Embodying Japanese Wisdom: The Story Behind Ipsum Alii’s Kampo-Inspired Skincare

Introducing Ipsum Alii, a skincare line deeply rooted in the principles of conscious living and simplicity, values that resonate strongly with the ethos of the Abi Method.

Ipsum Alii was born from the founders' transformative experiences in Japan, where they were introduced to Kampo, a traditional Japanese medicine that emphasizes prevention and holistic health. Inspired by Japan's timeless philosophy of "less is more" and its unparalleled approach to beauty, they’ve combined Kampo’s healing wisdom with advanced skincare science. In doing so, they’ve crafted products that honor both personal wellness and environmental mindfulness, aligning skincare routines with a commitment to simplicity and sustainability.

What was the inspiration behind creating Ipsum Alii? What motivated you to combine Kampo, a traditional Japanese medicine, with modern skincare science?

We both went through a transformative journey while living in Tokyo thanks to Japanese wellness rituals and Kampo holistic treatments. 

When we both moved back to Europe, we decided to share this journey with our friends and a wider audience. We believe Kampo is one of the last well-kept secrets in Japan, which benefits should be shared with the rest of the world! Hence, we decided to transfer the power of Kampo herbs from its traditional medical use in Japan to our daily beauty rituals in our first potent skincare essentials. We hope to share our experience of health and beauty in Japan with our customers in Europe.

How do you balance the traditional elements of Kampo with cutting-edge scientific research? Can you share some challenges and advantages of merging these two worlds?

It was clear to us that extracts of potent Kampo herbs should be the center of our products. We also realised very quickly, that we wanted to develop skin care formulations that have Kampo phytoactives working in synergy with bioactives; in other words having a combination of ingredients that is stronger than the simple sum of them  We started developing our products in early 2020 and launched our Skin Refining Gel and the Nourishing Adaptogen Cream in September 2022. The Antioxidant Booster Serum took us even a year longer in formulation.

As you can tell - it took us a long time to make the formula right. To have the sensation of Japanese skincare, without any questionable or unethical ingredients for European consumers.. And to choose the right Kampo herbs for the wanted effect of the skincare, that are also compatible with all the other ingredient heroes we included, such as fermented Hyaluronic acids, plant-based squalane oil etc.

We’ve gone through countless trials with different formulas, conducting dermatological tests on a variety of skin types across Japan and Europe. Why? Because we want everyone – especially those with sensitive skin concerns like rosacea, eczema, and acne – to experience our products without a second thought about irritation or reactions. 

Our formulation process is super thorough. We look not only at the ingredients but also at their precise dosages to ensure each product is as safe as it is effective. The ultimate goal? Skincare that’s as gentle as it is therapeutic, giving your skin all the love and care it deserves!

What does "Ipsum Alii" mean, and how does this name reflect your brand’s mission?

As we are using herbs from Japanese traditional medicine, Kampo, it became quickly clear that we would use Latin as a language given its use in the medical books we were working with. 

[Ipsum] in Latin means oneself; for example self care. 

[Alii] in Latin means other; for example our environment and people surrounding us 

Ipsum Alii reflects our philosophy of how taking care of oneself is part of a larger dimension that includes respect for our environment.  It is about showing others the way to a more balanced relationship between oneself and our surroundings.

Kampo plays a significant role in your products. For those unfamiliar, could you explain what Kampo is and how it informs your product formulations?

Kampo is arguably one of Japan’s best-kept secrets, yet it has been the backbone of the country's healthcare for centuries. It represents a comprehensive approach to healing that goes beyond mere physical treatment, also embodying a philosophical perspective on health and well-being. There is this saying: Ken bi ichi nyo - Health and beauty are one. That incorporates pretty much the essence of Kampo. Hence, Kampo is very much rooted in a therapeutic approach of anti-inflammation, which focuses on the philosophy of prevention over cure.

What specific Kampo ingredients do you use, and what are their benefits for the skin? How do you ensure these ingredients maintain their efficacy in modern formulations?

We have different combinations of Kampo herbs in each formulation. The Skin Refining Gel is a peeling gel that purifies the skin. Here we work on enhanced blood circulation and cell renewal. We wanted to include Kampo herbs that clarify skin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as Kihada bark for example, that is very rich in berberine. Maguwa root at the same time helps to calm signs of irritation that can happen sometimes after a peeling. The result is a super smooth and gentle, yet effective peeling gel.

With the Antioxidant Booster Serum we wanted to go for an ultra hydrated, luminous and supple skin. It should look and feel bright, relaxed and plumped - like after a great workout, a stroll in the woods or a restoring weekend-trip. Here we chose 5 Kampo Antioxidants, that invigorate skin regeneration, have brightening effects and work against dark spots, reduce redness and calm skin conditions like eczema, and work overall on skin health. The herbs we used here are: Murasaki root, Satsuma Peel, Kuchinashi Florida Fruit, Ukon (Japanese Turmeric) and Akayajiou root extracts.

