Beauty & Product Information

Taking care of your skin is a labor of love. In Japan, the typical skincare routine is at least four steps:

10-hydroxydecanoic acid: See royal jelly acid.
18-MEA: A highly nutritive lipid compound that promotes smoothness and shine for hair.

• acerola (Malpighia emarginata): A Caribbean berry that is one of the world's richest natural sources of vitamin C; helps brighten uneven skin tone.
• actinidia chinensis: See kiwi.
• aesculus hippocastanum: See horse chestnut.
• African whitewood tree (Enantia chlorantha) bark: Tropical wood extract that helps minimize sebum.
• alanine: An amino acid that occurs in proteins and is used as a skin conditioner.
• alcloxa: A derivative of allantoin; used for its soothing, anti-irritant properties.
• alcohol: Helps visibly tighten pores and control excess oil.
• algin: Obtained from brown seaweed; used as a stabilizer and thickener.
• allantoin: Used as an anti-irritant and skin conditioner.
• aloe barbadensis: See aloe vera
• aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis): Extracted from the leaves of the aloe plant; used as a skin softener, anti-irritant, and moisture replenisher.
• alpha-arbutin: Technologically advanced brightener used to help reduce the appearance of discoloration caused by sun and age and to promote more radiant skin tone.
• alpha hydroxy acid (AHA): An exfoliator that helps encourage natural cell turnover rate on the surface of the skin to reveal the younger-looking skin underneath.
• amino acids: Building blocks of protein that enhance moisture-retention and absorption. Examples include: arginine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, and lysine.
• amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) bark: Used for its clarifying effects.
• amygdalus dulcis: See sweet almond.
• antioxidant: A substance that helps protect the skin against damage caused by free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules). Free radicals can lead to premature signs of aging by causing cellular damage and disrupting the structure of other molecules. Examples of antioxidants include: alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, soy isoflavones, resveratrol, and vitamins C and E.
• anthemps nobilis: See chamomile.
• apple (Pyrus malus) fruit: Extract of the apple fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.
• apricot (Prunus armeniaca): Finely milled apricot seeds; used to exfoliate and soften skin.
• arctium lappa: See burdock.
• argan (Argania spinosa) oil: Antioxidant, emollient oil extracted from the nut of the argan tree, a species of hearty vegetation endemic to North Africa.
• arginine: An amino acid that has skin softening and conditioning properties.
• arnica (Arnica montana): Derived from the dried flowers of the arnica plant; used for its soothing, anti-irritant properties.
• arginine cocoate: An amino-based surfactant derived from coconut oil.
• artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf: Skin-conditioning agent with pore-tightening properties.
• artocarpus lakoocha: See lakoocha.
• ascorbyl glucoside: A stabilized form of vitamin C; used as an antioxidant and skin brightener.
• ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: A stabilized form of vitamin C; used as an antioxidant and skin brightener. astringent: A solution that removes oil from the skin and visibly tightens pores.
• aureobasidium pullulans: See black yeast.
• avena sativa: See oat.
• avocado (Persea gratissima) oil: A skin softener and conditioner used in formulations as an emollient; rich in protein and vitamins.

• ganoderma lucidum: See reishi mushroom.
• germanium (Repagermanium): A stable, lab-synthesized form of an element found widely in nature, including sources such as ginseng and aloe. Skin-conditioning.
• ginseng (Panax ginseng): The root extract is used for its soothing and softening properties.
• glycerin: An emollient and humectant derived from vegetable oils that helps skin retain moisture.
• glycine soja: See soy.
• glycolic acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to help maintain natural pH levels and gently exfoliate surface skin cells.
• glycyrrhiza glabra: See licorice.
• grape (Vitis vinifera) seed: An antioxidant that helps fight damaging free radicals that can cause premature signs of aging.
• grape (Vitis vinifera) seed oil: Emollient oil and skin-conditioner that contains antioxidants to fight visible signs of aging.
• grapefruit (Citrus grandis) peel: Citrus fruit extract used as a skin-conditioner.
• great burnet (Ziyu glycoside I): Extracted from the great burnet, an herbaceous perennial plant native to cool, northern regions of Europe, North America and Asia. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This skin-conditioning ingredient is the source of ziyu glycoside I, a saponin. Saponins have been shown to be soothing and to have an antioxidant effect.
• green tea (Camellia sinensis): Tea plant native to Asia that helps fight free radicals; known for its antioxidant and antiirritant properties.
• grifola frondosa: See maitake mushroom.

