Curel vs Minon vs Freeplus: Japanese Sensitive Skin Brands Compared
By Dr. Aiko Tanaka · Tokyo Cosmetic Chemist & Senior Editor, J-Beauty Decoded
Updated May 2026- Curel (キュレル) focuses on ceramide barrier repair with its proprietary pseudo-ceramide ingredient, making it best for skin with compromised barrier function and chronic dryness. The line is developed by Kao and classified as quasi-drug (医薬部外品) with anti-inflammatory actives (translated from Japanese) [https://www.cosme.net/products/293354/].
Last updated: April 2026
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Quick Answer
- Curel (キュレル) focuses on ceramide barrier repair with its proprietary pseudo-ceramide ingredient, making it best for skin with compromised barrier function and chronic dryness. The line is developed by Kao and classified as quasi-drug (医薬部外品) with anti-inflammatory actives (translated from Japanese) [https://www.cosme.net/products/293354/].
- Minon (ミノン) uses 9 types of amino acids to strengthen the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF), making it best for easily irritated skin that needs deep hydration without heaviness. Developed by First Sankyo Healthcare (translated from Japanese) [https://www.daiichisankyo-hc.co.jp/site_minon-aminomoist/].
- Freeplus (フリープラス) takes a botanical approach with 6 Japanese herbal extracts (和漢植物混合エキス), making it best for skin that reacts to synthetic ingredients but can tolerate plant-based formulas. Developed by Kanebo (translated from Japanese) [https://www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/freeplus/].
- All three brands are fragrance-free, colorant-free, and widely available at Japanese drugstores under ¥3,000 (~$20 USD), but they solve sensitive skin problems through fundamentally different mechanisms.
If you've spent any time in a Japanese drugstore's skincare aisle, you've seen these three brands side by side. Curel in its white-and-blue packaging. Minon in soft pink. Freeplus in clean green. They all say "敏感肌" (binkanhada / sensitive skin) on the label. They all cost roughly the same. And they all have thousands of positive reviews on @cosme.
So which one do you actually buy?
The answer depends on why your skin is sensitive. And that's where most comparison articles fail — they compare textures and prices without addressing the underlying mechanism each brand targets. Curel, Minon, and Freeplus aren't interchangeable. They're built on three completely different dermatological philosophies. Pick the wrong one and you might not see results. Pick the right one and your skin calms down within a week.
We already covered Curel vs Minon vs d program in a previous comparison. This article adds Freeplus to the mix and goes deeper on ingredient philosophy, product-by-product comparisons, and what Japanese dermatologists actually recommend for different types of sensitivity.
The Three Philosophies of Japanese Sensitive Skin Care
Understanding why these brands exist requires understanding how Japanese dermatology categorizes sensitive skin. In the West, "sensitive skin" is a single bucket. In Japan, it's split into at least three distinct conditions, and each brand targets one.
Curel: The Ceramide Rebuilder
Parent company: Kao Corporation (花王) Founded: 1999 Core technology: Pseudo-ceramide (セラミド機能成分) Best for: Barrier-damaged skin, eczema-prone skin, atopic dermatitis
Curel's entire philosophy rests on one premise: sensitive skin is ceramide-deficient skin. And they have research to back it up.
Kao's dermatological research team found that people with sensitive and dry skin consistently show lower levels of ceramides in their stratum corneum — the outermost layer of skin that acts as the moisture barrier. Less ceramide means more water loss, more irritant penetration, and more inflammation. It's a cycle: damage leads to ceramide loss, which leads to more damage.
Curel's solution is their proprietary pseudo-ceramide ingredient (hexadecyloxy PG hydroxyethyl hexadecanamide). It's a synthetic ceramide analogue that fills the gaps in a weakened lipid barrier. The entire Curel line — from cleanser to cream to sunscreen — is built around delivering this ingredient and not disrupting it.
The result is a brand that performs exceptionally well for people with genuinely compromised skin barriers. If your skin stings when you apply products, if you get red patches from weather changes, if dermatologists have used the word "atopic" — Curel is probably your best bet among these three. Our guide on best face creams for atopic dermatitis covers this in depth.
