Kanebo Sensai’s The Cellular Performance Lotion (available in Light and Moist) and Emulsion (available in Light, Moist, and Super Moist), have been designed to make subsequent cream application more effective thanks to a formulation that includes ingredients that initiate a chain reaction that Sensai says “optimizes cellular performance.” I was sent a sample of the Lotion and Emulsion (both in Light, which is meant for those with normal to oily and combination skin), and have been using them for the last three weeks. I found neither of the two to be moisturizing despite their claims to be hydrating and actually would suggest opting for only the Lotion before buying both (the lotion is liquid, so it’s very light which makes it a good option for summer).
The Lotion has a light cleansing and firming effect (only very little is dispensed from the bottle, think of it like a toner), making it a good primer for your moisturizer and/or anti-aging cream (use a cleanser to cleanse your face before applying the Lotion. Sensai’s Silky Purifying Cleansing Cream is always a favorite). You’ll notice that your treatment creams will glide on and absorb better after applying the Lotion. Plus unlike a traditional toner the Lotion is formulated to prevent stripping your skin of any natural hydration and natural oils that you need to keep your skin balanced and prevent from either drying up, or getting too oily (though as I mentioned before I didn’t find that it added any moisture either).
Hi Sharon!
Thank you so much for trying out the Cellular Performance Step 1 Lotion and Step 2 Emulsion! I appreciate your honest comments and feedback. Actually, the CP Lotion is meant to be hydrating so that skin gets back all the hydration it lost through the Double Cleanse process (take off oil-based debris first with oil-based cleanser, then water-based debris with water-based cleanser), and is meant to prime the skin for moisturization — therefore, the Lotion itself should not be oily-feeling or feel very “moisturizing” in the “restoring oils onto the skin” sense of the word. As you noted, all moisturizing creams that follow the Lotion application will glide on, absorb better and be more effective so that skin can be thoroughly moisturized with whatever moisturizer you are using (hopefully a SENSAI one!)and make the treatment more efficacious on a cellular level.
The Lotion is a great HYDRATION basic to start off any skincare routine and is the first step to maintaining healthy skin~
Best,
Emi from SENSAI