• hinoki: A type of Japanese cedarwood, touted for its natural water resistance.
• honey: A natural substance created by bees; has softening and moisturizing effects on skin.
• horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): Derived from the seeds of the plant; used as an astringent to help soothe skin.
• horsetail (Equisetum arvense): A perennial plant, also called "scouring rush." Its extract is used for its astringent, softening, and strengthening properties.
• houttuynia cordata: See chameleon leaf.
• humectant: Ingredient that attracts water (hydrophilic) and helps draw moisture to the skin.
• hyaluronic acid: A protein; used as an excellent skin conditioner and humectant, it helps prevent skin dehydration.
• hydrogenated castor oil: A vegetable oil derived from the castor bean; used as an emollient to condition and soothe skin.
• hydrogenated coconut oil: The solidified oil expressed from coconuts; used as a foaming agent and emollient.
• hydrolyzed egg shell membrane (ESM): Proteins and peptides derived from egg shell membrane help firm and hydrate the skin, as well as help protect against environmental stress.
• hypericum perforatum: See St. John’s Wort.

• iron oxides: Natural oxides of iron (iron combined with oxygen); pigments are used to enhance colors in cosmetics.
• isoflavones: Antioxidant-rich phytoestrogens (plant hormones), usually derived from soybeans; used to promote moisture and help fight visible damage caused by free radicals.
• isodonis japonicus leaf/stalk: Japanese botanical; skin-conditioning.

jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): Extracted from the desert shrub; used as a moisturizer and emollient.

• kaolin: A fine white clay powder; used to absorb water and oil secreted by the skin, including excess sebum.
• kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) fruit: Extract of the kiwi fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.
• kudzu (Pueraria lobata) root: Extract of the kudzu root; this Asian botanical helps brighten skin for a more even-looking complexion.

• lactobacillus/pear juice ferment filtrate: Contains alpha hydroxy acid to help refine and exfoliate skin.
• lactic acid: An alphahydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane or milk; used to gently exfoliate dead skin cells.
• lakoocha (Artocarpus lakoocha) wood: Extract from the wood of this tropical fruit tree is a skin-conditioning agent and source of the antioxidant oxyresveratrol.
• lanolin: An emollient derived from sheep's wool; used to condition skin and boost moisture.
• lavandula augustifolia: See lavender.
• lavender (Lavandula augustifolia): Extracted from the flower; known for its aromatic and anti-irritant properties.
• lemon (Citrus medica limonum): A citrus fruit used in skincare for its astringent properties.
• lemongrass (Cymbopogon schoenanthus): Used for its purifying properties.
• licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Derived from the root of the plant; used as a brightener and skin soother.
• licorice (dipotassium glycyrrhizate) (stearyl glycyrrhetinate): Derived from the root of the plant; used as a skin soother.
• limnanthes alba: See meadowfoam.

• macadamia (Macadamia ternifolia): An emollient used in skincare for its soothing and conditioning properties.
• magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: See vitamin C.
• magnesium sulfate: Also known as Epsom salts; used to help soothe, soften, and condition skin; also used as a thickener in cosmetics.
• magnolia (Magnolia obovata): Derived from the plant's bark; used to soothe skin.
• maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) fruiting body: Extracted from the maitake mushroom, also known as the "hen-of-the-woods." This skin-conditioning ingredient is a natural source of beta-glucan, which moisturizes and soothes.
• malpighia glabra; malpighia emarginata: See acerola.
• marigold (Calendula officinalis) flower: Extracted from the flower of the plant; contains carotenoids and saponin. Used for its soothing and hydrating properties.
• Matrixyl® 3000: A powerful wrinkle-fighter containing peptides that uses messenger molecules to help promote elasticity and tone.
• meadowfoam (limnanthes alba): The emollient-rich, nongreasy oil derived from this plant resists oxidation to help prevent moisture loss in skin.
• menthol: A natural cooling agent derived from peppermint.
• mevalonolactone: Form of mevalonic acid; helps protect skin's moisture barrier.
• mica: A light-diffusing earth mineral; used as a pigment in cosmetics.
• moisturizer: A substance able to hydrate and protect the skin and prevent dryness.
• morus alba: See mulberry.
• mulberry (Morus alba) root: Extracted from the roots of the tree; used for its brightening properties to help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration.
• mushroom (Fomes officinalis): This extract from one of the longest-living mushrooms in the world, known to survive only in old-growth forests, is a skin-conditioning agent with pore-tightening properties.
• myrciaria dubia: See camu-camu.
• myristic acid: A naturally occurring acid; used as a foaming agent.
• myristyl lactate: A light moisturizing emollient; used as a skin conditioner.

