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Article research summary
- Research basis: Published-source research; this article is not a hands-on product test.
- Last verified: August 4, 2026
- Primary sources: Kikumasamune official product page, Kikumasamune official online shop
- Additional sources: @cosme
Editorial note: Product details and brand claims are attributed to Kikumasamune. Review context comes from a secondary Japanese platform and is not presented as independent product testing. Details we could not independently confirm are labeled in the article. Read our Editorial Policy and How We Research.
Updated August 13, 2026: Research labels and source links were added; the article’s conclusions were not changed.
Overview
Kikumasamune is a sake brewery based in Kobe, Japan, and its skincare line builds on the brand’s rice-fermentation know-how. The High Moist lotion is sold in a 500 mL bottle in Japan and is positioned by the brand as a moisturizing, all-body lotion built around a rice fermentation liquid (the “sake” ingredient the product is named for), according to the brand’s official site.
Key Ingredients and How It Works
Per the complete ingredient list shown in the product specifications on Kikumasamune’s official online shop, the formula includes rice fermentation liquid, glycerin, and BG as base moisturizers, amino acids (glutamic acid, arginine, and leucine), two types of ceramide, placenta extract, arbutin, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, soy protein, and several additional texture and preservative ingredients further down the list, including fragrance. (Kikumasamune’s separate corporate product page lists a shorter, partial version of this ingredient list.) We’re listing these as the brand’s published ingredients rather than claiming any specific effect ourselves; we did not independently test the formula’s performance, and we were not able to confirm ingredient concentrations from the sources we reviewed.
How to Use It
According to the brand’s official retailer, you apply an appropriate amount to your skin by hand, and the brand also suggests soaking a cotton pad or tissue for a roughly five-minute face-mask treatment. It’s marketed for use on the face and as a full-body lotion. Official caution notes advise against use if you have a skin abnormality, to avoid contact with the eyes (rinsing immediately if that happens), to keep it out of reach of small children, and to store it away from direct sunlight and high heat. Separately, the product page includes a general legal notice that drinking alcohol is restricted to adults, which relates to the brand’s sake business generally and is not a skincare caution specific to this lotion.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large-volume 500 mL bottle at a relatively low official price per use
- Dual-use design (daily lotion or occasional face-mask treatment), per the brand
- Large-scale review data from a Japanese review platform skews positive on moisture and ease of use
- Ceramide and amino acid ingredients are named directly on the official ingredient list
Cons and Considerations
- Some reviewers described the texture as sticky, and fragrance preference varied
- We could not confirm ingredient concentrations or independently verify the brand’s moisturizing claims
- Availability outside Japan is not confirmed; we did not find evidence either way during this research
Who Is This For?
Likely a Good Fit
Readers who want a large, everyday face-and-body lotion and are curious about rice-fermentation skincare ingredients may find this a reasonable option to try.
Consider Checking First
The formula includes placenta extract and arbutin, ingredients some readers may want to research further or avoid based on personal preference, and we did not find detailed sourcing or safety data for either on the official page. Readers with sensitive skin, known ingredient allergies, or an active skin condition should review the full ingredient list, patch test first, and consult a dermatologist if they have concerns.
Where to Buy and Price
Kikumasamune’s official online shop listed the 500 mL bottle at ¥990 (tax included) as of 2026-08-04. We did not find confirmed availability or pricing outside Japan during this research, so international readers should check current listings before assuming it ships to their region.
Our Verdict
The Kikumasamune Sake Skin Care Lotion High Moist is a large-format, moderately priced Japanese lotion built around a rice-fermentation ingredient and a straightforward moisturizing formula, with generally positive aggregate review data from a Japanese platform. We could not independently verify the brand’s moisturizing claims, confirm ingredient concentrations, or confirm international availability. With those caveats, it’s a reasonable option to consider for readers interested in sake-based Japanese skincare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the rice fermentation liquid (“sake”) ingredient actually do for skin?
Kikumasamune markets it as a moisturizing base ingredient drawn from its sake-brewing process. This is the brand’s own positioning; we did not independently test or verify its specific effect on skin.
Is this lotion safe for sensitive skin?
We can’t confirm this for every skin type. Some reviewers reported it worked well for sensitive skin, but the brand’s own caution notes advise avoiding use if you already have a skin abnormality, and the formula contains placenta extract and arbutin, which some readers may want to research further. Patch testing first is a reasonable precaution.
Can I use it as a face mask, not just a regular lotion?
Yes. According to the official retailer, you can soak a cotton pad or tissue and leave it on skin for about five minutes as an occasional treatment, in addition to using it as a daily lotion.
Is it available outside Japan?
We were not able to confirm this during our research. If international availability matters to you, we’d recommend checking directly with international retailers before assuming it ships outside Japan.
Where can I buy it, and how much does it cost?
It’s sold in Japan through Kikumasamune’s official online shop, listed at ¥990 (tax included) for 500 mL as of 2026-08-04. We recommend checking the current listing before purchasing.
Sources
- Kikumasamune official product page — source used for product information or editorial context (verified August 4, 2026).
- Kikumasamune official online shop — source used for product information or editorial context (verified August 4, 2026).
- @cosme — source used for product information or editorial context (verified August 4, 2026).



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