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Kose Sekkisei Emulsion for combination skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Kose Sekkisei Emulsion

Average

  • AverageCombination Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, as Gentiana Lutea Extract and Wheat Germ Oil provide some emollient action, though they may not be sufficient for optimal results in all areas.
  • The product provides excellent moisturizing treatment due to the presence of Glycerin and Squalane in moderate concentrations for hydrating and enhancing barrier resilience.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

How to apply

  • Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
  • Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
  • Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
  • Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
  • Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.

People Say

★4.4Overall rating based on 200+ reviews

Users generally praise this emulsion for its lightweight yet deeply hydrating formula that effectively brightens dull complexions and fades dark spots over time. While it is celebrated for creating a "snow-like" translucency and smoothing skin texture, those with oily or sensitive skin occasionally report issues with stickiness and the strong alcohol content.

Highlights

  • Lightweight hydration Mostly Mentioned
    • “Lightweight yet deeply hydrating”
    • “Absorbs quickly without grease”
    • “My dry skin drinks it up”
  • Brightens skin tone Often Mentioned
    • “Skin complexion brightened up a lot”
    • “Noticeably more radiant”
    • “Whitening effect is visible”
  • Smooths skin texture Often Mentioned
    • “Leaves skin feeling smooth and supple”
    • “Soft smoothness I haven't experienced before”
    • “Improves skin's texture”
  • Strong alcohol scent Often Mentioned
    • “Smelled... with a light hint of alcohol”
    • “Contains fragrance and alcohol”
    • “Scent is too strong for me”
  • Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
    • “Helps minimize appearance of dark spots”
    • “Prevents freckles and aging spots”
    • “Dark spots are removed and lessened”
  • High price point Sometimes Noted
    • “Expensive for my budget”
    • “Pricey for the size”
    • “Bit expensive but worth it”
  • Sticky residue Sometimes Noted
    • “Leaves a sticky and oily feeling”
    • “Face looking a bit wet and oily”
    • “Deep dry feeling after a few days”
  • Causes breakouts Rarely Noted
    • “It broke me out each time”
    • “Caused acne for oily skin”
    • “ bumps appeared the next day”

Sources: lovi.care, kose-usa.com, influenster.com, cozycot.com, medium.com, dailysnippetsoflife.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Sekkisei Emulsion work for combination skin?

This emulsion works moderately well for combination skin, offering basic softness and hydration with squalane and glycerin, though it may not fully meet all the needs of this skin type. To truly thrive, combination skin needs products that balance moisture and reduce oily shine using targeted brightening ingredients, soothing agents, and antioxidants without feeling heavy.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017

Which ingredients make this moisturizer a good fit for combination skin?

Glycerin, squalane, gentiana lutea root extract, and wheat germ oil make this moisturizer a good fit because they help hydrate the skin and soften dry areas. To work best for combination skin, a product of this type needs ingredients that provide balanced hydration and brightness to reduce oily shine without causing irritation.

Pharmacognosy Research, 2010

What does Ascorbyl Glucoside do for combination skin?

Ascorbyl Glucoside helps brighten dark spots and evens out skin tone while providing antioxidant protection for combination skin. It is generally well tolerated and may improve overall complexion and photodamage over several weeks of regular use.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016

What does Squalane do for combination skin?

Squalane helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy. It supports the skin barrier and provides lightweight hydration that works well for both dry and oily areas.

Skin Health and Disease, 2024Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2025

Where does this moisturizer go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This moisturizer goes in your morning routine after a hydrating toner and before sunscreen, and in your evening routine as the last step after your treatment. It works well for combination skin, though this skin type often needs stronger softening ingredients and richer moisturizing oils for optimal results across both dry and oily areas.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022Pharmacognosy Research, 2010

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

You can use this moisturizer with retinol by applying the retinol first and following it with the moisturizer to help keep your skin calm and soft. This product is a fair fit for combination skin because it lacks harsh ingredients and provides good hydration, though a combination skin type needs richer plant oils and plant extracts to fully balance dry and oily areas.

How often should I use this moisturizer?

You can use this moisturizer daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. Daily application helps keep skin soft and supports your moisture barrier, though combination skin may need additional rich ingredients in drier areas for optimal results.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Health Science Reports, 2021

Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This moisturizer is unlikely to cause breakouts for your combination skin since it has an excellent safety profile without harsh ingredients, though a few reviewers have occasionally reported breakouts. To work best for combination skin, this type of product needs balanced hydration and lightweight oils that soften dry areas without clogging pores.

Can I use this moisturizer around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this moisturizing treatment around your eyes and on your body, but because it is an average fit for combination skin, it needs extra ingredients that deeply soften and smooth dry areas while balancing oil.

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002Pharmacognosy Research, 2010

Is this moisturizer fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no fragrance and contains drying alcohol (ethanol).

What the research says

  • Herbal moisturizers containing wheat germ oil, Aloe vera extract, and turmeric extract showed the greatest increase in skin hydration up to 168.125% in healthy human volunteers compared to other formulations.

    Pharmacognosy Research, 2010

  • Gentiana lutea extract increases lipid synthesis and triglyceride levels in human primary keratinocytes in vitro via p38 MAPK and PPARgamma signaling, and significantly increases skin lipid content in a proof-of-concept trial of 33 volunteers compared to placebo.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017

  • 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

  • Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate.

    Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021

  • Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers.

    Experimental Dermatology, 2003

  • Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation.

    Journal of Periodontology, 2009

  • Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

  • Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts.

    Molecules, 2025

  • Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway.

    Antioxidants, 2025

  • Topical application of Gentiana lutea extract reduced average roughness, relief of the upper eyelid skin, and redness of dark circles in 22 subjects after 14 days compared to placebo.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2023

  • A topical preparation containing urea, sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, wheat germ oil, and sodium pyruvate led to clinical improvement after a month in diverse hyperkeratotic skin conditions except pityriasis lichenoides.

    Medicina Cutanea Ibero-latino-americana, 1986

  • Topical application of wheat germ oil formulations induced dose-dependent wound healing in rats, with ointment formulations demonstrating significantly better activity than creams and the 20% WGO ointment achieving a 90% reduction in wound size diameter within three weeks compared to the control group.

    Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2021

  • Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

  • Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024

  • A topical antioxidant serum significantly reduced air pollution-induced skin pigmentation and proinflammatory gene expression ex vivo, and improved skin aging signs in 40 healthy adult females after 90 days of daily use.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

Ingredients

Water, Ethanol, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Gentiana Lutea Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Dl-Α-Tocopherol Acetate, Glycerin Fatty Acid Ester, Dipentaerythritol Fatty Acid Ester, Cetostearyl Alcohol, 2-Ethylhexyl Paramethoxycinnamate, Polyacrylic Acid Amide, Polyethylene Glycol 400, Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monooleate, Sorbitan Monostearate, Light Liquid Isoparaffin, Squalane, Sodium Hydroxide, Absolute Ethanol, Paraoxybenzoic Acid Ester, Methyl Polysiloxane, Citric Acid, Button Extract, Sempukuka Extract, Disodium Edetate, Sodium Monohydrogen Phosphate, Polymethacryloyloxyethyl Phosphorylcholine Solution, Merosria Extract, L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside, Senpuka Extract, Hammamelis Extract, Hydrogenated Soybean Phospholipid

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
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