Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Courtesy of RinRen

Just launched this fall, RinRen is a line of organic hair and body care products made exclusively from local Japanese ingredients. The Yuzu & Ginger series, for instance, pairs invigorating ginger, which is said to improve blood circulation, with yuzu oil, a traditional bath additive. The other ingredients offer a virtual tour of Japanese agriculture: black soybeans from Hyogo, cucumber extract from Ishikawa, green tea extract from Gifu, nori seaweed from Kyushu, and shiso from Aichi. The soybeans offer plenty of polyphenols and protein, while the nori contributes the moisturizing quality of algae. It all sounds good enough to eat—and, being completely free of added color, scent, petroleum-derived products, paraben and silicon, it’s probably safe enough, too.

RinRen has been getting heavy promotion in local magazines from WWD Beauty Japan to Ecocolo, thanks no doubt to project partner Yukio Fujimaki, a former “charisma buyer” for Isetan and Barney’s. Fujimaki joined the organic crusade after seeking treatment for stress-related illnesses at Sincere Garden, the aroma treatment salon and shop which releases the products.

At ¥1,943 for a 550ml bottle, RinRen is positioning the Yuzu & Ginger products as an organic series for everyone, not just privileged consumers. A high-end “Limited Line,” featuring more rarified ingredients such as rose, mint and lavender (all grown in Nagano), retails for twice the price. RinRen products are available at Sincere Garden, both in store and online, as well as at shops including Loft.

3-5-4 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5775-7370. Nearest stn: Omotesando or Gaienmae. Open Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun & hols 11am-8pm. www.sincere-garden.com