Minon: The Amino Acid Fortifier
Parent company: Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare (第一三共ヘルスケア) Founded: 1973 (Minon brand), 2008 (Amino Moist line) Core technology: 9-amino acid complex Best for: Dehydrated sensitive skin, skin that needs moisture more than barrier repair
Minon was originally a body soap brand — the name comes from "minus non" (nothing minus), meaning they removed all unnecessary ingredients. The Amino Moist face care line came later, but it carries the same minimalist DNA.
Where Curel targets the lipid barrier, Minon targets the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF). NMF is a cocktail of amino acids, urea, and other water-binding molecules that exists within skin cells. When NMF is depleted — from over-exfoliation, harsh cleansing, or environmental stress — skin can't hold water even if the ceramide barrier is intact.
Minon's formula includes 9 types of amino acids that replenish NMF from the outside. Think of it as restoring the sponge's ability to absorb water, while Curel restores the plastic wrap that prevents the sponge from drying out.
Minon tends to feel richer and more hydrating on application. Users on @cosme frequently describe it as しっとり (shittori / deeply moist). The downside is that some products in the line feel heavy or tacky, especially for oily skin types (translated from Japanese) [https://lipscosme.com/posts/7233485].
Freeplus: The Botanical Harmonizer
Parent company: Kanebo (カネボウ化粧品) Founded: 2001 Core technology: 6-plant herbal extract blend (和漢植物混合エキス) Best for: Skin that reacts to synthetic ingredients, "ゆらぎ肌" (yuragihada / fluctuating/unstable skin)
Freeplus occupies a unique position. While Curel and Minon are science-first brands with pharmaceutical-grade formulations, Freeplus leans into Japan's traditional herbal medicine (漢方 / kampo) tradition. The brand's motto is "敏感を愛そう" (binkan wo aisou / love your sensitivity).
The core formula uses six Japanese herbal extracts:
- Jujube (タイソウ / taisou) — anti-inflammatory, soothing
- Mandarin orange peel (チンピ / chinpi) — circulation-promoting, brightening
- Coix seed (ヨクイニン / yokuinin) — skin-brightening, anti-inflammatory
- Peony root (シャクヤク / shakuyaku) — anti-inflammatory, soothing
- Soy (ダイズ / daizu) — moisture-retaining, barrier support
- Rice bran (コメ / kome) — nourishing, antioxidant
The formula is free from parabens, fragrances, colorants, ethanol, UV absorbers, and mineral oil — a "6-free" approach. But unlike Curel and Minon, Freeplus products are not classified as quasi-drugs. They're standard cosmetics, which means they don't contain pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients.
Freeplus is ideal for people with "ゆらぎ肌" — skin that's not always sensitive but becomes reactive during seasonal changes, stress, or hormonal fluctuations. It's the brand Japanese women reach for during season transitions (季節の変わり目), when skin that's normally fine suddenly starts acting up (translated from Japanese) [https://www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/freeplus/].
Product-by-Product Comparison
Toner/Lotion Comparison
| Feature | Curel Moisture Lotion III | Minon Amino Moist Charge Lotion II | Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ¥1,980 (~$13 USD) / 150ml | ¥2,090 (~$14 USD) / 150ml | ¥2,090 (~$14 USD) / 130ml |
| Key ingredient | Pseudo-ceramide | 9 amino acids | 6 herbal extracts |
| Texture | Watery, light | Slightly viscous | Watery, smooth |
| Alcohol | Free | Free | Free |
| Fragrance | Free | Free | Free |
| Classification | Quasi-drug (医薬部外品) | Quasi-drug (医薬部外品) | Cosmetic (化粧品) |
| Active ingredient | Allantoin | ε-aminocaproic acid | None (cosmetic) |
| @cosme rating | 4.8 / 7.0 | 5.1 / 7.0 | 4.5 / 7.0 |
My Best's hydration testing found that Freeplus Moist Care Lotion 2 provided skin hydration levels that more than doubled after application and held steady for 3+ hours, scoring among the best for long-term moisture retention (translated from Japanese) [https://my-best.com/products/206056].
Curel's lotion performs best on barrier-compromised skin specifically. It's not the most hydrating lotion on the market, but it's one of the gentlest. Multiple users with severe eczema report it as one of the few toners that doesn't sting on broken skin (translated from Japanese) [https://sensitive-skin.real-cosme.net/?p=51433].
Minon's lotion is the richest of the three — it has a slightly syrupy texture that delivers more immediate hydration. If your primary concern is dryness rather than sensitivity, Minon's lotion gives you the most moisture per application. For a broader look at Japanese toner options, see our best Japanese face lotions under ¥1,500 roundup.
