IPSUM ALII: the meeting of Kampo and clean beauty

The story of IPSUM ALII is a journey. Born from life in Japan and then matured in Zurich, the brand founded by Kikoc and Nora is inspired by a reality shared by many active women: persistent fatigue, a lack of time for oneself, and their visible imprint on the skin. In Japan, they discovered a radically different approach to care: from onsen rituals to acupuncture and moxibustion, to the Kampo pharmacopeia that places inner balance at the heart of beauty. From this experience emerged a holistic, minimalist skincare line, formulated exclusively in Japan, combining prevention, repair, and sensory pleasure.

Origins and vision

In Japan, Kikoc and Nora learned that care is not a one-off act but continuous maintenance, true to Kampo philosophy. The defining episode: Kikoc’s journey with chronic eczema, resolved by a Kampo dermatologist in Tokyo (Dr. Watanabe). Where other approaches offered only localized and temporary fixes, the Kampo formulation acted on the root cause. This lesson guides IPSUM ALII: the skin transforms sustainably when you treat the terrain, not just the symptom.

This vision is expressed through a dual approach:

1. preventing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier for skin longevity,
2. effectively addressing existing concerns with high-performance actives from Japanese biotechnology.
   

Ipsum & Alii: a philosophy in two movements

The name came naturally in Latin, the language of medicine and plants:
IPSUM means “self,” ALII “the other.” Every gesture for oneself (IPSUM) becomes a step toward the other (ALII) — the environment, loved ones, society. We can truly care for others only when we feel aligned and healthy.

Kampo, living balance: Ki, Ketsu, Sui

Kampo seeks harmony among the three fundamental elements:

• Ki (energy)
• Ketsu (blood)
• Sui (water/fluids)

For each formula, IPSUM ALII selects Kampo herbs that target specific imbalances in Ki, Ketsu, and Sui. To make this approach intuitive, the packaging includes an “indicator” showing the share of each element nourished by the formula. The ancestral becomes readable and usable in everyday life.

Design and product experience

Meaningful graphic design

In collaboration with art director Tomomi Maezawa (notably on Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs), the brand draws on the art of Shibori to convey the level of craftsmanship applied to the formulas. At the foundation of the packaging, three colors embody the pillars of Kampo:

• orange for Ki (energy)
• red for Ketsu (blood)
• blue for Sui (water)
  

A surprising gel texture, designed for sensitive skin

The Skin Refining Gel meets the needs of sensitive or sensitized skin affected by internal stress and external aggressions. Developed with a laboratory in Osaka, its texture — very familiar in Asia and newer in Europe — works in two stages:

1. gentle interaction with keratin (chemical reaction) forming small “eraser” bits,
   then gentle rolling with the fingertips (physical action) to lift them away.
2. Immediate result: refined texture, clean feel, and revived radiance in seconds. Extended as a massage, the ritual activates microcirculation and visibly awakens the complexion.

Japanese biotechnology and signature actives

Bi-phase serum: a rare synergy

The serum’s uniqueness rests on two complementary pillars:

1. An iconic wild botanical
   Lithospermum erythrorhizon (Murasaki), a wild root harvested by hand, naturally gives the serum its pink hue and delivers remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
2. A bio-engineered hydration base
   A quadruple complex of hyaluronic acids (Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate) and squalane derived from plant fermentation. This biotechnology ensures perfect affinity with the skin and long-lasting performance while optimizing the environmental footprint.

Together, they work in synergy with the bouquet of Kampo herbs to deeply hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the barrier function.

Kampo balm-cream to rebalance Ki, Ketsu, and Sui.

Nourishing Adaptogen Cream, formulated without fragrance, combines four Japanese adaptogenic plants — Reishi, Ukon (turmeric), Akayajiou, and Hatomugi — known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and reparative effects.

They work in synergy with rice bran oil and fermented squalane to:

• strengthen the skin barrier,
• soothe redness and tightness,
• maintain deep, long-lasting hydration.
  

Clean beauty according to IPSUM ALII

“Clean” is not a fixed label but a way of being and doing: transparency, continuous learning, and respect for European regulation. The products are made in Japan with rigorously selected partners and no animal testing, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

• Excluded ingredients: parabens, talc, mineral oil, SLS, SLE, paraffin, synthetic fragrances, essential oils.
• 100% vegan line (no animal-derived ingredients).
• Monitored ingredients: alcohol in a very small amount (less than 0.1%); synthetic phenoxyethanol under 1%, EU-compliant.
  

Conscious beauty, in motion and universal

Each formula is designed to strengthen the skin barrier, protect the skin’s ecosystem, and preserve natural resources.

“Skincare is based on continuous maintenance… you must treat the cause, not just the symptoms.”

Finally, IPSUM ALII stands out as a naturally inclusive brand: its design inspired by Japanese craftsmanship attracts interest, but it is the textures and efficacy that build loyalty.

“Our customers told us their partners were using our products with enthusiasm.”

A conscious, fluid, and universal beauty, where every gesture becomes an act of care — for oneself, for others, and for the planet.

The founders’ wellness address book

Japan

• Gora Kadan, Hakone: an exceptional ryokan nestled on the hillside, between onsen and nature.
• Nozawa Onsen, Nagano: a hot-spring village with 37 public baths and an authentic mountain atmosphere.
• Inn the Park, Shizuoka: glamping in the heart of the forest, between private villas and suspended spheres, for a true forest-bathing experience.

France

• En Spa, Paris (near Biën): remarkable cranio-facial massage, beyond simple relaxation.
• Yonaguni Spa, Parc Hotel Obernai: an immersion inspired by the mysterious site of Yonaguni in Okinawa.
• Maison Gokan, Lake Annecy: a retreat blending Japanese and Scandinavian inspirations.