Japanese Beauty Ingredients Glossary: From Sake Lees to Camellia Oil

Last updated: April 2026

Quick Answer:

• Japanese beauty relies on a distinctive set of traditional ingredients — sake lees (酒粕), rice bran (米ぬか), camellia oil (椿油), green tea (抹茶/緑茶), konjac, and yuzu — many of which have been used for centuries and now have modern clinical validation
• Sake lees contain over 50 nutrients including amino acids, ceramides, kojic acid, and alpha-EG, making them among the most nutrient-dense single ingredients in any skincare tradition (translated from Japanese)
• Camellia oil (tsubaki oil) is approximately 85% oleic acid — nearly identical to human sebum composition — which is why Japanese women have used it for hair and skin since the Heian period (794-1185 CE) (translated from Japanese)
• Japan's fermented skincare market has grown to approximately ¥180 billion ($1.2 billion USD) annually, driven by ingredients like sake lees, rice ferment filtrate, and koji extract (translated from Japanese)

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Why Japanese Ingredients Are Different

Every beauty culture has its star ingredients. Korea has snail mucin and centella. France has thermal water. The Americas have botanical oils. Japan has something none of these do: a thousand-year tradition of fermentation and natural ingredient use that predates modern chemistry.

What makes Japanese beauty ingredients distinctive isn't just their origin — it's how they've been validated. Many started as folk observations ("sake brewery workers have beautiful hands") and were later confirmed through clinical research. This combination of traditional use and modern evidence creates an ingredient portfolio that feels both ancient and cutting-edge.

This glossary covers the essential Japanese beauty ingredients you'll encounter on product labels, @cosme reviews, and Japanese beauty publications. For each ingredient, we include the Japanese name, what it does, the science behind it, and which products feature it prominently.

If you want to understand how these ingredients fit into a complete routine, our Japanese skincare layering guide and fermented ingredients deep dive provide the broader context.

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Sake Lees (酒粕 / Sakekasu)

What It Is

Sake lees are the solid residue left after pressing sake (Japanese rice wine) during brewing. This paste-like substance contains concentrated nutrients from the fermentation process — essentially the "waste product" of sake production that turned out to be a skincare goldmine.

The Origin Story

The observation that sake brewery workers (杜氏, touji) had remarkably smooth, clear, youthful-looking hands — despite doing physically demanding work — led researchers to investigate sake lees as early as the 1970s. SK-II's Pitera ingredient, discovered in 1980 at a Shiga Prefecture sake brewery, is perhaps the most famous commercial result of this investigation, though Pitera is technically a ferment filtrate rather than sake lees proper.

Active Compounds

According to research published by Sansei Pharmaceutical (三省製薬) and Koken Cosmetics (translated from Japanese), sake lees contain:

• Kojic acid (コウジ酸): A natural tyrosinase inhibitor that suppresses melanin production. Approved as a quasi-drug ingredient in Japan for brightening efficacy
• Alpha-EG (α-エチルグルコシド): A glucoside compound that stimulates collagen production in dermal fibroblasts. Research shows a 1.5x increase in collagen production at 0.5% concentration
• Glucosylceramide (グルコシルセラミド): A ceramide precursor that supports barrier function from within. Sake lees contain approximately 2-5 times more glucosylceramide than the rice grain itself
• Ferulic acid (フェルラ酸): A potent antioxidant that protects against UV-induced damage
• Amino acids: Sake lees contain all 20 standard amino acids, with particularly high concentrations of glutamic acid, alanine, and leucine — all of which support skin hydration and repair
• B vitamins: B2, B6, and niacin support skin metabolism and cell turnover

Products Featuring Sake Lees

• SHIRO Sake Lees and Rice Bran Skincare Line — The cult Hokkaido brand uses sake lees from local Hokkaido breweries. Their sake lees face mask (¥3,960 / ~$26 USD) is a bestseller
• Nihon Sakari Sake Skincare — Made by an actual sake brewery in Hyogo Prefecture. Their toner and moisturizer use fresh sake lees. Prices start at ¥1,100 (~$7 USD)
• Kiku-Masamune High Moist Lotion — A 500ml bottle of sake-based toner for ¥924 (~$6 USD). One of @cosme's perennial bestsellers for hydration
• Wafood Made Sake Lees Pack — A rinse-off mask using sake lees from Kumamoto Prefecture. ¥1,320 (~$8.80 USD)

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Rice Bran (米ぬか / Komenuka)

What It Is

Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain, removed during the polishing process that turns brown rice into white rice. Japan polishes approximately 8 million metric tons of rice annually, producing massive quantities of rice bran as a byproduct.

