I bought this product before being aware of this ingredient because my eyes zoned in on the ceramides so high up on the list… and my point is, I am guilty for not taking a closer look at the ingredient list.

And that's when I came across Kikumasamune on a Reddit forum where the lotion (essentially a watery toner) and the emulsion (a light moisturiser) were highly rated. Lotion containing sake* (rice fermentation liquid, moisturising ingredient) that moisturises and conditions the skin. Kikumasamune High Moist Toner is a decent affordable toner, it is hydrating, a bit brightening, and made my skin softer. The reason being, is that if you've already cleansed thoroughly, you won't need the cotton pad to remove any residue, so instead they simply pat them in.

It also gives a really nice brightening effect, and having used this for a couple of weeks now, I've noticed that my skin has this sheen to it, that I only ever used to get when applying oil to my skin. Their High Moist Lotion, the ethanol-free version of their regular skin care lotion, is a watery, toner-type product. It lightens post-acne scars, deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin, and in as little as a week, the quality of my skin never looked better. Well, legend has it, that SK-II was developed by Japanese scientists investigating why it was that elderly workers on the production line at a sake brewery had smooth, youthful looking hands. Although that moisture feels wonderful and does seem to help keep my skin soft, I kind of feel like it may prevent the products I apply afterwards from absorbing as effectively.

Even if I run out of my holy grail products, having this massive bottle in my routine will be more than enough. But why would anyone even think of using an alcoholic beverage to form the basis of a skincare product then, I hear you ask?Today, the brand is well-known for its commitment to an ancient method of producing quality sake, which took top place in three cities for a nation-wide poll.