Notes
(Note 1) Dengue fever: A disease transmitted by mosquito bites. It causes a sudden onset of high fever, and symptoms such as rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, some patients become severely ill and develop complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal if not treated promptly and appropriately at an early stage. (Source: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare webpage - "Mosquito-borne Infectious Diseases" https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164483.html)
(Note 2) Malaria: A disease transmitted by mosquitoes carrying malaria parasites. It is endemic in more than 100 countries, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 200 million people contract malaria annually, leading to 2 million deaths. (Source: National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan- "What is Malaria?" https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/ja/diseases/ma/malaria.html)
Dengue Fever Countermeasure: "Bioré GUARD Moss Block Serum" to Protect Skin from Mosquitoes
Kao Corporation
| Publication date | May 13, 2024 (Posted on May 23, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Sector | Human Health / Industrial and Economic Activities |
Company Overview
Kao Corporation develops its consumer products business in five business fields: Hygiene and Living Care, Health and Beauty Care, Life Care, Cosmetics, and Chemical Business. In the Chemical Business, the company offers a wide range of products tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries. Through these business activities, Kao aims to contribute to the creation of a sustainable, prosperous and harmonious world.
Climate Change Impacts
In recent years, global warming has expanded the regions where mosquitoes can thrive. Mosquitoes are the deadliest creatures for humans, as they transmit serious infectious diseases such as dengue fever (Note 1) and malaria (Note 2). Dengue fever, in particular, has long been a social problem in Southeast Asia and other regions. Moreover, the number of infections is increasing worldwide, causing serious harm to many people.
Adaptation Initiatives
We have developed a technology by creating a skin surface mosquitoes dislike, making it repellent to mosquitoes and preventing them from landing and biting. Using this technology, we developed "Bioré GUARD Moss Block Serum" (Fig.1), which was launched in Thailand in June 2022 and won the Nikkei Superior Products and Services Award for Best Product of 2022. In 2024, we began sales in Singapore and have since expanded to Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (as of May 2025).
This product utilizes technology that prevents mosquitoes from remaining on the skin and inhibits blood sucking when low-viscosity silicone oil is applied (Fig. 2). Unlike conventional insect repellents, this innovative approach focuses on the microscopic structure of mosquito legs. This unique mechanism offers a new perspective on mosquito protection technology. Alongside the launch of Bioré GUARD Moss Block Serum, we initiated the "GUARD OUR FUTURE Project" (Fig. 3) aimed at protecting future generations from mosquito-borne diseases. In Thailand, we are promoting various initiatives in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, local communities, and universities. These efforts include public awareness campaigns, field trials, and research activities on dengue fever with a focus on Thailand, and other regions in Southeast Asia.
Effects/Expected Benefits
Bioré GUARD Moss Block Serum helps protect the skin from mosquito bites and contributes to protecting people from mosquito-borne infectious diseases. It has also been highly praised for having no strong odor or stickiness, making it as comfortable and safe to use as a body lotion.
In addition, by expanding our sales area in Southeast Asia, we will deliver our products to more people and, in collaboration with various initiatives such as the 'GUARD OUR FUTURE Project,' actively promote the resolution of social issues such as the impact of dengue fever.
- Kao Corporation
- Kao Corporation "GUARD OUR FUTURE: Saving Future Lives from Dengue Fever, an Infectious Disease Spread by Mosquitoes"
- Kao Corporation "Technology for Preventing Mosquito Bites Developed by Creating a Skin Surface Mosquitoes Dislike – Protecting Against Mosquito-borne Infectious Disease–" (December 9, 2020)
- Kao Corporation "News Release: Kao Launches Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum, a Newly-developed Mosquito Repellent Product in Thailand -Also implementing the full scale launch of the #GUARD OUR FUTURE’ project to save future lives from mosquitoes" (June 15, 2022)
- Kao Corporation "Expanding the ‘GUARD OUR FUTURE’ Project to "protect future lives from mosquito-borne diseases – Bioré GUARD Moss Block Lotion Go on Sale in Singapore (February 26, 2024)
