SEIAW KASEI

What SEIAW KASEI does

SEIWA KASEI Co., Ltd. (株式会社成和化成 / セイワサプライ株式会社) is a privately held Japanese specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1972 and headquartered in Higashiosaka, Osaka. The company develops and supplies proprietary cosmetic ingredients — including protein hydrolysates and their derivatives (Promois sub-brand), next-generation Vitamin C derivatives (iVC / Amitose series), amino-acid-based UV-absorber encapsulation capsules (Silasoma), multi-functional hybrid polymers (Protesil), arginine-glycerin moisturizers (Amitose R), and biomimetic hair conditioning agents (PhytoCuticle / Vegetamide) — to cosmetics, personal care, and beauty product manufacturers globally. In parallel, the affiliated Seiwa Supply (セイワサプライ株式会社) division imports and distributes specialty cosmetic ingredients from international manufacturers including SEPPIC (France) and Ashland (USA, formerly Schülke & Mayr).

Underlying the proprietary portfolio is a chemistry platform built on protein hydrolysate engineering, amino acid derivatives, and biomimetic approaches, with patented technologies supporting differentiated mechanisms such as autophagy-activating brightening (Amitose HGA / Autophager), ceramide promotion, and selective adsorption to damaged hair. Multiple brands (iVC, Botanical Silk, Botanical Keratin, Pore Shot, Wave Canceller, Amino Flora, Ceramide Promoter, Photo Attacker, Autophager, Metasqual Polymer) are protected as registered trademarks, and the technology has been validated by six consecutive BSB Innovation Awards (2018–2024) and the ASCS 2019 Young Scientist Award.

SEIWA KASEI operates a B2B sales-led go-to-market with no direct-to-consumer channels, selling exclusively to cosmetics manufacturers, formulators, and R&D developers through direct sales in Japan, a wholly-owned Shanghai subsidiary (established March 2022), and exclusive distribution agents in India (Western Commercial Corporation), China (COSFA International Trading), and the USA (RITA Corp). Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The company maintains ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, EcoVadis Silver sustainability ratings for four consecutive years (2021–2024), and NATRUE natural-cosmetic certification for select products, and supports demand generation through monthly Zoom-based online ingredient seminars, technical publications at IFSCC and other scientific conferences, a YouTube channel, branded Instagram accounts, and an email newsletter.

Name

SEIAW KASEI

Legal name

株式会社成和化成 / セイワサプライ株式会社

Website

https://seiwakasei.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

SEIWA KASEI is a privately held Japanese specialty chemical manufacturer founded in 1972 that develops and supplies proprietary cosmetic ingredients — protein hydrolysates, vitamin C derivatives, UV encapsulation capsules, and hybrid polymers — to B2B cosmetics manufacturers in Japan, China, India, the USA, and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cosmetic Ingredients

NAICS

Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Personal Care & Cosmetic Ingredients (IMAEABAJ)

Keywords

• Cosmetic raw materials
• Protein hydrolysates
• Vitamin C derivatives
• Hair care ingredients
• Skin care actives

Headquarters

HQ city

Higashi-osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Proprietary Cosmetic Ingredient Sales (成和化成製品): Sale of proprietary cosmetic raw materials including protein hydrolysates (Promois series), Vitamin C derivatives (iVC/Amitose series), UV capsules (Silasoma), hybrid polymers (Protesil), amino acid derivatives (Amitose R, Aminoreact), and other functional ingredients. Sold directly to cosmetics manufacturers and R&D developers.
2. Overseas Specialty Ingredient Distribution (セイワサプライ — 海外取扱製品): Import and distribution of specialty cosmetic ingredients from overseas manufacturers (SEPPIC, Ashland/Schülke&Mayr). Includes emulsifiers, thickeners, emollients, film-forming agents, functional active ingredients, and antimicrobial agents.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SEIWA KASEI manufactures and supplies proprietary cosmetic raw materials—including protein hydrolysates (Promois), vitamin C derivatives (iVC/Amitose), UV-absorbing amino acid capsules (Silasoma), multi-functional hybrid polymers (Protesil), amino acid-glycerin derivatives (Amitose R), and biomimetic hair conditioning agents (PhytoCuticle/Vegetamide)—and distributes imported specialty ingredients (SEPPIC, Ashland) on a B2B basis to cosmetics manufacturers, formulators, and R&D developers worldwide.

