Japanese Lotions (Keshosui) vs. UK Toners — What’s the Difference?

01 de abril, 2026

In Japan, “keshosui” often translated as “lotion,” is the main hydrating step after cleansing. In the UK, a toner traditionally refers to a watery product used to remove leftover residue and refresh the skin. Although modern UK toners can be hydrating, they are usually lighter and less moisturizing than Japanese lotions.

Why Japanese Lotions Feel Different

Japanese skincare emphasizes hydration as the foundation of healthy, beautiful skin. Instead of tightening or stripping moisture, these lotions saturate the skin with water-binding ingredients, leaving it soft and smooth, resulting in plump and radiant skin, leaving it comfortably hydrated throughout the day.
For people used to traditional UK toners, switching to a Japanese lotion may feel like adding an entirely new moisturizing step to the routine. You can choose a product that best matches your skin type and concerns from the categories above to achieve soft, deeply hydrated skin.

In short:
Japanese lotion = Hydration step
Traditional toner = Cleansing/refresh step

How to Use Japanese Lotion

Cleanse your face.
Pour a small amount into your palms or onto a cotton pad.
Gently pat into the skin (do not rub).
For dry skin, apply 2–3 layers.
Follow with serum and moisturizer.

Japanese Lotions by Skin Type

At Zak Zakka, we carry a variety of Japanese lotions suitable for different skin types. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best product for your needs:

Ultra-Hydrating — Best for Dry or Very Dehydrated Skin

These lotions provide intense moisture and help repair the skin barrier. They often feel slightly thicker and leave a long-lasting hydrated finish.

Products:

Recommended for:

Very dry skin
Dehydrated combination skin
Skin that feels tight after washing
Mature skin
Loss of firmness
Winter skincare

Rich Moisture with Nourishing Ingredients — Dry to Normal Skin

These contain conditioning ingredients such as fermented extracts or soy isoflavones, which help soften and improve skin elasticity.

Products:

Recommended for:

Dry to normal skin
Dull or rough skin
Mature skin
Those who want soft, plumped up moisture

Lightweight Hydration — Normal, Combination, or Oily Skin

These absorb quickly and hydrate without heaviness.

Products:

Recommended for:

Normal skin
Combination skin
Oily but dehydrated skin
Summer use
People who dislike sticky texture

Brightening and Dark Spot Care

These focus on improving uneven tone, dullness, and pigmentation using brightening ingredients such as vitamin C derivatives or tranexamic acid.

Products:

Recommended for:

Hyperpigmentation
Acne marks
Uneven skin tone
Dull skin
Normal to combination skin

Gentle Care for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin

These provide mild exfoliation and soothing hydration without being harsh.

Products:

Recommended for:

Sensitive skin
Dry, easily irritated skin
Rough texture
Mild acne
Skin with a weakened barrier

Quick Guide to Choosing your lotion

If your skin feels tight after washing → Choose ultra-hydrating types (Hada Labo Premium, Elixir, Carte HD

If you want soft, plump, elastic skin → Choose nourishing types (Kikumasamune, Sana Soy Milk Isoflavone)

If you are oily but dehydrated → Choose lightweight types (Naturier, Chifure)

If you are concerned about dark spots or dullness → Choose brightening types (Shirojyun, Melano CC, Sekkisei)

If your skin is sensitive or rough → Choose gentle medicated types (Naris Nature Conc, d program)

I hope this has helped you better understand Japanese lotions and useful tips for finding the one that suits you best. If you’re hoping to achieve deeply hydrated, supple skin, Japanese-style skincare is definitely worth trying.

You can also use a sheet mask in place of a lotion. In fact, quite a few people in Japan do this as part of their daily or nightly routine, or as a special care when they want intensive moisture care. I’ll also be featuring sheet masks in a future post — watch this space!