Nikko Chemicals to unveil “Mini-RNA” to strengthen skin barrier at cellular level at in-cosmetics Global

Last update on Mar 11, 2026

Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd. announces its participation at in-cosmetics Global 2026, taking place from April 14-16 at Paris. At one of the world’s leading events for personal care ingredients, Nikko Chemicals will officially showcase its latest innovation: 5'-Cytidine Monophosphate (5'-CMP).

Derived from yeast-based RNA through a selective enzymatic process, this high-purity nucleic acid serves as a fundamental "Mini-RNA" designed to strengthen the skin barrier from the cellular level. 

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The concept: Resilience rooted in nature of breast milk

The product concept, "5’-CMP: Mini-RNA for Advanced Skin Resilience," draws inspiration from the most delicate stage of human life. Infants are born with skin 3-5 times thinner and more sensitive than adults, making them highly vulnerable to environmental stressors like UV rays and dryness. Nature’s solution is found in breast milk, where 5'-CMP is the most abundant nucleotide. In infants, 5'-CMP plays a critical role in lipid metabolism, essential for developing the barrier function of gut epithelial cells. 5’-CMP has been successfully translated this biological wisdom into a functional skincare ingredient.

 

The nucleotide science: Strengthening the barrier architecture

This "Mini-RNA" is 4,000 times smaller than salmon PDRN (1500kDa), ensuring exceptional bioavailability. 5’-CMP uses lipidomic-proven science to upgrade skin barrier quality as a vital phosphate donor in the biosynthetic pathways of essential lipids. It specifically enhances the production of:

 

  • Phosphatidylcholine: A key building block of cell membranes.

 

  • Long-chain ceramides: 5'-CMP notably increases the synthesis of ceramides with long-chain and unsaturated fatty acids. 5'-CMP helps restore the skin’s natural, robust architecture for superior barrier performance.

 

Clinical studies indicate that 5'-CMP significantly increases the levels of Phosphatidylcholine and Ceramides containing long-chain and unsaturated fatty acids. This is a breakthrough for barrier repair; while atopic skin is often characterized by shorter fatty acid chains in ceramides, 5'-CMP promotes the synthesis of longer chains, resulting in a more robust and resilient skin structure.

 

Healthy aging in & out

Available as both a topical and oral ingredient, 5’-CMP supports healthy aging from within. Oral intake is shown to improve skin firmness and brightness, while topical application strengthens the skin barrier on the surface for enhanced resilience.

Legacy of safety and sustainability

Fermented manufacturing: 5'-CMP is produced via an eco-friendly enzymatic reaction using RNA derived from dietary yeast. The enzymatic manufacturing process aligns with the global shift toward green chemistry and renewable sourcing.

 

Trusted heritage: This 5'-CMP has a 60-year track record in Japan as a safe, essential component supplied to infant powder milk products. Its transition to the personal care industry brings an unparalleled level of safety and clinical trust.

 

Basic information of CMP:

 

  • Product name: CMP 2Na-PC
  • INCI: Disodium Cytidine Phosphate
  • IECIC 2021: 5’-胞苷酸二钠
  • NMPA registration coded.
  • Halal approved (LPPOM-MUI, JMA)
  • Kosher approved (Orthodox Union)
  • Nature-derived index: 1 (ISO 16128 compliant)
  • Non-GMO
  • Non-animal tested
  • Non-palm-derived

 

Join them in Paris at booth 3J50 to explore how the next generation of nucleotide science is revolutionizing the future of dermocosmetics.

Source
Nikko Chemicals