Japanese beauty products have become an undeniable global sensation.
We’re constantly bombarded with recommendations on our For You pages for the latest and greatest skincare and makeup hauls. And with the Japanese yen at a historic low, shopping sprees in Japan have become the ultimate beauty pilgrimage for many.
But while everyone is clamouring for the best drugstore finds, there’s a hidden treasure trove of beauty secrets tucked away in the annals of Japanese history. We’re talking about a golden era of elegance and refinement: the Taisho period.
In This Article
- Beauty Standards in the Taisho Era
- Japanese Beauty Products From the Taisho Era
Beauty Standards in the Taisho Era
The Taisho era (1912 – 1926) marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Japanese beauty standards.
Prior to this period, the ideal of beauty was characterised by porcelain-like skin, achieved through heavy layers of powder. However, as Japan opened its doors to Western influences and women began to enter the workforce, a more natural aesthetic emerged.
The emphasis shifted from concealing one’s complexion to enhancing its natural beauty. Women sought cosmetics that were practical and allowed for quick application, aligning with their increasingly busy lifestyles.
This newfound appreciation for a healthy, radiant look laid the groundwork for the modern Japanese beauty philosophy that prioritises skincare and makeup as a means to nourish and enhance one’s complexion rather than mask it.
@ghoul.in.japan Replying to @Sky 🌌 taisho era (1920s) beauty products!#japaneseskincare #japanesehistory #beautyhistory #demonslayer #kimetsunoyaiba #jbeauty
Surprisingly, some of the iconic products born during this time are still available and continue to be cherished by beauty connoisseurs.
Japanese Beauty Products From the Taisho Era
Meishoku Bigansui Skin Lotion
TikToker @beyobestbeauty points out that the Meishoku Bigansui Skin Lotion has a rich history, having been sold since the Meiji era (1868 – 1912).
This simple yet effective formula contains only five ingredients, including salicylic acid. Known for its ability to exfoliate and unclog pores, it’s a popular choice for acne-prone skin. Plus, its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help keep breakouts at bay.
The lotion is best applied with a cotton pad. Don’t be tempted to use it as a face mask as it could be too harsh on the skin.
Meishoku Bigansui Skin Lotion retails for S$15.90 (90ml) on Meishoku’s Official Shopee Store.
Shiseido Eudermine Toning Lotion
Did you know that Japanese brand Shiseido started out as a Western-style pharmacy in Tokyo back in 1872?
The brand’s journey to cosmetics began in 1897 when they launched Eudermine, a softening lotion.
According to TikToker @ghoul.in.japan, this lotion was “really well received, especially by Geishas. They swore by wearing this under their thick, heavy makeup because it kept their skin really soft and supple.”
Fast forward to today, this rose-scented toning lotion offers ample hydration benefits for your skin. Simply soak a cotton pad and apply it to your cleansed face during your morning routine. Plus, the vintage-style bottle adds a charming touch.
@ghoul.in.japan also swears by it as a gentle makeup remover and says it’s perfect for lazy girls with dry skin.
Shiseido Eudermine Toning Lotion retails for S$14 (200ml) on Japan With Love. It can also be found on YesStyle, but is temporarily out of stock at the time of writing.
Hechima Cologne Skin Lotion
Launched in 1915, Hechima Cologne boasts one of the earliest naturally derived skincare products: its iconic loofah water toner.
Renowned for its anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties, the loofah plant has long been used to soothe sunburn. Hechima Cologne sources its loofah from a sun-drenched garden at the foot of Mount Chokai, nurtured by mineral-rich water and organic fertilisers.
The fragrance-free formula hydrates and softens the skin, ideal for dry, wrinkled, or blemish-prone complexions, especially those sensitive to seasonal changes.
“There are many variations of Hechima Lotion being sold throughout the Edo and the Meiji period, but this is from a Taisho company. This bottle is very similar to the original as well,” says TikToker @ghoul.in.japan.
We hope they don’t discontinue this stylish collector’s bottle that looks like Ghibli merch.
Hechima Cologne Skin Lotion retails for S$41.99 (120ml) on YesStyle.
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil
“This one that you can still buy today came out in 1927, so technically, it missed the Taisho period by one year, but it’s still like the 20s, you know,” TikToker @ghoul.in.japan shares.
Packed with 100% natural camellia oil, this multitasking, odourless oil shields hair from environmental aggressors, banishes dandruff, and delivers deep nourishment. Use as a hair treatment or pack for healthy, lustrous tresses.
“Women love to use this to smooth their hair back in the day, especially the Moga or Japanese flappers,” @ghoul.in.japan adds.
Beyond hair care, this versatile oil can be applied to the face and body for a dose of hydration and softness. If you’re exploring Don Quijote stores in Japan, you should be able to find this product easily too!
Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil retails for S$26.01 (40ml) and S$31.21 (60ml) at YesStyle.
Yojiya Aburatorigami
Born from the ingenuity of a Kyoto woman, aburatorigami emerged in 1920.
Initially a saviour for actors battling the glare of studio lights, its ability to absorb oil and mattify the skin without disturbing makeup quickly captivated the attention of geisha and the public alike.
Crafted from traditional furuyagami paper, once prized by the aristocracy, the aburatorigami was oversized for quick touch-ups during performances. Over time, aburatorigami evolved into the palm-sized format we know today. Its popularity soared, making Yojiya a household name by the 1990s.
@sleepyheadelena A unique Japanese beauty brand build on the traditions of Kyoto-style, Yojiya is definitely my must go whenever I visit Kyoto 👧🏻💕 #kyototravel #japantravel #yojiya #beauty #japancosmetics #fyp
If you’re visiting Kyoto anytime soon, you’ll want to pick up a few packets – they make great gifts for any beauty enthusiast.
Yojiya Aburatorigami is available in Yojiya stores in various areas of Kyoto. View all locations here.
Featured image credits: @meishoku_corporation/Instagram and @yojiya_official/Instagram
