Frequently asked questions about skin care products.

We formulate and design our beauty products with due diligence to safety. There are a few exceptions, but most products will not cause significant damage if eaten or drunk by accident, if it’s only a small amount. As first aid, wipe the inside of the mouth with wet gauze, and give water or milk to drink (to dilute what has been drunk). Keep an eye on your child for a while, and if you are concerned, take them to see a doctor, if possible bringing a package with the product ingredients displayed. However, nail polish and nail polish remover are extremely dangerous as they may cause mucosal inflammation. Please take the utmost care to ensure that none gets in your child’s mouth, and if it does, see a doctor immediately. Small children are very attracted to colourful beauty products. Always store your beauty products where your child cannot access them, and make sure you replace caps firmly after use.

If you experience itchiness, redness, pain, swelling or other symptoms while using a beauty product, directly after using it or when exposed to direct sunlight after use, please note the following, and see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
(1) Discontinue use immediately, and rinse off with cold or warm water.
(2) Rinse the symptomatic area repeatedly with cold water.
(3) Do not touch the area or rub it with a towel.
(4) Avoid direct sunlight, and rest.
(5) Avoid irritants such as alcohol, cigarettes and perfumes.
(6) Put off getting a perm or dying your hair.

Mineral oils are oils that have been refined from petroleum. Mineral oils are named as such because they have been sourced from underground. Petroleum, just like coal and amber, is made up of primordial substances which have undergone change over time while underground, and is essentially a natural ingredient. The mineral oil used in our beauty products has been properly processed, and has undergone sufficient safety checks, so you know it’s safe to use.

There are many different types of surfactants. The surfactant used in beauty products has only been added after undergoing strict safety checks. Surfactant is a very useful ingredient in beauty products, and is widely used. They are substances that enable the blending of water and oil, water and air, water and powder and other combinations, and help with emulsification, foaming, adsorption, wetting and dispersion. For example, water and oil do not mix naturally, but add a surfactant, and fine droplets of oil will be dispersed in the water, and conversely, fine water droplets can also be dispersed in oil. In other words, a surfactant can maintain a stable state in which water and oil are combined in a hyperfine state. *The “sur” from “surfactant” refers to a “surface”, specifically the border of the surface of two substances.

The number of nature-inspired beauty products has risen as people are more conscious of using natural options. The ingredients in our beauty products all undergo strict safety checks. You can use either natural or synthetic substances with peace of mind.

Individual variation is present in whitening outcomes, depending on the blemish type and your skin type. Be patient and continue with a care plan appropriate to your lifestyle, age and skin condition. Whiteners are not pharmaceutical products, and they do not bleach your skin. Therefore, in the short term they are not able to vanish blemishes or freckles, or make your skin itself whiter. Protecting yourself from the UV rays that are the root cause of blemishes and freckles while also using your whitener on a continuous basis will make blemishes and freckles caused by sun damage disappear gradually, and your skin will come to feel more translucent.

You can use our products with peace of mind, as we do not use hydrolysed wheat protein (Glupearl 19S) recently reported in the mass media as causing wheat allergies. Customers who have experienced wheat allergies in the past should refer to the website of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association for more information. www.jcia.org

Can I store them at room temperature? As long as it’s not a special product, it is not necessary to store your beauty products in the fridge. In fact, the temperature change caused by taking product in and out of the fridge may cause the product quality to destabilise, and if moisturising creams are stored there too long they may separate.
It’s no problem to chill your toner or similar in the fridge for a short time to make it feel more refreshing, but as a rule beauty products should be stored away from direct sunlight in a location with a constant temperature, at room temperature.
If you want to be especially careful about storing your beauty products in summer, think more about what you do straight after purchase- do not leave them in the direct sunlight, or somewhere hot like outdoors or in a car.

