Press

I was at a dinner to celebrate the U.S. launch of Sophistance, a Japanese skin care brand whose products are rooted in two main ingredients (yuzu extract and rice fermentation), when the founder covertly handed me a tube of the brand’s sunscreen, like it was contraband.

Japanese skincare brand Sophistance has made its US debut through Shiko Beauty Collective. The brand’s four anti-aging products- a serum toner, anti-aging milk, nourishing cream, and eye cream- are all available to shop on Shiko Beauty Collective’s website.

Japanese skincare is starting to make waves in the U.S., imbuing a sense of ancient ritualism and modern innovation into all of our beauty routines. Sophistance has officially made its stateside debut, introducing a core line of four (which is totally manageable) anti-aging formulations designed to support the skin’s microbiome and regenerate the skin.

Japanese fermentation skincare brand SOPHISTANCE has recently entered the US market and started selling online. They've signed a sales agency contract with Mitsui & Co. USA (headquartered in New York) and will be sold on the company's e-commerce platform Shiko Beauty, which features select Japanese skincare brands.

I first discovered the eco-friendly, plant-powered company Nemohamo through Japanese skincare retailer Shiko (a great resource if you’re looking for brands that can be a little inaccessible). On my recent trip to Japan, I saw Nemohamo at every luxury turn; I hope their omnipresence trickles west soon. I love love love their booster oil, but I suggest pairing it with their ginseng lotion in this duo pack for a one-two punch of anti-aging.

Dassai Facial Mask: This Japanese beauty-inspired mask is another one of Smith’s favorites, thanks to its ability to gently balance and hydrate the skin while you use it. “It’s highly moisturizing, helps brighten the skin, and works well in any season,” she says.

“This innovation is seen in Dr. Medion’s Spaoxy Gel Mask, an effective CO2 mask that utilizes carbonic acid to promote skin health and rejuvenation,” says Kyoko Getz, Director of Education at Shiko Beauty Collective.

This spa-grade cooling effervescent mask, made by mixing gel and powder, leads to firm, plump, hydrated skin and brings out the skin’s natural ability to provide a captivatingly taut and smooth appearance. Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel is available at Shiko Beauty Collective, the only marketplace offering unique, high-quality, expert-tested Japanese skincare products.

Featuring Shiko’s best-selling Dassai face mask & oil-in lotion combination for the instantly glowing firm, and hydrated glass skin. This holiday, the set comes with a 100% hand-crafted, unscented, all-natural soy candle. The candle comes in a recycled premium Japanese sake bottle.

In accordance with a deeply held belief that simple, botanical-based formulations are as harmonious with nature as with time-honored rituals around self-care, the Shiko Beauty Collective curates the best clean Japanese cleansing balms, essences, moisturizers, and masks.

Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin may benefit quite a bit from exploring all that J-beauty has to offer. “They tend to have pH-balanced formulas rather than strong acids or retinoids that can be beneficial but also cause a host of other problems—like redness or barrier dysfunction,” explains Tracy O’Connor, director of Shiko Beauty Collective, a U.S.-based J-beauty retailer.

When layering serums, you want to go from thinnest to heaviest. Esthetician Kyoko Getz says, “The rule of thumb when using multiple serums is to apply the lightest and fast-absorbing serums first, then layer on the thicker, more occlusive ones to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness of all your skincare products.”

So how often is too often? To answer that question, we tapped KilgourMD founder and Stanford University dermatology resident Dr. James Kilgour, M.D., and Kyoko Getz, director of education for Shiko Beauty Collective.

In general, serum toners can work for any skin type, including those with sensitive skin. Dr. Khanna also mentions, they can be especially useful for those with dry skin. Kyoko Getz, director of education at Shiko Beauty, echoes this, noting that serum toners can provide an extra boost of hydration and nourishment to the skin.

To further explain the differences between Asian-made and American-made sunscreens, we tapped esthetician Kyoko Getz, director of education at Shiko Beauty. Read on and discover a few of our favorite Asian sunscreens worth adding to your cart.

