FAQ

Our Products

How do I choose between the two moisturizers?

We recommend choosing Moisture Face Milk or Intensive Moisture Cream based on the season, how dry your skin is, or even based on your preference for product texture. The Cream has a thicker texture and provides a higher level of moisturization than the Milk.

Why should I use the Moisture Lotion and a Moisturizer?

Application of the Moisture Lotion provides a base layer of moisture to the upper layer of the skin that preps the skin to better absorb the moisturizer.

In what order do I use the products?

First cleanse the face. If you wear makeup, start with Curél Makeup Cleansing Gel, then follow with the Foaming Facial Wash. If you are not wearing maekup, you start with the Curél Foaming Facial Wash. Next, apply Curél Moisture Facial Lotion Enrich and Moisture Eye Zone Essence. As the last step, choose either Curél Moisture Facial Milk or Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for optimal moisturisation.
1) Makeup Cleansing Gel
2) Foaming Facial Wash
3) Moisture Facial Lotion Enrich
4) Eye Zone Essence
5) Moisture Facial Milk or Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

How do you ensure the safety of your ingredients and your products?

Please note that, at Kao USA Inc. (“Kao”), all ingredients in our products are reviewed by a panel of internal experts utilizing information from many authoritative and independent scientific bodies before the products go onto the market. Hence, all Kao products meet and surpass the safety expectations for all markets in
which we provide our products to consumers. As a result, our products meet regulatory requirements set forth by the US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada’s Food & Drug Act, the European Union’s (EU) Cosmetic Regulations /Cosmetic Directive, as well as many other regulatory agencies around the world.  All Curel products are formulated with ingredients that meet Kao’s and Industry standards for safety. Further all finished Curél formulations are also tested for safety and efficacy in usage so consumers can continue using and enjoying Kao USA Inc. products with confidence, knowing our products are safe and comply with the appropriate regulatory requirements.

Are Curel products tested on animals? How do you conduct product safety testing?

None of our beauty brands conduct or commission animal testing.  We conduct world-class research and quality management to ensure all products are in compliance with safety and quality expectations and regulations.

Are Curél products safe to use during pregnancy and / or breast feeding?

Application of Curél products is safe when applied consistent with the package directions for use. The health and safety of our consumers is of paramount importance which is why we follow all safety regulations and examine all ingredients in our products before they go to market. Pregnant or nursing mothers should follow the recommendations of their physician.

What should I do in case of an allergic reaction?

Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs. Contact a medical professional as appropriate.

Skin Advice

What skin types are the Curél Face products suitable for?

Curél is specially formulated for people who experience dry, sensitive skin. By protecting and replenishing ceramides, the products strengthen the skin's natural barrier which minimises the impact of external influences. The skin looks and feels healthier.

What kind of skin is sensitive skin?

Generally speaking, it is a condition when skin problems can be easily developed from stress or environmental factors such as cosmetic products, dry air, or change of seasons.

Can Curél Face Care Products be used for those suffering from eczema and atopic dermatitis?

The Face Care Products can be used on non-involved skin. It is recommended to follow your healthcare provider's advice in regards to product usage on active eczematous or atopic dermatitis flares.

Can Curél products be used on normal and oily skin?

Yes, it can be used for all skin types.

The products have been developed in Japan - is Asian skin different from European or American Skin?

There have been reports that Asian skin may have a higher inherent level of ceramides than Caucasian skin, but a lower water barrier. Overall, the skin properties are so similar that there are come conflicting results in the scientific literature even in regards to the ceramides and barrier function.

Sustainability

How do you sustainably source your ingredients?

You can read about Kao’s commitment to sustainably source our ingredients at:
https://mykaoshop.com/pages/our-impact

Technology & Ingredients

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are the lipid molecules found in between the cells in the stratum corneum, the top layer of the skin. The ceramides line up and interact with the other lipids to form what is called a lamellar layer which can be pictured like the mortar between bricks. In the skin, the lamellar layer is essential for moisture retention and the natural barrier function of the stratum corneum. As ceramides are a major component in this layer, they are a key material for retaining moisture and barrier function. When skin lacks ceramides, the barrier function of skin is lowered making it more susceptible to environmental influences and skin can become dry and less resilient. Moreover, we have found that people with dry, sensitive skin tend to lack ceramides in top layer of their skin (stratum corneum).

Learn more in our video.

Do the Curél products contain alcohol?

Two of the products, Foaming Facial Wash and Moisture Eye Zone Essence use phenoxyethanol as a preservative. The chemical structure of this material is very different than ethanol and because of this is not drying to the skin. The Moisture Facial Milk formula includes cetyl and stearyl alcohol. These are large molecules, which are gentle to the skin and serve to hold the oil and water portions of the lotion together. Additionally, the Curél Makeup Cleansing Gel contains a very low level of isopropanol to help stabilize other materials in the solution. The level is very low and any potential drying effects are more than balanced by the moisturising properties of the sorbitol and glycerin.

Do the products contain any fragrance?

None of the Curél products contain fragrance. Many people with dry, sensitive skin have experienced issues using fragranced products in the past. Leaving fragrances out ensures that all products in the line are suitable for these consumers.

What is the pH value for each product?

Facial skin has a pH range of 4.5 - 6.5. All of our Curél products have been formulated with that in mind and are each in the range from 4.0 - 6.5.

Why is it good that the product is to have a lower pH (4-6)?

The products were purposefully made to be in the pH 4.0 - 6.3 range to match that of skin's natural pH. This is particularly important for the cleansers as higher pH's are more likely to wash away moisturising components from the skin's surface.

What is the barrier function?

The skin has two key barrier functions: to keep moisture in and to keep external factors out. The barrier is formed by lipids, which develop a layer in between cells which can be pictured like mortar between bricks. Ceramides are a major component in this layer. When skin lacks ceramides, the barrier function is weakened, which leads to moisture loss and sensitivity to enviornmental influences.