Emulsion/Milk Comparison
The emulsion step is where these brands really differentiate. This is the "in-between" moisturizer that Japanese routines rely on — heavier than a toner, lighter than a cream. Our lotion vs toner explained article covers why this step matters so much.
| Feature | Curel Moisture Emulsion III | Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk | Freeplus Moist Care Emulsion 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ¥1,980 (~$13 USD) / 120ml | ¥2,200 (~$15 USD) / 100g | ¥2,310 (~$15 USD) / 100ml |
| Texture | Light, fluid | Rich, milky | Medium, smooth |
| Best for | Barrier repair + light moisture | Maximum hydration | Balanced, everyday use |
| Stickiness | Very low | Medium | Low |
Curel's emulsion is the most lightweight — almost watery. Minon's milk is noticeably richer, with a texture closer to a light cream. Freeplus sits squarely in the middle. For oily-combination skin, Curel's emulsion is the safest bet. For dry skin, Minon's milk provides more substance.
Cream Comparison
| Feature | Curel Intensive Moisture Face Cream | Minon Amino Moist Charge Cream | Freeplus Moist Care Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ¥2,970 (~$20 USD) / 40g | ¥2,200 (~$15 USD) / 40g | ¥3,080 (~$21 USD) / 40g |
| Key ingredient | Pseudo-ceramide + eucalyptus extract | 9 amino acids | 6 herbal extracts |
| Texture | Light, whipped | Dense, balm-like | Medium, smooth |
| Stickiness | Low | Medium-high | Low |
| Best season | Year-round | Fall/winter | Spring/fall |
Curel's cream is the lightest of the three and the most versatile year-round. Minon's cream is the richest and best for severe dryness. Freeplus sits in the middle — not as protective as Minon, not as lightweight as Curel. For a broader look at Japanese cream options, see our best Japanese moisturizers for dry skin roundup.
Cleanser Comparison
Cleansing is where the differences really show, and arguably where choosing the wrong brand has the biggest consequences for sensitive skin.
Curel Foaming Wash (キュレル 泡洗顔料) — ¥1,320 (~$9 USD) / 150ml. Uses amino acid-based surfactants (the gentlest surfactant family) that cleanse without stripping ceramides. The foam dispenses directly from the pump, so you skip the rubbing-to-lather step that can irritate fragile skin. The formula includes Curel's anti-inflammatory active (glycyrrhizin dipotassium) even in the cleanser — it's treating your skin while washing it. This is the cleanser Japanese dermatologists most commonly recommend for patients with atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Minon Amino Moist Whip Wash (ミノン アミノモイスト ジェントルウォッシュ ホイップ) — ¥1,650 (~$11 USD) / 150ml. Creates an incredibly dense, almost meringue-like foam from the pump bottle. The foam itself feels therapeutic — it cushions the skin during cleansing, preventing direct finger-to-skin friction. Like Curel, it uses amino acid surfactants, but the foam density is noticeably richer. Multiple @cosme reviewers describe the cleansing experience as "luxurious" despite the drugstore price (translated from Japanese) [https://www.cosme.net/brands/23143/review/]. This is the cleanser most beauty advisors recommend for people whose skin feels tight or uncomfortable after washing.
Freeplus Mild Soap (フリープラス マイルドソープ) — ¥1,100 (~$7 USD) / 100g. A solid soap bar rather than a liquid cleanser, which is unusual in this category. The soap-based formula with herbal extracts creates a lighter, less dense foam than Curel or Minon. Some users find it slightly more drying than the other two, particularly in winter. However, it's the most portable option and the cheapest per wash. Solid soap bars also avoid preservatives that liquid formulas require, which can be an advantage for extremely reactive skin.
For sensitive skin, the cleanser step matters more than moisturizer. A harsh cleanser will undo whatever benefits your toner and cream provide. If you're choosing between these brands, start with the cleanser and see how your skin responds before committing to the full line. Our guide on Japanese foaming face washes covers more options, and our double cleansing guide explains why the first cleanse matters just as much.
UV Protection Comparison
Curel has the strongest sunscreen lineup of the three, with multiple SPF 50+/PA+++ options designed for sensitive skin. The Curel UV Protection Face Milk is a standout — gentle enough for ceramide-depleted skin while providing full-spectrum protection. See our detailed Curel UV Protection Milk review.
