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A 500 ml pump bottle sits by the bathroom sink. After a shower, two pumps go on the face, one more on the arms. In Japan this is one of the most common ways a family uses Kikumasamune’s sake lotion: a big, cheap bottle that nobody needs to ration.
On Amazon.com the lotion comes in two versions that are easy to mix up. The pink one is High Moist. The clear one is listed as Clear Moist, though the bottle itself reads Bright Moist in small letters. They cost almost the same but are built for different skin.
We compared the two on their Amazon.com listings, the label claims shown in the listing photos, ratings plus the summary of buyer reviews Amazon displays. This is a desk comparison of public information, not a hands-on test.
Our Pick: Which Kikumasamune Sake Lotion to Buy
Both listings were live with an add-to-cart button when we checked Amazon.com on November 1, 2026. Prices on imported Japanese skincare change often, so treat the figures below as approximate.
- High Moist, 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) — around $19, 4.4 out of 5 from about 7,800 ratings. The pick for most people, especially dry or normal skin. The label adds ceramides to the rice ferment base.
- Clear Moist (Bright Moist), 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) — around $15, 4.2 out of 5 from about 1,200 ratings. The pick if heavy lotions feel sticky on you. The listing describes a smooth, non-sticky texture with three vitamin derivatives.
If you are not sure, start with High Moist. It is the version with by far the larger review base on Amazon.com, which gives you a clearer picture of how it behaves on different skin.
Why a Sake Brewer Makes Skincare
Kiku-Masamune is a sake brewery founded in 1659 in Nada, the Kobe district that has been Japan’s best-known sake region for centuries. The “Since 1659” line on the pack refers to the brewery, not the lotion. The cosmetics range is much newer, sold under the Kikumasa Cosme name.
The idea behind it is familiar in Japan. Rice fermentation leaves behind amino acids plus other compounds that are widely used as moisturizing ingredients. Several Japanese brands sell sake or rice-ferment lotions, but the Kikumasamune bottle is the one you see stacked in drugstores at a price that makes it a body lotion as much as a face product.
The Japanese name on both bottles is Nihonshu no Keshousui, which simply means “sake lotion.” The English label on High Moist claims the amino acids of 1.8 liters of sake per bottle. That is a brand claim, not a measured figure we can check, but it explains the positioning: a lot of rice ferment for little money.
As with other Japanese lotions, this is a watery toner rather than a cream. It goes on right after cleansing. Most routines follow it with an emulsion or moisturizer to hold the water in.
Kikumasamune Sake Lotion High Moist (around $19 on Amazon)
High Moist is the original, more moisturizing version in the pink bottle. The listing describes a slightly acidic, alcohol-free formula meant to protect the skin barrier against moisture loss. The label photos add ceramides plus arbutin to the rice ferment base.
It is a thin, watery liquid out of the pump, so it spreads easily over the face, neck or arms. The free-from list on the label is short but useful: no colorants, no mineral oil, mildly acidic. The listing calls it suitable for all skin types.
Amazon’s review summary is mostly positive. Buyers often say it keeps skin hydrated through the day plus point to the value of a big bottle for the price. Texture gets mixed feedback: some describe the finish as very soft, others as sticky. Scent splits opinion too.
The honest downside is that a minority of buyers report breakouts. Rice ferment does not suit everyone, so patch-test on a small area first if your skin reacts easily. It suits dry or normal skin, anyone who wants one bottle for face plus body, or anyone new to Japanese lotions on a budget.
Kikumasamune Sake Lotion Clear Moist (around $15 on Amazon)
Clear Moist is the lighter sibling in the clear bottle. On the Japanese label it is called Toumei Hoshitsu, printed in English as Bright Moist. Amazon.com sells it under the Clear Moist name, so do not be surprised by the label when it arrives.
The Amazon.com listing describes a smooth, non-sticky texture for dry or rough skin. It lists a low pH plus no colorants, mineral oil or ethanol. The Japanese listing photos add three vitamin derivatives (A, C plus E, including retinyl palmitate) as moisturizing ingredients.
