Shiseido

A Reunion of SBUR Presidents, Atlanta, May 2006. From Left to Right: Donald Coffey (1988-89), Michael Freeman (2002-03), Diane Felsen (2003-04), Shuk-mei Ho (2005-06), Ralph Buttyan (2000-01), Donald Tindall (1992-93), Robert Getzenberg (2006-07), Natasha Kyprianou (2004-05), James Mohler (2007-08), Timothy Ratliff (1987-88), Chung Lee (1994-95).

Shiseido Company, Limited is a multinational cosmetics company originating from Japan. It is one of the oldest cosmetics companies in the world, founded in 1872 by Arinobu Fukuhara. Shiseido offers a wide range of products including skincare, makeup, fragrances, and personal care items. The company has established a strong presence not only in Japan but also internationally, making it a significant player in the global cosmetics industry.

History

Shiseido was established in the Ginza district of Tokyo, initially as a pharmacy. Arinobu Fukuhara, the founder, was a former head pharmacist to the Japanese navy, who opened his own Western-style pharmacy in response to his dissatisfaction with the medicine available during that time. The name "Shiseido" translates to "praise the virtues of the earth which nurtures new life and brings forth significant values." This philosophy has guided the company's approach to cosmetics, emphasizing natural ingredients and scientific research.

In 1915, Shiseido introduced its first cosmetic product, a skin lotion, which marked the beginning of its transformation into a cosmetics company. Over the years, Shiseido has been at the forefront of innovation in the cosmetics industry, introducing many firsts such as the first hydroquinone-based skin whitening product and the first sodium hyaluronate-based moisturizer.

Products

Shiseido's product lineup is extensive, catering to a wide range of beauty and skincare needs. The company's products can be broadly categorized into:

• Skincare: Including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and sunscreens designed to address various skin concerns.
• Makeup: Offering foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, and other makeup products.
• Fragrances: A selection of perfumes for both men and women.
• Personal Care: Hair care products, body care products, and other personal care items.

Shiseido is also known for its commitment to innovation and research, operating multiple research centers around the world to develop new technologies and products.

Global Presence

Shiseido operates globally, with a network of subsidiaries and distributors in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The company's global strategy includes localizing products to meet the diverse beauty needs and preferences of customers in different regions.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Shiseido is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, supporting communities, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the company. These efforts are part of Shiseido's vision to enhance its corporate value while contributing positively to society and the planet.

See Also

• Cosmetics industry
• Skincare
• Makeup
• Fragrance