Minon entered the sunscreen category more recently with UV-protective products in their lineup, including a wrinkle-improvement UV cream. Freeplus offers minimal UV protection — just basic SPF options that emphasize gentleness over coverage.
For comprehensive sun protection with sensitive skin, our best Japanese sunscreens for sensitive skin guide covers options from all three brands and beyond.
Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Curel if:
- You have chronically dry, barrier-damaged skin
- You've been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis or eczema
- Products frequently sting or burn when applied
- Your skin feels tight and dry even after moisturizing
- You want pharmaceutical-grade formulations (quasi-drug status)
- You need a full routine including cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen from one consistent system
Choose Minon if:
- Your skin is dehydrated rather than barrier-damaged
- You want maximum hydration in the fewest steps
- You prefer richer, more emollient textures
- Your skin handles most products fine but gets dry easily
- You're looking for an affordable sensitive skin routine
- You have combination skin that's only sensitive in certain areas
Choose Freeplus if:
- Your skin is seasonally sensitive, not chronically sensitive
- You prefer natural/botanical ingredients over synthetic ones
- Your skin reacts to heavy formulations but tolerates light ones
- You're dealing with "ゆらぎ肌" (fluctuating skin) during hormonal or seasonal changes
- You want the gentlest possible formula even without active pharmaceutical ingredients
- You're coming from a natural/clean beauty background
The Japanese Dermatologist Perspective
Japanese dermatologists tend to recommend Curel for patients with diagnosed skin conditions (atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, severe dryness). This is partly because Curel's quasi-drug status means dermatologists can confidently recommend it knowing the active ingredients are at regulated concentrations. Our Japanese dermatologist skincare recommendations article covers what else clinicians suggest.
For patients with milder sensitivity, Japanese beauty advisors at drugstores often suggest trying Minon first — its amino acid approach works for a broader range of skin types, and the richer texture makes patients feel like it's "doing something" immediately.
Freeplus tends to be recommended by beauty advisors (美容部員 / biyou buin) at department store counters, particularly Kanebo counters. It's positioned as the gentler alternative for customers who don't need medical-grade care but want something more thoughtful than mass-market skincare.
Can You Mix and Match Across Brands?
Absolutely. Many Japanese women use Curel's cleanser, Minon's lotion, and a different brand's cream. The "brand loyalty" mentality is weaker in Japan than in the West — Japanese consumers are notorious for picking the best product in each category regardless of brand.
A popular combination mentioned on @cosme: Curel's foaming wash (for gentle cleansing) → Minon's Amino Moist Lotion (for deep hydration) → Curel's Face Cream (for barrier protection). This gives you the best of both worlds — amino acid hydration sealed in by ceramide protection (translated from Japanese) [https://hikaku-woman.com/minon-curel/].
Some users also mix in products from d program (Shiseido's sensitive skin line) or Acseine — both brands that operate in this same space. The Japanese skincare ecosystem has an embarrassment of riches in the sensitive skin category. For comparison, most Western drugstores carry maybe 2-3 sensitive skin brands. Japan has over a dozen serious options.
For more on the 20 most important brands in J-beauty, check our Japanese skincare brands guide.
Price Comparison: Full Routine Cost
Here's what a complete routine costs with each brand:
| Step | Curel | Minon | Freeplus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | ¥1,320 (~$9) | ¥1,650 (~$11) | ¥1,100 (~$7) |
| Toner/Lotion | ¥1,980 (~$13) | ¥2,090 (~$14) | ¥2,090 (~$14) |
| Emulsion/Milk | ¥1,980 (~$13) | ¥2,200 (~$15) | ¥2,310 (~$15) |
| Cream | ¥2,970 (~$20) | ¥2,200 (~$15) | ¥3,080 (~$21) |
| Total | ¥8,250 (~$55) | ¥8,140 (~$54) | ¥8,580 (~$57) |
All three come in under ¥9,000 (~$60 USD) for a complete 4-step routine — cleanser, toner, emulsion, and cream. That's roughly what you'd pay for a single jar of La Mer or Drunk Elephant. The price parity across brands means you can choose based purely on what works for your skin, not your budget.
