かずのすけ

Kao's SOFINA BASIC+: Ingredient Design and Its Significance in the Affordable Skincare Market

Launched by Kao in August 2024, SOFINA BASIC+ is a new series that carries over the expertise behind the company's core skincare brand, SOFINA iP, while being priced under 2,000 yen. Drawing on commen

7 Issues Japanese Cosmetics Need to Improve

Kazunosuke, a cosmetics developer and beauty chemist, explains seven areas where Japanese cosmetics, despite their advanced technology, still face challenges, and what they would like to see improved.

Shiseido "Essence Skin Smooth Foundation" Explained

5 Notable New Skincare Releases for August and September

Cosmetic chemist Kazunosuke explains five highly anticipated new skincare products launching in August–September 2024, focusing on their ingredient profiles and the technologies behind their developme

The Ultimate Pore & Acne Care Combination for Oily Skin and Sebum Problems

This is a skincare combination for people struggling with oily skin, sebum problems, pores, and acne. Every item is both "glycerin-free" and "oil-free (nearly oil-free)", and the routine skips emulsio

[2026 New Sunscreen Roundup] 10 Recommended UV Products Hand-Picked by a Cosmetics Pro

Here are 10 sunscreens released in 2026, recommended by a cosmetics professional. This time, it's not a ranking. The first half focuses on "sunscreens that keep you from tanning," and the second half

[IHADA In-Depth Comparison] New Moisture Seal Line vs. Medicated Clear (Whitening) Line

This article offers a professional breakdown of the toners and emulsions from two lines by IHADA, Shiseido's brand for sensitive skin: the renewed "Moisture Seal Line" and the popular "Medicated Clear

by365 Sunscreen Using Diaper Technology: Renewal & New UV Gel Explained

Cosmetic chemist Kazunosuke explained the features, ingredients, and feel of the renewed "Powdery UV Cream" and the new "Powdery UV Gel" from by365, a sunscreen brand from Naris Cosmetics.

Examining the Sebum-Control Design and Feel of SHISEIDO MEN's "Skin Matte Serum"

The medicated serum "Skin Matte Serum," released by Shiseido's men's brand SHISEIDO MEN, is designed to curb shine and greasiness caused by sebum, and has drawn interest not only from men but also fro

A Breakdown of Canmake's New "Clear Veil Setting Powder"

Canmake's new "Clear Veil Setting Powder" is a face powder that has been generating buzz on social media and elsewhere for closely resembling NARS's iconic "Light Reflecting Setting Powder" (commonly

New Findings Show Panthenol Binds Inside Hair: P&G's "Hair Structure Repair System" and an Innovative Hair Mist

New findings about panthenol, a long-familiar hair care ingredient, overturn conventional wisdom in hair science. Panthenol has mostly been valued in skincare as a moisturizing and anti-skin-roughness

Comparing Five Anessa Sunscreens

The video compares five Anessa sunscreens, milks and gels, in terms of formulation, how they feel on the skin, price, and UV protection.

The Optimal "Mid-Price" Skincare Lineup with Department-Store-Grade Ingredients

When it comes to cosmetics price ranges, "mid-price" products selling for roughly ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 offer the best balance between cost-effectiveness and skincare results. High-end cosmetics sold in de

Tuvert "Barrier Shot Serum 2.0": A Thorough Breakdown

This is a summary of cosmetic chemist Kazunosuke's explanation of Tuvert's latest serum, "Barrier Shot Serum 2.0," covering its ingredient characteristics, how it feels in use, and how it differs from

Do You Need Facial Cleanser in the Morning? Criteria for Deciding Based on Skin Type and Skincare

Whether to use facial cleanser when washing your face after waking up, or to make do with just lukewarm water, has become a lively debate, particularly on social media. On this issue, reignited by a S

Testing Sunscreens Against "Long UVA" and How to Protect Yourself

In recent years, "long UVA" (long-wavelength UVA: 380–400 nm) has drawn attention for reaching deep into the skin and contributing to photoaging. This video presents an experiment testing how well 15

2026 Edition: 10 High-Performing Drugstore Toners for Under ¥1,500

In recent years, the affordable toner market has seen a wave of product renewals across manufacturers, with active ingredients and proprietary formulation technologies once reserved for high-end cosme

Astaxanthin, One of the Most Powerful Antioxidants: Its Skin Benefits and How to Use It

This is a summary of an explanation by cosmetic chemist Kazunosuke, drawing on Fujifilm's expertise and hands-on experiments with the raw ingredient, covering the skin benefits of the excellent antiox

Kao's "MEMEME Smooth Boost" Fully Explained: Formula Framework, Low-Irritation Design, and Hands-On Testing

Kao's high-premium hair care brand "MEMEME" has launched its blue-themed "Smooth Boost Series." The earlier red "Moist Boost Series" had a striking look but also a highly refined formula, and it stood

7 Things a 36-Year-Old Beauty Expert "Quit" for Better Skin

Beauty expert Kazunosuke looks back on more than a decade of experience from his 20s into his 30s and shares seven things he "quit" in order to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. He explains the import