Molecular Mechanisms of Sensory Perception on Skin Surface and the Applications for Cosmetics

Twenty years ago, we never imagined that one molecule could sense temperature and sensory irritations by cosmetics on the skin. In 1997, it was discovered that an ion channel called TRPV1 responded to not only high temperature but also capsaicin, which dramatically changed our understanding of sensory perception on the skin. We have clarified that TRPA1, which was found in 2003, is related to sensory irritation by various ingredients. In addition, I mention examples of applications to cosmetics.