Historical Context

Japanese women have used rice bran for skincare since at least the Edo period (1603-1868). Nuka bukuro (ぬか袋) — small cloth bags filled with rice bran — were used as gentle cleansers and exfoliants. Women would dip the bags in warm water and use them to cleanse their faces and bodies. This practice continues in some traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) today.

Active Compounds

Rice bran's skincare benefits come from its concentrated nutrient profile:

• Gamma-oryzanol (γ-オリザノール): Unique to rice bran oil, this compound has UV-absorbing properties and anti-inflammatory effects. Research shows it can reduce transepidermal water loss by up to 25%
• Ferulic acid: Present at higher concentrations in rice bran than in most other plant sources. Works synergistically with vitamins C and E to boost antioxidant protection
• Phytic acid (フィチン酸): A natural AHA-like compound that provides gentle exfoliation and brightening without the irritation of synthetic acids
• Inositol (イノシトール): Also known as vitamin B8, supports cellular metabolism and moisture retention
• Squalene: A lipid naturally found in human sebum, present in rice bran oil. Provides emollient and protective properties
• Tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E): Powerful antioxidants that protect cell membranes from oxidative damage

The Rice Bran + Sake Lees Connection

Many Japanese products combine rice bran and sake lees, following the logic that these two byproducts of the same process (rice → sake) complement each other perfectly. Rice bran provides the lipid-based moisturizing and barrier-repair functions, while sake lees provide water-soluble nutrients, amino acids, and fermentation-derived actives.

SHIRO's sake lees and rice bran line (酒かす米ぬか) is the most commercially successful expression of this pairing, with their toner combining both ingredients at high concentrations (translated from Japanese).

Products Featuring Rice Bran

• SHIRO Sake Lees Rice Bran Toner (¥3,630 / ~$24 USD) — Combines both ingredients in a cult-status toner
• Rosette Rice Bran Cleansing Paste (¥396 / ~$2.60 USD) — A drugstore cleanser with real rice bran for gentle exfoliation
• COMEITTO Rice Bran Skincare — Specialized brand focusing exclusively on rice bran-derived ingredients
• DHC Facial Scrub — Uses rice bran granules as a physical exfoliant

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Camellia Oil (椿油 / Tsubaki Abura)

What It Is

Camellia oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Camellia japonica tree — the same species that produces the camellia flower (椿, tsubaki), Japan's national flower. The oil has been Japan's most important hair and skin care ingredient since at least the 8th century.

Historical Significance

Camellia oil's role in Japanese beauty history is impossible to overstate (translated from Japanese):

• Heian period (794-1185): Court ladies used camellia oil to maintain the long, lustrous black hair that was a defining beauty standard. The oil protected hair from damage and added the characteristic sheen visible in period artwork
• Edo period (1603-1868): Camellia oil became commercially available and was used by all social classes. Geisha and kabuki actors used it as makeup remover, moisturizer, and hair styling product
• Meiji era onward: Industrial production began on the Izu Islands (specifically Toshima Island, 利島), which remains Japan's primary camellia oil production region. Toshima Island produces approximately 60% of Japan's camellia oil

Why It Works: The Oleic Acid Connection

Camellia oil's effectiveness has a simple chemical explanation: it's approximately 82-86% oleic acid (translated from Japanese, Sansei Pharmaceutical research). Human sebum is approximately 40% oleic acid. This molecular similarity means camellia oil is extraordinarily biocompatible with skin — it absorbs easily, doesn't clog pores (despite being an oil), and integrates with the skin's own lipid layer.

