If you are not new to the skincare game, you probably know some of the cult favorites from Reddit. One product that is constantly mentioned in the Reddit community is the Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion. Since I typically like rice and fermented products, will this toner impress me? In this post, I will review the Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion to see if it is worth the hype.
Brand: Kikumasamune
Brand Story
Kikumasamune is a traditional 360-year-old Japanese sake brewery. However, in 2012, they began selling a lactic acid toner using the byproduct from sake fermentation. Their products became so popular that they expanded their range to include emulsions, creams, face washes, cleansers, and more.
What is the Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion?
Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion is a sake-based toner, often referred to as a fermented rice drink. The sake used in this lotion is high-quality Junmai Ginjo sake from the Kikumasamune brewery. Sake is rich in amino acids, making it beneficial for the skin. The toner is highly moisturizing, making it suitable for dry and rough skin.
Claims
Hydrate & Smooth Skin
The lotion contains ceramides and amino acids to hydrate and smooth your skin.
Brighten & Even Skin
With ingredients like kojic acid and arbutin, this toner aims to brighten and even out skin tone.
How to Use the Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion
Like most Asian toners, apply it right after cleansing. You can use a toner pad or simply pat the toner into your skin with your hands.
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Rice Fermented Liquid, Glutamic Acid, Arginine, Leucine, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 II, Placenta Extract, Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Soy Protein, Maltitol, Methyl Gluceth-10, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Sodium Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Perfume.
Sake as an Anti-aging Ingredient
Should You Include Sake in Your Skincare Routine?
Sake is a promising skincare ingredient, especially for anti-aging. It contains kojic acid, which brightens the skin, and alpha-d-glycosylgycerol, which helps improve skin elasticity and contributes to a youthful appearance. The famous SK-II toner, although not technically a sake toner, was inspired by the youthful hands of sake brewers.
My Thoughts – Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion Review
I love rice and fermented products, such as the I’m From Rice Toner and Neogen Real Ferment Toner. These products are effective for my skin, and research supports the anti-aging benefits of rice ferment.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Effects
While I haven’t seen dramatic changes yet, my skin feels more hydrated, softer, and slightly brighter. However, the lotion leaves a tacky feeling on my skin.
The Smell
A major downside is the smell. Some people describe it as smelling like feet. To me, it smells more like sake, which might be off-putting for some users.
Is It a Game-Changer?
I wouldn’t call it a game-changer, but it’s an affordable toner that can benefit your skin over time. The only major drawback is the strong smell, but the ingredients make it worth considering for hydration, brightness, and softness.
Kikumasamune vs Other Toners
Kikumasamune vs Naturie Hatamogi
Kikumasamune is a sake-based toner, while Naturie Hatamogi uses coix seed extract. Kikumasamune is better for anti-aging, while Naturie Hatamogi is a reliable, simple toner, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Kikumasamune vs Hada Labo
Kikumasamune is focused on anti-aging benefits with sake, while Hada Labo toners are based on hyaluronic acid and prioritize hydration. Both toners are hydrating and slightly sticky, but if anti-aging is your goal, Kikumasamune is the better option.
Overview
- Price: $15
- Rating: 4/5
- Repurchase?: Maybe. It’s a great, affordable anti-aging toner.
- Skin Types: Suitable for all skin types
- Did it worsen fungal acne?: Not that I noticed
- Where to Buy: Available on YesStyle and Amazon
Conclusion
Would I repurchase it? Maybe. The Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion is a decent, affordable option that hydrates, brightens, and softens the skin. However, I don’t think it can replace my holy grail toners like the I’m From Rice Toner or Neogen Real Ferment Toner. It’s a good mid-day hydration boost, but the smell might be an issue for some people.
