Shiseido
Encyclopedia
is a major Japanese hair care
and cosmetics
producer. It is the oldest cosmetics company in the world and the fourth largest cosmetics company in the world.
, former head pharmacist
to the Japanese Imperial Navy, established the Shiseido Pharmacy in 1872. After a visit to the United States and Europe, Arinobu added a soda fountain
to the store. This later grew into the Shiseido Parlour restaurant business, and eventually led to the introduction of ice cream
in Japan. The name "Shiseido" can be translated as "praise the virtues of the earth which nurtures new life and brings forth significant values".
Shiseido was the first to develop the softening lotion, a lightweight liquid of toner-like consistency. The oldest softening lotion is named Eudermine, which is still marketed and sold at all Shiseido counters. The softening lotion was developed in response to lead poisoning, as the Japanese women used makeup based on white lead
.
In 1917, Shiseido introduces Rainbow Face Powder. The idea of a face powder with seven colors was very novel in a period when white face powders were the norm in Japan.
In 1923, the company began expanding its store-base; it now has approximately 25,000 outlets.
In 1927, a joint stock company was formed.
In 1957, Shiseido began sales in Taiwan
, closely followed by Singapore
and Hong Kong. In 1962, Shiseido expanded to Hawaii; in 1965, it established Shiseido Cosmetics America. European sales began with Italy in 1968 and Oceania
with New Zealand in 1971.
In 1985, Shiseido was the first company to produce sodium hyaluronate
(hyaluronic acid/hyaluronan) from non-animal origin sources.
In North America and Europe, Shiseido products are sold in major department stores, pharmacies and Asian retailers.
"Bio-Performance" has more targeted products—predominantly, its eye cream is one of the most popular products in this line and focuses on preventing fine lines and dark circles around the eyes. The Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer and Advanced Super Restoring Cream are two of Shiseido's most popular anti-aging creams. The Bio-Performance line was introduced in 1987 following the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). Shiseido was the first to formulate and synthesize hyaluronic acid and owns the patent rights; therefore all cosmetic lines must use sodium hyaluronate rather than hyaluronic acid on their ingredient lists. Product containers are sleek and modern. Recent additions to the Bio-Performance line include a Refining Essence and Super Exfoliating Discs.
"Benefiance" was introduced in 1996 and is formulated for mature and dry skin types. Most of their containers are glass and are beige. Recent additions to the Benefiance line include a reformulated antiwrinkle eye cream which also treats dark circles, and a retinol
face mask.
"White Lucent" is used to lighten the appearance of skin discoloration due to sun exposure. This line replaced the UV White skincare line, which is one of the most popular skincare lines in Asia. Contrary to popular belief, the term whitening refers to a brightening of the skin tone, not a lightening of skin tone. This product line relies on Japanese botanicals and vitamin C
ester
s to brighten the skin tone, reduce the appearance of sun damage, and promote skin clarity. Because the "White Lucent" line does not contain an actual bleaching agent, it is one of the few lines of skin brightening products that has not been affected by new US laws prohibiting the production and distribution of skin bleaching agents.
"The Skincare" is for all skin types, but targets women in their 20s to 50s, and is therefore more hydrating than Pureness. Uniquely, this line carries three eye creams, sold in containers which are pearly white and are made of plastic. The Skincare line was introduced in 1997 and replaced the Vital Perfection skincare line. It was recently updated and repackaged.
"Pureness" is Shiseido's oil control line introduced in 1995. Because it is aimed at a younger consumer (who typically has oilier skin), it is Shiseido's least expensive skincare line on average due primarily to the containers being simple plastic bottles and tubes of light blue. Pureness products contain plant-derived ingredients like palo azul, a skin conditioner Shiseido claims stimulates the skin's moisturizing capacities and rosemary
extract, which has a well-known antimicrobial effect.
"Suncare" products include UVA/UVB sun protection lotions and creams for face, eyes, lips and body, self-tanners (without sun protection) for face and body, and 3 types of foundation makeup (with sun protection). Sun protection products range from SPF 16 to 60 and provide broad spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA
rays. Shiseido uses its own unique UVA rating system of PA ranging from "+" to "+++" as there is no established standard for labelling products that have UVA protection. All Shiseido Suncare products with sun protection (and several foundations) have received The Skin Cancer Foundation
's Seal of Recommendation
Shiseido also markets "Shiseido Men" skincare products including shaving cream
, face wash which doubles as shaving foam, aftershave lotion, moisturizers, anti-wrinkle creams, eye products, and self tanners.