Each routine lasts approximately 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use, putting the monthly cost at roughly ¥4,000-4,500 (~$27-30 USD). Hard to beat for pharmaceutical-quality sensitive skin care. For even more budget-friendly options, see our guide on building a Japanese skincare routine on a ¥5,000 monthly budget.
Real User Scenarios: Which Brand Won?
To make this practical, here are real scenarios from @cosme and LIPS reviews (translated from Japanese) where users compared all three:
Scenario 1: Post-dermatitis recovery (30F, dry skin) "After a severe allergic reaction to a new skincare product, my dermatologist told me to use only Curel until my skin recovered. I used the entire Curel line for 3 months. My barrier rebuilt completely. Then I tried switching to Freeplus, and my skin felt under-moisturized. Went back to Curel for the cream but use Freeplus toner for variety." (translated from Japanese) [https://sensitive-skin.real-cosme.net/?p=51433]
Scenario 2: Seasonal sensitivity (28F, combination skin) "In winter my skin gets dry and reactive — Minon's cream is the only thing that stops the flaking. In summer, that same cream feels too heavy and my T-zone gets congested. I switch to Freeplus in spring/summer because it's lighter and the herbal extracts seem to calm my hormonal breakouts. I keep Curel's sunscreen year-round." (translated from Japanese) [https://lipscosme.com/posts/7233485]
Scenario 3: Lifelong sensitive skin (42F, dry sensitive) "I've been through all three brands multiple times over 15 years. My conclusion: Curel cleanser + Minon toner + Curel cream is my perfect combination. Freeplus is lovely but I need the quasi-drug actives that Curel and Minon provide. The herbal extracts in Freeplus aren't enough for my level of sensitivity." (translated from Japanese) [https://hikaku-woman.com/minon-curel/]
These scenarios illustrate the key pattern: most experienced Japanese sensitive skin users don't stay loyal to one brand. They cherry-pick the best product from each brand and build hybrid routines.
Ingredient Safety and Allergy Considerations
All three brands are designed for sensitive skin, but "sensitive" covers a wide spectrum. Here's what to watch for:
Curel's potential irritants: Curel products contain eucalyptus extract as a moisturizing ingredient. While it's generally well-tolerated, some people with plant allergies may react. The line also uses synthetic pseudo-ceramides — if you specifically require natural ceramides, look elsewhere (like Matsuyama Hadauru or Meishoku Ceracolla).
Minon's potential issues: Minon's richer textures contain higher levels of emulsifiers to maintain the creamy consistency. Some users with extremely reactive skin (notably those with steroid withdrawal or perioral dermatitis) report that the emulsifier load is too high. The amino acids themselves are not allergenic — they're identical to what your skin naturally produces.
Freeplus's plant extract caution: Ironically, the "natural" brand carries the highest risk of botanical sensitivity. The 6 herbal extracts include soy (potential allergen for some) and mandarin orange peel (which contains limonene, a common irritant). If you have known plant allergies, test Freeplus carefully. The "natural = gentle" assumption doesn't always hold. Our Japanese skincare for rosacea guide notes similar botanical concerns.
Cross-brand patch testing protocol: Japanese beauty advisors recommend this when switching sensitive skin brands:
- Apply a small amount behind your ear for 24 hours
- If no reaction, apply to the inner forearm for 24 hours
- If clear, apply to a small area of your jawline for 48 hours
- If still clear, begin full-face application
This sounds excessive. It's not. For genuinely reactive skin, skipping the patch test is how people end up with full-face contact dermatitis from a product that was supposed to help.
How Japanese Sensitive Skin Care Has Evolved
The Japanese sensitive skin market has changed dramatically in the past decade. A few trends worth noting:
The rise of "ゆらぎ肌" (yuragihada) as a category. This concept — skin that fluctuates between sensitive and normal based on environmental, hormonal, or stress factors — didn't exist as a marketing category until the mid-2010s. Freeplus was among the first brands to target it specifically. Now, nearly every major Japanese brand has a "yuragihada" line.
Ceramide science has advanced. Curel's pseudo-ceramide was groundbreaking in 1999. Today, research has identified ceramide subtypes (ceramide NP, AP, EOP, etc.) with different functions. Newer brands incorporate multiple ceramide types targeting different aspects of barrier function. For more on the ceramide research landscape, see our Japanese ceramide skincare research article.
