Lotion (aka softener or toner) is quintessential to a basic skincare routine in Japan. I even dare say that it’s the backbone since skipping this step is never posed as an option for those wanting to keep routine quick and simple.
You use it to remove any lingering impurities post-cleansing and provide a base layer of hydration. Many also give skin additional benefits such as helping to target hyperpigmentation, soothe irritation, or smooth roughness.
Large-format lotions are especially popular amongst the budget-conscious since you get a half-litre size bottle for less than Â¥1,000! You can use it generously all over the face and body without feeling you’re wasting precious product. Stick a trigger spray head (or decant into a spray bottle) in there and you have yourself a lovely refreshing mist.
I’ve compared the top 6 most popular large-format lotions on RatzillaCosme so you can see what the differences and similarities are, whether you’re looking to switch or try one for the first time.
Technical Specifications Comparison
Here are all the specs in a handy chart — it’s best viewed in landscape mode on bigger screen size (i.e. iPad or bigger). Click on the product page link for detailed information (including full ingredients list) on each product.
Swipe left/right to scroll the chart horizontally.
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEZANNE Skin Conditioner High Moist | Hada-Labo Kiwamizu Hatomugi+ Penetrating Lotion | Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Skin Care Lotion High Moist | Naturie Skin Conditioner | Nihonsakari Skin Lotion | Tsuru no Tamatebako Medicated Daiginjo Moisture Whitening Lotion | |
| Price | ¥650 / 500ml | ¥640 / 400ml | ¥840 / 500ml | ¥650 / 500ml | ¥720 / 500ml | ¥925 / 500ml |
| Targets | Dry, dehydrated skin | ‣ Large Pores ‣ Dryness | Dryness | Dryness | ‣ Dryness ‣ Roughness | ‣ Discolourations ‣ Dull skin ‣ Dryness |
| Focusing On | ‣ Hydration ‣ Maintaining skin barrier | ‣ Lightweight hydration ‣ Pore Care ‣ Soothing | ‣ Hydration ‣ Improving skin clarity | ‣ Lightweight hydration ‣ Soothing | ‣ Softening ‣ Hydration ‣ Pore Care | ‣ Dark spot prevention ‣ Brightening ‣ Hydration |
| Key Ingredients | ‣ Ceramides ‣ Amino Acids ‣ Hyaluronic Acids (3 sizes) ‣Job's Tears Extract | ‣ Job's Tears Extract ‣ Vitamin C | ‣ Sake ‣ Amino Acids ‣ Arbutin ‣ Ceramides ‣ Placental Protein | ‣ Job's Tears Extract ‣ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate | ‣ Sake ‣ Sake Kasu ‣ Chamomile ‣ Hyaluronic Acid ‣ Honey ‣ Artichoke Leaf Extract | ‣ Sake ‣ Hyaluronic Acids ‣ Job's Tears Extract ‣ Tranexamic Acid ‣ Vitamin C |
| Targeted Skin Type | ‣ Combination ‣ Dry ‣ Sensitive | All skin types | ‣ Combination ‣ Dry ‣ Sensitive | All skin types | All skin types | All skin types |
| Alcohol | ||||||
| Fragrance | ||||||
Is it really better to use this swiping with a cotton pad than just patting it on with your hands?
It’s up to you, really. In Japan, skincare experts and professionals generally advise against using bare hands due to bacterial contamination and uneven application. You don’t wipe the skin with a cotton pad — you gently glide and pat. There shouldn’t be any friction.
This is awesome. Thank you!
The cezanne high moist has been on my wishlist for a while now. Look forward to getting it once yesstyle starts shipping to my region again. Great post!!
Thanks for the rec! I love using toner(lotion) like this. Haven’t thought about using it on my body but it is a brilliant idea! I have used the Kiku-Masamune lotion (white bottle) and it was lovely. I want to try the moisture type as well!