Esthetician Kyoko Getz prefers L-ascorbic acid, otherwise known as pure vitamin C. Getz shares that while the formula is potent, “it requires low pH formulations (normally less than pH 3.5, which can cause irritation).” This means that those with sensitive skin types can benefit from “starting with a lower-concentration formulation.”

“Many brands in Japan use advanced UV filters and innovative technology to make sunscreen hypoallergenic and multifunctional, meaning it can nourish your skin, moisturize, protect your skin from pollution, and even work like a primer,” explains licensed esthetician Kyoko Getz.

"This serum from Nemohamo has become a lifesaver for my chapped, dull skin. It has a milky consistency that feels nourishing as soon as I apply it, and it gives my skin a luminous glow that lasts all day. It’s made with natural ingredients like Panax ginseng, glycerin, and shea butter to hydrate and keep my skin barrier protected, so it almost feels like I’m taking a daily vitamin for my complexion".

Crafted with a high-grade, innovative rice fermented technology developed by Japan’s esteemed Ishii Clinic, this natural fermented liquid delivers unparalleled hydration and firming benefits, with a refreshing, cool sensation that feels ultra-soothing once applied on the skin. A part of the brand’s three-step skincare regimen, the calming gel cream provides exceptional moisture for both day and night.

Shikō developed an exclusive brick and mortar partnership in April 2024 with STRIIIKE, a Beverly Hills-based hair and beauty studio. This preceded the June 2024 launch of Maison KOSÉ, the first standalone store in the U.S. that showcases KOSÉ Corporation’s portfolio of leading Japanese cosmetics brands.

Shiko Beauty and Dr. ISHII have introduced the Miracle Broth Collection, a groundbreaking skincare line formulated with the transformative power of rice extract fermentation. Harnessing centuries-old wisdom and cutting-edge science, this collection represents a fusion of tradition and innovation for unparalleled skincare results.

Duo Matcha Cleansing Balm: Matcha isn’t just a delicious drink—it’s also calming for skin, especially sensitive types, and provides a soothing scent. That’s why it takes center stage in this Japanese cleansing balm that removes all impurities, makeup and pollution. The formula is rounded out with yuzu ceramide and peony root extract to boost barrier function and hydrate. $40, shikobeauty.com

"Seiso" means “clean, tidy, and elegant" and is a luxury Japanese brand that lives up to its meaning. Aiming to be an alternative to American skincare, aggressive ingredients, and trend-focused beauty, Seiso's streamlined skincare routine is rooted in Japanese beauty and aesthetics, advanced formulation, and completely made in Japan.

From beauty and apparel to food, there are many ways to shop and support AAPI-owned brands, and Jennifer Chan highlights a few of the many. For more on these AAPI-owned brands, visit JennChanGlam.com and follow her on Instagram @JenniferChanGlam. This segment aired on the KTLA 5 Morning News on May 10, 2024.

In this Q&A, we learned more about Shiko Beauty Collective’s unique positioning in the US cosmetics and personal care product spaces, the brand’s curation process, emphasis on Japanese beauty principles, and commitment to cultural representation in beauty.

NEMOHAMO Booster Oil: “I'm obsessed with this face oil to the point where I don't think I can live without it,” says Lara. “I use it every night before bed and it completely moisturizes my skin and leaves it feeling so soft. I’ve honestly used it on my body and hair as well.”

"Lately, I've been loving the Renée Rouleau Elderberry Soothing Toner and the Dassai Oil in Moisturizing Lotion. I then stick them on my face to create a DIY sheet mask. It's a trick I picked up from a Korean skincare expert, and it's a brilliant way to hydrate the skin. It's also more budget-friendly than using sheet masks all the time." — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor

Seiso JBeauty The Experience Kit: Seiso JBeauty enlists a refreshingly minimalist approach to skincare by harnessing the powerhouse properties of Japanese Koji in an innovative ceramide concentrate that replenishes essential moisture, reduces inflammation, and helps fight against environmental aggressors.

Nemohamo’s Cleansing Oil is a multitasking wonder that brightens and firms skin as it gently cleanses and exfoliates. Ginseng root and plant extracts offer a boost in elasticity; rice bran oil, Japanese Yuzu oil, and japonica seed oil support barrier strength and hydration.