Additional benefits:

• Non-drying: Unlike many plant oils that can feel dry after absorption, camellia oil maintains a sustained moisturizing effect for 12+ hours
• Oxidative stability: Camellia oil has one of the highest oxidative stability ratings among plant oils, meaning it doesn't go rancid quickly and maintains its nutritional profile over time
• UV absorption: Contains natural UV-absorbing compounds (though not at sunscreen-level concentrations)
• Cuticle protection: For hair, camellia oil's oleic acid content seals the cuticle layer, preventing moisture loss and protecting against heat damage

Products Featuring Camellia Oil

• Oshima Tsubaki (大島椿) Pure Camellia Oil (¥1,430 / ~$9.50 USD for 60ml) — The iconic brand. Pure, cold-pressed camellia oil from the Izu Islands. Used for hair, face, and body
• Kazura Sei (かづら清) Special Camellia Oil (¥2,750 / ~$18 USD) — Premium Kyoto brand offering organic essential oil-infused variants
• Goto Tsubaki Honpo (五島椿本舗) — Camellia oil from the Goto Islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, with slightly different fatty acid profiles than Izu Islands oil
• Shiseido Tsubaki Hair Care Line — While the mass-market Tsubaki line uses camellia oil as one of several ingredients, it's the most commercially recognized product line bearing the ingredient's name

How to Use Camellia Oil

Camellia oil is genuinely multi-functional — one bottle serves 6+ purposes (translated from Japanese):

1. Hair oil: 2-3 drops worked through damp hair before drying. Protects from heat damage and adds shine
2. Scalp massage: Warm a tablespoon and massage into dry scalp before shampooing. Loosens sebum plugs and conditions the scalp
3. Face moisturizer: 1-2 drops pressed into skin after toner, before cream. Works as a lightweight serum-oil
4. Makeup remover: Massage a quarter-sized amount onto dry face to dissolve makeup, then emulsify with water
5. Cuticle oil: Apply directly to nail beds for hydration
6. Body oil: Apply to damp skin after bathing for full-body moisture lock

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Green Tea (緑茶 / Ryokucha) and Matcha (抹茶)

What It Is

Japanese green tea differs from Chinese green tea in processing — Japanese green tea is steamed (蒸し製法) rather than pan-fired, preserving higher concentrations of catechins and chlorophyll. Matcha, the powdered form, concentrates these compounds further because you consume (or apply) the entire leaf rather than just a brew.

Active Compounds

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): The most potent catechin in green tea, with antioxidant activity approximately 100x stronger than vitamin C and 25x stronger than vitamin E in vitro. Japanese green tea contains 2-3x more EGCG than Chinese green tea due to the steaming process
• L-theanine: An amino acid unique to tea that has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes skin barrier repair
• Chlorophyll: The compound that gives green tea its color has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Japanese green tea retains more chlorophyll than roasted or oxidized teas
• Caffeine: At topical concentrations, caffeine reduces puffiness by constricting blood vessels and stimulating microcirculation

Products Featuring Green Tea/Matcha

• Whamisa Organic Green Tea Water — Korean-Japanese crossover product using Japanese organic green tea
• Ippodo Tea x various beauty brands — Kyoto's famous tea house has collaborated with beauty brands for limited-edition matcha skincare
• Generic green tea mists and toners — Multiple Japanese drugstore brands offer green tea-infused toners at ¥500-1,000 (~$3-7 USD)

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Konjac (こんにゃく / Konnyaku)

What It Is

Konjac is a root vegetable native to East Asia, primarily used in Japanese cuisine for making konnyaku jelly and shirataki noodles. In skincare, konjac is used as the material for gentle cleansing sponges that have become globally popular.

How It Works

Konjac sponges are made from the glucomannan fiber of the konjac root. When saturated with water, they become incredibly soft — softer than even the gentlest synthetic cleansing tools. The fiber structure provides gentle physical exfoliation that removes dead skin cells without scratching or irritating the surface.

Key properties:

• pH balancing: Konjac is naturally alkaline (pH 8-9), which helps neutralize the acidity of cleansing products and restore skin to its optimal pH faster
• Gentle exfoliation: The fiber structure provides physical exfoliation comparable to a very fine scrub, but without any abrasive particles
• Biodegradable: Unlike synthetic cleansing tools, konjac sponges decompose naturally within 4-6 weeks of disposal
• Hypoallergenic: The glucomannan fiber is naturally free from common allergens and irritants

Products

• Yamamoto Farm Konjac Sponge — Traditional Japanese manufacturer, producing konjac sponges since the 1950s. Available in charcoal-infused, green tea-infused, and plain versions. ¥500-800 (~$3-5 USD)
• Multiple generic konjac sponges available at Japanese drugstores for ¥300-500 (~$2-3 USD)
• Konjac sponges have been adopted globally — brands like The Konjac Sponge Company (UK) source their konjac from Japan

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Yuzu (柚子 / Citrus junos)

What It Is

Yuzu is a citrus fruit native to East Asia, extensively cultivated in Japan (primarily in Kochi Prefecture, which produces approximately 50% of Japan's yuzu). Its essential oil, juice, and peel extract are used in skincare for brightening, antioxidant protection, and aromatherapy.