Product overview

SEIWA KASEI is a B2B manufacturer and supplier of cosmetic ingredients, operating two divisions: Seiwa Kasei (proprietary products) and Seiwa Supply (imported specialty ingredients). Its proprietary portfolio centers on protein hydrolysates (PPT) and derivatives (Promois sub-brand), proprietary vitamin C derivatives (iVC sub-brand including Amitose DGA, 3GA, 3LGA, HGA, MGA, GCA, R-green), multi-functional hybrid polymers (Protesil), UV-absorbing amino acid capsules (Silasoma), amino acid-glycerin derivatives (Amitose R), biomimetic hair conditioning (PhytoCuticle/Vegetamide), collagen-derived skincare (HAZUMI-HADA), and ester oils (Vistanol). Seiwa Supply distributes SEPPIC products including emulsifiers, thickeners, emollients, and film formers, and Ashland products including antimicrobial agents. The company also sells additional specialty ingredients such as SESAQUA (sesame-derived), BLACK PEARL Extract, HAZUMI-HADA, Aminoreact, and Cuticlekeratin.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• iVC (アイブイシー) Proprietary high-value-added next-generation vitamin C derivative brand developed with patented technology, offering variants that target specific skin concerns such as skin barrier, pore care, brightening/autophagy, anti-photoaging, and emulsification. Sold to cosmetics manufacturers and formulators.
• Promois (プロモイス) Protein hydrolysates (PPT) obtained by hydrolyzing natural proteins and their derivatives, including plant-derived variants such as Botanical Keratin (Promois WJ-SP), Botanical Silk (Promois WR-SP), oil-soluble Promois EJ-118(CT), and Promois WR-CAQ. Used in hair and skin care formulations.
• Silasoma (シラソーマ) Capsule ingredients that encapsulate UV absorbers using the company's proprietary amino acid capsule technology, preventing direct skin contact of UV absorbers for low-irritation sun care formulations with excellent water dispersibility and reduced stickiness. Sold to sun care formulators.
• Protesil (プロテシル) Multi-functional hybrid polymers combining three components: protein hydrolysate (PPT) for hair care, silicone skeleton for smoothness, and alkyl groups for hydrophobicity. Protesil JLH specifically addresses color care and film-hair prevention. Used in hair care formulations.
• Amitose R (アミトース R) Premium moisturizer combining the amino acid arginine with glycerin using proprietary technology. Provides long-lasting moisturizing effects (up to 96 hours for R-green variant) and supports skin microbiome balance by promoting growth of beneficial bacteria. Used in skin, hair, and scalp care.
• PhytoCuticle (フィトキューティクル) / Vegetamide (ベジタミド) Hair conditioning ingredients with a biomimetic structure similar to the F-Layer barrier structure on the hair cuticle surface. Selectively adsorbs to damaged hair areas to restore hydrophobicity, improve combability, and provide quick-dry properties. Used in hair conditioning formulations.
• HAZUMI-HADA (はずみ肌) Skincare ingredient derived from collagen that helps maintain spring-like skin elasticity and firmness. Sold to cosmetics manufacturers for skin care formulations.
• Vistanol (ビスタノール) Ester oils with superior oxidation stability and high safety, used as emollients in skin and hair care formulations. Vistanol GDHR-Pure variant is a 100% plant-derived viscous ester oil functioning as a botanical lanolin and dimethicone alternative.
• Seiwa Supply Emulsifying & Thickening Agents (SEPPIC) Imported and distributed SEPPIC emulsifying and thickening agents that require no dispersion, swelling, neutralization, or heating treatment. Used across skin care, hair care, and sun care applications.
• Seiwa Supply Natural Thickeners (SEPPIC SOLAGUM) Imported and distributed SEPPIC plant-derived thickening agents, including the SOLAGUM and SOLAGUM GM series, which enable preparation of gels with suppressed stringiness. COSMOS, NATRUE, and NMPA approved.
• Seiwa Supply Emulsifiers (SEPPIC MONTANOV) Imported and distributed SEPPIC MONTANOV series of natural, plant-derived, environmentally friendly O/W type emulsifiers for cosmetic formulations.
• Seiwa Supply Emollients (SEPPIC EMOGREEN/EMOSMART) Imported and distributed SEPPIC emollients with excellent biodegradability and pleasant skin feel, including the EMOGREEN, EMOSMART, and Metasqual Polymer (EMOGREEN HP 40) series. Used in skin care, hair care, sun care, and makeup.
• Seiwa Supply Feel Modifiers & Film Formers (SEPPIC) Imported and distributed SEPPIC plant-derived oil-soluble polymers used as feel modifiers and film-forming agents in cosmetic formulations.
• Seiwa Supply Antimicrobial Agents (Ashland sensiva/euxyl) Imported and distributed Ashland (formerly Schülke & Mayr) multifunctional antimicrobial ingredients, including the sensiva and euxyl series, enabling preservation of various cosmetic formulations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96-hour sustained moisturizing effect demonstrated for Amitose R-green
• +2 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ashland (USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 July 2021Ashland acquired Schülke & Mayr's personal care business (previously distributed by SEIWA KASEI). SEIWA KASEI had served as sales agent for Schülke & Mayr's personal care products including antimicrobial ingredients (sensiva, euxyl). Ashland continued producing and shipping products through Schülke & Mayr facilities. No changes to service, product quality, or commercial flow were planned during the transition.
• SEPPIC (France)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSEPPIC is a key international partner supplying specialty cosmetic ingredients distributed by SEIWA KASEI (Seiwa Supply). Products include MONTANOV emulsifier series (plant-derived O/W emulsifiers), SOLAGUM natural thickeners, EMOGREEN/EMOSMART emollients, SIMULQUAT cationic polymers, SEPIMAX ZEN salt-tolerant emulsion-thickeners, and SEPIWHITE MSH QD whitening ingredients. SEPPIC products are featured in SEIWA's virtual booth and sold through SEIWA's distribution network in Japan and Asia.
• Western Commercial Corporation (WCC, India)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive India distribution agent for SEIWA KASEI products at HPCi India and COSMO TECH EXPO India events. Represents SEIWA at booth B4 for HPCi India 2024.
• COSFA International Trading (China)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive China distribution agent for SEIWA KASEI products, operating both Guangzhou and Shanghai offices. Serves SEIWA at PCHi China events.
• RITA Corp (USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive USA distribution agent for SEIWA KASEI products at Suppliers' Day events. Represented SEIWA at booth 855 for Suppliers' Day 2024 in New York.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Evonik Personal Care: Evonik's Personal Care division produces specialty ingredients for skin, hair, and sun care including surfactants, conditioning agents, and active ingredients. As one of the largest global specialty chemical companies, Evonik competes with SEIWA KASEI across multiple ingredient categories but serves a much broader portfolio of personal care and industrial customers.
• Givaudan Active Beauty: Givaudan Active Beauty is the Swiss fragrance and flavor giant's personal care division, producing active cosmetic ingredients and botanical extracts for skin and hair care. It competes with SEIWA KASEI in the premium active ingredients segment but operates as part of a much larger flavor and fragrance portfolio serving multiple end markets.
• Symrise (Diana Personal Care): Symrise's Personal Care division produces cosmetic ingredients including bioactive ingredients, UV filters, and functional ingredients for hair and skin care. As a major German flavor and fragrance conglomerate, Symrise competes with SEIWA KASEI in the specialty cosmetic ingredient space with broader resources and a global sales network.
• Kao Corporation: Kao Corporation is a major Japanese consumer products and chemical company that both produces cosmetic ingredients (in its chemical division) and competes downstream with consumer brands. Like SEIWA KASEI, Kao is Japan-headquartered and serves the Asian cosmetics market, making it a regional comparable for ingredient innovation and customer access.
• Croda International: Croda International is a major UK-based specialty chemical company with a Personal Care division producing ingredients for skin care, hair care, and sun protection. Croda is a broader incumbent competing with SEIWA KASEI's portfolio across conditioning polymers, emollients, UV absorbers, and active ingredients, but operates at much greater scale globally.
• BASF Personal Care: BASF's Personal Care division produces a comprehensive range of cosmetic ingredients including surfactants, conditioning polymers, UV filters, bioactive ingredients, and pigments. As one of the largest global chemical companies, BASF competes broadly with SEIWA KASEI across most cosmetic ingredient categories with significantly greater R&D and manufacturing resources.