• nanotechnology: Molecular-sized reduction of key ingredients to promote their delivery, performance, and other qualities. One nanometer equals one-millionth of a millimeter.
• nasturtium officinale: See watercress.
• neem (Melia azadirachta) leaf extract: derived from the Neem tree; known for its skin brightening and soothing properties.
• niacinamide: See vitamin B3.

• oat (Avena sativa): Grain extract; used to help soothe skin and improve skin's firmness.
• octinoxate: Used as a sunscreen agent to absorb ultraviolet light.
• oenothera biennis: See evening primrose.
• olea europaea: See olive leaf and olive oil.
• olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract: Rich in antioxidants; helps protect, firm, nourish, and revitalize sun-damaged skin.
• olive (Olea europaea) oil: Antioxidant-rich, emollient oil; helps fight damage caused by free radicals to protect, condition, and seal moisture into skin without clogging pores.
• oryza sativa: See rice germ.
• oxyresveratrol: See lakoocha wood.

• paeonia albiflora; paeonia suffruticosa: See peony.
• palm kernel (Sodium palm kernelate): A natural oil derived from the seeds of palm trees or other plants; often used as a surfactant in soaps.
• palmitic acid: Obtained from palm oil; used as a surfactant.
• palmitoyl oligopeptide: Amino-based peptide that supports elasticity to encourage younger-looking skin.
• panax ginseng: See ginseng.
• panthenol: See vitamin B5.
• peach (Prunus persica) leaf: Extract of the peach leaf, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.
• peony (Paeonia albiflora; Paeonia suffruticosa): Derived from the root of the plant; used as a skin brightener and conditioning agent.
• peptides: A compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of protein. They help support elasticity to encourage younger-looking skin.
• perilla (Perilla ocymoides): Derived from the leaves and seeds of the plant; used as an anti-irritant and skin conditioner.
• Persea gratissima: See avocado.
• pH: Potential hydrogen; pH is the scale used to measure acidity and alkalinity. Acids have a pH below 7.0, and alkalis (bases) have a pH above 7.0. Human skin is typically slightly acidic, with a healthy pH level generally ranging from 4.5 to 6.
• phellodendron amurense: See amur cork tree.
• placental extract: Porcine-derived and a rich source of nutrients, amino acids, and proteins; conditions and softens skin.
• hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit: platycarya strobilacea is a small deciduous tree native to eastern Asia, related to the walnut family. It produces brown, cone-like fruits that are a rich source of ellagic acid, a natural phenol antioxidant. Helps promote collagen and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• polyglutamic acid: A humectant amino acid polymer (gamma-polyglutamic acid); used to promote smoothness and elasticity.
• polyquaternium-10: Conditioning, moisturizing, anti-static agent.
• pomegranate (Punica granatum): This extract of the pomegranate fruit is a skin-conditioning agent with antioxidant properties.
• portulaca oleracea: See purslane.
• potassium DNA: The potassium salt of DNA; used as a protein to condition the skin.
• protease: An enzyme that helps dissolve amino acid bonds; helps exfoliate skin's surface by dissolving surface dead skin cells.
• prunus armeniaca: See apricot.
• prunus persica: See peach.
• pueraria lobata: See kudzu.
• punica granatum: See pomegranate.
• purslane (Portulaca oleracea): Extracted from common purslane, an edible succulent plant that grows widely in various regions throughout the world. It contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This skin-conditioning ingredient is soothing.
• pyrodoxine HCI (vitamin B6): See vitamin B6.
• pyrus cydonia: See quince.
• pyrus malus: See apple.

• quince (Pyrus cydonia): Derived from the seed of the plant. Used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier.
• quercus suber: See cork oak.