Active Compounds

• Limonene: The primary compound in yuzu essential oil (approximately 70% of oil composition), with antibacterial and skin-softening properties
• Vitamin C: Yuzu contains approximately 3x more vitamin C than lemons, making it one of the most vitamin C-dense citrus fruits
• Hesperidin: A flavonoid that improves microcirculation and reduces the appearance of dark circles and uneven skin tone
• Nomilin: A limonoid compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties unique to yuzu among common citrus fruits

Cultural Context

Yuzu's role in Japanese skincare is inseparable from the practice of 柚子湯 (yuzuyu) — the winter solstice tradition of bathing with whole yuzu fruits floating in the tub. This tradition dates to the Edo period and is practiced in public bathhouses across Japan every December 22nd. The warm water releases yuzu oils, creating a naturally moisturizing, circulation-boosting bath.

Products

• Thann Yuzu Body Cream — Thai brand using Japanese yuzu extract
• Multiple Japanese bath salts and body care products featuring yuzu from Kochi Prefecture
• Yuzu essential oil — used in aromatherapy diffusers and as a fragrance note in Japanese skincare

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Hatomugi (ハトムギ / Job's Tears)

What It Is

Hatomugi (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a grain related to barley, cultivated in Japan for both food and skincare use. Its skincare properties were first documented in traditional Chinese medicine, but Japan has developed it most extensively as a cosmetic ingredient.

Why It Matters

Hatomugi extract is one of the cheapest effective skincare ingredients in Japan. The Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner — a 500ml bottle for ¥715 (~$4.80 USD) — is one of the most-purchased skincare products in Japanese history, with cumulative sales exceeding 100 million bottles.

Active Compounds

• Coixenolide: A compound unique to hatomugi with anti-inflammatory and skin-smoothing properties. Clinical studies show it can improve skin texture within 4-6 weeks of topical application
• Protein (approximately 15% by weight): Provides amino acids for skin repair
• Lipids: Including oleic and linoleic acids for barrier support
• Vitamin B complex: Supports cell metabolism and turnover

Products

• Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (¥715 / ~$4.80 USD for 500ml) — The definitive hatomugi product. See our full review
• Naturie Hatomugi Moisture Gel (¥990 / ~$6.60 USD) — All-in-one gel with hatomugi extract
• Platinum Label Hatomugi Toner (¥700 / ~$4.70 USD for 1000ml) — Even more affordable at 1 liter

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Azuki Bean (小豆 / Azuki)

What It Is

Azuki beans — the red beans used in Japanese sweets like anko and mochi — have a long history as a facial cleanser in Japan. Ground azuki beans create a fine powder that cleanses and exfoliates without stripping natural oils.

Active Properties

• Saponins: Natural surfactants that gently remove sebum and impurities without the harshness of synthetic detergents
• Polyphenols: Antioxidant compounds that protect skin from oxidative stress
• Fine particle size: Ground azuki creates a powder finer than most physical scrubs, providing gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin

Products

• Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Scrub Wash — While primarily baking soda, many Japanese enzyme face washes use azuki as a supporting ingredient
• Traditional azuki powder (小豆洗粉) is available at Japanese beauty supply stores for DIY facial cleansing

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Ume (梅 / Japanese Plum)

What It Is

Ume (Japanese apricot/plum) is one of Japan's most symbolically important fruits. In skincare, ume extract and ume seed oil provide brightening and antioxidant benefits.

