3 skincare brands you can only buy in Japan — one of them was designed by a Taiwanese girl

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Compiled report and photography

When shopping in Japan, many female travelers consider beauty and skincare products a must-buy. These exquisitely packaged items are perfect for treating yourself or gifting to family and friends. Below are three Japanese skincare brands that you can only find in Japan—one of which was even designed by a Taiwanese woman and has won the Gold Award in the Cleansing Category of Japan’s prestigious Cosme Best Cosmetics Awards.

▲ The organic skincare brand IKIIKI BOTANICS, founded by a Taiwanese woman. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

1.IKIIKI BOTANICS
“IKIIKI BOTANICS” is an organic skincare brand founded by Taiwanese woman Tsao Tianqing. With a concept centered around a new form of oil-extracted skincare, the brand offers products themed around plant oils and essential oils. From product development to copywriting and packaging, Tsao managed everything on her own. Starting with online sales, she built a skincare brand in Japan that stays true to her philosophy.

▲ The organic skincare brand IKIIKI BOTANICS, founded by a Taiwanese woman, occasionally holds pop-up shops in Tokyo. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

The most iconic product of “IKIIKI BOTANICS” is its refreshing, naturally scented facial cleansing soap, which has outshined many other skincare brands. It was ranked 3rd on the rapidly rising chart in the facial soap category by Japan’s most trusted beauty ranking website “@COSME AWARD” and also won the Gold Award in the Cleansing Category of the Best Cosmetics Awards by renowned Japanese beauty expert Yukirin.

Currently, the products can only be purchased online, but IKIIKI BOTANICS also occasionally sets up limited-time pop-up stores in department stores such as NEWoMan. For details, check their Facebook page.

▲ %The Ginza store in Japan. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

2.THE GINZA
“THE GINZA” is Shiseido’s highest-end skincare brand, currently available only in Japan, and is one of the favorite skincare brands among Japanese ladies.

“THE GINZA” is known for its ability to suit all skin types, and all its products are made using mineral water from Tuscany, Italy. Even renowned makeup artist Kevin has highly recommended it. Its counters can be found in duty-free shops at major international airports in Japan.

▲ The French brand “SERGE LUTENS” is best known for its perfumes. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

In addition, some THE GINZA stores also carry the luxurious French brand “SERGE LUTENS.” The entire range of perfumes, infused with French romantic charm, is the most popular item. Female travelers who love this brand shouldn’t miss looking for it while in Japan.

▲ The MYV Premium Series of Sekkisei. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

3. Sekkisei MYV Premium Series
The MYV Premium Series is the top-tier line of Sekkisei, launched in September 2016. It is exclusive to Japanese department stores and not available at regular drugstores. Currently, it can only be purchased at three locations in Japan: Kintetsu Department Store Osaka, Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Ikebukuro in Tokyo. Although the series has now entered the Taiwanese market, with the depreciation of the Japanese yen, it is still worth purchasing while traveling in Japan—suitable as gifts for your mother or partner.