damage fluctuations corresponding to dynamic stress levels. Menard plans to utilize this model to elucidate localized aging mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of skincare products and makeup durability.