Active Compounds

• Citric acid: Natural AHA for gentle exfoliation and brightening
• Malic acid: Supports skin cell turnover
• Ume polyphenols: Including chlorogenic acid, which has demonstrated skin-lightening properties in Japanese research
• Ume seed oil: Rich in oleic and linoleic acids, similar in profile to camellia oil but with a lighter texture

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Reading Japanese Ingredient Labels

Understanding Japanese ingredient labels helps you identify these traditional ingredients on product packaging:

Japanese	Romaji	English	What to Look For
酒粕エキス	Sakekasu ekisu	Sake lees extract	Skincare with fermented ingredients
米ぬか油	Komenuka abura	Rice bran oil	Moisturizers and cleansing products
椿油	Tsubaki abura	Camellia oil	Hair care, face oils, body oils
緑茶エキス	Ryokucha ekisu	Green tea extract	Antioxidant products
コンニャク	Konnyaku	Konjac	Cleansing sponges and tools
柚子	Yuzu	Yuzu	Body care, bath products
ハトムギエキス	Hatomugi ekisu	Job's tears extract	Toners, moisturizers
コウジ酸	Kouji san	Kojic acid	Brightening products
米発酵液	Kome hakkoeki	Rice ferment filtrate	Essences, toners
小豆	Azuki	Red bean	Enzyme cleansers
梅エキス	Ume ekisu	Plum extract	Brightening products

Products labeled 医薬部外品 (iyakubugaihin, "quasi-drug") have undergone clinical testing for their active ingredient claims. This is a higher regulatory standard than standard 化粧品 (keshouhin, "cosmetics").

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Seaweed and Marine Ingredients (海藻 / Kaisou)

What They Are

Japan's 6,852 islands are surrounded by some of the world's richest marine ecosystems. Japanese skincare has long drawn on seaweed and marine ingredients — from kombu (昆布) and wakame (ワカメ) to deep-sea minerals and pearl extract.

Key Marine Ingredients

Kombu Extract (昆布エキス): Rich in fucoidan — a sulfated polysaccharide with potent anti-inflammatory and moisture-retaining properties. Fucoidan can hold up to 6x its weight in water, making it a hyaluronic acid alternative found in many Japanese toners and moisturizers. Research from Hokkaido University (translated from Japanese) has demonstrated fucoidan's ability to promote fibroblast growth factor, supporting collagen production.

Pearl Extract (真珠エキス / Shinju Ekisu): Pearl powder has been used in East Asian beauty for centuries. Japanese pearl extract — sourced primarily from Akoya pearls cultivated in Mie Prefecture — contains conchiolin, a protein that provides amino acids for skin repair, and a unique blend of minerals (calcium, magnesium, zinc) that support cell metabolism.

Mikimoto Cosmetics (the beauty arm of the famous pearl company) has built an entire skincare line around Akoya pearl extract, with their Moon Pearl line (from ¥5,500 / ~$37 USD) representing the commercial pinnacle of pearl-based skincare.

Deep Sea Water (海洋深層水 / Kaiyou Shinsosuui): Water drawn from depths of 200+ meters contains a mineral profile dramatically different from surface seawater — higher in magnesium, calcium, and trace minerals, with lower bacterial content. Kochi Prefecture (on the island of Shikoku) is the primary source of cosmetic-grade deep sea water in Japan.

Several Japanese skincare brands use deep sea water as their base water instead of purified water, arguing that the mineral content provides additional skin benefits beyond standard purified water formulations.

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Soy (大豆 / Daizu) and Soy-Derived Ingredients

Why Soy Matters in Japanese Beauty

Soy holds a unique position in Japanese skincare because of its isoflavone content — plant-derived compounds that structurally mimic estrogen. As natural estrogen levels decline with age, skin loses collagen, elasticity, and moisture. Soy isoflavones can partially compensate for this decline.

Key Compounds

• Genistein and daidzein: The primary isoflavones, with demonstrated ability to support collagen production and reduce melanin synthesis
• Soy lecithin: An emollient and emulsifier that improves product texture while providing barrier-supporting lipids
• Soy protein: Source of amino acids for skin repair

Products

• Sana Nameraka Isoflavone Skincare Line (from ¥880 / ~$5.90 USD) — The most commercially successful soy-based skincare line in Japan. Available at every drugstore, it includes toner, emulsion, cream, and eye treatment. The "Extra Moist" version targets aging skin specifically
• Naris Up Soy Milk Skincare (from ¥600 / ~$4 USD) — Budget soy isoflavone line

Soy-based skincare is particularly popular among Japanese women 40+ who are looking for gentle, plant-based anti-aging support. The ingredient's safety profile is excellent — millennia of dietary use in Japan provide an unusually strong historical safety record.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are traditional Japanese beauty ingredients backed by science? Yes. Many traditional ingredients have been validated through modern research. Kojic acid (from sake lees) is an approved quasi-drug brightening agent. Camellia oil's oleic acid content has been analyzed extensively. Rice bran's gamma-oryzanol is clinically documented. The traditional use preceded the science, but the science now supports the traditions.

