History of Shiseido
Shiseido, founded in 1872 in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious cosmetics companies. It began as Japan’s first Western-style pharmacy, established by Arinobu Fukuhara, a former chief pharmacist of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Inspired by Western advancements in medicine and skincare, Shiseido introduced groundbreaking products, including Japan’s first toothpaste and softening lotion, which set the stage for its future in beauty innovation.
By the 20th century, Shiseido expanded into cosmetics, blending Japanese aesthetics with Western technology. It introduced the seven-color face powder in 1917, challenging the traditional use of white face powder in Japan. Over the decades, the brand grew internationally, pioneering advanced skincare, makeup, and fragrance products. Today, Shiseido is a global leader in beauty, known for its commitment to innovation, luxury, and Japanese craftsmanship, with a presence in over 120 countries.