Those photos also show the classic Japanese lotion-mask method: soak cotton sheets, lay them on the face for three to five minutes, then follow with a cream. A 500 ml bottle at this price makes that habit affordable.
Buyer feedback is thinner plus more divided. Amazon’s summary says some find it very good while others say it is not very moisturizing. A few mention fungal acne. It suits oily or combination skin, humid summers, or anyone who dislikes the tacky feel some people report with High Moist.
Compare the Two
| High Moist | Clear Moist | |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | $19 | $15 |
| Size | 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) | 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) |
| Bottle | Pink, pump | Clear, pump |
| Key extras (label) | Ceramides, arbutin, amino acids | Vitamin A, C plus E derivatives |
| Feel (listing) | More moisturizing | Smooth, non-sticky |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 (about 7,800) | 4.2 (about 1,200) |
| Best for | Dry to normal skin, winter | Oily or combination skin, summer |
The two bottles share the same rice ferment idea, the same size plus nearly the same price. The real difference is the finish. High Moist leans toward hydration, Clear Moist toward a lighter feel.
If your skin is dry, or you mainly want a cheap body lotion for winter, buy High Moist. If you have oily skin or hate any tackiness, buy Clear Moist. Some households in Japan keep one of each for different seasons.
Whichever you choose, a toner alone is rarely enough for dry skin. Follow it with a moisturizer, especially at night.
How to Use a Japanese Sake Lotion
Apply it right after washing your face, while skin is still slightly damp. Pump a coin-sized amount into your palms, press it into the face, then repeat once more if skin still feels tight. This layering is how most Japanese lotions are meant to be used.
For the body, use it straight after a bath on arms, legs or shoulders. The large bottle is designed for exactly that. Keep the pump closed when not in use, since a watery lotion is easy to spill.
Who Should Skip Both
If you want a targeted treatment for dark spots or wrinkles, a basic drugstore toner is the wrong tool. Neither bottle is sold as a serum. Look at a dedicated essence or a dermatologist-backed product instead.
If your skin is very sensitive to fragrance, read the reviews carefully. Buyers disagree about the scent of High Moist, which suggests it is noticeable to some people. A fragrance-sensitive reader may prefer a plain hyaluronic acid lotion such as Hada Labo.
Summary
High Moist is the safer first buy, with more ratings plus a more moisturizing formula. Clear Moist is the lighter, slightly cheaper option for oily skin or hot weather. Both are large, low-cost bottles from a sake brewery with more than 360 years of history.
FAQ
What is the difference between High Moist plus Clear Moist?
Both are 500 ml sake lotions with a rice ferment base. High Moist is the more moisturizing version with ceramides on the label. Clear Moist, printed as Bright Moist on the bottle, is lighter with vitamin derivatives plus a non-sticky finish.
Does sake lotion contain alcohol?
The Amazon.com listings describe both as alcohol-free (Clear Moist lists ethanol-free). The sake connection comes from rice ferment ingredients, not from drinking alcohol in the bottle. Check the label on the unit you receive.
Is Kikumasamune sake lotion a toner?
Yes, in Western terms. A Japanese lotion is a watery liquid applied after cleansing to hydrate the skin. Follow it with a moisturizer or emulsion.
Can I use it on my body?
Yes. The Clear Moist listing describes it as a face plus body lotion, while the High Moist listing photos show it used on arms plus shoulders. The 500 ml pump bottle is sized for that.
Is it good for acne-prone skin?
Results vary. A minority of buyers of both versions report breakouts, including mentions of fungal acne. If your skin is reactive, patch-test first.
Where can I buy it in the US?
Both versions are sold on Amazon.com in the 500 ml size. Check the seller plus the bottle color in the listing photos before you order: pink is High Moist, clear is Clear Moist. Check price on Amazon →