Here’s a review of a product from a popular Japanese brand, Sana. 

The formula includes a blend of moisturising and brightening ingredients: two actives, arbutin and liquorice extract, which are well-known to help with hyperpigmentation. There are also fermented soybean and soy milk extracts that aid with skin discolourations. There’s ethanol in the formula, but it is undetectable as the product includes a copious amount of glycerine and other emollient ingredients. We can find a few antioxidants like the stalwart vitamin E and a vitamin C derivative. The product is free of fragrance and suitable for all skin types. 

Frankly, I had expected it to be much more hydrating, I tried it a couple of months ago, when it was still cold, and it didn’t deliver enough moisture to my skin. Now, during springtime, it performs better. The gel has a bouncy, jelly texture that spreads smoothly on skin without leaving much residue. It gives a bit of oily overlay on the surface, which disappears after a while if you apply a small amount, but if you use a more substantial quantity, it will take some time to absorb. As a moisturiser, it is pretty good; I have no doubts about that. 

As for the brightening claims, I can’t really tell if it works on its own because I have never used it individually. I use it in combination with exfoliating products or an ascorbic acid serum. Honestly, it would be difficult for some arbutin and liquorice root extract to produce noticeable results. As always, I recommend using a few products targeting skin discolouration issues to get satisfactory outcomes. But, I can say that the cream soothes skin and delivers moisture in moderation without clogging pores or making skin look shiny. 

Overall, it’s a great moisturiser, suitable for all skin types. The formula includes a few wholesome ingredients like arbutin, plant extracts, and glycerine. It may not be enough for colder months, but it will work well during warmer months when skin needs fewer emollients to stay supple. 

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Arbutin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate Other components: water, DPG, concentrated glycerin, 2-ethylhexanoic acid cetyl, 1.2-pentanediol, soybean milk fermented liquid, soybean extract, BG, acrylic acid/alkyl methacrylate copolymer, ethanol, glycerin mono-2-ethylhexyl ether, Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid pentasodium solution, sodium stearoylglutamate, glyceryl tri-2-ethylhexanoate, sodium pyrosulfite, behenyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol/decyltetradeceth-20/hexamethylene diisocyanate copolymer, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, methyl Phenyl polysiloxane, magnesium L-ascorbyl phosphate, sodium hydroxide, natural vitamin E, phenoxyethanol (yesstyle.com [aff])

The product is available worldwide from Yesstyle.com [aff].