Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence

By: Marlen Elliot Harrison

SUMMARY: One of the most successful products from Japanese beauty brand Shiseido is undoubtedly their Eudermine Revitalizing Essence, a gently-scented skin moisturizing lotion that has been in use for over a hundred years. Perhaps you've seen the elegant, scarlet red, rectangular glass bottle on counters and wondered what's inside. First, a little history...

THE BRAND: Founded in 1872 in Ginza, Tokyo by Arinobu Fukuhara, Shiseido (資生堂) was Japan's first Western-style pharmacy. In 1897, the brand released its very first product - Eudermine, inspired by the Greek words “eau” for “good” and “derma” for “skin” and marking the company's shift from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. Not only is the product still prized for its moisturizing benefits today, it stands as an icon of the brand and its values, a tribute to the success of Shiseido.

From Shiseido.com

This softening lotion delivers immediate moisture and improves your skin's own moisturizing power year round. Responds to changes in climate to keep the skin's moisture level constant regardless of location or time of year. Subtly perfumed with an accent of rain-washed peonies that seems to relax your entire being. Skin radiates, its softness evoking that of a flower petal.

To use: Saturate a cotton pad and smooth over face and neck in wiping motions after cleansing. Reapply as needed depending on the climate and or skin condition.

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES. DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED.

USE: I first encountered Eudermine while working in a department store back in 1998. A colleague was showing the product to a customer and the bottle had caught my attention. After completing her sale, I asked about the product and was introduced to the world of Shiseido, a name I couldn't pronounce at first but later would come to know intimately. By the way, Shiseido sounds like 'she-say-doe'.

As a guy with dry skin, the product was recommended to me as a daily moisturizer to help control flaking and promote a healthy complexion whatever the weather/climate. "Can I use it as an aftershave?" I questioned. As a daily shaver, I liked to use products that could serve more than one purpose. "Why not!" my colleague replied. She made a small sample of the lotion for me and the rest is history. I have always kept a bottle on my vanity since that time to use as a light moisturizer after showering or shaving; I only use a little, pour it into the palm of my hand, and then pat the lotion onto my face. Though neither originally intended nor marketed for men's aftershave use, I certainly enjoy it in this way.

A female friend of mine (Japanese) who also uses the product daily tells me that it works well after cleansing the skin and before application of makeup. She also uses it after she removes her makeup and feels that it helps keep her skin lightly moisturized. She notes that she does not consider it to be an anti-wrinkle product and it does not contain SPF.

AROMA & TEXTURE: The first thing one will notice is the very subtle aroma. By no means would I describe this as a "scented lotion", but the aroma of peony - similar to that of a florist's cooler - is definitely noticeable. The texture of the clear liquid is neither thick nor greasy - thicker than a toner but lighter than a gel moisturizer. It disappears into the skin within seconds of application.

PACKAGING: This is without a doubt one of my favorite aspects of the product, although the smaller bottles feature a glass stopper prone to leakage whereas the larger bottles feature a preferable, screw on cap. The current rectangular bottle was developed in 1997 by the former Artistic Director of Shiseido, Serge Lutens of fragrance fame, in honor of Eudermine's 100th anniversary. The main label displays the name in a highly-stylized manner. Check it out and see if you can recognize Eudermine in the design.

INGREDIENTS: According to Nordstrom.com, "Water, Butylene Glycol. Alcohol Denat., Methyl Gluceth-10, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Betaine, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Carbomer, Fragrance, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine Hci, Pca, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Chloride. Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging."

Note that due to the presence of alcohol, this may not be ideal for acne-prone skin.

WHERE CAN I BUY IT? Eudermine is available at most department stores and their online websites starting around $50-$60 USD.

Products mentioned in article

Shiseido EUDERMINE Revitalizing Essence

Marlen Elliot Harrison

Dr. Marlen Elliot Harrison’s journalism in the fragrance industry has appeared in international print and online publications such as Playboy...(more)