A car parked outside can become incredibly hot inside. For example, if the outside temperature is 32℃, the interior of your car could reach up to 58℃ if parked in direct sunlight, and the dash could get as hot as 80℃. (Research from the Japan Automobile Federation.)
This means that if you leave your beauty products in the car, high temperatures could cause all sorts of problems- melted lipsticks, warped plastic containers where the product inside has expanded, and broken aerosols or nail polish containers. Make sure you take your beauty products with you when you get out of the car.
Best practice is to store your beauty products at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Be particularly careful in summer, when outdoor temperatures are higher.

Foundation and sun protection products have ingredients with names such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and iron oxide, which are metallic oxides- compounds derived from metal. These metallic compounds have undergone ample safety checks. However, allergies will differ for each individual, and we recommend first consulting with a doctor to learn which metals you are allergic to, so that you can take the proper steps.

Our beauty products have been researched and developed for use on adult skin. Unlike the skin of adults, the skin of young children is not developed, so we don’t recommend the use of our products.

Products classed as “flammable liquids” (such as perfumes, nail polish and nail polish remover) with an alcohol concentration of 24% or more cannot be transported by aeroplane. Most of our normal make-ups and skin care products are 24% or less, but there are some exceptions including some tonics, hair and body products. Please check the concentration of alcohol in products are advertised as being “refreshing” with our customer service centre.

Products with an alcoholic concentration of 24% or less can be transported by air without the need for the concentration to be displayed. If sending by Japan Post’s domestic parcel service (“Yu-Pack”), display the type of beauty product (toner, moisturiser cream, soap, etc.) clearly on the product name section of the label. The term “beauty product” includes products such as nail polish and nail polish remover, which cannot be transported, so if “beauty product” written on the label your package will not be sent.

If you see ethanol, dehydrated alcohol or alcohol denat. on the list of all ingredients, the product contains alcohol (ethanol).
Note that ingredients such as phenoxyethanol, ethanolamine and behenyl alcohol, or ingredients in which affixes other than “dehydrated” or “denat.” are used either side of the words ethanol or alcohol, are not to regular alcohol (ethanol), but another ingredient.

Shaking, friction or impact during transit may loosen caps even if properly fastened, or damage containers. When travelling with your beauty products, be sure not to casually throw them straight into your bag.
In particular, products like toner or moisturising cream designed to be used from a single location will spill easily, so tighten the cap firmly, fasten with tape so it doesn’t come loose, then put in a plastic bag so that even if it does break, you won’t get it on your clothes.

If you don’t use a pump-type beauty serum or moisturiser dispenser for a while, the moisture content in the product nearest the pump opening will evaporate, and the product will dry. This is why the first time you use a pump in a while, the product may be thicker and darker.
Push the pump several times until the product starts coming out normally; then you can start using the product like normal. If the product has a special cap or stopper, attach this before storage to prevent the product from drying.

We mainly release catalogues and samples for each new product or season, for a limited selection of products that we want to recommend at the time. Our sales staff distribute samples at retail outlets, so if there is a sample you would like to try, please visit your nearest stockist. There are limits to the type and amount of samples that a store will have, so please understand that customer requests may not be able to be met. Please use one of our in-store testers if a sample is not available.

Our foundation samples mainly come in between one colour (302) or 2 colours (302 and 301).
They are available for you to see if you like how they feel. If you are satisfied, you can match your colour using the in-store testers.

Beauty product containers are made up of various parts including plastic, metal and glass. Rubbish disposal regulations are set by each local government, so please follow local disposal guidelines.

This is to identify what the container or packaging is made out of. In small letters next to “plastic” and “paper”, you will see the words “sticker”, “bottle” and “cap”, so you know what each part is made from. “PP” and “PET” are abbreviations referring to resins that are used in beauty product containers and packaging.
In Japan, this way of identifying materials is stipulated by the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law, which was enacted to help consumers better separate their rubbish, and in the cosmetics industry this means that standardised labels are used to show the materials of containers and packaging.

