This little-known nose protein might be the reason your skin looks younger

Just like many great discoveries, this one began in the most unexpected place: the nose. For Clé de Peau Beauté, their latest breakthrough was sparked by research into a special protein—odourant-binding protein (OBP)—found in the delicate nerve cells of the olfactory system. Acting as a shield, OBPs protect these nerves from harmful environmental stressors.

But what if this natural defense mechanism also existed elsewhere in the body? That question led Kiyoshi Sato, Chief Technology Officer of Clé de Peau Beauté Laboratory, to study what his team now calls “sensor proteins.” Their research revealed that the very same odourant-binding protein also resides beneath the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer. “We realised that epidermal cells communicate with one another, sharing information about threats and protective cues,” Sato explains. “It was the starting point of what we now call Skin Intelligence.”

At its core, Skin Intelligence is the skin’s innate ability to distinguish positive and negative stimuli—UV rays, pollution, stress—and respond in a way that preserves its barrier function. High Skin Intelligence means resilient, adaptive skin that maintains its natural glow while actively defending itself from environmental and internal stressors.

The new Key Radiance Care (KRC) range builds on these discoveries, empowering skin to not just survive but thrive. By harnessing radiant lily concentrate extracted from petals, the amount of odourant-binding protein in the skin increases, giving it an enhanced ability to filter harmful stimuli while welcoming beneficial ones.

The reformulated KRC range is a masterclass in combining cutting-edge science with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The serum protects youth-sustaining proteins, allowing epidermal stem cells to generate new, healthy skin. 

The lotion incorporates fortified amino ferment, an ingredient sourced from Japanese sake breweries, which mimics the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF) to prevent water loss. “We had to engineer bi-phase molecules to guide these amino acids into the stratum corneum efficiently,” says Sato.

Meanwhile, the day and night emulsion and cream are designed to work with the skin’s circadian rhythms. During the day, elasticity and firmness are preserved; at night, collagen and elastin production is promoted, gradually lifting and toning the facial contours over time.

Science meets tradition 

One of the greatest technical challenges was creating a nutrient-rich ingredient that could surpass conventional rice koji. Clé de Peau Beauté partnered with a koji mold manufacturer with over 110 years of history and a heritage sake brewery with more than a century of expertise in Japan’s fermentation traditions. Together, they tested over 40,000 combinations before arriving at a unique, amino acid–rich rice koji—an ingredient essential for skin nourishment and repair.

“It’s like growing your own tomato versus buying one from the store,” Sato explains. “Daily care builds long-term resilience. When you believe in your skin and invest in it, you unlock its intelligence.”