Shiseido: Cleansers and Lotions

Empower the skin. That is the cornerstone of J-Beauty according to Shiseido.

While the cosmetic approach in the West often involves finding a solution to a problem, Shiseido believes in anticipating the problem with products that increase the skin's intrinsic powers. Boosting its defences against the passing of time, a hectic lifestyle and environmental aggressors, while also maintaining its maximum ability to regenerate itself. Already initiated with the Ultimune range and the Power Infusing Concentrate in particular, Shiseido’s skin defence system has been reinforced with this new range of cleansers and lotions that form part of a ritual that perfectly reflects J-Beauty's unique preventative approach.

Designed according to the Japanese tradition of double cleansing, this line is based on two steps 

The first step is a cleanser that removes impurities, which are aggressive on skin. 

The second step is a lotion that strengthens the skin barrier. A process that draws inspiration from the ancestral Japanese purification ritual, which consists of taking a shower to cleanse the skin before bathing in an Onsen, a hot water spring full of minerals, to eliminate toxins, boost the skin's defences and soften it deep down. As always with Shiseido, the range intelligently combines traditional ingredients and cutting edge technology to support the skin's defence system on top of everything else.

Shiseido’s obsession: relying on new scientific discoveries to develop tomorrow’s skincare. In terms of skin immunity, Shiseido has been working closely with CBRC (Cutaneous Biology Research Center) at Massachusetts General Hospital for 30 years to uncover its mysteries. This is how Shiseido researchers came to focus on Langerhans cells, which we know more and more about every day thanks to scientific advances. These sentinel cells are found in the epidermis and protect the skin against external aggressions by warning the skin’s entire defence system and helping to neutralise these aggressions. It has now been discovered that when exposed to too much stress or if the skin barrier is damaged, these cells retreat into the skin's deepest layers and no longer fulfil their role as the skin’s “shield”. Especially sensitive to oxidation, the passing of time and faced with multiple attacks, their defensive powers are reduced.

Already initiated with Ultimune, the iconic serum with 38 patents, Shiseido's skin defence strategy has been reinforced with this new essential range, the guardian of the skin's natural defence system. Thanks to InternalPowerResist technology, this range of two-step cleansers and lotions gets rid of prooxidative factors and restores the skin barrier to protect and support the Langerhans cells. When immersed in an optimal environment, these cells fulfil their defensive potential. Mineral Water from the Kirishima Spring can be found at the heart of all the cleansers and lotions. Perfectly pure, this legendary water from Japan has just the right balance of essential minerals for the skin: potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium. This beneficial water adds Ca2+ ions to the skin, which spread out underneath the stratum corneum. The ionic gradient that occurs encourages the differentiation of keratinocytes into corneocytes, which are key components of the stratum corneum and vital for reinforcing the barrier function.

The range’s star ingredient, rice germ oil, combines active ingredients found in rice bran and its root. This ingredient has cleansing as well as antioxidant properties and purifies the pores, sensitive areas with many Langerhans cells where pollutants and oxidised sebum can become trapped. Combined with mild surfactants and ingredients that form a protective layer, this oil seals in the skin’s moisture and creates a more favourable environment for the proper functioning of the skin’s defence system. Tested under dermatological control, the cleansers are suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive. Each product has an unprecedented galenic formula as well as specific ingredients to meet the exact needs of targeted skin types. 

The lotions contain witch hazel extract with powerful antioxidant properties that help to maintain the healthy functioning of Langerhans cells. They also contain an extract from the Mukurossi fruit to inhibit Heparanase enzyme activity, which plays a role in the appearance of wrinkles. Finally, Lempuyang root extract slows down Tyrosinase enzyme activity, which controls melanin production. More than just lotions, these anti-ageing skincare products guarantee 24 hours of moisture (instrumental measurement on 10 volunteers), while also helping to strengthen the skin, maintain its balance, improve its texture and prevent the first signs of aging. There are two versions, formulated for each skin type with a selection of specific ingredients.


A therapeutic scent.

A signature of J-Beauty and Shiseido cosmetics in particular, refined, delicate and evanescent textures combined with aromatherapy scents transform every skincare routine into a true moment for yourself. Shiseido cleansers and lotions release a green floral scent that evokes nature and fresh air. At the heart of the fragrance, the ImuCalmTM complex, an essence derived from lotus that is already featured in Ultimune products, reduces the production of stress hormones and strengthens the skin's barrier function.


The range.


