Available on KOSÉ’s Of ﬁcial store on Shopee from 24 Februar y 2024.
Available at all KOSÉ Depar tment Store Counters at BHG, Isetan, Metroand OG, all Welcia-BHG stores and KOSÉ Of ﬁcial store on Lazada from 1 March 2024
Available at Guardian Online from 14 March 2024.

SEKKISEI’s 40th year in May 2024 and its History
Since its launch in 1985,
SEKKISEI has remained largely unchanged in formulation and design,
and will now welcome its 40th year thanks to the love it’s earned from the users*.
Inheriting the mind from the initial development,
this lotion can be used for a long time of period because it is suitable for different
kinds of skins that continue changing, and it has been loved by many people
regardless of their generations, genders or countries.

*As of May 2024

Origin of the name
The characters “肌” (kanji character for skin) and “精” (kanji character for spirit) were decided fairly quickly,
but the first character remained undecided leading to the consideration for hundreds of suggestions.
The then-President Reijiro Kobayashi chose “雪,” the kanji character for snow,out of a desire to offer more beautiful skin that is as fresh and translucent as snow.

DesignThe bottle is the SEKKISEI blue color of a medicine bottle, slightly transparent so as to show a hint of the white lotion
inside. The bottle also has the hexagonal shape of a snowflake when viewed from directly below.

Recipe for translucency from approximately
100 carefully-selected Japanese and Chinese botanicals
The translucency recipe, which is our greatest focus, is based on the Japanese and Chinese concept of combining various
ingredients to deal with a single symptom. The formula was determined based on the concept of the ancient Chinese recipe’s“four natures.” Depending on whether the body has been “warmed” or “cooled,” the ingredients are classified into fivecategories: “cold,” “cool,” “warm,” and “hot,” and “plain,” which has all of these natures. By skillfully combining these,
the effects are produced without any burden on the body. SEKKISEI has researched, categorized and formulated morethan 100 types of plant-derived beauty ingredients. From this, the carefully-selected translucency recipe is still usedalmost exactly as it was initially.

Molecular-level formula
Along with the translucency of the skin, the fresh feel has also gained huge support for SEKKISEI.
In order to achieve great absorption*1, the formulation with an ingenious oil-moisture balance is also known
as a “molecular-level formula.” The balance is so exquisite that it is achieved by a technology that evenly disperses
atomized oil in water. This “molecular-level formula” provides a unique feeling of freshness without stickiness on the skinsurface, while getting absorbed into the skin quickly and bringing in moisture.

Sustainable Initiatives
Activities to conserve and protect the Earth’s environment as well as to raise awareness were initiated through
SEKKISEI “SAVE the BLUE” project in 2009. Some of the sales revenue of the subjected products are donated to nature
conservation and other activities. During the summer, we support coral cultivation activities in Okinawa while during
the winter, we support the transition to renewable energy for electricity to protect snow.

“SEKKISEI SAVE the BLUE Project” Website
https://www.kose.co.jp/sekkisei/savetheblue/
Also, factories that make SEKKISEI are committed to the realization of asustainable society through the introduction of clean electric energy,
container collecting program, and other measures to pass on the natural environment ofour beautiful blue planet to the next generation.

SEKKISEI melts in like snow and flows with fresh moisture each time of use. As KOSÉ’s No.1*2 lotion,it has been well received by many customers and has been a longtime best seller.
*1 Down to the stratum corneum

1*2 September 2022-October 2023 Sales figures based on Intage SRI+ survey

2

Aiming for even higher levels of translucency, SEKKISEI is taking a new step forward of challenge.

For 40 years, SEKKISEI has been conducting natural science research to achieve “beautiful, translucent, snow-like skin.”
As the culmination of the ingredient research and technology for commercialization,
SEKKISEI has renewed for the first time ever.

Aiming for a new dimension of translucency beyond brightening effects and preventing rough skin.
A new history of SEKKISEI begins.