In China, aside from Maquillage, Shiseido also sells Aupres, its major makeup brand there.
Elsewhere, Shiseido produces a line of cosmetics simply called "The Makeup" that provide a full range of products including lip products, powder eye shadows, eye liner pencils, mascara, fluid and compact foundations, concealers, and powder blush. Their hydro powder eye shadows which have a creamy texture are among Allure
magazine's top beauty picks.
Until recently, Shiseido also owned ZIRH International, a New York City-based producer of men's skincare and fragrance products under the ZIRH and Corduroy brands. In September 2007, Shiseido sold ZIRH back to an investment group owned by Brian Robinson
, the former president of ZIRH. Shiseido continues to own and manufacture the John Varvatos fragrance and skincare brand, and transferred distribution of the John Varvatos brand to their Beauté Prestige International subsidiary.
Hair care
Hair care is an overall term for parts of hygiene and cosmetology involving the hair on the human head. Hair care will differ according to one's hair type and according to various processes that can be applied to hair...
and cosmetics
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, towelettes, permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, hair sprays and...
producer. It is the oldest cosmetics company in the world and the fourth largest cosmetics company in the world.
History
Arinobu FukuharaArinobu Fukuhara
was the head of Apothecary Shiseidō and . In addition, this businessman's name is known internationally because of the Arinobu Fukuhara House at Hakone, which Frank Lloyd Wright designed in 1918 as a Prairie-style vacation villa for the extended Fukuhara family.Born 1848 in Awa, Chiba-ken, he...
, former head pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are allied health professionals who practice in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use...
to the Japanese Imperial Navy, established the Shiseido Pharmacy in 1872. After a visit to the United States and Europe, Arinobu added a soda fountain
Soda fountain
A soda fountain is a device that dispenses carbonated drinks. They can be found in restaurants, concession stands and other locations such as convenience stores...
to the store. This later grew into the Shiseido Parlour restaurant business, and eventually led to the introduction of ice cream
Ice cream
Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream, and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners...
in Japan. The name "Shiseido" can be translated as "praise the virtues of the earth which nurtures new life and brings forth significant values".
Shiseido was the first to develop the softening lotion, a lightweight liquid of toner-like consistency. The oldest softening lotion is named Eudermine, which is still marketed and sold at all Shiseido counters. The softening lotion was developed in response to lead poisoning, as the Japanese women used makeup based on white lead
White lead
White lead is the chemical compound 2·Pb2. It was formerly used as an ingredient for lead paint and a cosmetic called Venetian Ceruse, because its opaque quality made it a good pigment. However, it tended to cause lead poisoning, and its use has been banned in most countries.White lead has been...
.
In 1917, Shiseido introduces Rainbow Face Powder. The idea of a face powder with seven colors was very novel in a period when white face powders were the norm in Japan.
In 1923, the company began expanding its store-base; it now has approximately 25,000 outlets.
In 1927, a joint stock company was formed.
In 1957, Shiseido began sales in Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
, closely followed by Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
and Hong Kong. In 1962, Shiseido expanded to Hawaii; in 1965, it established Shiseido Cosmetics America. European sales began with Italy in 1968 and Oceania
Oceania
Oceania is a region centered on the islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean. Conceptions of what constitutes Oceania range from the coral atolls and volcanic islands of the South Pacific to the entire insular region between Asia and the Americas, including Australasia and the Malay Archipelago...
with New Zealand in 1971.
In 1985, Shiseido was the first company to produce sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronan. The name hyaluronic acid is derived from the Greek word ύαλος meaning vitreous, and uronic acid as it was first isolated from the vitreous humour in the eye and possesses a high uronic acid content. The term hyaluronate also refers to the...
(hyaluronic acid/hyaluronan) from non-animal origin sources.
In North America and Europe, Shiseido products are sold in major department stores, pharmacies and Asian retailers.
