Japanese beauty products are a remarkable global phenomenon.
Our For You pages on TikTok are filled with suggestions for the most impressive skincare and makeup to cop. And with the Japanese yen hitting a historic low, many are embarking on shopping adventures in Japan, turning them into the ultimate beauty journey.
While the hunt for the best drugstore gems is on, there lies an overlooked wealth of beauty wisdom rooted in Japan’s rich history. We’re referring to a time of sophistication and grace: the Taisho period.
Beauty Standards in the Taisho Era
The Taisho era (1912 – 1926) represented a significant turning point in developing Japanese beauty ideals.
Before this time, beauty was often defined by a flawless, porcelain-like complexion, typically achieved through the use of thick layers of powder. However, as Japan embraced Western influences and women began to join the workforce, a shift towards a more natural look took place.
The focus transitioned from hiding one’s skin to celebrating its inherent beauty. Women began to favour cosmetics that were efficient and easy to apply, reflecting their increasingly hectic schedules.
This emerging appreciation for a vibrant, healthy appearance set the stage for the contemporary Japanese beauty philosophy, emphasising skincare and makeup as tools for enhancing and nurturing the skin rather than simply covering it up.
@ghoul.in.japan Replying to @Sky 🌌 taisho era (1920s) beauty products!#japaneseskincare #japanesehistory #beautyhistory #demonslayer #kimetsunoyaiba #jbeauty
Surprisingly, some of the iconic products born during this time are still available and continue to be cherished by beauty connoisseurs.
Japanese Beauty Products From the Taisho Era
Meishoku Bigansui Skin Lotion
TikToker @beyobestbeauty points out that the Meishoku Bigansui Skin Lotion has a rich history, having been sold since the Meiji era (1868 – 1912).
This simple but powerful formula contains just five ingredients, one of which is salicylic acid. Renowned for its exfoliating properties and ability to clear clogged pores, it’s a favourite among those with acne-prone skin.
Additionally, its antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities work to prevent breakouts effectively. For optimal results, apply the lotion using a cotton pad. Avoid using it as a face mask, as it may be too intense for your skin.
Meishoku Bigansui Skin Lotion retails for RM49.90 (90ml) at Guardian. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Click to view the latest price.
Shiseido Eudermine Toning Lotion
Did you know that Japanese brand Shiseido started out as a Western-style pharmacy in Tokyo back in 1872?
Their venture into the cosmetics world kicked off in 1897 with the introduction of Eudermine, a gentle softening lotion.
According to TikToker @ghoul.in.japan, this lotion was “really well received, especially by Geishas. They swore by wearing this under their thick, heavy makeup because it kept their skin really soft and supple.”
Fast forward to today, this rose-scented toning lotion offers ample hydration benefits for your skin. Simply soak a cotton pad and apply it to your cleansed face during your morning routine. The charming vintage-style bottle is an added bonus!
@ghoul.in.japan also swears by it as a gentle makeup remover and says it’s perfect for lazy girls with dry skin.
Shiseido Eudermine Toning Lotion retails for RM45 (200ml) on Japan With Love.
Hechima Cologne Skin Lotion
Established in 1915, Hechima Cologne is proud to offer one of the earliest skincare products made from natural ingredients: its famous loofah water toner.
Celebrated for its soothing and revitalising effects, the loofah plant has been a go-to remedy for sunburn relief for ages. Hechima Cologne carefully harvests its loofah from a sun-kissed garden at the base of Mount Chokai, where it thrives on mineral-rich water and organic fertilisers.
This fragrance-free toner hydrates and softens the skin, making it perfect for those with dry, wrinkled, or blemish-prone skin, particularly for those who are sensitive to changes in the seasons.
“There are many variations of Hechima Lotion being sold throughout the Edo and the Meiji period, but this is from a Taisho company. This bottle is very similar to the original as well,” says TikToker @ghoul.in.japan.
We hope they don’t discontinue this stylish collector’s bottle that looks like Ghibli merch.
Hechima Cologne Skin Lotion retails for RM169.82 (120ml) on YesStyle.
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil
“This one that you can still buy today came out in 1927, so technically, it missed the Taisho period by one year, but it’s still like the 20s, you know,” TikToker @ghoul.in.japan shares.
Packed with 100% natural camellia oil, this versatile, fragrance-free oil protects your hair from environmental stressors, eliminates dandruff, and provides intense hydration. Apply it as a hair treatment or mask for vibrant, healthy locks.
“Women love to use this to smooth their hair back in the day, especially the Moga or Japanese flappers,” @ghoul.in.japan adds.
Beyond hair care, this versatile oil can be applied to the face and body for a dose of hydration and softness. If you’re exploring Don Quijote stores in Japan, you should be able to find this product easily too!
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil retails for RM105.20 (40ml) and RM126.24 (60ml) at YesStyle.
Yojiya Aburatorigami
Born from the ingenuity of a Kyoto woman, aburatorigami emerged in 1920.
Originally designed to help actors combat the harsh glare of studio lights, its remarkable ability to soak up oil and keep skin matte without disrupting makeup quickly caught the eye of geisha and the general public.
Made from traditional furuyagami paper, which was once highly valued by the elite, the early versions of aburatorigami were larger, allowing for easy touch-ups during performances.
Over the years, it transformed into the convenient palm-sized version we recognise today. By the 1990s, its popularity had skyrocketed, turning Yojiya into a well-known name.
@sleepyheadelena A unique Japanese beauty brand build on the traditions of Kyoto-style, Yojiya is definitely my must go whenever I visit Kyoto 👧🏻💕 #kyototravel #japantravel #yojiya #beauty #japancosmetics #fyp
If you’re visiting Kyoto anytime soon, you’ll want to pick up a few packets – they make great gifts for any beauty enthusiast.
Yojiya Aburatorigami is available in Yojiya stores in various areas of Kyoto. View all locations here.
Featured image credits: @meishoku_corporation/Instagram and @yojiya_official/Instagram