Korean competition has intensified. Korean sensitive skin brands like Soon Jung (Etude) and Real Barrier (Atopalm) have gained significant market share in Japan, pushing Japanese brands to reformulate and improve. COSRX's ceramide products appearing in Japanese drugstores would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Microbiome-conscious formulation. The newest frontier in Japanese sensitive skin care is the skin microbiome — the ecosystem of bacteria that live on healthy skin. Some brands are starting to formulate products that feed beneficial bacteria while not disrupting the microbiome's balance. This "生菌スキンケア" (seikin sukinkea / live-bacteria skincare) trend is still emerging but watch this space.
The Verdict: A Decision Framework
Here's the simplest way to decide. Answer one question: What does your skin feel like when it's at its worst?
- Tight, stinging, burning → Curel. Your barrier is damaged and needs ceramide repair.
- Dry, flaky, thirsty → Minon. Your NMF is depleted and needs amino acid replenishment.
- Red, reactive, unpredictable → Freeplus. Your skin needs calming botanicals and minimal intervention.
If you're still not sure, buy one product from each brand — start with the toner/lotion, since it's the cheapest and most telling. Use each for one week. The one that makes your skin feel calmest wins. Then build out the full routine from that brand.
The good news? At Japanese drugstore prices, experimenting with all three costs less than a single prestige moisturizer. That's the beauty of J-beauty's sensitive skin market — it rewards exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Curel if I have oily sensitive skin?
Yes, but choose Curel's lighter products. The Sebum Trouble Care line (皮脂トラブルケア) is specifically designed for oily, acne-prone sensitive skin. It contains the same pseudo-ceramide technology but in lighter, oil-controlling formulations. Avoid the Intensive Moisture line if your skin is oily — it's designed for dry skin types and may feel too heavy.
Is Freeplus available outside Japan?
Freeplus has limited international distribution compared to Curel and Minon. It's available on Amazon Japan with international shipping, some Asian retailers like Watsons (Hong Kong, Taiwan), and specialty J-beauty retailers online. Curel is the most widely available internationally — Kao has pushed it into Asian markets aggressively, and it's on Amazon US. Minon is moderately available through Japanese import retailers.
Why doesn't Freeplus have quasi-drug status like Curel and Minon?
Freeplus chose to formulate its products as cosmetics (化粧品) rather than quasi-drugs (医薬部外品). This isn't a quality judgment — it's a regulatory choice. Quasi-drug status requires specific active pharmaceutical ingredients at regulated concentrations, which limits formulation flexibility. By staying in the cosmetics category, Freeplus can use its herbal extract blend without the regulatory constraints. The trade-off is that they can't make efficacy claims about treating specific skin conditions.
Which brand is best for acne-prone sensitive skin?
None of these three brands specialize in acne. For acne-prone sensitive skin, consider Curel's Sebum Trouble Care line or NOV AC Active. Minon does make a Medicated Acne Care sub-line, but it's a smaller part of their portfolio. Our best Japanese acne products guide covers this category specifically.
Can men use these brands?
All three brands are unisex in formulation. In Japan, there's less gender segmentation in skincare than in Western markets. Curel, Minon, and Freeplus are all fragrance-free and cosmetically neutral. The only "men's" versions are occasional limited-edition packaging — the formulas inside are identical. Many Japanese men use Curel specifically, and Kao even markets it for after-shave care.
Sources
- @cosme Curel Face Cream Product Page (translated from Japanese) [https://www.cosme.net/products/293354/]
- LIPS Curel vs Minon Comparison by Former Cosmetics Researcher (translated from Japanese) [https://lipscosme.com/posts/7233485]
- Hikaku.com Minon vs Curel Analysis (translated from Japanese) [https://hikaku-woman.com/minon-curel/]
- Real Cosme Sensitive Skin Brand Comparison (translated from Japanese) [https://sensitive-skin.real-cosme.net/?p=51433]
- Freeplus Official Brand Page (translated from Japanese) [https://www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/freeplus/]
- Minon Amino Moist Official (translated from Japanese) [https://www.daiichisankyo-hc.co.jp/site_minon-aminomoist/]
- My Best Freeplus Emulsion Review (translated from Japanese) [https://my-best.com/products/206056]
- @cosme Freeplus Brand Reviews (translated from Japanese) [https://www.cosme.net/brands/2559/review/]
— The J-Beauty Decoded Team