What triggered the opening of a new history was an ingredient derived from “licorice,”
which is also known as the king of Japanese and Chinese botanicals.
After years of research, SEKKISEI discovered that it has both “brightening effects” and “effects of preventing rough skin.”And for the first time in Japan, it was approved as a new active ingredient.
It took 16 years from the start of research to commercialize the product.

W-glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester is a licorice-derived active ingredient for brightening and preventing
rough skin which simultaneously treats dark spots and rough skin. “Buildup of melanin” which dulls the skin and“buildup of rough skin” are approached to increase translucency.
The highly concentrated *domestic job’s tears extract will lead to fresh skin filled with moisture.

The gentle comfort of the Japanese and Chinese botanicals and the proven effectiveness will give your skina lifetime of translucency.

*Comparison ratio within the brand

3

New

First in Japan*

Licorice-Derived
Active Ingredients for Brightening x
Prevention of Rough Skin
W-Glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester

New Form of
Brightening Begins.
4* First in Japan to receive approval for the use of active ingredient, glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester SW for “brightening” and preventing “rough skin/sensitivity.” - Suppresses melanin production and prevents the formation of dark spots and freckles.

Reference Material 1

Focused on Source of Dark Spots and Dullness: Inflammation*KOSÉ Survey “Survey regarding Inflammation and Dark Spots” n=5,163

It has been discovered that those who experienced rough skin felt their skin was twice as likely to get dark spots and dullness.
And occasional formation of acne/pimples, redness from UV ray exposure, and skin irritation from pollen.
These are all “microinflammation” signs that inflammation has begun to appear on the skin surface.
Percentage of People who are prone to getting Dark Spots/Dullness
35.0%

Approximately double

30.0%

People experiencing rough skin are also

more likely to be struggling withdark spots/dullness.

25.0%
20.0%

Inflammation which is the source of rough skin,

15.0%

can lead to skin symptoms such as dark spots and

10.0%

dullness if left untreated.

5.0%
0.0%

People who responded
People who responded“I almost never experience skin troubles” “I have rough skin every day”

Skin Changes by Age
10s to 20s

30s

40s

50s

● Recurring bouts of acne
● Acne’s finally gone,
but a brown mark is still there● Looked in the mirror after workand my skin looks sort of dark—is this what they call “dullness”?
● I don’t get acne anymore, but I
feel like there’s some pigmentation
there, maybe a dark spot?

● The dark spot is concerning● Dryness is concerning even after
moisturizing● The moisture does not retain
even after moisturizing anddries out quickly● Before I was worried about dark
spots, but nowadays my wholeface looks dull and it makes melook downright gloomy

Skin problems of inflammation-derived dark spots, dullness, and rough skin are a concern for any generation.
“Inflammation”, the key to resolving skin problems, must be treated quickly and continuously.
Mechanisms of Dark Spots, Dullness, and Rough Skin
Buildup of melanin
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation
become more noticeable on thesurface of the skin

Dark spots / Dullness

External stimuli such as UV rays
Skin troubles

Melanin production
signals

Inflammation emerges on
the surface of the skin in
the form of redness

Buildup of
inﬂammation

Buildup of
melanin“Prostaglandins,”
an inﬂammatory
substance

Buildup of inflammation

Capillaries dilate*ImageThe root cause of all skin problems is “inflammation.” Inflammatory substance called “prostaglandins”
are produced inside the skin when it is exposed to external stimuli, leading to melanin production signal and capillary dilation.
This inflammatory substance produced inside the skin causes two types of buildup: “melanin” and “inflammation.”
These lead to dark spots, dullness, and rough skin. To achieve translucent and beautiful skin, it is important toapproach “prostaglandins”, which is the source of both melanin and inflammation.

53

Reference Material 2

Concept
Removes buildups of melanin/inflammation, lets them circulate and increases the purity of the skin.

