From silk mills to skincare
The Sensai story begins with a textile company, the Tokyo Cotton Trading Company, founded in 1887, which went on to become Kanebo. While visiting a silk mill, the company's researchers noticed how smooth the hands of the silk spinners were, and that led to research on a protein found in raw silk fiber. In 1936 came Savon de Soie, a facial soap with ingredients derived from Japanese silk, and in 1983 Sensai was born, together with a consultation service inspired by omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. The brand grew first in Europe and only arrived in Japan in 2019. Most of its lines share Koishimaru Silk EX, the silk-based complex common to the formulas.
The Saho ritual: Double Cleansing and Double Moisturizing
Saho takes its cue from the tea ceremony and splits the routine into two moments, each with two steps. Double Cleansing starts in the evening with an oil-based cleanser on dry skin, which dissolves makeup and sebum, such as The Cleansing Oil from the Ultimate line, the Cleansing Balm or the Cleansing Milk - Step 1. Next comes a water-based cleanser, which can also be used in the morning, choosing among Milky Soap, Mud Soap (wash & mask), which doubles as a mask, and The Creamy Soap, which you whip into a lather with its brush.
Double Moisturizing is done morning and evening. It starts with a watery lotion, which softens and preps the skin, followed by an emulsion, a fluid or a cream, which lock in hydration.
The treatment lines we carry
Cellular Performance
This is the line the brand calls its flagship, with a comprehensive anti-aging approach. The lotions and emulsions come in different textures, with Lotion I (Light) and Lotion II (Moist) among the lotions and Emulsion II (Moist) and Emulsion III (Super Moist) among the emulsions. For daytime there is Advanced Day Cream SPF30, a cream with Koishimaru Silk EX and sunscreen. Then there are the targeted treatments, organized in series. For wrinkles there is Wrinkle Repair Essence, with lipids that mimic the skin's own, for firmness and radiance Lifting Radiance Concentrate and Lifting Radiance Cream, and for the eyes Eye Contour Cream.
Absolute Silk
This is the line the brand presents as the expression of Koishimaru silk. It opens with Absolute Silk Micro Mousse Treatment, the Step 1 lotion, a mousse with microbubbles smaller in diameter than pores that gives an effervescent effect. The creams include Absolute Silk Cream, with the Koishimaru Silk Royal formula, and Illuminative Cream, which works on the shadows created by wrinkles and on radiance. For cleansing, finally, there is Micro Mousse Wash, based on carbonic acid.
Ultimate
Launched in 2013, this is what the brand calls its supreme anti-aging line, combining Seta Koishimaru Infinite and Sakura Eternal Complex. For Step 2 there is The Emulsion N, and The Cream N is the rich version, also available in a trial size. The line also includes The Eye Cream, the oil cleanser The Cleansing Oil and The Creamy Soap, with rice oil extract and hyaluronic acid.
Silky Purifying, Prime Solution and Extra Care
Besides the cleansers for both steps, Silky Purifying includes Silk Peeling Powder, a gentle powder exfoliator. Prime Solution is a standalone lotion, with Koishimaru Silk EX and hawthorn extract (sanzashi), that preps the skin for emulsions and creams.
Sensai makeup
For the face the brand offers Cellular Performance Cream Foundation, a cream formula for flawless coverage, and Cream Foundation, presented as an anti-aging foundation that evens out the complexion. Then there is Translucent Loose Powder, a sheer loose powder with luminescent pearls. For the eyes there are the Lash Volumiser 38C mascara, with a triple-spiral brush, the Designing Liquid Eyeliner and the Styling Eyebrow Pencil, in dark brown, warm brown and taupe brown. Total Lip Gloss combines Koishimaru Silk and Lip Care Complex and also comes in a tinted version. Bronzing Gel gives the skin a lightly tanned finish.
How to choose
If you want a rich texture, look at The Cream N, which the Ultimate line presents as an extremely rich cream. For firmness and radiance there is the Lifting Radiance series. For the eye area the choice depends on your concern: Eye Contour Cream is designed for puffiness, dark circles and swelling, and The Eye Cream from Ultimate for fine lines, radiance and firmness.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sensai Cellular Performance good for?
Cellular Performance is Sensai's comprehensive anti-aging line, designed, according to the brand, for hydration, firmness, radiance and wrinkles. It includes lotions and emulsions in Light, Moist and Super Moist versions and the day cream Advanced Day Cream SPF30, plus targeted serums such as Wrinkle Repair Essence and Extra Intensive Essence and the eye cream Eye Contour Cream.
Which Sensai eye cream should I choose?
Eye Contour Cream, from the Cellular Performance line, is offered by the brand to nourish the skin and reduce puffiness, dark circles and swelling. The Eye Cream, from the Ultimate line, is instead an anti-aging eye cream designed for fine lines and wrinkles, which also works on radiance and firmness.
What is the Koishimaru silk in Sensai formulas?
Koishimaru silk is a prized Japanese silk, once reserved for the imperial court and known for its lightness and luster. Sensai developed the Koishimaru Silk EX complex from it, found in most of its lines, along with some dedicated versions, such as Koishimaru Silk Royal in Absolute Silk Cream and Seta Koishimaru Infinite in the Ultimate line.
What is the difference between Cellular Performance Lotion I and Lotion II?
The texture: Lotion I is the Light version and Lotion II the Moist version. The same pattern applies to the emulsions, with Emulsion II (Moist) and Emulsion III (Super Moist). Both lotions are the first step of Double Moisturizing, and the brand recommends them to hydrate and prep the skin for the treatments that follow.
Cellular Performance, Absolute Silk or Ultimate: which Sensai line is right for me?
It depends on what you are looking for. Cellular Performance is the comprehensive anti-aging line, with lotions and emulsions in several textures and targeted serums, while Absolute Silk is presented as the expression of Koishimaru silk, with the Micro Mousse Treatment lotion. Ultimate, launched in 2013, is the brand's supreme anti-aging line, and its The Cream N also comes in a trial size.
What is Absolute Silk Micro Mousse Treatment?
It is the lotion of the Absolute Silk line, applied as the first step of Double Moisturizing. It has the texture of a mousse with microbubbles smaller in diameter than pores, which give an effervescent effect when applied. The brand recommends it for smoother, more radiant skin, to be followed by an emulsion or a cream.
Which Sensai foundation should I choose?
Cellular Performance Cream Foundation is the cream foundation the brand offers for flawless coverage, and Cream Foundation is presented as an anti-aging foundation that evens out the complexion and adds radiance. To finish your base there is Translucent Loose Powder, a sheer loose powder with luminescent pearls that adapts to every skin tone.
What is Sensai Prime Solution?
Prime Solution is a rich, hydrating lotion with delicate floral notes, used as the first step of Double Moisturizing. It contains Koishimaru Silk EX and hawthorn extract, known as sanzashi, which, according to the brand, helps make the skin more receptive to care.
