Technology and Organics Can Coexist

“At the time, no one was proposing beauty from a lifestyle perspective. But now, ten years later, it’s become commonplace. There’s no longer a need to explain the meaning of ‘detox,’ and the term ‘inner care’ has gained widespread acceptance. I feel SHIGETA has achieved what it set out to do at its founding, and I’m ready to look towards the future.”

CHICO asserts that “science” is an indispensable element for the organic cosmetics of the future. The key lies in merging the benefits of simple plant extracts and oils obtained through traditional extraction methods with the power of advanced science to enhance purity and efficacy. She believes this research will be crucial.

“I believe that the digital technology, which has become so integral to our lives, is not an enemy of organic principles but can coexist with them. For this, the power of science is essential. To express SHIGETA’s new perspective, we have revamped the logo and packaging. We’ve focused on a world that is urban, incorporates a sense of science, yet retains femininity.”

The Power of “Harmony” Beautifies Women

SHIGETA has a history of realizing collaborations that make you think, “I’ve always wanted something like this!” – from roll-on fragrance oils with Mika Ninagawa and bath salts with Jessica Michibata, to beauty oils with Hélène Darroze. The highly successful UV products developed with Kasuko Hayasaka are still fresh in our memory.

“While I value customer feedback received in person, I have never planned collaborations or new products based on market research. It’s the same with packaging design. These creations have all come about through a confluence of timing and connection with people I admire for their personal charm. With Mika Ninagawa, I was such a huge fan of her photography that I bravely asked, ‘Would you like to do something together?’ and she readily agreed, which was lucky!” (laughs)

Surprisingly, the driving force behind these endeavors is a sense of innocent desire. Furthermore, it seems that the complete form of the product is not yet clearly defined in CHICO’s mind at the initial stage.

“I feel it’s not right to decide beforehand that ‘this is the product I want to create.’ The finished product is something that, while not yet fully materialized, definitely exists in the future. It should possess perfect harmony, and I believe that harmony is what brings happiness to the user. Therefore, my role is to pick up the keywords and hints one by one on the path to reaching that point and assemble them like a puzzle. Of course, I have the desire to use certain ingredients or create specific items. But ultimately, what form will bring harmony to the product – a form that is harmonious for the user, the product, and the ingredients – is never something I predetermine in my mind; I believe it emerges during the creation process. That’s why I feel there are infinite possibilities.”




What CHICO insists on, above all else, is “results.”

“As I come from a background as a therapist, my interest lies in how to transform a person. It’s not just about making the skin beautiful and being done. The goal is for that person to shine from within and find happiness. Cosmetics are merely tools for that purpose, so if they don’t yield results, we can’t reach the goal, making them meaningless, right? (laughs) When you become beautiful through use, your mood is uplifted, and the changes from both external and internal sources become radiance. This harmony extends to your thoughts, leading to self-satisfaction. I believe that’s the most wonderful thing.”

Creating What Doesn't Yet Exist in the World

To coincide with the brand’s 10th anniversary and its refreshed image, the Awakening skincare series, born from scientific innovation, was launched on September 3rd (Monday). Its key benefit is precisely “anti-glycation.”

“It all began five years ago when a lab manager from Ivory Coast mentioned, ‘In my homeland, people have traditionally chewed on Garcinia Kola nuts as a “medicine” to treat physical ailments.’ SHIGETA had already been collaborating with a French research institute specializing in plant science to analyze plant components. Among over 800 types of plants, Garcinia Kola possessed a particularly outstanding characteristic. Through proprietary technology, we succeeded in extracting ‘Corallavone,’ which is highly effective against glycation, and obtained a patent.”

Glycation, often referred to as the “browning” of the skin, causes dullness, wrinkles, and sagging. SHIGETA focused on this because they reasoned that applying the concept of inner detoxification, which they have long advocated, to the skin equates to anti-glycation. ‘Corallavone’ is incorporated not only in the four new products – serum, eye cream, milk, and cream – but also in the revamped lotion.

“As SHIGETA is committed to results, naturally, I am confident in all of them. However, my particular favorite is the eye cream. It has an excellent texture and skin-feel, providing instant hydration that erases fine lines caused by dryness. Furthermore, it’s formulated to address dark circles and puffiness. And because it’s used around the eyes, we’ve also added a benefit to care for and lengthen eyelashes.”

In addition, there is the rich serum that seems to bring transparency to the skin, the milk that melts into the skin like melting snow, and the cream with an oily richness yet a smooth finish. Each product offers an elegant user experience that makes you exclaim, “This is indeed SHIGETA.” The skincare moments, imbued with the scent of freshly picked Damask roses, will bring richness to your daily life, and with continued use, you should feel your bare skin becoming more refined.

“I want to elevate wild organic ingredients into elegant cosmetics. I aim to create something that does not yet exist in the world in terms of texture, scent, and efficacy. This is an extremely challenging task, requiring not only profound scientific knowledge but also innovative thinking, which even the most authoritative researchers must possess. Our mission is to bring innovation to organic formulas through the power of science. And essential oils hold the greatest potential for this. Moving forward, SHIGETA intends to further promote the appeal of essential oils based on science, extending beyond the realm of aromatherapy.”



Awakening Series
This skincare series, featuring SHIGETA's proprietary anti-glycation ingredient “Corallavone” and two types of rose stem cells, delivers remarkable firmness, radiance, and clarity.

AW Moisture Serum 30mL ¥7,400 (excl. tax)
AW Moisture Eye Cream 15mL ¥5,200 (excl. tax)
AW Moisture Milk 50mL ¥5,500 (excl. tax)
AW Moisture Cream 30mL ¥5,500 (excl. tax)
AW Moisture Lotion 100mL ¥3,400 (excl. tax)
Available since September 3, 2016