Usually, when we're in the middle of our skincare routine, we have no particular difficulty understanding, for example, double cleansing and the order in which the products should be used: we start with the cleansing oil, which removes makeup and impurities, and then move on to a foaming cleanser, which completes the cleansing process, leaving the skin soft and ready for the next steps.

However, when it comes to products like lotion, toner, and essence, some confusion often arises: it's not clear that these are three different types of products, each with a specific function.

Knowing them is essential to giving your skin what it really needs.

The lotion: a hydration boost

Lotions are fluids to be applied after cleansing, which hydrate the skin and help restore the hydrolipidic film.

Compared to traditional creams, lotion is a lighter moisturizer, perfect for providing hydration to those who don't want their skin to feel too heavy. It's particularly suitable for normal to oily skin, or in humid climates, where a richer cream might be too occlusive.

If, however, you have very dry skin, lotion can be a valuable additional step, capable of offering extra nourishment and hydration.

It's important to remember, however, that lotion is NOT a substitute for face cream , which is always the last step in your routine. Lotion, being very light, is unlikely to create a barrier protecting our skin from external agents on its own: this is precisely the purpose of moisturizing cream, which is typically richer and contains film-forming agents that remain on the skin's surface, blocking external influences.

It's often thought that moisturizers must fully penetrate the skin. In reality, their function is precisely to remain on the surface and "lock" the active ingredients from routine steps like lotions and emulsions into the underlying layers. These are specifically designed to penetrate deeper, but by themselves, they don't act as a barrier.

We at Fujihada recommend MAJESTA Lotion I by Naris Cosmetics , a lotion based on centella asiatica extracts that is able to guarantee deep hydration and a well-balanced skin pH .

The toner: exfoliates and balances

The main function of toner is to rebalance the skin's pH after cleansing and remove any makeup or cleanser residue. It refreshes, tones, and prepares the skin for subsequent treatments.

The skin has a natural balance that must be respected and supported. Its pH is one of the most important indicators of this. A stable pH (between approximately 4.5 and 5.5) is what keeps skin healthy, hydrated, and protected. But all it takes is a harsh cleanser or a hasty gesture to disrupt this harmony.

Japanese skincare starts with listening : it doesn't correct, it balances. The products you find on Fujihada are formulated to respect the skin's natural pH, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore serenity to your routine.

Toner often also has a specific function: exfoliating . In skincare, there are different types of exfoliants, which act mechanically (such as a scrub) or chemically (such as the Conc products from the Luque and Majesta lines available on our website).

Scrubs and exfoliants that work by rubbing are very effective but tend to be harsh on sensitive skin. For those with sensitive skin, it's best to use an exfoliating toner that contains safe active ingredients in lower concentrations, suitable for day and night use without causing imbalances.

There are hydrating, astringent or soothing toners, depending on the specific needs of the skin.

We can't help but recommend the LUQUE Conc : the first exfoliating lotion “Conc” (short for “Concentration”) by Naris Cosmetics was born way back in 1937. Since then, this product has stood out among consumers for its effectiveness and gentleness on the skin, becoming the best-selling exfoliating toner in Japan for 8 consecutive years.

The Essence: Prep Your Skin

The essence or emulsion (depending on the production technology) is a light but highly concentrated treatment, designed to deeply hydrate and enhance the effectiveness of the products applied subsequently.

It's ideal for improving skin texture and stimulating cell renewal. Rich in active ingredients such as ferments, hyaluronic acid, and various plant extracts, the essence acts deeply, providing a hydrating base and targeted treatments for specific skin concerns.

Among the Fujihada brands, warew in particular offers three types of emulsion as a fundamental step in the routine to restore the skin's natural hydrolipidic film and create an optimal substrate for the absorption of the active ingredients contained in subsequent products.

Three different hydrating emulsions: a lighter one for oily or combination skin; a richer one for tired and dry skin; and a soothing one for sensitive or reactive skin.