- Founded In: 1872
- Founder: Arinobu Fukuhara
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Brand Philosophy: Shiseido's mission is "beauty innovations for a better world."
- Current Chief Creative Officer: So George Sugitomo
- Current CEO: Kentaro Fujiwara
- Known For: Shiseido is known for pioneering skincare innovations, including its Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, which launched in 2014 and became a bestseller for its focus on strengthening skin’s defense mechanisms. The brand introduced Japan’s first-ever sunscreen in 1923 and continues to lead in sun protection with its SynchroShield technology, adapting formulas to heat and water exposure. Shiseido has also made a mark in color cosmetics, with its VisionAiry Gel Lipstick and ModernMatte Powder Lipstick gaining recognition for their lightweight yet highly pigmented formulas.
Founded in 1872 by Arinobu Fukuhara, Shiseido began as Japan’s first Western-style pharmacy in Tokyo’s Ginza district. This pioneering venture marked a significant departure from traditional Eastern medicine practices, introducing Western pharmacology to Japan. Over time, Shiseido expanded into cosmetics, becoming a global beauty leader operating in approximately 120 countries.
Shiseido has engaged in notable collaborations that blend art, technology, and beauty. In 2019, the company partnered with the art collective teamLab for the “teamLab Borderless Shanghai” exhibition, showcasing a fusion of digital art and beauty concepts. Additionally, Shiseido collaborated with generative artists to create the “Future Reflections” digital art collection, merging technological innovation with the brand’s heritage.
What sets Shiseido apart is its commitment to innovation and cultural integration. The brand has been at the forefront of skincare research, collaborating with institutions like the Cutaneous Biology Research Center (CBRC) for over 30 years to advance skin science. Shiseido’s unique ability to blend Eastern traditions with Western technologies has resulted in products that resonate globally, reflecting a harmonious balance of heritage and modernity.