Why Would a Regenerative Medicine Company Make Cosmetics? | Our Starting Point

“We were originally a company researching regenerative medicine.” When we say this, people sometimes look a little surprised.

From the world of research to everyday skincare. That path may seem like a long detour. But for us, it was one straight road.

Today, please let us quietly share the starting point of why we, having studied regenerative medicine, chose the form of cosmetics.

Why did you move from regenerative medicine to cosmetics?

Our origins lie in regenerative medicine research. Within that research, one material we focused on was the culture medium obtained in the process of growing human stem cells. Could technology used in special settings also be applied somewhere much closer, in everyday life? As a daily habit to help keep skin healthy. That question led us to making cosmetics. Our starting point was the wish to connect the distant world of research with your washstand.

Are “stem cell culture medium” and “stem cells” the same thing?

No, they are different. This is also the point we most want to explain carefully. A “culture medium” is the liquid obtained during the process of growing stem cells. It does not contain the stem cells themselves. Because the words sound similar, they can easily be confused, but we consider it important to communicate this difference accurately. Not speaking through vague impressions, but explaining what the material actually is as honestly as possible. We believe that is the minimum integrity required of a maker.

What can cosmetics do, and how far can they go?

What cosmetics can do is moisturize the skin, help prevent dryness, and keep the skin healthy and well cared for. Within that scope, they stay close to your skin day by day. Cosmetics are not medicines. That is why we do not use exaggerated phrases such as “dramatic change” or “guaranteed results.” We say what can be done, and we say what cannot be done. Speaking in gentle but honest words. That is our stance for earning long-term trust.

What do we hope to deliver through cosmetics?

What we want to care for is not appearance alone. We want to help bring balance to how you spend each day, and even to the way you feel. That is how Value Village thinks about beauty. A moment of touching your skin can become a small pause in the day. Time in front of the mirror can become time to care for yourself. Cosmetics are a modest starting point for that. Technology born from roots in regenerative medicine, shaped into something you can continue naturally in your everyday life. That is our wish.

Where are we heading from here?

We began with beauty. Beyond that, we have a vision to gradually broaden the areas that help bring order and comfort to everyday life, expanding into health, food, learning, and community. Expansion into areas other than beauty is currently at the concept stage. Not in haste, but with certainty. Not to boast of technology, but to make each person’s life even a little better. We will continue moving forward.

If technology born from regenerative medicine research can quietly stay close to your ordinary everyday life, that is the kind of presence we hope to be. Together with your life, from here on as well.