Pure brightening
Brings out the inherent beauty in each individual’s skin using concepts in Chinese medicine, for skin that is as beautifullytranslucent as snow. Gives you moisturized skin with crystal-clear clarity.
40 years of research in the natural sciences. KOSÉ's proprietary active ingredient for brightening and preventing rough skin derived from licorice
SEKKISEI has been researching ingredients derived from Japanese and Chinese botanicals on
the concept of Chinese medicine in order to achieve skin as fresh and translucent as snow.
“Licorice”, the king of herbal medicines, has been included in our products since our launch in 1985,
and we have continued our research on it.
And now, after 16 years, KOSÉ’s proprietary active ingredient for brightening andpreventing rough skin has been approved and commercialized.
1985
Birth of SEKKISEINatural science research
40 years

A translucency recipe exclusive to SEKKISEI wasContains dipotassium glycyrrhizate, an ingredient

1993
Medicatedderived from licorice, as an overall balancing agent.

Contains licorice-derived active ingredient,created by focusing on Japanese and Chinese botanicals.

dipotassium glycyrrhizate, for preventing rough skin.

Licorice(Dipotassium glycyrrhizate)2024
Renewed for Improvement
Contains licorice-derived active ingredient,

W-Glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester, for brightening andpreventing rough skin.

Licorice-derived ingredients were newly proven to have brightening effects, and were approved for the firsttime in Japan as a proprietary active ingredient for brightening and preventing rough skin.
First in Japan! Newly approved active ingredient for double effect of brightening and preventing rough skin.
Contains the active ingredient “W-glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester” derived from licorice, the king of herbal medicines.
We have succeeded in evolving the “translucency recipe inspired from Chinese medicine” with modern research findings.

Licorice (Scientific name: Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is used worldwide as a medicinal plant and is even known as the “king of herbal medicines.”
It is considered a very safe herbal medicine, with efficacy that allows it to be used by anyone on a daily basis.

6Reference Material 3

What Are Prostaglandins

It is deeply intertwined with our experience of fevers and pain—physical symptoms that are caused by thephenomenon known as inflammation.
Prostaglandins are also called "inflammatory substance.”
In the skin, external stimuli such as UV rays can induce melanin production, which later leads to dark spots
and pigmentation on the skin. It also induces inflammation, which leads to skin redness and roughness.
In other words, it is important not to let prostaglandins run amok in the skin as well.
Approach of licorice-derived active ingredient W-Glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester

Brightening effect of active ingredients
Melanin production is the initial stage within the mechanismof dark spots formation and it is stimulated by the
inflammatory substance, prostaglandins. The active
ingredients suppress the production of prostaglandins,preventing dark spots and freckles.

External stimuli such as UV rays
Dark spots / Dullness
Skin troubles

Buildup of
inﬂammation

Buildup of
melanin

Melanin production
signals“Prostaglandins,”
an inﬂammatory
substance

UV rays

Capillaries dilate

Licorice-derived active
ingredient W-Glycyrrhetinicacid stearyl ester

Inﬂammation
Prostaglandins
Epidermal cell
(Keratinocyte)
Melanin production

Melanocyte*Image*ImageInflammatory substance “prostaglandin” is the source of melanin buildup and inflammation buildup.
By suppressing it with an active ingredient, it is possible to simultaneously care for dark spots,
dullness and rough skin while preventing it from “surfacing” and to bring out
an improved “translucent” effect.

Inhibition of prostaglandins production
Cultured epidermal keratinocytes were exposed to UV radiation, after which the active ingredient was added,
and the amount of prostaglandins produced was measured.
Morep(Prostaglandins quantity)

p

No UV
With UV* p<0.01

Less

No additives

Addition of glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester

Exposure to UV radiation increased the amount of prostaglandins produced by the cells;
this production was suppressed, however, in the condition in which the active ingredient was added.