Overseas products have mostly, or completely, the same naming and packaging as products sold in Japan, however, products in some countries may have slightly different ingredients.
This is because licensing regulations for ingredients are different in different countries. Ingredient types and concentrations are also adjusted slightly depending on the country or even the region to cater for local climate, skin types, or preferences in sensation or fragrance.

Your beauty products will expand inside the container in hot temperatures, which can cause the container to distort or rupture.
If your beauty product has been kept at an extremely high temperature at length, the product may separate, and the fragrance or colour may change.
Some aerosol products contain flammable gas at high pressures, and require particular caution. Exercise caution with beauty products containing a high concentration of alcohol such as hair tonic, nail polish, perfume and toner, as these will expand easily.

Before refilling, first rinse the pump and the container interior well with tap water, and then dry thoroughly.
Mixing with other products or water may compromise quality or cause hygiene issues, so make sure you use the container for the same product, after it’s rinsed and dried.

Some dry hair treatments are designed to be refilled without cleaning the container. In this case, please follow product instructions.

Quasi-drug products and medicated products are located in between beauty products and pharmaceutical products, and contain a set concentration of an active ingredient verified to be effective for a specific purpose (preventing skin allergies, preventing acne, cleansing, sterilising or disinfecting the skin, preventing sun damage or encouraging hair growth).
Their purpose is solely prevention, and they are not a pharmaceutical product, so even if used continuously over the long term they will not cause any side effects.
They can be used with peace of mind as they are the same as beauty products in their method of use, purpose, and that they work gently on the body.

We are very sorry, but the volume contained of each ingredient is a corporate secret, and this information is not shared.

The ball is made out of stainless steel.
It was designed to have a shiatsu-like effect, and will boost care effects.
In addition, it will feel cool against the the skin, and comfortable to use.
The handle is made of plastic resin.

"This product has been developed to be used with peace of mind, and the part that touches the skin, is made from stainless steel. If you are allergic to stainless steel, then please avoid use of this product.

*If you have concerns about using this product, you can check exactly what metals you are allergic to in advance, by taking a metal allergy test (a patch test or similar) at a dermatologists."

We formulate and design our beauty products with due diligence to safety. There are a few exceptions, but most products will not cause significant damage if eaten or drunk by accident, if it’s only a small amount. As first aid, wipe the inside of the mouth with wet gauze, and give water or milk to drink (to dilute what has been drunk). Keep an eye on your child for a while, and if you are concerned, take them to see a doctor, if possible bringing a package with the product ingredients displayed. However, nail polish and nail polish remover are extremely dangerous as they may cause mucosal inflammation. Please take the utmost care to ensure that none gets in your child’s mouth, and if it does, see a doctor immediately. Small children are very attracted to colourful beauty products. Always store your beauty products where your child cannot access them, and make sure you replace caps firmly after use.

There is a fixed amount of space in the upper part of moisturiser containers. This enables the cream to expand and contract depending on the temperature. So if the container gets hot because of where it is stored or a change in season, and the product expands, the cream will not seep out or cause the container to break. In other words, it’s a cushion of air. When you open a new product this space may make it look underfilled, but don’t worry- the prescribed volume is there. This space, necessary to allow for volume change, is present not just in cream containers, but also in other beauty product containers too.

Massage lotions, such as creams, have been designed to glide over the skin yet also have a certain degree of viscosity. Basically, they are not able to be substituted with a cleansing or moisturising cream, which are designed for different purposes. Please note that massaging in a product not designed for massage may mean its effectiveness is compromised, or the skin is damaged by excess friction or pressure. Some massage creams are also designed to act as a make-up remover, and you can also find “massage beauty serums” which are designed to be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to use each product according to the instructions.

Night cream can be used during the day, but as it contains higher quantities of oil to protect your skin from the drier night air, it may feel sticky, or cause your make-up to deteriorate. Don’t forget to protect yourself from UV damage by also using sun protection whether you are wearing night or day cream. COSME DECORTÉ has a day cream, and we suggest that you use the appropriate cream as much as you can.

