SENSAI Launches World's First*¹ Foundation with Revolutionary Emulsification Technology, Combining Flawless Finish and Skincare Benefits

Kao Corporation (President: Yoshihiro Hatanaka) announces the launch of 'SENSAI UTM The Foundation' on October 7, 2026, from SENSAI, KANEBO Cosmetics’ global prestige brand, and its highest-tier UTM series (one item, four shades, priced at ¥36,300 including tax).

'SENSAI UTM The Foundation' is SENSAI’s most premium foundation, featuring a world-first*¹ ingredient approach. Thanks to the newly developed 'Instant Micro-Emulsion Technology,' it achieves both a beautiful finish and skincare benefits. It contains 94% of the UTM series’ common*² skincare (moisturizing) ingredients*³ *⁴, delivering a rich, cream-like texture that transforms the skin into a smooth, even, and radiant complexion.

Since its inception over 40 years ago, SENSAI has established itself as a Japan-originated luxury brand, particularly in Europe. This product will be positioned globally as a symbol of SENSAI’s luxury, aiming to strengthen brand value and presence in Asia.

Kao is positioning SENSAI as one of six key global growth brands within its cosmetics business as part of its 'Global Sharp Top' strategy, and will continue strategic investments and focus on its development.

*1 Combination of coverage ingredients <Polysilicone-9, Titanium Dioxide> and moisturizing ingredients <Koishimaru Silk Extract (Hydrolyzed Silk), Acetyl Glucosamine, Eucalyptus Leaf Extract, Bilberry Leaf Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract> (based on internal research using prior art surveys and the Mintel database, March 2026)

*2 Excluding UTM The Cleansing Oil and UTM The Creamy Soap

*3 Koishimaru Silk Infinite (moisturizing): Koishimaru Silk Extract (Hydrolyzed Silk), Acetyl Glucosamine, Eucalyptus Leaf Extract, Bilberry Leaf Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract

*4 Sakura A-CPX (moisturizing): Sakura Extract (Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract), Artichoke Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Dimethoxydi-p-cresol, Mustard Sprout Extract, Methylserine, Kakyou Extract, Zostera Extract

1. Background of the Launch

Recently, consumers increasingly demand foundations that not only offer high coverage and a beautiful finish but also provide gentleness and skincare benefits. However, a major challenge has been that high concentrations of skincare ingredients often compromise makeup performance—such as coverage, evenness, and adherence. Additionally, aging signs like dryness, uneven texture, wrinkles, and dullness make foundation application difficult, and layering only emphasizes the very concerns users wish to conceal.

SENSAI has long pursued the vision of 'transcending the boundary between makeup and skincare.' After over 800 prototype iterations, the brand has developed a new technology—'Instant Micro-Emulsion Technology'—that successfully combines a beautiful finish with skincare efficacy. Now, SENSAI launches its most premium foundation, 'SENSAI UTM The Foundation,' featuring this breakthrough technology. As the first base makeup item from the UTM series, it offers a new base makeup experience that addresses mature skin concerns while nurturing natural skin beauty with every use.

2. Product Features

'SENSAI UTM The Foundation' is a foundation born from SENSAI’s highest-tier UTM series, featuring a world-first*¹ ingredient approach. It incorporates 'Instant Micro-Emulsion Technology,' developed through innovation in instantly emulsifying and dispersing all ingredients—including pigments, oils, water, and moisturizing skincare components—achieving both a flawless finish and skincare benefits. Compared to SENSAI’s previous technology, it contains approximately 1.5 times more coverage-enhancing ingredients and 3.5 times more moisturizing skincare ingredients, while maintaining a smooth, highly adherent formula.

Additionally, it contains 94% of the UTM series’ common*² skincare ingredients—'Koishimaru Silk Infinite (moisturizing)*³' and 'Sakura A-CPX (moisturizing)*⁴'—relative to their concentration in skincare products. The moisturizing ingredients penetrate into the stratum corneum, delivering a smooth, hydrated complexion. It reduces the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness*⁵ and resists drying and flaking over time, maintaining a beautiful finish. It adheres beautifully even to skin showing signs of aging—dryness, uneven texture, lack of firmness, and dullness—naturally concealing imperfections in a single stroke. This is SENSAI’s ultimate foundation, delivering a firm, radiant, and even finish.

*1 Combination of coverage ingredients <Polysilicone-9, Titanium Dioxide> and moisturizing ingredients <Koishimaru Silk Extract (Hydrolyzed Silk), Acetyl Glucosamine, Eucalyptus Leaf Extract, Bilberry Leaf Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract> (based on internal research using prior art surveys and the Mintel database, March 2026)

*2 Excluding UTM The Cleansing Oil and UTM The Creamy Soap

*3 Koishimaru Silk Extract (Hydrolyzed Silk), Acetyl Glucosamine, Eucalyptus Leaf Extract, Bilberry Leaf Extract, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract

*4 Sakura Extract (Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract), Artichoke Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Dimethoxydi-p-cresol, Mustard Sprout Extract, Methylserine, Kakyou Extract, Zostera Extract

*5 Efficacy tested

3. SENSAI’s 'Global Sharp Top' Strategy

Since its launch in Europe in 1983, SENSAI has grown for over 40 years as a Japan-originated luxury brand, promoting its brand value of 'living carefully and delicately' and Japan’s unique skincare ritual 'Saho (etiquette).' The brand is now available in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, with overseas sales accounting for approximately 80%, establishing a solid brand foundation, particularly in Europe.

In recent years, SENSAI has strengthened its presence in Asian markets, including Japan and China. It is advancing an integrated 'Asia-wide operation,' including travel retail, treating the Asian market as a single entity for brand strategy.

This product is scheduled for launch in China by 2028. As SENSAI’s highest-tier base makeup item, it aims to acquire new customers across Asia, including China. Furthermore, it will accelerate the penetration of SENSAI’s brand value—cultivated in Europe—into Asia, enhancing its presence in the luxury prestige market.

4. Product Overview

Product Name

SENSAI UTM The Foundation (4 shades)

Capacity and Price

30mL bottle · ¥33,000 (¥36,300 including tax)

Product Features

Features a world-first*¹ ingredient approach.

SENSAI’s ultimate foundation, combining a beautiful finish and skincare benefits through the new 'Instant Micro-Emulsion Technology.'

Contains 94% of the UTM series’ common*² skincare (moisturizing) ingredients*³ *⁴, relative to their concentration in skincare products. Delivers an even, firm, and radiant finish while supporting anti-aging*⁶ care.

SPF10·PA++