• raspberry (Rubus idaeus) fruit: Extract of the raspberry fruit, helps fight free radicals, soothe and condition skin.
• reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) stem: Extracted from the reishi mushroom, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This skin-conditioning ingredient is a natural source of beta-glucan, which moisturizes and soothes.
• repagermanium: See germanium.
• resveratrol: A polyphenol antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, cocoa, peanuts and other natural sources. It fights skin aging by protecting its barrier functions.
• retinyl palmitate (vitamin A): A form of vitamin A that is used to promote natural cell turnover, elasticity, and suppleness and minimize the appearance of fine lines.
• rice bran (Oryza sativa) oil: Antioxidant, emollient rich oil extracted from the outer layer of rice grains. Rich in vitamin E as well as oleic and linoleic acids, it helps soothe, protect, moisturize and nourish skin.
• rice germ (Oryza sativa) oil: This emollient oil is an excellent skin conditioner and antioxidant.
• rosa centifolia: See rose.
• rosa damascena: See rose.
• rose (Rosa centifolia) water: Used as an astringent.
• rose (Rosa damascena): Helps hydrate, soften, and nurture dry and irritated skin.
• rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf oil: Extracted from the leaves of the plant; used for its toning and invigorating properties as well as for its refreshing fragrance.
• rosmarinus officinalis: See rosemary.
• royal jelly acid (10-hydroxydecanoic acid): The fatty acid derived from royal jelly, the highly nutritive substance secreted by worker bees to feed the queen bee; used for its moisturizing and revitalizing properties.
• royal jelly: A highly nutritive substance secreted by worker bees to feed the queen bee; used for its moisturizing and revitalizing properties.
• rutin: A bioflavonoid used for its antioxidant and invigorating properties.

• sage (Salvia officinalis): Extracted from the leaves of the plant; used for its purifying and fragrant properties.
• salicylic acid: Acne-fighting beta hydroxy acid used to help fight blemishes and reduce sebaceous follicle blockage by exfoliating the surface of the skin.
• salix alba: See willow.
• salvia officinalis: See sage.
• sandalwood (Santalum album): Extracted from the wood; used for its aromatic, woodsy scent.
• sapindus mukurossi: See soap nut tree.
• saponin: A compound derived from sugars that occurs in plants such as soapbark or soap nut; characterized by its ability to foam in water. Used chiefly as a foaming agent, emulsifier and detergent.
• satsuma mandarin orange (Citrus unshiu): A variety of the mandarin orange used to visibly tighten pores and to brighten and revitalize skin.
• scutellaria baicalensis: See Chinese skullcap.
• sea salt: Used as a skin conditioner and softener.
• serine: A hydrophilic (water-attracting) amino acid used to help skin and hair retain its moisture balance.
• sesame (Sesame indicum) seed oil: Emollient oil extracted from sesame seeds.
• sesame indicum: See sesame.
• shea (Butyrospermum parkii) butter: Extracted from the nuts of the karité tree, this emollient is naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• shell ginger (alpinia uralensis) leaf water: extracted from the leaves of the shell ginger plant; known for its skin conditioning properties.
• silica: An earth mineral; used to condition and smooth skin, fill in visible fine lines and wrinkles, and to help absorb excess oil in skin; also used as a carrier for emollients to improve the feel of skin.
• simmondsia chinensis: See jojoba.
• small-leafed lime (Tilia cordata) flower: Extracted from the flower of the plant, contains tannin and flavonoids. This invigorating botanical is used for its hydrating and astringent properties.
• soap nut tree (Sapindus mukurossi): Contains saponins, which deliver natural cleansing and foaming actions.
• sodium bicarbonate: See baking soda.
• sodium acetylated hyaluronate: Derivative of sodium hyaluronate. Excellent skin-softening and moisturizing agent. Due to its low molecular weight, it absorbs more quickly than regular hyaluronic acid.
• sodium hyaluronate: The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, which is a protein occurring in the skin. An excellent skin conditioner and humectant, it helps prevent skin dehydration.
• sodium lactate: The salt of lactic acid; used as a skin conditioner.
• sodium palm kernelate: See palm kernel.
• sodium PCA: A natural component of skin and a humectant and emollient; one of the best moisture binders available.
• sodium riboflavin phosphate: See Vitamin B2.
• sorbitol: A humectant that helps skin feel smoother and less dry.
• soy (Glycine soja): Extracted from the bean; contains botanical ceramides used to protect and moisturize skin. SPF (sun protection factor): The SPF number references a sunscreen's ability to screen out the sun's "burning" UVB rays. The SPF rating is determined by contrasting the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.
• squalane: Derived from olive pits; used as an emollient and antioxidant-rich skin protectant.
• stearyl glycyrrhetinate: See licorice.
• St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) flower/leaf/stem: Used for its soothing and astringent properties.
• sucrose (sugar): Used as a skin conditioner and humectant.
• sulfur: An essential component to all living cells; used as a skin purifier to fight acne blemishes and reduce flakiness.
• surfactant: Any substance that aids in emulsifying oils and suspending dirt on the skin, allowing them to be easily rinsed away.
• sweet almond (Amygdalus dulcis) oil: Extracted from the seeds; used as an emollient.
• swertia japonica: Native to Japan; extract of flowering plant is a skin conditioner used to help promote circulation of skin around the hair follicle.
• symphytum officinale: See comfrey.