Direct peers

• Ashland: Ashland is a US-based specialty chemical company with a Personal Care division producing cosmetic ingredients including antimicrobial agents, conditioning polymers, and bioactive ingredients. Ashland acquired Schülke & Mayr's personal care business (previously distributed by SEIWA KASEI) and serves the same B2B cosmetics manufacturer customer base with overlapping ingredient categories.
• SEPPIC: SEPPIC (a subsidiary of Air Liquide) is a French specialty cosmetic ingredient manufacturer producing emulsifiers, thickeners, emollients, and active ingredients. SEPPIC is both a direct partner (SEIWA KASEI distributes its products in Japan/Asia) and a directly comparable peer, as both companies serve cosmetics manufacturers with specialty functional ingredients across hair care, skin care, and sun care.
• Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (IFF): Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, part of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), develops and manufactures specialty cosmetic ingredients including phospholipids, proteins, and active ingredients for skin and hair care. It is directly comparable to SEIWA KASEI in serving cosmetics manufacturers with proprietary functional ingredients backed by clinical claims.

Regional players

• Toyobo Co., Ltd. Toyobo is a Japanese specialty chemical and materials company producing functional polymers, biotechnology products, and specialty materials. While focused more on industrial applications than SEIWA KASEI, Toyobo is a comparable Japanese specialty chemical manufacturer that has expanded into cosmetic and personal care functional ingredients, serving the same Asian cosmetics manufacturer customer base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses3 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfi6ImbF6e1AZB4sltzjONg
• Instagraminstagram.com/ivc_seiwa_official
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/seiwa-kasei

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SEIAW KASEI