The Story of Rohto Mentholatum
Japanese pharmaceutical giant Rohto had its humble beginnings in 1899. The business was founded under the name Shintendo Yamada Anmin Pharmacy, and launched its first over-the -counter gastrointestinal medicine, known as Ikatsu, the very same year. Ten years later, the company released the first version of its signature eye drop, which would evolve into the leading eye care product in the market. In 1949, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. was officially established. The company acquired trademark rights from American non-prescriptive health care brand The Mentholatum Company in the mid-70s and brought the popular Mentholatum Ointment and Mentholatum Lip Balm to its growing customer base in Japan. The popularity of menthol-based products surged as more and more people recognized the health and skin benefits of the ingredient, leading to Rohto’s complete acquisition of Mentholatum in 1988.


Hada Labo
In 2004, Rohto introduced Hada Labo, a skin care brand that features Super Hyaluronic Acid as its key ingredient. The brand employs a minimalist approach to product formulation, starting with cutting out unnecessary additives, colorants and fragrances from all its products. Hada Labo’s Gokujyun line harnesses the powerful moisture-locking abilities of Super Hyaluronic Acid to instantly deliver intense hydration to skin. The Shirojyun line is formulated with additional Vitamin C derivatives to help restore a healthy glow to dull complexions. The Gokujyun Alpha line gives the original bestselling line a boost of anti-aging benefits with infused Vitamin A, collagen and peptides.


The Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion, the brand’s flagship product, is known for its instantly hydrating and dewy effects. Featuring a watery yet milky consistency, it’s designed to be used right after cleansing as the first step of replenishing moisture to skin. The Hada Labo lotion has been praised by many, including beauty editors at Marie Claire, as “life-changing” and “skin-changing” due to its super lightweight texture that easily absorbs into skin. The brand recommends following the popular Japanese-style method of applying the lotion: warm the formula with your palms, and then gently pat it into skin to aid absorption.


Acnes
Targeting acne-prone skin, the Acnes by Mentholatum line offers products that range from preventing and relieving breakouts to aiding the healing process of the acne cycle. This line can fully cater an acne-centric skin care regime. The recommended skin routine starts with the Acnes Creamy Face Wash to thoroughly cleanse skin, followed by the soothing Acnes Powder Lotion and then the Acnes Sealing Jell for focused treatment. For added acne-fighting benefits, finish the routine with acne patches, such as the Acnes Medicated Anti-Bacteria Spot Dressing which is available in both day and night editions. The patches are formulated with patented Acnoplex to break down pimples and unclog pores. Added salicylic acid soothes inflammation while centella asiatica extracts activate cell renewal to heal wounds and lighten scars more quickly. On top of that, antioxidant-rich ingredients are incorporated to help refine skin texture and regulate sebum, further boosting the prevention of pimple formation.


Melano CC
Among Rohto’s many subsidiaries, Melano CC is a cult favorite. The brand offers highly efficacious skin care solutions that are infused with high concentrations of Vitamin C and E. Known for its powerful skin-brightening effects, Vitamin C is not only proven to help fade marks and blemishes, but can also revitalize fatigued skin, making smooth and glowing complexions achievable.


The Melano CC Vitamin Essence, sometimes referred to as the Melano CC Serum, is a perennial bestseller that can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Formulated with powerhouse antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E, it functions as an intensive spot treatment that can be used all over the face to help improve the appearance of acne scars and pigmentation while also providing acne-prevention benefits.


Sunplay
Utilizing its years of skin care knowledge and experience from Mentholatum, Rohto developed Sunplay to focus on sun protection products for everyday use. Sunplay prioritizes the efficacy and safety of its products, employing only toxic-free formulations that are comfortable on skin. Solarex-3, Sunplay’s breakthrough patented technology, is recognized for providing three-in-one UV protection that not only protects skin from free radicals, but also helps it retain moisture with added anti-aging benefits.


The Skin Aqua line is Sunplay’s most iconic and bestselling range. Popular for their moisturizing and lightweight formulations, Skin Aqua sunscreens are built for comfort, longevity and outdoors use. To name a few, the Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk is a highly waterproof, sweat-resistant and moisturizing sunscreen with a runny, milky consistency that instantly hydrates skin and dries to a satin finish. Also powered by a broad spectrum of SPF50+ PA++++, the Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence comes in color-correcting lavender and mint hues to even out skin tone and deliver an instant skin-brightening finish. Fitted with patented Pure Nuance Complex, along with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and Strobe Pearl Powder, the Tone Up UV Essence helps blur out blemishes while leaving a luminous glow, making it perfect as a makeup primer.


Care Cera
Those with dry, sensitive skin tend to experience the most discomfort during the change of seasons. While many know to take care of their facial skin, the rest of the body is often neglected. Care Cera is a body care line that specifically caters to dry and sensitive skin. All products from Care Cera are free of common allergens and do not contain preservatives or parabens. Its signature product, the Care Cera High Moisture Bubble Body Wash, ranked first in the @cosme Awards’ body wash category not long after its release. Coming in fluffy, ultra-fine foam that is soft on skin, this body wash is enriched with seven types of ceramides to nourish and repair weakened skin barriers.


Are products from Rohto Mentholatum right for you?
Now a multinational, fast-moving corporation headquartered in three different continents, Rohto offers a wide range of Japanese beauty, skin care and body care products under different brands. Not sure where to start? The Mentholatum Acnes line tailors a skin care routine for those with acne-prone skin, while Melano CC helps improve pigmentation and acne scars. For those who struggle with dry and sensitive skin, soothe your face with Hada Labo’s hyaluronic acid-infused Gokujyun line, which is famed for its incredible hydrating results. Care Cera’s body washes are packed with ceramides to remedy dry and irritated skin for the rest of the body. For general sun protection that’s functional and comfortable on skin, Sunplay’s Skin Aqua line is the right place to look!