# Shiseido Treatment Softener for dry sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for dry sensitive skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Superior · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [Shiseido](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/shiseido)
Category: [Toners](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/toners)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the toners alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate hydration for your dry and flaky skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, but the alcohol denat poses risks of worsening dryness and sensitivity.
- While the product is safe for your dry and sensitive skin with no harsh ingredients, the inclusion of sd alcohol 40-b alcohol denat limits its suitability.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/combination-skin): High
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract, Theanine

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Ethanol as a preservative in topical creams reduced the dermal penetration of hydrophilic surrogates by about 40% and lipophilic surrogates by about 20% on intact skin while having minimal impact on irritated skin, and it altered biophysical skin properties depending on the skin condition. ([Pharmaceutics, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40006563/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- A Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract increased LOXL1 expression twofold, decreased elafin synthesis, restored functional elastic fibers, reduced nonfunctional elastin aggregates, decreased wrinkles, and improved skin firmness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30052192/))
- Hamamelis bark proanthocyanidins strongly increased the proliferation of cultured human keratinocytes and reduced transepidermal water loss and erythema formation in SLS-irritated skin, whereas the polysaccharide fraction had no effect. ([Phytochemistry, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684194/))
- Witch hazel bark extract and hamamelitannin showed pronounced anti-inflammatory activity, supported keratinocyte migration in a wound healing assay, and inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, whereas their skin microbiota metabolite ellagic acid stimulated inflammatory mediator release. ([Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40819781/))
- Sapindus mukorossi seed oil promoted wound healing, cell proliferation, migration, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities in cells and in rats compared to untreated controls. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31130677/))
- Sapindus mukorossi flower water extract exhibited antioxidant, antibacterial against Cutibacterium acnes, and anti-inflammatory activities by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in in vitro experiments. ([Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40699715/))
- Caprine dermal scaffolds prepared using 5% Sapindus mukorossi fruit pericarp extract effectively achieved complete decellularization while preserving extracellular matrix architecture and promoted full-thickness skin wound healing in rabbits comparable to autografts. ([Journal of Biomaterials Applications, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40112282/))
- Oral and topical botanical products containing ingredients like ashwagandha, saffron, l-theanine, and tocopherol reduced facial redness and pigmentation and improved sleep and certain mood parameters in healthy females with sensitive skin compared to baseline. ([Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36431167/))
- Topical l-theanine pretreatment suppresses TPA-induced acute skin inflammation, ear edema, erythema, vascular permeability, and hyperplasia in mice by downregulating endothelial PECAM-1 and neutrophil infiltration and activation. ([Chemico-biological Interactions, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29458014/))

## What reviewers say

This product is highly regarded for its ability to significantly soften and hydrate the skin, acting as an effective prep step for subsequent skincare and makeup. It is praised for improving skin texture and balancing hydration across different skin types. A moderate number of users find the floral fragrance to be overpowering and consider the price point high for its formulation.

- Liked: Deep hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Elegant texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Balances skin (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Enhances routine (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Strong fragrance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Confusing consistency (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- You can use this hydrating toner AM and PM every day to keep your skin soft. Always remember to pair it with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this hydrating toner right after your cleanser and before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the hydrating toner into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- For best results, apply the hydrating toner on slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture.
- Be careful to avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/25abe7eb181ba53153fd15de2058c2a9.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Shiseido Treatment Softener a weak match for dry sensitive skin?

Shiseido Treatment Softener is a weak match for dry sensitive skin because while it provides moderate hydration, the alcohol denat in the formula poses risks of worsening dryness and irritation. A hydrating toner for this skin type needs rich moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and niacinamide without any drying alcohols or allergens.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this toner a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?

The alcohol denat in this toner makes it a poor fit for dry sensitive skin because it poses risks of worsening dryness and irritation. A product of this type needs rich moisturizing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and botanical extracts to keep dry skin calm and hydrated.

### What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for dry, sensitive skin because it brings a large boost in hydration, making the skin feel soft and smooth while improving barrier function. It helps calm tightness and dryness, and is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/), [Dermatology and Therapy, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34176098/)

### What does Glycerin do for dry sensitive skin?

Glycerin helps dry sensitive skin by drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there, making the skin soft and smooth. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving how well the skin holds onto water. This type of skin needs ingredients that boost hydration and repair the barrier without causing stinging.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/)

### Where does this toner go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This toner is a weak match for your dry and sensitive skin because it contains alcohol denat, which may worsen dryness and irritation despite helpful ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate. When using a toner on this skin type, it needs to be alcohol-free and packed with extra soothing and deeply hydrating ingredients to calm sensitivity.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Can I use this toner with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this toner before retinol, but it may worsen dryness and sensitivity on your dry and sensitive skin because it contains drying alcohol. This skin needs a hydrating toner with soothing ingredients and without drying alcohol to calm irritation and support the skin barrier during retinol use.

### How often should I use this toner?

This toner is a weak match for your dry and sensitive skin because the included alcohol may worsen dryness and irritation. To safely care for dry and sensitive skin, a hydrating toner needs soothing ingredients and moisture-locking components like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate without drying alcohols.

### Can this toner clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This toner is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin, but the alcohol inside may worsen dryness and irritation.

### Is this toner fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It contains fragrance (parfum, linalool, citronellol, geraniol, and zingiber aromaticus extract) and drying alcohol (sd alcohol 40-b alcohol denat).

## Alternatives for dry sensitive skin

- [SNP Prep Peptaronic Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/snp-prep/peptaronic-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$26.79 at Amazon
- [Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/isntree/hyaluronic-acid-toner-plus/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$25.98 at Amazon
- [Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/isntree/hyaluronic-acid-toner/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit — CA$25.98 at Amazon

## Routine for dry sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [d'Alba UVessence Mild Waterfull Sun Cream SPF 50](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/d-alba/uvessence-mild-waterfull-sun-cream-spf-50/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$38.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/clarins/soothing-toning-lotion/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$49.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/galactomyces-95-tone-balancing-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/mediheal/vita-essential-mask/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [COSRX Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/galactomyces-95-tone-balancing-essence/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.49 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Sd Alcohol 40-B Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Diglycerin, Peg Ppg-14 7 Dimethyl Ether, Peg-20, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Carbomer, Erythritol, Parfum, Disodium Edta, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Linalool, Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citronellol, Geraniol, Magnesium Chloride, Theanine, Calcium Chloride, Serine, Witch Hazel Leaf Extract, Zingiber Aromaticus Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Kirishima Mineral Spring Water, Mukurossi Extract, Brightening Lempuyang Extract
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shiseido/treatment-softener/for/dry-sensitive-skin