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Hokkaido Cosmetics Review: ICOR, Niseko's Skincare Brand Blessed by the Waters of Mt. Yotei
Hello! This is Nanako Hosokawa, one of the EZO Girls. I've started this "Hokkaido Cosmetics Review" series, which began with the previous article, to introduce the appeal of the many organic cosmetic brands born in Hokkaido and share how their products feel, hoping to get them into the hands of more people. Let's dive right into another wonderful cosmetic brand today!
Today, I'm introducing "ICOR," an organic cosmetic brand from Niseko, Hokkaido. Its signature feature is the use of natural spring water from the melted snow of Mt. Yotei, along with a variety of natural botanicals nurtured by this rich water.
The combination of the ultra-soft water from Mt. Yotei (known as Kamuiwakka), selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters, and rice-derived ingredients (rice bran oil, rice ceramide) grown in the surrounding area is simply perfect! It specializes in moisturizing and absorbs rapidly into the skin. You need to shake it well before use to mix the rice bran oil inside.
Since it has a watery, non-greasy texture, I use it as a fixing mist after applying makeup to prevent it from smudging under my mask, and as a hand mist for hydration while I work. Its refreshing citrus aroma is also perfect for when you want to refresh your mind!
While toners are typically associated with facial care, this one can be used from your hair to your entire body. It's made with gentle, natural ingredients suitable for use anywhere, making it a versatile, cost-effective product in a single bottle. My favorite part is how easily I can feel a touch of Hokkaido anytime, anywhere.
This serum is luxuriously formulated with rare white birch sap from Hokkaido. It balances the moisture in the stratum corneum, addressing surface dryness and improving skin texture. This also has a light, watery feel, so I use it in my morning skincare routine before makeup.
After about a week of using it, I became so much more confident in my bare skin that I switched from a high-coverage foundation to one with a dewy finish. I highly recommend this item to anyone who has skin concerns related to moisture balance, just like I did!
By the way, the Oil in Mist Toner and Balancing Serum I've introduced so far won the Sustainable Cosmetics Award 2020 as "cosmetics that are kind to both people and the planet." They were highly praised for manufacturing their products in a Hokkaido factory, which shortens the transportation distance of raw materials.
A key feature is its inclusion of "sake ferment filtrate" from the Niseko Shuzo brewery, located at the foot of Mt. Yotei. This ingredient is produced during the fermentation process of rice by microorganisms when making sake, and it extracts highly moisturizing components containing amino acids and vitamins.
In the age of COVID-19, our eyes are the most visible feature when wearing a mask, so many people are concerned about their eye area. This essence has a thick, slightly sticky texture like a lip gloss, so I recommend using it for your eye area as part of your nighttime care routine.
It can also be used on the lips not just for care, but as a gloss. Lip tints that don't transfer to masks are popular lately, but they have the downside of staining the lips over time and causing dryness. By dabbing a little of this essence on with your finger, you can combat dryness and add a beautiful shine. The spring water-like transparency is absolutely beautiful!
What did you think? ICOR means "treasure" in the Ainu language. True to its name, these cosmetics have a clear, platinum-like brilliance. Let's enjoy the cutting-edge beauty that fully incorporates the charm of Niseko, Hokkaido together!
You can purchase ICOR products from their official website. There are many more beautiful cosmetics that I couldn't introduce today, so please be sure to check them out!
Today, I'm introducing "ICOR," an organic cosmetic brand from Niseko, Hokkaido. Its signature feature is the use of natural spring water from the melted snow of Mt. Yotei, along with a variety of natural botanicals nurtured by this rich water.
1. Oil in Mist Toner
The combination of the ultra-soft water from Mt. Yotei (known as Kamuiwakka), selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters, and rice-derived ingredients (rice bran oil, rice ceramide) grown in the surrounding area is simply perfect! It specializes in moisturizing and absorbs rapidly into the skin. You need to shake it well before use to mix the rice bran oil inside.
Since it has a watery, non-greasy texture, I use it as a fixing mist after applying makeup to prevent it from smudging under my mask, and as a hand mist for hydration while I work. Its refreshing citrus aroma is also perfect for when you want to refresh your mind!
While toners are typically associated with facial care, this one can be used from your hair to your entire body. It's made with gentle, natural ingredients suitable for use anywhere, making it a versatile, cost-effective product in a single bottle. My favorite part is how easily I can feel a touch of Hokkaido anytime, anywhere.
2. Balancing Serum
This serum is luxuriously formulated with rare white birch sap from Hokkaido. It balances the moisture in the stratum corneum, addressing surface dryness and improving skin texture. This also has a light, watery feel, so I use it in my morning skincare routine before makeup.
After about a week of using it, I became so much more confident in my bare skin that I switched from a high-coverage foundation to one with a dewy finish. I highly recommend this item to anyone who has skin concerns related to moisture balance, just like I did!
By the way, the Oil in Mist Toner and Balancing Serum I've introduced so far won the Sustainable Cosmetics Award 2020 as "cosmetics that are kind to both people and the planet." They were highly praised for manufacturing their products in a Hokkaido factory, which shortens the transportation distance of raw materials.
3. Lip & Eye Treatment Essence
A key feature is its inclusion of "sake ferment filtrate" from the Niseko Shuzo brewery, located at the foot of Mt. Yotei. This ingredient is produced during the fermentation process of rice by microorganisms when making sake, and it extracts highly moisturizing components containing amino acids and vitamins.
In the age of COVID-19, our eyes are the most visible feature when wearing a mask, so many people are concerned about their eye area. This essence has a thick, slightly sticky texture like a lip gloss, so I recommend using it for your eye area as part of your nighttime care routine.
It can also be used on the lips not just for care, but as a gloss. Lip tints that don't transfer to masks are popular lately, but they have the downside of staining the lips over time and causing dryness. By dabbing a little of this essence on with your finger, you can combat dryness and add a beautiful shine. The spring water-like transparency is absolutely beautiful!
What did you think? ICOR means "treasure" in the Ainu language. True to its name, these cosmetics have a clear, platinum-like brilliance. Let's enjoy the cutting-edge beauty that fully incorporates the charm of Niseko, Hokkaido together!
You can purchase ICOR products from their official website. There are many more beautiful cosmetics that I couldn't introduce today, so please be sure to check them out!
Writer Profile
EZO Girl
Nanako Hosokawa
An EZO Girl sharing the charm of Hokkaido's "Ezo Cosmetics." Her own skin troubles led her to focus on cosmetic ingredients, where she discovered numerous cosmetics using Hokkaido's natural resources. Realizing that many of these products were full of unique, regional charm, she was inspired to "share this appeal with as many people as possible!" and now travels across the vast land of Hokkaido to spread the word. (CosmEZO Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/naaxcosmezo/ )