7

Reference Material 4

Approach through Japanese/Chinese botanicals

Dark spots / Dullness

Licorice-derived active ingredient
W-Glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester

Job's tears extract

Inhibits the production of
inﬂammatory substancePrevents dullness due
to dryness

Buildup of
inﬂammation

Buildup of
melaninJujube extract

Skin troubles

Jujube extract
Inﬂammatory substance“Prostaglandins”

Promotes turnover andexpels melanin

Melothria extract Angelica acutiloba
root extract

Promotes turnover andsupports the renewing ofstratum corneum*ImageInhibits melanin production

Mugwort extract

Promotes production ofmoisturizing factors
Fills with moisture

Licorice-derived active ingredient W-glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl inhibits the production of prostaglandins,
an inflammatory substance. Furthermore, beauty ingredients of carefully selected Japanese and Chinese botanicals
support the function of active ingredients and promote skin circulation.
In the case of melanin buildup, in order to resolve the root cause, the active ingredient suppresses the production of
inflammatory substance, prostaglandins, which induces the buildup. Melothria extract and angelica acutiloba root
extract inhibit melanin production, the cause of dark spot formation. Then, jujube extract expels melanin bypromoting turnover.
In the case of “buildup of inflammation” as well, in order to resolve the root cause first, the production of
inflammatory substance, prostaglandins, which induces buildup is suppressed by active ingredients. Also, in order tomake a healthy skin not prone to inflammation, mugwort extract promotes the production of filaggrin*,
an important natural moisturizing factor.
Then, jujube extract promotes turnover to form a normal stratum corneum.
In this way, the Japanese and Chinese botanical ingredients work on the buildup in their respective roles.

*Increases filaggrin gene expression

8

Reference Material 5

PatentpendingHigh-pressure phospholipid micro-emulsified bio-similar emulsion capsule

Licorice-derived active ingredients, which have been difficult to formulate, have been made into a “refreshing lotion.”
Culmination of commercialization technology
In addition to the clear and translucent skin, thanks to the effects of brightening and preventing of rough skin, the goal was fora quality design that focuses on immediate effects that are easy to feel, such as “freshness,” “absorption,” “moisturizing feel,”and “translucency that can be felt immediately after use.”
The active ingredient W-glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester is an oil-based solid that does not easily dissolve in water, a property
similar to butter, making it extremely difficult to create the fresh, highly absorbing lotion that only SEKKISEI can provide.
Therefore, the optimal combinations of oils were carefully selected to dissolve the active ingredients.
The first step was to dissolve the active ingredient thoroughly in a non-sticky botanical oil and etc. Then, using KOSÉ's
proprietary new technology <patent pending>,high-pressure fine phospholipid micro-emulsion formula technology,
a bio-similar emulsion capsule was created.
As a result, the active ingredients, together with other lotion ingredients, can be stably blended into a lotion in a watery liquidform. Also, the small size of the capsule allows it to sink deep into the stratum corneum.
After more than 60 formulation studies and more than 400 process studies, we have succeeded in commercializing as a fresh
lotion. Bio-similar emulsion capsules deliver active ingredients deep into the skin.

Solid(1) Dissolve in oil(2) Emulsify W-glycyrrhetinicacid stearyl ester(3) High-pressure ﬁne phospholipid
micro-emulsion formula technology
has been used to create nano-sizedbio-similar emulsion capsule(4) Combined formula of“(3) Capsule solution”
and other lotion ingredients

High-pressure
processing
Japanese and Chinese botanical ingredients
Bio-similar emulsion capsule[Active Ingredients for Brightening and Preventing Rough Skin andEmollient Ingredients][Bio-similar Emulsion Capsule]
Botanical phospholipids
Botanical emollient oils** Phytosterol

Active ingredients are dissolved, turning it into a white lotion*ImageMoisture sinks deep into the stratum corneum. It leads to bright, fresh and translucent skin.
Formula Sinking Into the Stratum Corneum

The product with fluorescent ingredients applied to human explanted skin.
Stratum corneum

Epidermis

9

A resected section is created after a certain time and observed through confocal
laser microscope.

It is apparent that it sunk in well into the stratum corneum.

Reference Material 6

A fragrance, proprietary of SEKKISEI, clears the mind with the added freshness

Top Note

Citrus (Lemon, bergamot)
Anise (Licorice)
Aldehyde

Middle Note
Floral(Rose, jasmine, muguet, etc.)