Can I use sake lees directly on my skin? You can, and some Japanese women do — fresh sake lees from a sake brewery or supermarket, mixed with water into a paste and applied as a face pack. However, raw sake lees can be irritating for sensitive skin due to the alcohol content. Commercially formulated products extract the beneficial compounds while removing potential irritants.

Is camellia oil comedogenic? Despite being an oil, camellia oil has a comedogenicity rating of 1 (out of 5) — very unlikely to clog pores. Its molecular similarity to human sebum allows it to absorb into the lipid layer rather than sitting on top of the skin. However, individual responses vary; patch test before applying to acne-prone areas.

Which Japanese beauty ingredients are best for beginners? Start with hatomugi (Job's tears) and hyaluronic acid — both are gentle, effective, and available in affordable products. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner and Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium are the gold-standard beginner products. Once comfortable, explore rice bran-based products (Rosette Cleansing Paste) and camellia oil (Oshima Tsubaki). Save fermented ingredients (sake lees, koji) for when you understand your skin's preferences.

Are there any Japanese beauty ingredients to avoid? Japanese cosmetics regulation is among the strictest globally, so safety concerns are rare. However, individuals with alcohol sensitivity should note that some sake-based products contain trace amounts of alcohol. Citrus-derived ingredients (yuzu, lemon) can cause photosensitivity — use these in evening routines only. And while camellia oil is generally non-comedogenic, any oil can potentially cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. Patch testing remains the universal safety rule.

How do Japanese fermented ingredients compare to probiotic skincare? Japanese fermented ingredients (sake lees, rice ferment filtrate, koji) contain metabolites PRODUCED BY fermentation — amino acids, peptides, organic acids, and vitamins. Western "probiotic" skincare typically contains live or inactive probiotic organisms, or lysates (broken-down bacterial cell contents). The approaches are complementary rather than competitive. Japanese fermentation provides nutrient-rich ingredients; probiotics aim to support the skin's microbiome. For a deeper dive, see our fermented ingredients guide.

Where can I buy traditional Japanese beauty ingredients outside Japan? Amazon Japan ships many traditional ingredient products internationally. YesStyle carries brands like SHIRO, Kiku-Masamune, and Naturie. For pure camellia oil, Oshima Tsubaki is available on Amazon Japan and select international retailers. See our overseas buying guide for complete options.

What's the difference between sake lees and Pitera (SK-II)? Pitera is a specific galactomyces ferment filtrate — the liquid produced during sake brewing, not the solid residue. Sake lees (酒粕) is the solid residue. Both originate from the sake brewing process but contain different concentrations of active compounds. SK-II's Pitera is a proprietary, standardized ingredient; sake lees varies by brewery and batch.

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Sources

• Sansei Pharmaceutical (三省製薬) — sake lees and camellia oil research: sansho-pharma.com (translated from Japanese)
• Koken Cosmetics — fermented sake lees extract research: koken-cosme.com (translated from Japanese)
• SHIRO official site — sake lees and rice bran formulation: shiro-shiro.jp (translated from Japanese)
• Nihon Sakari — sake-derived skincare ingredients: nihonsakari.co.jp (translated from Japanese)
• Life U — rice-derived toner overview: life.iimono-labo.jp (translated from Japanese)
• Oshima Tsubaki / Toshima Island cooperative — camellia oil production: ja-toshima.jp (translated from Japanese)
• Biteki — camellia oil uses and benefits: biteki.com (translated from Japanese)
• LIPS — camellia oil hair care guide: lipscosme.com (translated from Japanese)
• Kinarino — tsubaki oil comprehensive guide: kinarino.jp (translated from Japanese)
• AKOMEYA TOKYO — sake lees and sake skincare: akomeya.jp (translated from Japanese)

Related Reading

• Rice Bran, Sake Lees, and Koji: Japan's Fermented Skincare Ingredients Explained
• The Japanese Skincare Philosophy: Why Less Is More
• Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner Review

— The J-Beauty Decoded Team