The ball is made out of stainless steel.
It was designed to have a shiatsu-like effect, and will boost care effects.
In addition, it will feel cool against the the skin, and comfortable to use.
The handle is made of plastic resin.

This product has been developed to be used with peace of mind, and the part that touches the skin, is made from stainless steel. If you are allergic to stainless steel, then please avoid use of this product.

*If you have concerns about using this product, you can check exactly what metals you are allergic to in advance, by taking a metal allergy test (a patch test or similar) at a dermatologists.

They both cleanse your face, but make-up removers are for make-up and cleansers are for other substances such as dirt, sweat and sebum.
There are lots of different types of products. Make-up removers can be thick or thin creams, oils, or toners, and facial cleansers can be a bar soap, foaming, a powder or contain exfoliants.
Chose a product that's fit for purpose, and think about how much dirt or make-up you want to remove, how you’d like it to feel, usability and seasonal effects on your skin.

Make-up contains a lot of ingredients that are not able to be completely removed with facial bar soap or foam. This is why make-up remover is necessary when removing make-up.
Make-up remover contains ingredients that bond easily with make-up. It brings make-up to the skins surface, enveloping particles and removing them completely.

Layering or touching up make-up such as mascara, eyeliner and lipstick may cause those areas to be more difficult to cleanse.
When using make-up remover, use carefully around your eyes and your lips first, then massage over your entire face.
If you are wearing heavy make-up, or waterproof make-up that’s resistant to tears and sweat, use an eye make-up remover, or a special remover for waterproof make-up. This will completely remove all make-up reside.

Many eyelash extension salons advertise their use of beauty products containing oil. As our make-up remover was not designed with eyelash extensions in mind, we do not recommend its use in this case.
We recommend you use make-up remover sold at the extension salon, which is specifically designed for use with extensions.

They are the same in that you work both into a lather to remove sweat, sebum and keratin, however, their manufacturing process and ingredients differ depending on their purpose. Facial bar soap is designed to remove dirt gently while providing hydration, and normal bar soap is designed to lift dirt from your body, and remove it thoroughly. We recommend using a different type of soap for your body, which has a fast metabolism, and your face, which is delicate as the skin is thinner.

They both cleanse your face, but make-up removers are for make-up and cleansers are for other substances such as dirt, sweat and sebum.
There are lots of different types of products. Make-up removers can be thick or thin creams, oils, or toners, and facial cleansers can be a bar soap, foaming, a powder or contain exfoliants.
Chose a product that's fit for purpose, and think about how much dirt or make-up you want to remove, how you’d like it to feel, usability and seasonal effects on your skin.

Even though they may look clean, with continued use the parts will deteriorate, and this may affect ease of use. In addition to if parts get dirty or break, we also recommend buying a completely new product about every 3 to 4 refills in order to maintain hygiene and ease of use.

Can I store them at room temperature? As long as it’s not a special product, it is not necessary to store your beauty products in the fridge. In fact, the temperature change caused by taking product in and out of the fridge may cause the product quality to destabilise, and if moisturising creams are stored there too long they may separate.
It’s no problem to chill your toner or similar in the fridge for a short time to make it feel more refreshing, but as a rule beauty products should be stored away from direct sunlight in a location with a constant temperature, at room temperature.
If you want to be especially careful about storing your beauty products in summer, think more about what you do straight after purchase- do not leave them in the direct sunlight, or somewhere hot like outdoors or in a car.

If you see ethanol, dehydrated alcohol or alcohol denat. on the list of all ingredients, the product contains alcohol (ethanol).
Note that ingredients such as phenoxyethanol, ethanolamine and behenyl alcohol, or ingredients in which affixes other than “dehydrated” or “denat.” are used either side of the words ethanol or alcohol, are not to regular alcohol (ethanol), but another ingredient.