Last Note
Musk
Powdery (Iris)

Refreshing and clear fragrance of natural floral.
The reassuring fragrance of SEKKISEI remains with the addition of refreshing and invigorating scent. This brings
a finish with a fragrance that can seem to purify not only the dullness of the skin but even that of the mind.
The top notes of lemon, bergamot, and other citrus scents give a fresh impression. The middle note contains floral
notes such as rose and jasmine, which are the core of the fragrance unique of SEKKISEI, and the last note gives a
powdery impression with iris and musk delivering a sense of reassurance and warmth.

Japanese and Chinese botanical extracts for fresh translucency

Domestic job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) extract [Care of dullness and moisturizing]
Job’s tears is an annual herbaceous grain of the grass family that is native to China and South Asia.
This product contains domestic job's tears extract.
It is expected to moisturize and smoothen the skin.
This product contains a high concentration of job’s tears extract to treat dullness caused by dryness,maintain skin condition, and lead to smooth, clear skin.

Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) water [moisturizing]
Job’s tear water (Coix lacryma-jobi) is obtained by steam distillation of coix seeds without the seeds of job’s tears.
This product provides moisture to the skin and keeps it fresh and moist.

Angelica (angelica acutiloba) root extract [Brightening (Inhibition of melanin production) and moisturizing]
Angelica is a perennial herb of the Apiaceae family that grows wild in mountainous areas. Angelica acutiloba root
extract, an extract from angelica root, is expected to have a brightening effect by inhibiting melanin production.

10

Reference Material 7

Melothria (melothria heterophylla) extract [Brightening (Inhibition of melanin production) and moisturizing]
Melothria, also known as bai lian in China, is a perennial herb in the melothria genus of the neoachmandra family.
Melothria extract, extracted from the root of melothria, is expected to have a brightening effect byinhibiting melanin production.
Inhibits melanin production
Melanin production rate (%)

High

Low

Without
extract

With
extract

By adding melothria extract, the effect of melanin production inhibition was confirmed.
Jujube (date) extract [Promotes turnover (activates epidermal cells) and moisturizing]
Date is a member of the buckthorn family and is known by the medicinal name, jujube. Jujube extract is an extractfrom the fruit of the date. It has been confirmed to have an epidermal cell activation effect, which promotes turnoverand helps the stratum corneum, including melanin, to drain smoothly.
Epidermal cell activation effect
Cell activation effect (%)

High
Jujube extract was added to humannormal epidermal keratinocytes,
and the effect of cell activation was
evaluated compared to those without
jujube extract.
Low

Without
extract

With
extract

Addition of jujube extract was confirmed to have a cellular activating effectMugwort (artemisia princeps) extract [Moisturizing factor filaggrin production and moisturizing]
Mugwort is a plant of artemisia genus from the asteraceae family. It is commonly found in mountainous areas throughout
Japan. Mugwort extract is an extract from the leaves of the mugwort plant. It has the effect of gene appearance of protein(filaggrin), the source of natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which helps keep skin moist and hydrated.
Promotion effect of proﬁlaggrin gene expression
Gene expression rate (%)

High

Low

Without
extract

With
extract

Addition of mugwort extract was found to promote the production of moisturizing factor (filaggrin)

11Reference Material 8

Data on Skin Tone Change
Skin Image after 12 weeks of Continuous Use

Before test

4 weeks

8 weeks

Change over time

12 weeksWith continued use, the gradual reduction of skin redness and brightness are apparent. Redness on
the cheeks is reduced and less noticeable after 12 weeks compared to before the product was used
(0 weeks) After 12 weeks, the skin is about one tone brighter when expressed in terms of foundation.
Skin images after 12 weeks of continuous use Change over time

Skin tone enhancement effect (Visual evaluation)
Close up※※

Before test※

4 weeks

8 weeks

12 weeks

The spots have become lighter.