• talc: An earth mineral used as a texturizer in cosmetics and also to help make them opaque.
• tangerine (Citrus reticulata): Citrus fruit extract used as a skin-conditioner.
• thiamine HCl: See Vitamin B1.
• thymus serpillum: See wild thyme.
• tilia cordata: See small-leafed lime.
• titanium dioxide: An earth mineral used in sunscreens that is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays; also used as a pigment in cosmetics.
• tocopherol: See vitamin E.
• tocotrienols: A stable form of vitamin E; tocopherols and tocotrienols make up the vitamin E family; used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.
• tourmaline: A precious gemstone that is used to energize skin and help remove surface impurities.
• trehalose: A moisture-binding sugar molecule that helps plants survive long periods without water; used to protect skin against moisture loss.
• triclosan: An antibacterial ingredient used in soaps.
• triticum vulgare: See wheat germ.
• tussilago farfara: See coltsfoot.

• ubiquinone: See coenzyme Q10.
• urea: Used for water binding and moisturizing properties.

• vitamin A: See retinyl palmitate.
• vitamin B1 (thiamine HCl): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.
• vitamin B2 (sodium riboflavin phosphate): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Promotes moisture in the skin and fights the appearance of wrinkles. Skin-conditioning.
• vitamin B3 (niacinamide): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Brightening, promotes moisture retention and elasticity, and helps control excess sebum to clarify skin.
• vitamin B5 (panthenol): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. A moisturizing humectant and emollient.
• vitamin B6 (pyrodoxine HCl): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.
• vitamin B7 (biotin): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Skin-conditioning.
• vitamin B12 (cyanacobalamin): Member of the B complex family of vitamins. Soothing; supports skin strength. Skin-conditioning.
• vitamin C (magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, ascorbyl glycoside): A free radical–fighting antioxidant and collagen-supporter used to help fight visible fine lines and even out skin tone.
• vitamin E (tocopherol): Used as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.
• Vitis vinifera: See grape seed.

• watercress: Used for its nourishing properties.
• wheat protein: Used as an emollient and water-binder.
• wheat (Triticum vulgare) germ: An antioxidant with high vitamin E content.
• wild thyme (Thymus serpillum): Used for its tonic and fragrant properties.
• willow (Salix alba): Extracted from the bark of the tree; used for its soothing and tonic properties.

yeast: Used as a water-binding agent and antioxidant.

• zinc PCA: Helps control excess sebum to keep skin clarified.
• zinc oxide: An earth mineral that provides protection from the sun and other irritants. When used in sunscreens, it reflects both UVA and UVB rays.
• ziyu glycoside I: See great burnet.

All DHC products and packaging are manufactured in Japan. Ensuring that our product packaging is eco-friendly is very important to us, and therefore many of our jars and bottles utilize recyclable materials.

Similar to the familiar triangle emblem that appears on recyclable plastics in the United States, you’ll find a symbol with two arrows forming a square shape on all DHC products that are made from plastics deemed recyclable according to the standards in Japan.

Our shipping boxes consist on average of 12–15% post-consumer recycled material and the inner filler paper contains approximately 30–35% post-consumer recycled content, with approximately 15% post-industrial recycled content.

For specific information on recycling or access to affiliated state, regional, and national networks, you can also visit the National Recycling Coalition at http://www.nrc-recycle.org/.