Kikumasamune Sake Lotion: Review and How to Use
Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Skin Care Lotion High Moist is one of those products where the value is almost absurd. 500ml of hydrating lotion with sake ferment filtrate for around $12 to $14. That’s more than three times the size of most hydrating lotions at a fraction of the price.
It’s also pink. The bottle is bright pink. This throws some people off at first, but once you try it, the color stops mattering.
What It Is
Kikumasamune is a sake brewery. They make actual sake (rice wine) that you drink. The skincare line came from the observation that sake brewery workers had remarkably soft, smooth hands despite working with their hands all day. For a full look at every product in the lineup and the brand’s history, see the Kikumasamune complete guide.
The Sake Brewing Skin Care Lotion uses sake ferment filtrate (sake kasu) as its star ingredient. In Japanese skincare, fermented ingredients (sake, rice, soybeans) have a long tradition for brightening and softening skin. For a deeper look at every type of rice ingredient and how they differ, see the Japanese rice skincare guide.
The texture is a lightweight, slightly milky liquid. It’s thinner than Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium but thicker than water. It absorbs quickly and has a subtle sake scent that fades after application.
How to Use It
As a facial lotion (the standard use):
- Cleanse
- Pat Kiku-Masamune onto face and neck (1 to 3 layers)
- Continue with serum/moisturizer
- Sunscreen (morning)
As a body lotion (very popular):
Many people use the 500ml bottle for full body hydration after showering. It’s affordable enough to be lavish with. Pat it onto damp skin, then seal with body lotion or oil.
Multi layer application:
Pour a small amount into your palms, pat onto face. Repeat 2 to 5 times. Each layer absorbs before you add the next. This is sometimes called “lotion masking” in Japan.
What to Expect
Immediate: Skin feels hydrated and slightly plumper. The sake scent is noticeable during application but fades quickly.
After a few weeks: Many people in the community report a subtle brightening or “glow” to their skin. The effect is cumulative rather than dramatic.
Long term: Improved skin texture and a general clarity. The ferment seems to work similarly (though not identically) to more expensive ferment products like SK-II. (If you’re curious about budget options that deliver similar results, see our affordable alternatives to SK-II.)
Results vary. Some people see significant improvement in brightness and texture. Others find it a perfectly good hydrating lotion but nothing transformative. The low price makes it worth trying.
The Scent Issue
The sake scent is the most divisive aspect. It smells like rice wine because that’s literally what it is. Some people love it. Some people tolerate it. Some people can’t stand it.
The scent fades within a few minutes after application, so even people who dislike it can usually work with it. If you’re extremely sensitive to scents, this might not be your product.
Compared to Hada Labo
| Kiku-Masamune Sake Lotion | Hada Labo Gokujyun Moist | |
|---|---|---|
| Key ingredient | Sake ferment filtrate | Hyaluronic acid (3 types) |
| Texture | Slightly milky, light | Watery, clear |
| Size | 500ml | 170ml |
| Price | ~$12 to $14 | ~$12 to $15 |
| Scent | Sake scent | No scent |
| Best for | Body + face, brightening | Face, pure hydration |
Hada Labo is the safer, more universally appropriate choice. Kiku-Masamune is the better value for people who want face and body coverage and don’t mind the sake scent.
Many people own both and use them for different purposes: Hada Labo for face, Kiku-Masamune for body. For a full side by side breakdown, see the Kikumasamune vs Hada Labo comparison.
Face vs Body Use
The 500ml bottle almost demands dual use. Using it only on your face, it would take over a year to finish. Most people in the community use it on both face and body, or transition to body use primarily after trying it on the face.
For body hydration after showering, the value is unmatched. 500ml of hydrating, brightening lotion for under $15 is extremely rare.
Related: Naturie Hatomugi Guide · Hada Labo Complete Guide · Best Japanese Moisturizer
FAQ
Does it actually brighten skin?
Many users report a subtle brightening or “glow” effect with consistent use. The sake ferment contains kojic acid (a natural byproduct of fermentation) which has brightening properties. The effect is gradual and less dramatic than targeted brightening products like Melano CC.
Is the sake scent strong?
During application, yes. After it absorbs (about 2 to 5 minutes), it fades significantly. Most people stop noticing it. If you’re extremely scent sensitive, it may bother you.
Can you use it if you don’t drink alcohol?
Yes. The sake ferment filtrate in skincare is a byproduct of the fermentation process. It’s not alcoholic in the drinking sense. People who avoid alcohol consumption can use sake ferment skincare products.
How long does a bottle last?
Used on face only (2 layers daily): 6+ months. Used on face and body: 2 to 4 months depending on how generously you apply it.
Does it work for oily skin?
Yes. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It’s not as light as Naturie Hatomugi but works fine for oily skin, especially in 1 to 2 layers rather than heavy multi-layering. For a detailed side by side, see Naturie Hatomugi vs Kikumasamune.
Where can you buy it Outside Japan?
Available from J beauty specialty retailers. The large pink bottle is distinctive and relatively easy to find at stores that stock a good range of Japanese skincare.