Review: KOSE Sekkisei Medicated Lotion

I have to say this is quite a surprise product. Why? It clearly contains alcohol but does not cause any irritation or drying and better yet provides great hydration. I purchased it based on positive reviews and its popularity as a whitening line in Asia. I must admit that I am becoming obsessed with Asian skincare lines in particularly Japanese ones from my great experience with SK-II. 

How do I use it? 

Purchasing this product I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. It's not quite a toner and not quite an essence. I personally use it as a product that functions most like the Shiseido softening lotions. Where it completes the cleansing process and hydrates your skin for better product absorption. Basically, I use it after my cleanser and before my toner. In the morning I take a cotton square (my favourite is Suzuran's Attirer Puffs found here) , saturate it and pat it gently in my skin avoiding my eyes until it pats dry on my skin. It's relaxing and a sign that my skin has absorbed all of the product it can. At night, I prefer to using the cupping method where I pour a small amount on to the palm of my hand and pat it directly on to my face using a cupping motion. 

Results

Whilst it's described as a whitening line, don't be mistaken. I found this product does not "whiten" your skin but rather "brightens", meaning it brightens the skin by diminishing the appearance of dark spots and unevenness. Now I did see some slight improvements in the first few weeks of using this product but it wasn't until I used it as a lotion mask that I saw visible results that I haven't been able to achieve with a whitening serum alone. I will do a post on the lotion masks later on. I didn't expect my hyper-pigmentation from acne scaring and sun damage to disappear straight away but it definitely help. My skin also feels more hydrated and refined. I find this product absorbs so well that it is perfect for those who like layer skincare like I do. However, if you are particularly sensitive to alcohol or its smell I would suggest you steer away from this product. It does smell strongly of alcohol. I'm just glad that it has worked out so well for me and will definitely be repurchasing. 

Rating: 9/10