Brand Story > Our History



Our business began with MUTENKA (無添加) skincare.

In the late 70s, skin trouble caused by skincare and cosmetics with additives such as preservatives, perfume and petroleum surfactants, was a serious social concern in Japan.

Many women suffered skin problems because of the chemical-laden skincare products they were using. And FANCL founder, Mr Ikemori’s wife was one of them. Struck by the irony that something which was supposed to make women more beautiful, confident and attractive, might actually sabotage her looks and self-esteem. Mr Ikemori questioned the industry by challenging the need for such harsh ingredients in skincare products.

Mr Ikemori then hit on the revolutionary idea of creating preservative-free skincare which contain no potentially harmful preservatives and other additives, only potent beauty agents that actively work to enhance skin's natural beauty. In April 1980, FANCL was born.

The first MUTENKA skin lotion encompassed "safety, gentleness and assurance" came in 5ml vials. With continued in-depth research, improved technology and production facilities led to the subsequent development and launch of a 10ml bottle in 1995. The 30ml bottle was then launched in 2002.


Since then, FANCL has expanded its business beyond cosmetics and skincare to include Inner Care beauty products like TenseUp EX, Bitoki and HTC®Collagen, and health food such as Germinated Brown Rice and Kale Juice which cater to everyone’s beauty and health needs.