Current skincare products
In Japan, Shiseido sells Elixir Superieur skincare products for women, Aqua Label skincare and toiletry products for daily use, Uno skincare products for men, Clé de Peau Beauté makeup, skin and body care, Benefique skincare and Anessa suncare lines."Bio-Performance" has more targeted products—predominantly, its eye cream is one of the most popular products in this line and focuses on preventing fine lines and dark circles around the eyes. The Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizer and Advanced Super Restoring Cream are two of Shiseido's most popular anti-aging creams. The Bio-Performance line was introduced in 1987 following the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate). Shiseido was the first to formulate and synthesize hyaluronic acid and owns the patent rights; therefore all cosmetic lines must use sodium hyaluronate rather than hyaluronic acid on their ingredient lists. Product containers are sleek and modern. Recent additions to the Bio-Performance line include a Refining Essence and Super Exfoliating Discs.
"Benefiance" was introduced in 1996 and is formulated for mature and dry skin types. Most of their containers are glass and are beige. Recent additions to the Benefiance line include a reformulated antiwrinkle eye cream which also treats dark circles, and a retinol
Retinol
Retinol is one of the animal forms of vitamin A. It is a diterpenoid and an alcohol. It is convertible to other forms of vitamin A, and the retinyl ester derivative of the alcohol serves as the storage form of the vitamin in animals....
face mask.
"White Lucent" is used to lighten the appearance of skin discoloration due to sun exposure. This line replaced the UV White skincare line, which is one of the most popular skincare lines in Asia. Contrary to popular belief, the term whitening refers to a brightening of the skin tone, not a lightening of skin tone. This product line relies on Japanese botanicals and vitamin C
Vitamin C
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid or L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient for humans and certain other animal species. In living organisms ascorbate acts as an antioxidant by protecting the body against oxidative stress...
ester
Ester
Esters are chemical compounds derived by reacting an oxoacid with a hydroxyl compound such as an alcohol or phenol. Esters are usually derived from an inorganic acid or organic acid in which at least one -OH group is replaced by an -O-alkyl group, and most commonly from carboxylic acids and...
s to brighten the skin tone, reduce the appearance of sun damage, and promote skin clarity. Because the "White Lucent" line does not contain an actual bleaching agent, it is one of the few lines of skin brightening products that has not been affected by new US laws prohibiting the production and distribution of skin bleaching agents.
"The Skincare" is for all skin types, but targets women in their 20s to 50s, and is therefore more hydrating than Pureness. Uniquely, this line carries three eye creams, sold in containers which are pearly white and are made of plastic. The Skincare line was introduced in 1997 and replaced the Vital Perfection skincare line. It was recently updated and repackaged.
"Pureness" is Shiseido's oil control line introduced in 1995. Because it is aimed at a younger consumer (who typically has oilier skin), it is Shiseido's least expensive skincare line on average due primarily to the containers being simple plastic bottles and tubes of light blue. Pureness products contain plant-derived ingredients like palo azul, a skin conditioner Shiseido claims stimulates the skin's moisturizing capacities and rosemary
Rosemary
Rosemary, , is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes many other herbs, and is one of two species in the genus Rosmarinus...
extract, which has a well-known antimicrobial effect.
"Suncare" products include UVA/UVB sun protection lotions and creams for face, eyes, lips and body, self-tanners (without sun protection) for face and body, and 3 types of foundation makeup (with sun protection). Sun protection products range from SPF 16 to 60 and provide broad spectrum sun protection against UVB and UVA
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to 124 eV...
rays. Shiseido uses its own unique UVA rating system of PA ranging from "+" to "+++" as there is no established standard for labelling products that have UVA protection. All Shiseido Suncare products with sun protection (and several foundations) have received The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation , founded in 1979 by dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Perry Robins, MD, is an international organization devoted to the prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer...
's Seal of Recommendation
Shiseido also markets "Shiseido Men" skincare products including shaving cream
Shaving cream
Shaving cream is a substance that is applied to the face or wherever else hair grows, to provide lubrication and avoid razor burn during shaving. Shaving cream is often bought in a spray can, but can also be purchased in tubs or tubes. Shaving cream in a can is commonly dispensed as a foam or a gel...
, face wash which doubles as shaving foam, aftershave lotion, moisturizers, anti-wrinkle creams, eye products, and self tanners.