Extra Rich Cleansing Milk 125mL

With a slightly acidic pH that’s kind to dry and sensitive skin, this cleanser gently eliminates impurities including oxidised sebum. It also maintains the skin's moisture for longer and preserves its natural defences.

The formula: Mineral water from the Kirishima spring is reinforced by hyaluronic acid and Yuzu seed extract to guarantee optimal moisture levels. While rice germ oil gets rid of free radicals, TMG from beet sugar eliminates impurities and leaves skin feeling soft and fresh.

The ritual: Morning and evening, release a pump of this creamy lotion into the palm of your hand. Add some warm water and work into a soft and airy lather. Rinse thoroughly. The skin appears clean, supple and smooth, protected by an invisible layer of softness.

Clarifying Cleansing Foam 125mL

Designed for all dull and dehydrated skin, it gently eliminates impurities, maintains the skin's moisture for longer and preserves its natural defences. By absorbing sebum and getting rid of a build up of dead skin cells, it boosts the skin’s radiance.

The formula: The synergy of mineral water from the Kirishima spring, hyaluronic acid and Yomogi extract, a plant in the Japanese pharmacopoeia, maintains the skin’s moisture balance and helps to reduce surface roughness. White clay absorbs the remaining pollutants and dead skin cells, while Micro White powder eliminates dead skin cells to reveal the skin's radiance. Together with a beet sugar extract called TMG, rice germ oil protects the skin from oxidative factors and leaves it soft, luminous and fresh.

The ritual: Morning and evening, release a drop of this immaculate cream into the palm of your hand. Add some warm water and work into a rich and creamy lather that gently envelopes the skin. Rinse thoroughly. Skin looks radiant, perfectly clean, fresh and glowing. 

Deep Cleansing Foam 125mL

Developed for combination to oily skin, which is sometimes prone to blemishes, it eliminates impurities deep down, frees the pores and gets rid of imperfections. Not to mention its ability to maintain the skin's moisture and preserve its natural defences.

The formula: Still infused with mineral water from the Kirishima spring, it features cleansing granules to eliminate dead skin cells and the slightest trace of pollutants, as well as a powder to absorb sebum and prevent shine. Day after day, peony root extract helps to regulate sebum production and calm lipase* enzyme activity, which oxidises sebum, to prevent imperfections. Finally, rice germ oil consolidates hydration and gets rid of free radicals*, together with beet sugar extract.

The ritual: Morning and evening, release a drop of this immaculate cream speckled with tiny bluish granules into the palm of your hand. Add some warm water and work into a light and fluffy lather. Rinse thoroughly. The skin is revealed: fresh, clean and free from any excess shine.

Treatment Softener 125mL

Designed for normal, combination and oily skin, this fresh and lightweight lotion penetrates the outer layers of the epidermis to rehydrate the skin, strengthen its barrier function and support its defence system.

The formula: Infused with mineral water from the Kirishima spring, this 24-hour hydrating lotion (instrumental test on 10 volunteers) contains Yomogi extract, which helps to soften the skin and reveal its radiance. Serine, an amino acid that is naturally present in NMF, encourages the enzyme activity that triggers the desquamation of corneocytes, leaving room for fresher and healthier cells to appear. A second amino acid, theanine, helps to counteract the inflammatory action of unsaturated fatty acids in sebum on pores. They are left looking clean, unblocked and tightened.

The ritual: Morning and evening, after cleansing, press the pump three times to soak a cotton pad with this silky dew. Wipe delicately all over the face to plump up and smooth the skin, while also blurring imperfections and fine lines. In short, reveal a fresh and glowing complexion.

Treatment Softener 125mL

Specifically developed for normal, dry and very dry skin, this fresh and silky lotion saturates the outer layers of the epidermis to rehydrate the skin, strengthen its barrier function and support its defence system.

The formula: Infused with mineral water from the Kirishima spring, this 24-hour hydrating lotion releases Primrose extract. Rich in linoleic acid, this extract has an emollient effect and plumps up the skin, leaving it soft to the touch. Serine, an amino acid present in NMF, encourages the epidermis to exfoliate itself and reveal fresher and healthier cells completely naturally. Finally, Yuzu seed extract seals in moisture at the heart of the epidermis.

How to use: Morning and evening, after cleansing, press the pump three times to soak a cotton pad with this beneficial source. Wipe delicately all over the face to soften the skin, get rid of any trace of dryness and plump up fine lines caused by dehydration. In short, reveal a fresh and glowing complexion. Enriched 125mL