Notes

[alt text]

A young girl in a formal coat and scarf standing in front of a plain background faces the viewer. A ribbon in her chest pocket and strands of her hair are lifted by wind.

[transcription]

Several years ago, a remarkable discovery was unveiled by Ajinomoto. Acylglutamate, an amino-acid based surfactant gentle enough to apply to even the most delicate and sensitive skin. The kind of skin every woman on earth is born with. The kind of skin she dreams of having last for a lifetime.

Now that dream is closer to coming true. Due to its low-irritation property and weak acidity, Acylglutamate has been eagerly welcomed by leading drug and cosmetic manufacturers for use in facial soaps, shampoos and cleansing foams. And with astounding marketing success.

Of course, it's only logical. Beauty is a gift that's granted only once. Wanting to preserve it for a lifetime is, well, only natural.

AJINOMOTO CO., INC.

Ajinomoto U.S.A., Inc.: New York, N.Y. 10019
Deutsche Ajinomoto GmbH: Grosse Bleichen 12, Hamburg 36

[additional notes] - Violet Webber

The soft, natural appearance of the ad reinforces themes of gentleness and purity. The use of a young girl centers the ad around youth and untouched, natural beauty. Her skin has not been altered by age or the environment.

The ad claims that Acylglutamate is gentle enough to preserve rather than strip away natural beauty. This narrative frames beauty as something that people are born with, positioning the surfactant as a means of maintaining that idealized state.

There is a contrast between the amino acid chemistry discussed in the text and the childhood innocence in the visual aid.