Make-up
In Japan, Shiseido sells Benefique pre-makeup and foundation products, Maquillage full-line makeup counselling-based products, and Integrate full-line makeup self-selection-based products.In China, aside from Maquillage, Shiseido also sells Aupres, its major makeup brand there.
Elsewhere, Shiseido produces a line of cosmetics simply called "The Makeup" that provide a full range of products including lip products, powder eye shadows, eye liner pencils, mascara, fluid and compact foundations, concealers, and powder blush. Their hydro powder eye shadows which have a creamy texture are among Allure
Allure (magazine)
Allure is the leading U.S. women’s beauty magazine, published monthly by Condé Nast in New York City. It was founded in 1991 by editor in chief Linda Wells, who has been at the helm of the magazine ever since. From its inception, the magazine has been widely recognized for its intelligent,...
magazine's top beauty picks.
Other brands and subsidiaries
In addition to producing products under the Shiseido brand, Shiseido also has several other subsidiaries and brands.- Aupres is a line of prestige cosmetics and skincare products made and sold exclusively in China.
- Ayura
- Beauté Prestige International, based in Paris, France, produces perfumes under the Jean-Paul GaultierJean-Paul GaultierJean Paul Gaultier , born 24 April 1952 in Arcueil, Val-de-Marne, France) is a French haute couture fashion designer. Gaultier was the creative director of Hermès from 2003 to 2010. In the past, he has hosted the television series Eurotrash....
, Issey MiyakeIssey Miyakeis a Japanese fashion designer. He is known for his technology-driven clothing designs, exhibitions and fragrances.-Life and career:Miyake was born 22 April 1938 in Hiroshima, Japan. As a seven year-old, he witnessed and survived the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. He studied...
, and Narciso RodriguezNarciso RodriguezNarciso Rodriguez III is an American fashion designer.Rodriguez is the first child and only son of Cuban parents Narciso Rodríguez II, a longshoreman, and Rawedia María Rodríguez who are of Canarian descent. He grew up in Newark, New Jersey. His parents were against Narciso entering fashion: "They...
brands. It also distributes fragrances and men's skincare under the John VarvatosJohn VarvatosJohn Varvatos is an American contemporary high fashion menswear designer.- Biography :The Varvatos family are originally from the small village of Poulata on the Greek island of Cefalonia. John Varvatos was born in Detroit and grew up in Allen Park, a Downriver community situated south of the city...
brand. - Clé de Peau offers skincare, makeup and bodycare. The most popular item from Cle de peau is the concealer, along with Clé de Peau Beauté..
- d-program offers full range of skincare and makeup for sensitive skinSensitive skin typeSensitive skin is a skin condition in which skin which is prone to itching and irritation experienced as a subjective sensation when using cosmetics and toiletries. When questioned, over 50% of women in the UK and US report that they have sensitive skin....
. - ff and aqualabel are their drugstores line offer cheaper skincare and makeup.
- IPSA
- ISO Hair
- Joico
- NARS Cosmetics
- RevitalRevitalRevital is a brand of health supplement owned and marketed over the counter by Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd division-Ranbaxy Consumer Global Healthcare. Revital is available in India and some African and APAC countries. It is the largest selling vitamins, minerals supplement in India.-History:Revital...
is available exclusive in Asian countries, it's an anti-aging line targeting women in their 30s-40s. - Senscience
- Serge LutensSerge LutensSerge Lutens is a French photographer, filmmaker, hair stylist, perfume art-director and fashion designer....
- UNO is a self selection line for men.
- UV White targets women who wish to preserve their bright and clear skin from exposure to the Sun.
- Zotos International
Until recently, Shiseido also owned ZIRH International, a New York City-based producer of men's skincare and fragrance products under the ZIRH and Corduroy brands. In September 2007, Shiseido sold ZIRH back to an investment group owned by Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson
Brian Robinson is an English former road bicycle racer of the 1950s and early 1960s.He was the first Briton to finish the Tour de France and the first to win a Tour stage....
, the former president of ZIRH. Shiseido continues to own and manufacture the John Varvatos fragrance and skincare brand, and transferred distribution of the John Varvatos brand to their Beauté Prestige International subsidiary.