Why is lotion so important in Japanese layering?
A Japanese lotion is not quite the same as a Western “toner.”
Its main purpose is not to cleanse or exfoliate the skin. It is the first true hydrating step in the routine.
Applied immediately after cleansing, it delivers water and hydrating ingredients to the skin’s surface. The skin feels softer, more comfortable and visibly plumper.
Think of a dry sponge and a slightly damp sponge: the latter is more supple and absorbs what you apply to it more easily.
That is the whole logic behind Japanese layering: hydrate first, then apply more concentrated skincare products such as essences, serums, oils or creams.
Lotion can help:
- reduce feelings of tightness and fine dehydration lines;
- restore softer, plumper-looking skin;
- boost comfort and radiance;
- rebalance combination or oily skin that can be both oily and dehydrated;
- prepare the skin for the products applied afterwards.
When?
Morning and evening, right after cleansing and before serum.
How to apply your lotion?
Pour a few drops into your palms, then gently press your hands onto your face and neck.
No need to rub.
For very dehydrated skin, you can apply two or three thin layers in succession.
Which Japanese lotion should you choose?
Some lotions are light and refreshing, while others are richer and closer to a serum. Here is our selection based on your needs.
Dehydrated or sensitive skin: Rice Ferment Hydrating Lotion - BIZEN
A rich, silky lotion made with organic rice ferment that hydrates and helps restore comfort, suppleness and radiance to the skin.
Dry and uncomfortable skin: Hydrating & Regenerating Lotion - RUHAKU
A lotion with an almost serum-like texture, ideal for providing generous hydration and extra comfort to dry skin.
For a fresh, lightweight texture: Pure Botanical Charge - MAKANAI
An ultra-light lotion enriched with Japanese botanical ingredients, perfect for hydrating without feeling heavy. Ideal for normal, combination or dehydrated skin.
The touch-up step: Intensive Hydrating Mist - CURÉL
A fine mist to spray whenever your skin needs more comfort or hydration. Particularly suited to dry and sensitive skin.
The elixir lotion: Eau de Ki
An iconic 3-in-1 elixir that combines purification, hydration and anti-aging care. An exceptional lotion that turns this step into a true multifunctional treatment.
The high-performance version: Highly Concentrated Hydrating & Lifting Essence - DECORTÉ
Somewhere between lotion, essence and serum, this highly concentrated treatment targets hydration, suppleness, plumpness and visible signs of aging.
Go one step further: Japanese double hydration
Adding a lotion to your routine is already one of the simplest ways to get closer to the Japanese skincare ritual.
But you can take it further by working separately on two essential components of skin comfort: lipids and water.
This is the principle of double hydration, particularly iconic at DECORTÉ.
And its logic may come as a surprise: you start with the emulsion, then apply the lotion.
1. The emulsion: providing lipids
AQ Micro-Glow Emulsion - DÉCORTÉ
After cleansing, AQ Micro-Glow Emulsion softens the skin and provides its lipid component.
2. The lotion: providing water
AQ Hydrating Lotion - DÉCORTÉ
AQ Hydrating Lotion then saturates the skin with hydration, restoring suppleness, freshness and bounce.
Lipids followed by water: two complementary steps for softer, more comfortable, luminous and plumper-looking skin.
This ritual is particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated or mature skin, or for anyone looking to take their hydration routine a step further.
