Shiseido unveils Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

Shiseido has officially unveiled its Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, a key new anti-ageing treatment which it claims heralds a new era in cosmetics.

As the name suggests, Ultimune targets the skin’s immune system. In addition to repairing visible damage, it is described as the first product to reactivate the skin’s multi-defensive power to resist, protect, regenerate and strengthen itself against harmful aggressors.

Ultimune will be launched globally in domestic and travel retail markets in September, with the exception of China, where the roll-out is scheduled for mid-November

The product will be available domestically as a 30ml and 50ml – an additional, exclusive 75ml format (priced at €115) has been created for travel retail. The recommended travel retail price-point for the 50ml is €98.

Ultimune is said to be suitable for use by all women, regardless of age, origin or skin type. It should be used after cleansing and before a consumer’s usual skincare regime.

The formula works by improving the defensive function of the skin’s Langerhans cells, the so-called ‘skin sentinels’ which become less effective with age and exposure to external environmental aggressions and emotional stress.

A key component is the Ultimune Complex, which improves the Langerhans cells’ defensive function by 64%, according to Shiseido. It stimulates collagen production, encourages hydration and strengthens the skin’s barrier function.

In clinical tests, after four weeks’ use, consumers noted significant improvement in texture and appearance, Shiseido confirmed. 87% of women said their skin was stronger; 88% said their skin’s condition had improved; 71% said their skin was more resilient; for 73%, skin repaired itself faster; and 69% said regular use slowed down the visible signs of ageing.

Ultimune is lightly fragranced with a green floral scent, created by Tomonori Ueda, Shiseido’s perfumer since 1998. It features notes of rose and lotus flower, designed to lift the spirits and guarantee optimal wellbeing.

Ultimune is presented in a striking, red curved bottle that references Shiseido’s first beauty product, Eudermine, a skin-enhancing lotion created in 1897.

The packaging was created by Shiseido designer Taisuke Kikuchi.

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