Kose Sekkisei Lotion
Sometime back, I gushed quite crazily about Kose Sekkisei Lotion Mask. Technically, it’s just a pill mask that you soak in the Kose Sekkisei Lotion then apply on your face.
This time I’m going to give a more thorough review of the lotion itself.
I hit pan on my first bottle of this wonderful toner a few days back, and I must say I was so afraid to run out of it that I bought a replacement a day before it would be completely used up. This is one thing that I can easily source from Adam Beauty but would rather buy locally. Honestly, I think the waiting time would drive me crazy.
I seriously cannot live without this product. But I guess I’m jumping the gun.
So what exactly is Kose Sekkisei Lotion?
First of all, it’s not a lotion at all. The Japanese tend to call their toners “lotions”, which can be quite confusing as Western brands call light moisturizers “lotions”, too. To make it really confusing, take note that the Japanese will also use term “lotion” — often times preceded by the word “milky” — to describe light formulation moisturizers or even essences.
Confused yet?
Essentially, what you need to know about Kose Sekkisei Lotion is that it mostly works as a pre-toner. It’s not the usual toner we get from Western brands. You don’t use it to remove the remainder of dirt and makeup that might still be lurking on your face after washing. Neither does it promise smaller pores. Rather, this Japanese toner is a preparation for the skin. It helps the skin absorb the moisturizers and vitamins and whatnot that we apply afterwards.
Apart from prepping the skin, Kose Sekkisei Lotion also minimizes blemishes and soothes the skin. Also, it helps whiten your skin tone. I guess I should clarify that you’re still not going to get fair all of a sudden if you’re tan. Rather, you get brighter, healthier-looking skin with steady use of this toner.
Because, as I mentioned, it’s not an ordinary toner, this is usually applied using a REALLY saturated cotton pad that is then lightly patted all over the face. I do this until the cotton gets dried up. You can also use the pill masks and soak them in the lotion for a nice treatment.
This manner of using the product can be quite expensive, as it uses a ton of the toner each time. I know it burns a hole in my pocket, but I’d willingly splurge on this product any time.
But why exactly did I call it my HG?
Two things: first of all, I saw a remarkable improvement in my skin tone. For a product that has alcohol listed as one of its primary ingredients, this has totally plumped up my skin and made it look a lot brighter. I have to say that I really like the nice effect it has on my skin tone. I’m not going for whitening at all, so the brightening effect is already more than welcome.
Second, I have not had a serious pimple since I started using this. I am serious. I did not have to touch my trusty Adapalene cream ever since. So I don’t want to jinx myself, but honestly, I’ve been pimple-free.
It doesn’t do squat for my blackheads, which I realize isn’t really its job, but my skin has been largely clear since I started using Kose Sekkisei Lotion. I do have tiny bumps still, but they have not transitioned into full pimplehood. Plus, when I get signs of a pimple-to-be, I just place my soaked cotton pad over the area for a longer period and it’s instantly gone.
So yeah, HG.
Using it as a mask is especially remarkable. I am super in love with this product! My skin is smooth, soft and really healthy. I sound like a freaking infomercial, but there ya go.
I find it a little sad that the product’s not a lot more popular in the Philippines. With all this whitening hype, I’d seriously suggest that you girls go for Kose Sekkisei Lotion instead.
The downside, of course, is the price. I finished a 140ml bottle in barely two months, and it’s not exactly cheap. Then again if you’re lucky you could get a gift from the nice SAs of Kose! I bought a 200ml bottle and got a 100ml bottle free! I could barely hide my smile then haha.
Also, there’s the constant threat of alcohol dehydrating the skin. My personal take on this: Japanese women have used this for years, and they still look great. Probably the alcohol’s a necessity and the combination makes it less harmful than people expect. That’s just my take on it. I have to say though that it really has not dried my skin out at all. Anyway, I’ve ordered a few samples of the Kose Sekkisei Cream from AdamBeauty. I wanna know if this will work even better in tandem with that moisturizer :D
I mentioned previously that I dislike the strong alcohol smell. I guess it grew on me. I love it love it love it now! I’m looking to try the Sekkisei Supreme variant, but it’s not locally available yet. I do want to see if it really is a lot more soothing :D
And oh! Kose’s counter in Rustans Essences now has Nature&Co products as well! I can’t wait to try their facial wash and brightening mask soon.
I guess it goes without saying that I’ve become a total Kose junkie :D
**Image from Eve Care
thanks for the detailed review! I also really like kose sekkisei lotion! :)
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I’m glad you like it. This is really one of my HG products :)
I will the Sekkisei Lotion. Finally. A review. I have sensitive/acne prone skin. And love your post regarding it.
thanks again.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I hope my review has been helpful :D
Happy for you!:)
I’m currently using the Kose Seikisho Cleansing Oil and I like it too. I’ll probably try this toner in the future.:) By the way, my Chinese boyfriend said the characters written on the bottle are in Chinese? Is that true? I’m just curious because this is a Japanese brand right?:)
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Great! I’m so glad to hear the cleansing oil is good. I’m thinking of trying it after I finish my Kose Softymo Cleansing Gel. :D
And regarding the characters, yes they are Chinese. The Japanese use Chinese characters in their writing a lot (they call it Kanji).