SHIRO’s history

It all began in Hokkaido, Japan, where land is fertile and natural resources are abundant.

They started in 1989 as a souvenir shop, harvesting herbs and making gifts using local resources and ingredients.
In 1998, with their ample knowledge of local ingredients, they began distributing ingredients and resources to a number of household name beauty brands. They are proud to have been involved in everything from R&D to manufacturing of products for more than 130 brands. During that period, they saw tremendous business growth, but, at the same time, they felt pressure to reduce costs from the brand side. That led them to reflect on their brand and what they wanted to achieve. They could reduce costs by using more chemical ingredients, but that went entirely against their beliefs.

They create products that they want to use themselves. In 2009, they founded their own brand to take full ownership of their products and sell them directly to consumers.

For the past 20 years, they have created products inspired by and created with the maximum goodness of nature — from sourcing ingredients to research and development. Today, they are committed to doing the same and to creating and providing even better products to the world.

Since our inception, we have been committed to sharing the beauty and joy found in nature — not only with Japan but with the rest of the world.

Honesty

They create products that they want to use themselves every day.

Originality

They seek the finest natural sources, and create their products with ingredients they find themselves.

Good quality

They research ingredients in their own laboratory, and investigate how to maximize the power of natural ingredients.

Safety

They partner with farmers who produce the best quality of sources sustainably.

SHIRO’s ingredients

They work to bring every drop of the earth’s natural goodness to their products. 

Our values remain true to the Japanese spirit of not letting our natural resources go to waste.

GAGOME KOMBU

Rich with nutrients deep from the sea, their gagome kombu is sourced from Hakodate, Hokkaido. It contains especially high amounts of gelatinous compounds full of fucoidan and alginic acid, which helps skin retain its moisture.

SESAME

With a rich, natural scent and an abundance of essential elements for beautiful skin, it is highly recommended for aging care.

GINGER

Their ginger is sourced from Yano Farm in Kochi, Japan. Ginger extract plumps lips to minimize vertical lines and protects your lips from dehydration.

TAMANU

Considered a sacred tree since ancient times, the tamanu tree produces an oil rich in skin-improving ingredients — calophyllolides, which protects the skin, and oleic acids and linoleic acids, which moisturize and condition the skin. Their tamanu is sourced from Okinawa.

NEEM

The neem tree has been used in India and Sri Lanka for traditional medicinal use. Often called a “village pharmacy,” every part of the neem tree — its leaves, bark, branches and seeds — provides valuable elements. With various anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and immune-stimulating properties, it was also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. They source their neem oil from India and Africa and their neem extract from India.

FLAXSEED

Their flaxseed, sourced from Tokachi in Hokkaido, Japan, is gently pressed to extract oils that help protect skin from dehydration and inflammation. A source of omega-3 and other ingredients that promote beautiful skin, their flaxseed oil helps achieve smooth and healthy skin.

BUTTERBUR

Butterbur is a natural antihistamine that helps prevent skin irritations and relieve inflamed skin. They extract and use the juice of a special type of butterbur called Rawan Butterbur as a substitute for water in some of their skincare products. Especially suited for sensitive skin, their butterbur is sourced from Toba Farm in Hokkaido.

SHEA BUTTER

Sourced directly from Ghana, their unrefined shea butter is distilled without any unnecessary steps to preserve its natural scent and effectiveness. This rich, highly moisturizing butter can be used on all areas of your body.

LICORICE

With a multitude of health benefits, licorice was renowned in East Asian herbal medicine since early times. Their organic licorice, sourced from Kunneppu City in Hokkaido, Japan, contains 1.5x more glycyrrhizic acid than other licorice sources, which helps protect skin and maintain its health.

RHUBARB

Rhubarb contains citric acid and malic acid, making it an effective, natural facial peel. Their rhubarb is sourced from Memuro City in Hokkaido, Japan, and produces a rich, red extract that smooths out your skin’s texture and conditions for a glowing appearance.

ALOE

They utilize both aloe vera, known for its highly moisturizing and viscous jelly, and caldelabra aloe, popular for its skincare benefits. Both of these aloe variants are sourced from Shizuoka, Japan, and are used to both moisturize dry skin and treat sun-damaged skin.

RUGOSA ROSE

High in polyphenol and vitamin C, rugosa rose essence hydrates skin while adding a delicate, rosy fragrance.

SAKE KASU

Their sake kasu is sourced from from Kobayashi Brewery, a historic sake brewery in Hokkaido, Japan. With a delicate and sweet fragrance, it’s also full of nourishing and highly moisturizing rice extract and kouji that helps achieve smooth, hydrated skin.

CALENDULA

Since ancient Egyptian times, calendula has been known for its medicinal properties and has been called the “skin guardian.” They source their calendula from Sorry Koubou, an organic farm in Hokkaido, Japan. The rich extract that is produced is gentle on the skin and helps to prevent skin dehydration and inflammation.

Video: About Us

Source:  SHIRO Website