- Keshosui化粧水 · lotion
- The hydrating liquid applied straight after cleansing. Despite the English translation 'lotion', it is watery rather than creamy, and it is patted in and left on rather than wiped off like a Western toner.
- Nyueki乳液 · emulsion
- A light milky moisturiser applied after lotion and serum. It seals in the hydrating layers without the weight of a cream, and is the standard moisturising step in a Japanese routine.
- Biyoueki美容液 · serum or essence
- A concentrated treatment step applied between lotion and emulsion. Japanese serums are usually targeted at a single concern such as hydration, brightening or firmness.
- Bihaku美白 · brightening
- Products aimed at evenness of tone and the appearance of dark spots, generally by limiting melanin production. It refers to clarity and evenness rather than lightening the skin's natural colour.
- Iyakubugaihin医薬部外品 · quasi-drug
- A regulated category between cosmetics and medicines. It means the product contains an approved active ingredient at an approved concentration for a stated purpose, with regulated wording on the claim.
- Tokuho特定保健用食品 · food for specified health uses
- A food category whose health claim has been individually approved by the Japanese government on the basis of clinical evidence. It carries a distinctive mark on the packaging.
- Sappariさっぱり · light finish
- A texture description meaning fresh and light, leaving no tackiness. Usually the version of a product intended for humid weather, oilier skin, or summer use.
- Shittoriしっとり · moist finish
- A texture description meaning moist and cushioned. Usually the version intended for dry skin, dry air and winter, and the counterpart to a sappari version of the same product.
- Sunscreen PA ratingPA+ to PA++++
- Japan's UVA protection scale, printed alongside SPF. More plus signs indicate greater protection against the wavelengths associated with ageing and pigmentation.
- Hatomugiはとむぎ · Job's tears
- A grain extract used widely in inexpensive Japanese lotions for lightweight hydration and a soothing, non-greasy finish. Common in large-volume drugstore products.
- Kome / rice ferment米発酵液 · rice ferment filtrate
- A fermented rice liquid rich in amino acids, used across price tiers for hydration and skin softening. One of the ingredients most associated with Japanese skincare.
- Tsubaki椿油 · camellia oil
- Camellia seed oil, traditionally used in Japan for hair and skin. Light for an oil, high in oleic acid, and common in cleansing oils and final-step treatments.
- Sake kasu酒粕 · sake lees
- The residue left after sake brewing, used in masks and lotions for its amino acids and enzymes. A traditional ingredient with a distinctive fermented scent.
- W-cleansingダブル洗顔 · double cleanse
- The two-step cleansing method: an oil or balm to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, followed by a water-based wash. Some products are labelled as not requiring it.