Visual translucency evaluation (Translucency evaluated visually)
Skin images after 12 weeks of continuous use Change over time※※

Enhancement※

N=30 (n=29 for 8w only)*<0.05

Before test

4 weeks

8 weeks

12 weeks

Translucency is enhanced compared to before the test.
Sustainability

Reduction of CO2 emissions

Container resin volume reduced

FSC certified paper

through use of plant-derived

through design and molding(mixed type)bottles (Biomass PET)

Eliminating of packaging film

used

12

First in Japan!*1 Dual effect of brightening and preventing rough skin
Licorice-derived Active Ingredients Thoroughly Prevent Dark Spotsand Care Rough Skin.
Brightening Lotion for Fresh Translucent Bare Skin.
*1 First in Japan to receive approval for the use of glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester SW for “brightening” and preventing “rough skin/sensitivity.”

SEKKISEI Brightening Essence Lotion
200ml, $50
350ml, $80

13

<Product Features>● The ﬁrst renewed improvement of SEKKISEI for the brand’s 40th year.

*May 2024 will mark the 40th anniversary.

● As the culmination of 40 years of natural science research, SEKKISEI has evolved for skin that is concerned about dark spots,

dullness*2 , and roughness. The "translucency" that SEKKISEI has been pursuing since its launch has changed.

● It took 16 years to obtain the approval and commercialize the licorice-derived active ingredient W- glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester.

Contains KOSÉ's proprietary active ingredient for brightening and preventing rough skin which was approved for the ﬁrst timein Japan. Focuses on two internal skin buildups that inhibit transparency: "Buildup of melanin" and "buildup of rough skin.” The
active ingredient prevent the two buildups and lead to snow-like, fresh, translucent skin.

● The active ingredient is oil-based solid that does not dissolve easily in water, a property similar to butter. In order to stably

blend it into a fresh lotion, proprietary technology of high-pressure phospholipid micro-emulsiﬁed bio-similar emulsion
capsule was adopted. The small-sized capsule allows for a fresh feel and absorbing feel deep into the stratum corneum,a feature only SEKKISEI can provide.

● It is refreshing to use, and blends into the skin with an absorbing feel* 4 like snow melting on the skin. It is non-sticky andspreads moisture deep into the stratum corneum. It maintains the skin's freshness and leads to a fresh, bright skin.

● Contains a high concentration*3 of domestic job’s tears extract for dullness care*2. Brings out the skin's natural translucency.
● The sensation of effects have improved. The "high absorbing feel*4 " has been maintained, while the "moist feeling of the skinafter use," "moisture retention effect," and "translucency of the skin" have been improved.

● It also prevents acne, hot ﬂashes from sunburns, rough skin and razor rash.
● Refreshing and clear fragrance of natural ﬂoral. It is an endlessly clear fragrance that puriﬁes not only the dullness of the skin

but even that of the mind.

● Natural origin index 88%*5● Adopted environmentally friendly packaging. FSC-approved paper is used for the exterior packaging and conventional

packaging ﬁlm is eliminated.
CO2 emissions reduced by the use of plant-derived bottles (Biomass PET). The amount of resin is reduced with the design andmolding.

● Renovated to a modern bottle design. While inheriting SEKKISEI’ s iconic blue color and medicine bottle shape, the slanted cap

and curves of the container add a modern touch. The design has been updated to be more stylish.

● Licorice-derived active ingredient W- glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester suppresses melanin production and prevents dark spots

and freckles while preventing rough skin.

<Ingredients>

Licorice-derived active ingredient (W-Glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester) [Brightening and preventing rough skin]
Domestic job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi ), Angelica (Angelica acutiloba) root extract, Melothria (Melothria heterophylla) extract,
Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi ) water, Jujube (date) extract, Mugwort (Artemisia princeps) extract, glycerin (moisturizer)
W-glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl ester is glycyrrhetinic acid stearyl SW.

<Directions for Use>◯ Apply on clean skin after washing.
◯ Take an appropriate amount (about the size of a large coin) in the palm of your hand or cotton pad and gently blend it into theskin.

*2 Caused by dryness*3 Comparison ratio within the brand*4 Down to the stratum corneum*5 Including water; according to ISO 16128- Suppresses melanin production and prevents the formation of dark spots and freckles.

For more information, please contact:
Lim Yi Fang

Joyce Limyifang.lim@kose.com.sg

joyce.lim@kose.com.sg

Brand Manager

Marketing Executive

14