A Deep Dive into Curél's New "Moisture-Locking Oil Serum"

Development Background with the European Market in Mind

Designed for global expansion: An unusual product developed less for the Japanese market than for the European market, where skin is exposed to harsh dry conditions and large temperature swings.
Adapting to cultural differences: In Europe, people tend to skip toner and use scrub cleansers, so the "oil × ceramide" combination was devised to reinforce the stratum corneum barrier in that environment.
Japan's climate and skin type: Japanese people tend to have more sebum and a thinner stratum corneum, and not many prefer oil-based skincare year-round, so the product is positioned for severe dryness rather than for everyone.

Two active ingredients:
- Chamomile ET: A plant-derived whitening active ingredient exclusive to Kao that inhibits the signals triggering melanin production.
- Stearyl glycyrrhetinate: An oil-soluble anti-inflammatory ingredient that is excellent at preventing skin roughness and can also be expected to support whitening.
Low-irritation oil-based formula: Built mainly on luxurious sugar squalane, with various ester oils, jojoba oil, and more. Preservative-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and colorant-free.
High-adhesion ceramide care technology: Pseudo-ceramide, cholesterol, and phytosphingosine are formed into vesicles (capsule structures) and dispersed in the oil to improve penetration into the stratum corneum.

Amount: A full dropper is too much; 2–3 drops for the whole face is the right amount.
Layering order: Because the oil film blocks the penetration of water-soluble ingredients applied afterward (niacinamide, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, etc.), it is recommended to apply water-soluble serums before the oil.
Considerations for acne-prone skin: Although it is glycerin-free, there is a risk of the oil clogging pores (comedone formation), so it is not recommended for oily or acne-prone skin.

At 4,950 yen (tax included) for 30 ml, it sits in Curél's higher price range.
If you want equivalent whitening care (Chamomile ET) and a high concentration of pseudo-ceramide, the existing "Curél Spot & Freckle Prevention Care Milk (2,530 yen tax included)" and "Face Cream from the same line (3,080 yen tax included)" are superior in both cost-effectiveness and ease of use, and can be recommended to most Japanese people.
Since the oil serum and the Spot & Freckle Prevention Care series do not share any anti-inflammatory ingredients, they also pair well when used together to strengthen moisturizing power and barrier function.