This J-Beauty Serum Has Entirely Rejuvenated My Skin

It is composed of fermented flowers.

Courtesy Shiseido

Located just off the western coast of Japan, the Goto Islands include strikingly blue waters, verdant hills, and a unique flora: the camellia blossom. Camellias resemble a monochromatic kaleidoscope, with their petals overlapping to form a flawless circle. These blossoms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, which is why Shiseido has incorporated them into skincare products. Recently, these camellias have become the primary component in Shiseido’s new Ultimune Power Infusing Serum, convincing me of the transformative potential of flowers for the skin.

The Japanese skincare firm asserts that the camellia's idyllic surroundings in the Goto Islands contribute to its nourishing properties. Although these islands are aesthetically pleasing, they possess a semi-harsh environment characterized by strong winds and abrupt weather fluctuations. Camellias have evolved, rendering them robust. The utilization of resilient plants in skincare is not a novel concept—consider drought-resistant flora such as lavender or calendula. Shiseido employed the identical fermenting technique utilized by Japanese sake producers in the new Ultimune serum to enhance the efficiency of camellia.

A Shiseido official informed ELLE that fermentation enhances the amino acid concentration by a factor of 3.4. A 2020 study published in Amino Acids in Nutrition and Health indicates that amino acids, the fundamental components of proteins, may enhance collagen production, facilitate wound repair, and regulate the skin's microbiome.

The serum employs not just fermented camellia to enhance skin health but also incorporates the entire plant, including the petals and stems. The seed oil and extract enhance collagen synthesis and increase hydration, while the leaf and flower extracts reduce inflammation. The serum contains additional active ingredients, such as reishi mushroom and iris root, which function to safeguard the skin barrier.

Utilizing this serum provides a genuinely sensory experience. Primarily, I have a penchant for anything red, since it is my favored hue; hence, I anticipated that the bottle would have a prominent position on my vanity. The product penetrates the skin immediately, imparting a dewy radiance. I seldom complete serums, as I possess numerous samples to evaluate, preventing me from finishing one before commencing another. I utilized this serum daily for three months, although I was nonetheless taken aback upon discovering that I had exhausted it. For me, the complete consumption of a bottle signifies its quality.

Upon frequent application of the Ultimune Power Infusing Serum, I observed that my typically dry skin was significantly more radiant and voluminous, and the fine lines and wrinkles on my face seemed less prominent. It integrates seamlessly with my regimen and never clumps beneath moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup. In an unusual decision, I intend to uncork another bottle. It is one of the rare goods I have encountered that has secured a permanent position in my fluctuating selection.