Meiji Launches “Double Skincare Yogurt” – A Functional Food Targeting UV and Dryness Protection from Within

Meiji Launches "Double Skincare Yogurt" – A Functional Food Targeting UV and Dryness Protection from Within

On March 25, Meiji Co., Ltd. launched a new functional yogurt, “Meiji W no Skincare Yogurt”, designed to help consumers combat UV exposure and skin dryness from the inside out. The product is marketed as a Food with Functional Claims (FFC) and is priced at 156 yen (tax included) for a 112g serving.

This yogurt contains three key ingredients—SC-2 lactic acid bacteria, collagen peptides, and sphingomyelin—which are scientifically reported to support two skin functions:

• Protecting the skin from UV-induced damage
• Retaining moisture and alleviating skin dryness

The product primarily targets women interested in beauty and inner wellness.

Backed by Clinical Evidence

According to Ren Takei from the Fermentation Marketing Department of Meiji’s Global Daily Business Division, the product’s strongest appeal is its scientific credibility.

“Consumers who are conscious about skincare tend to prioritize efficacy and trustworthiness. As the number of functional foods increases, we are focusing on strengthening our communication—such as showcasing clinical data in TV commercials—to build consumer confidence.”

Recent increases in both UV radiation and outdoor activity have contributed to rising demand for easy-to-implement skincare solutions. Takei notes that,

“While some consumers hesitate to start with supplements due to their cost, yogurt is an affordable and approachable alternative that can be continued daily.”

TV and Influencer Campaigns Underway

The product launch is supported by a nationwide TV campaign featuring actress Aya Ueto, and Meiji plans to expand promotions through collaborations with skincare brands and beauty influencers.

Human Trials Demonstrate Effectiveness

Meiji conducted two human studies to verify the yogurt’s efficacy:

• In a study involving 67 healthy female adults, those who consumed yogurt containing the three active ingredients daily for six weeks showed a higher Minimum Erythema Dose (MED)—the threshold of UV radiation required to induce skin redness—compared to a control group consuming yogurt without these components.
• In a separate study with 94 healthy women, daily intake of the same yogurt over four weeks resulted in a 2.5x increase in stratum corneum moisture levels in the forearm area versus the control group.