1986
The Company was established: Skin Care Research started
1987
Started to sell Koh Gen Do's Skin Care Products; Opened Azabu Salon in Tokyo
After a year perfecting the formula, Koh Gen Do created the Oriental Basic Skincare line. Sales of the products began under the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi brand. At the same time, the Esthetic salon in Tokyo opened.
It all began with an actress and her sensitive skin. Long, grueling hours shooting movies and TV shows under the glare of stage lights aggravated her skin condition. She began her quest for makeup that protected her skin from dryness and exhaustion brought on by harsh conditions. Her search inspired the creation of Koh Gen Do. Koh Gen Do began developing makeup that didn't contain petroleum-based products, synthetic fragrances and colors, but only natural ingredients derived from Japanese and Chinese herbs. The products caught on immediately among other actresses and the company's reputation spread by word of mouth.
The original artwork for the salon and packaging was done by painter Kuniyoshi Kaneko. His bold design imbued the products with an exotic air, and the makeup was packaged in Kaneko's choice material, earthenware.
1988
Hair and Body Care Line Launched
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Shampoo, Bath Powder, Body Lotion -- Koh Gen Do's hair and body care products were released. None of them contained petroleum-based ingredients, artificial fragrances and colors -- only an abundance of natural ingredients.
1989
Started to sell Koh Gen Do's Products at Retail Stores
1991
Skin Care Base Makeup Series Released
The Base Makeup Series was released to much anticipation throughout the industry. While quality skin care products have helped improve the skin's condition, standard heavy television makeup continues to pose problems. With leading makeup artists, we began developing a line of cosmetics that protected the skin from hours of heavy makeup under bright lights. To prepare for the arrival of HDTV, which reveals the tiniest flaws in the skin, Koh Gen Do used ultrafine particles that could hide pores and fine lines on the face but look and feel weightless. Due to its popularity with actresses and singers, the series began attracting attention from the general public. Today this product is the company's leading line.
1993
MD Series Released
The MD Series is a line of over-the-counter skin care products focused on lightening skin discolorations, containing an ingredient that rejuvenates the skin cells, blended with a rich cream.
Novelty pressed powder is released. The compact sells for a limited time in several different colors, but the deep red version of the case continues for several years due to popular demand.
1995
Developed and Launched New and Improved Skin Care Line
Koh Gen Do was among the first cosmetics companies to address the effects of oxidative stress. The upgraded version of the line contains mixed fruit acids in glass containers.
1998
Container for Moisture Foundation Series Upgraded
Moisture Foundation container modified to a smaller opening for better control. Increased from 22g to 25g.
2000
Skin Care Line was renewed under New Concept: 'Spiritual Beauty'
The lines' concept of spiritual beauty is not just a superficial one, but one that goes deep beyond the surface of the skin. Under the new concept, Koh Gen Do also introduced the latest ingredient to the skin care series: soy isoflavonoids.
2003
Powder Foundation was Released
Responding to requests from actresses and artists, we understood that a powder foundation that was easy to carry around for quick fixes throughout the day was needed. We listened!
2004
Makeup Color Base Released, Skin Care Line Renewed, Pressed Powder Released & Moisture Foundation travel size Released
The color bases help set the moisture foundation, especially during hot summer days. The neutral toned formulas keep makeup from running and contain SPF to protect the skin from UV rays.
The skin care series gets a dramatically new look in the color of lapis lazuli, inspired by the deep blue of the Pacific seas and reflecting the potency within each container.
Pressed Powder Released
Some of our customers asked for a "magic powder" that they can easily carry. Well here it is – superb in texture and now in a compact for quick touch-ups.
Moisture Foundation, New Size
The 12g version of the moisture foundation is a smaller size of our regular offering that fits in your bag for everyday use.
2006
20th Anniversary, The Company's Clay Mask Returned
The next generation Clay Mask featured Moroccan lava clay, the rage in European beauty circles, has the ability to draw out four times more impurities from the pores.
Moisture Concealer Released
Responding to requests from makeup artists, Koh Gen Do developed a moisture concealer that is easy to use, gentle, and can reach delicate places on the skin.
Makeup Color Base Pearl White Released
Originally a limited release in the winter of 2005, this makeup color base was re-released -- this time as a regular item -- in pearl white after the limited release sold out. Emollients in this highly sought-after makeup base provide moisture throughout the dry season; while ultrafine crushed light-reflecting particles help brighten dull skin.
Koh Gen Do Opens in Hanshin Department Store
Koh Gen Do makes its much-coveted Kansai region debut with the opening of this first flagship store.
2007
The Macro Vintage Line Released, New Product Releases Followed
Triple Lighting Foundation Released
Koh Gen Do improves the powder foundation with added versatility in colors and textures. The result is Triple Lighting Foundation, a powder foundation that uses the effect of light on skin, in a chic compact case.
UV Care Milk
Koh Gen Do's first UV Block Line. Moisturizing UV Care Milk has no petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic colors or fragrances and contains a non-paraben sunscreen that's gentle to the skin.
Face Powder, New Size
12g version of the Face Powder in natural beige, previously available only to the film industry becomes a general release.
Macro Vintage Line Released
The successor to Koh Gen Do's Spiritual Beauty is Vintage Beauty, which emphasizes the treatment of troubled skin holistically and embodies Koh Gen Do's macrocosmic approach to health and beauty.
Chiffon Lip Balm
Paraben-free and hydrating with a light feel, this lip balm in a tube does double-duty as gloss or a mask to condition lips.
Fresh Face Cheek Colors Released
Introducing the long-awaited color cosmetics from Koh Gen Do using natural ingredients. Easy to use for amateurs to professional makeup artists, this blush comes with a unique puff and offers a beautiful burst of color.
2008
Moisture Concealer, Cleansing Spa Water & Aqua Foundation Released
Koh Gen Do opened a new salon in the Shinmarunouchi Building in Tokyo
Pressed Powder for Professionals Released
Koh Gen Do USA, Inc Opened
Soft Gommage Gel Released; Macro Vintage Eye Gel and Macro Vintage Stretch Eye Sheet Released
Retail Store distribution in Hollywood and New York
Oriental Plants Skincare Line Released
Body & Bath Body Milk and Hand Treatment Released
Lipstick Released – 4 colors
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