Despite your best efforts, it will be difficult to apply toner evenly to all the nooks and crannies of your face. Use a cotton pad to thoroughly and evenly coat your skin in toner, and enable maximum penetration.
When using a cotton pad, don’t use too much product, and don’t use a scrubbing motion on your skin.
If you want to really give your skin a good soaking, we recommend using a sheet mask.

Quasi-drug products and medicated products are located in between beauty products and pharmaceutical products, and contain a set concentration of an active ingredient verified to be effective for a specific purpose (preventing skin allergies, preventing acne, cleansing, sterilising or disinfecting the skin, preventing sun damage or encouraging hair growth).
Their purpose is solely prevention, and they are not a pharmaceutical product, so even if used continuously over the long term they will not cause any side effects.
They can be used with peace of mind as they are the same as beauty products in their method of use, purpose, and that they work gently on the body.

We are very sorry, but the volume contained of each ingredient is a corporate secret, and this information is not shared.

Despite your best efforts, it will be difficult to apply toner evenly to all the nooks and crannies of your face. Use a cotton pad to thoroughly and evenly coat your skin in toner, and enable maximum penetration.
When using a cotton pad, don’t use too much product, and don’t use a scrubbing motion on your skin.
If you want to really give your skin a good soaking, we recommend using a sheet mask.

Skin that’s stressed from dry conditions or UV rays will have a damaged, hardened stratum corneum.
COSME DECORTÉ’s emulsion is very good at softening your skin, and by using it first, your skin is supplemented with lipids and moisture that is similar in composition to the skin itself. Your stratum corneum will be instantly loosened and softened. If your skin is softer, the next skin care product you use will penetrate better.
So don’t worry- it won’t prevent penetration.
We also recommend using a cotton pad to help make sure the emulsion spreads evenly over the entire surface of the skin.

Individual variation is present in whitening outcomes, depending on the blemish type and your skin type. Be patient and continue with a care plan appropriate to your lifestyle, age and skin condition. Whiteners are not pharmaceutical products, and they do not bleach your skin. Therefore, in the short term they are not able to vanish blemishes or freckles, or make your skin itself whiter. Protecting yourself from the UV rays that are the root cause of blemishes and freckles while also using your whitener on a continuous basis will make blemishes and freckles caused by sun damage disappear gradually, and your skin will come to feel more translucent.

On of the features of liposomes are they have a “friend effect”, in which they increase penetration of beauty products used subsequently, and help sustain their effect on the skin. (In general, the effect is similar to a booster beauty serum.) We recommend use straight after cleansing your face both in the morning and at night.
We particularly recommend application in the morning directly after cleansing your face because this is when you apply your make-up, and the excess moisture from MOISTURE LIPOSOME applied after using toner may mean you make-up won’t last as long.

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the skin on your face. Face masks that you apply, dry and peel off (peel-off masks) tighten the skin while they are drying and while they are being peeled off, pulling it tight, and this can irritate the eye area. In addition, peel-off masks contain small amounts of alcohol to promote the drying process, and if any enters your eye accidentally you will experience irritation. This is the same with cream-type face masks. Avoid using cream-type masks as well as peel-off type masks on your eyelids and around your eyes. You can buy custom masks just for the area around your eyes.

Massage lotions, such as creams, have been designed to glide over the skin yet also have a certain degree of viscosity. Basically, they are not able to be substituted with a cleansing or moisturising cream, which are designed for different purposes. Please note that massaging in a product not designed for massage may mean its effectiveness is compromised, or the skin is damaged by excess friction or pressure. Some massage creams are also designed to act as a make-up remover, and you can also find “massage beauty serums” which are designed to be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to use each product according to the instructions.

Cosmetic oils that contain plant-based oils such as olive oil are easily affected by temperature change, and a drop in temperature will cause fats to solidify, becoming white and cloudy.
In most situations, place them in a room with a slightly higher temperature and they will return to normal.
In winter, store your beauty products somewhere where the temperature is not likely to lower easily.