Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Skin Care

Renowned Japanese brewer, Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing, has been in business since 1659, but it was not until 2012 that it introduced a skin care line.


Its skin care is enriched with Junmai Ginjo-shu grade sake (naturally rich in Kojic Acid) alongside Amino Acids, Placenta Extract and Arbutin to protect the skin's moisture barrier for a smoother and plumper complexion.

Name: Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing 菊正宗酒造
Price: RM 26.90 to RM 49.90
Made in: Japan

The low pH Skin Care Cleansing Gel (RM 42.90 for 200 g) melts away sunscreen, base makeup and even heavy point makeup (to my utmost delight). It completely erases stubborn waterproof mascaras, one of them being Majolica Majorca's Lash Expander Frame Plus. This product rinses completely clean and leaves my face feeling refreshed.



The luxurious, dense lather – something of which the Skin Care Wash (RM 39.90 for 200 g) has in spades - makes cleansing an indulgent experience, and not so much a chore. Skin feels comfortable after cleansing - never tight or parched - but you will definitely feel the effects if you don't moisturise after. That said, it could be my ageing skin making a fuss, hurhurhur. Formulated without parabens and sulphates, this foaming cleanser is suitable for all skin types.



There is a saturation of lotions in the market, but Skin Care Lotion (RM 42.90 for 500 ml) can compete with the best of them. The strong aroma that permeates the nostrils, and the room (!!!) can be off-putting though; the best description I can come up with is overripe bananas doused liberally in alcohol. Perhaps you may have a different take? You will need a moisturiser if you plan to wear this, even if you are on the oilier side – it is far too light to be used alone.



The Skin Care High Moist Lotion (RM 49.90 for 500 ml) is the beefed-up version of the regular lotion. It is supplemented with ceramides and even has the distinction of being alcohol-free. The jumbo size means it makes a cost effective mask – pour generously over cotton pads and place over puffy, blotchy face to rehydrate and revive. Despite having a superior ingredients over the the regular version, I prefer the latter because it absorbs completely into the skin, without leaving a film behind like this one does.



Skin Care Emulsion (RM 49.90 for 380 ml) is possibly the most intensely moisturising emulsion that I have used in a while. The results for me were really obvious: long-lasting hydration and plumptious, fresh-looking skin. It is quite brilliant, especially considering the price point! Nonetheless, I have to address the elephant in the room: the mineral oil content. You may have to give the emulsion a miss if you cannot tolerate mineral oil in your skin care products.



I wasn't given the Skin Care Essence (¥ 1,944 for 150 ml) to review, as sales just only began on September 1st in Japan (at least, according to kikumasamune-onlineshop.jp), but I certainly wouldn't mind parting with my own cash if I see it on display at Aeon Wellness or SaSa.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Cleansing Gel:
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Pentylene Glycol, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Carbomer, PEG-20 Glyceryl Isostearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Arbutin, Glutamic Acid, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Leucine, Placental Protein, Arginine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Wash:
Glycerin, Water, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, PEG-6, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Chloride, Decyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Fragrance, Arbutin, Glutamic Acid, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Leucine, Placental Protein, Arginine, Polyquaternium-7, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tocopherol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Lotion:
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Alcohol Denat., Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Methylparaben, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Leucine, Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Placental Protein, Propylparaben.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care High Moist Lotion:
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Maltitol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Placental Protein, Leucine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II.

The full ingredient list for Skin Care Emulsion:
Water, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Arginine, Glycine, Phenoxyethanol, Behenyl Alcohol, PEG-9 Dimethicone, PEG-20 Sorbitan Isostearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glutamic Acid, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Rice Ferment Filtrate (Sake), Fragrance, Potassium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Placental Protein, Leucine, Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phytic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Silver Oxide, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOP.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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