Okinawa’s beauty brands redefine skin care by sourcing local ingredients to create products that elevate skincare into a craft. Located in the South of Japan and nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, Okinawa Prefecture is made up of 160 islands. Famously known within Japan as a tropical getaway, travelers can island hop, scuba dive and explore historical sights.
You’ll find me, however, scouring markets in search of a new moisturiser. Okinawan products incorporate special ingredients into their skincare, such as gettou (shell ginger), kucha (a clay found in the central and southern seas of Okinawa), shikuwasa peel (a native citrus fruit), moringa (a drought-resistant tropical tree) and nigari (a liquid left after salt has been precipitated from seawater). So, let’s dive into some of these intriguing ingredients and highlight a few Okinawan brands that will give you a healthy, tropical glow.
Nature Plants Skin Care Created by makeup artist Rie Morimoto, Nature Plants Skin Care launched in 2016 after she found how important skincare was when applying makeup on clients. After moving to Okinawa in 2011, Morimoto connected to the local culture and community while learning about the healing properties of Okinawa botanicals. In partnership with local farmers, Nature Plants Skin Care incorporates organic and sustainable practices to produce food grade skincare that is free from preservatives, chemicals and alcohol.
Nature Plants Skin Care’s Aloe and Amethy.