[Review] I-Mju - Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

Hello everyone! :)

Are you surprised? It is the very first time my blog features Japanese skincare products. I have to be honest and upfront with you that I am not familiar with Japanese skincare products, total newbie, but here we are.

Let's do this together!

I remember a chapter from Marketing class last time saying, "the best marketing is word of mouth". It's always more convincing to try a new item when a friend introduces to you, than stumbling into random stuffs in drugstores or online stores.

I-Mju's Hatomugi Skin Conditioner + Skin Conditioning Gel | 500ml + 180g

Credits to this friend of mine who introduced me to this product line during our recent trip to Hong Kong, as we were shopping in SaSa store. There she goes like, "Remember the mist I showed you earlier? This is it! I think it is really nice. You should try."

I didn't purchase it right away as I have limited luggage space. However, it didn't take me much longer to purchase it when Hermo has replenished their stocks.

Brand and Product Line Information

I-Mju is a subsidiary skincare brand of Naturie. Particularly, the brand commits itself to produce high quality products with minimal impact on the environment, in conjunction of Japan's advanced technology and natural raw material, in respect of our mother nature. (Respect to it's brand motto.) (source)

For instance, I-Mju's Hatomogi product line, which consists of (1) Skin Conditioner and (2) Skin Conditioning Gel, are formulated with Job's tears ("Hatomugi" in Japanese, "薏仁" in Chinese). From its outlook, it is very similar to Barley.

Coix lacryma-jobi | Source : BON APPÉTIT

Job's tear's extract is no stranger in skincare industry. It is said effective in increasing Hyaluronic Acid (HA) production in our skin cells. And HA is well-known as a moisture-binding ingredient that keeps our skin plump and hydrated.

Source: SaSa / SHOP GIRL

As it features natural ingredients, environmental friendliness and cost effectiveness, the product line quickly rise in popularity, and even featured in Cosme as Best of 2016 (Japan's largest beauty and cosmetics portal website).

Personal experience and review

Today we will just look at I-Mju's Skin Conditioner (a.k.a. the toner). Please do follow up on the Skin Conditioning Gel in the coming week.

Speaking from the obvious, it is quite a big bottle (500ml) as compared to usual toner size found in the market. The transparent bottle makes it easy to tell how much product left. It has water-like texture (non-greasy and non-sticky) and milky in color (as shown in photos).

Almost everything written on the packaging is in Japanese. I am clueless of what is it about @@. Seriously I won't even keen to understand it, or even purchase it, if it's not because of friend's recommendation. And now, I am thankful because it is a good recommendation.

If you are keen to know its product ingredients, check it here in Skincarisma.

To parts of product description which I can "decode", I am quoting it down here.

"Coiz Seed Extract : A secret ingredient that moisturizes your face and body for smooth and beautiful skin." -I-Mju's Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

"无香料.无着色.低刺激性" which means "no fragrance. colorless. low irritant."

To use, simply untwist the cap.

There are three (3) advisable ways to use this product, as suggested by SaSa:-

1. As toner: Apply with cotton pads on a cleansed face;
2. As mask: Soak 4 cotton pads with lotion and leave on face for 3 mins;
3. As body care: Apply on skin after bathing.

[updated on 10/3/2018 (Saturday)]
Product highlights (according to I-mju):-

• A moisturizing and non-sticky lotion that penetrates easily into areas of dry skin.
• Provides ample moisture to the skin, keeping it smooth and free from roughness.
• For best results, pour a generous amount of Hatomugi lotion onto cotton pads and apply it as a face mask for approximately 5~10 minutes daily.
• It soothes the skin after sunburn, and has a cooling and tightening effect.
• Can be used as a face and body mist.
• Use generously after a shower or bath by lightly padding it into the skin for moisturizing effect.
• Fragrance and color free.

I have only tried on by using as a toner, which I am going to demonstrate here. As you can see (below), the cotton pad remains the same color after pouring the Skin Conditioner onto it (circled in red).

Then I proceed to swipe my face with the damped cotton pad. Here's the result. Dirt are collected on the cotton pad (circled in red).

Besides the aforementioned ways to use the product, you can also use it as facial mist. An empty mist bottle was a GWP (gift with purchase) when I purchased the Skin Conditioner on Hermo.

Not too worry, this mist-type bottle can easily be found in convenient stores, i.e. Daiso.  To use, simply fill in the mist bottle, slip it inside your bag and spray whenever needed. It has this mild cooling effect when you spray it onto your skin, which is really refreshing, especially during hot and dry days.

Pros

• Multi-tasking toner;
• Mild, even for sensitive skin;
• Cooling effect;
• No strong and irritating fragrance;
• Cost-effective.

Cons

• Parabens and Alcohol detected in ingredient list;
• Very subtle smell which reminds me of Kerosene / Thinner(?).

Overall, I enjoy using this Skin Conditioner as toner alternatively in my morning skincare routine, interchanging with Mamonde's Rose Water Toner. Nothing more, nothing less.

Best part is you can get this value pack (Hatomugi Skin Conditioner + Skin Conditioning Gel) from Hermo for RM68.

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Rating: 2.5/5

Recommend: Highly recommend for cost effectiveness.

Repurchase: Less likely.

For your reference.


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Cheers!^^