And then we have our replenishing and stress-balancing moisturiser, brimming with very potent adaptogenic Kampo plant extracts. Adaptogens are plants that grow in a stressful environment or harsh conditions and develop extra stress-resistance power. Here we use Reishi, Ukon, Akayajiou and Hatomugi (Barley) plant extracts, that support a healthy skin microbiome, protect the skin barrier, smoothe, refine and tone the skin. Together with rice bran oil and squalane oil, this makes a wonderful combination to prevent dry and rough skin.

Your products are designed with a minimalist 3-step skincare regime. Can you explain the rationale behind this approach and how it benefits the skin?

The general approach was to have a minimalist skin care routine and to develop a few products, that provide everything our skin needs.

Truth be told - it’s not always the more the merrier when it comes to skincare. An overuse of different products can irritate the skin and lead to sensitized skin (skin burn, rashes, break outs). 

We see these 3 products as a base that can be used in various intensity, combinations and even be supported with other skin care products if needed.

We vary in the usage of Serum and Moisturizer for example. In warmer periods - or locations (think Japan in summer, which is ultra hot and humid) - the serum might suffice. In dry northern winter (such as the one here in Switzerland), we rely on thick layers of moisturizer for extra skin barrier protection. Sometimes we incorporate Retinol products in our routine. Then Ipsum Alii really supports the skin, to calm redness and irritations. The only products that are missing in the routine are an everyday cleanser/make up remover and a sun protection. This we have not developed (yet).

What was the thought process behind each product—Skin Refining Gel, Antioxidant Booster Serum, and Adaptogenic Cream? How do these products work together in a simple routine to achieve optimal results?

IPSUM ALII uses a triad system from Kampo philosophy of three essential elements, to categorise the benefits of each product. 

These are KI; KETSU; and SUI.
KI is the energy fundamental to living things.
KETSU represents blood, its consistency and circulation and SUI all other liquid elements in a human body.
In Kampo, the healthy state of human beings means a well-balanced condition of the three substances.

The SKIN REFINING GEL is a gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin, which both polishes and stimulates new skin cells, through a powerful blend of herbs and science. The main element, KI, enhances blood circulation. 

It reacts with the keratin on the skin and gently rubs off dead skin cells, enabling your skin to renew itself; leaving your skin smooth, rosy with a healthy glow. Something we always want for our own skin!

Our NOURISHING ADAPTOGEN CREAM contains a soothing and deeply replenishing selection of 4 adaptogenic plant ingredients. Among them is one of our favourites Reishi, a mycelium with antioxidant properties that strengthen the skin’s barrier. We also included Akayajiou Root, which bursts with vitamins (A, B, C and D) and is considered a restorative Yin tonic with powerful antioxidant benefits. This is complemented with Hatomugi seed, a powerhouse herb which smoothes, refines and tones dry skin; and anti-inflammatory Ukon, a wild Japanese turmeric, rich in potassium, vitamins and magnesium.

Our third product ANTIOXIDANT BOOSTER SERUM offers a harmonious blend of five Kampo active herbs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. On top of these phytoactives, we are using several ingredients originating from biotechnology fermentation, which has a distinct balance between science and nature. Bio-fermentation of natural ingredients allows us to smartly source ingredients by synthetically producing them to preserve our fauna and flora. Finally, Bio-fermented ingredients help the penetration of other skincare hero ingredients deep into the skin.

Your products are made in Japan and designed in Switzerland. How do these two cultures influence your brand, and what do they each bring to your product development process?

Having lived and worked in both cultures, we feel there are similarities and differences, which we wanted to incorporate. The love for nature, design and craftmanship - a certain modesty and delicacy we feel is very much entrained in both cultures. What could be more Swiss is the sense of practicability, and more Japanese the holistic view on health - the important interaction of body and mind, internal and external circumstances, the art of mindfulness and Zen. We put a lot of attention to details when formulating and designing the products. Simple, yet refined formulations, practical airless tubes with a beautiful design - Japanese-inspired, yet timeless. 

Why was it important for you to manufacture your products in Japan? What aspects of Japanese craftsmanship and quality control do you value most?

Japanese craftsmanship is meticulous and totally trustworthy. The level of detail and attention is uncalled for. We love Japanese skincare and health products, because our Japanese lab does not only think about the efficacy of the product itself, but also sensation, haptic and various other subtle undertones. Since we have such a strong bond with Japan, we also really wanted to find a way to stay rooted to the country, even when living miles and miles away and to find a way to introduce the speciality of Japanese products to the European world. 

All Ipsum Alii products are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. How do you approach formulating products that are both effective and gentle for those with sensitive skin?

Exactly. That is another important point for us. We had in mind that even sensitive and/or sensitized skin should be able to use our products. Since we both have rather sensitive skin and - let’s face it - more and more people do due to overload on products, environmental pollution, stress etc. and fragrance - especially in facial skincare - can often be an irritant. Fragrance also includes alcohol - and added alcohol to a product enhances dryness of the skin. In our opinion, scent is beautiful in perfumes and incense and other ways - but not needed in skincare itself.

What feedback have you received from customers with sensitive skin, and how has this shaped your product offerings?

We have received very good feedback. We have various Make Up artists who are using our products now for fashion shows and photo shoots to take care of their models skin. Model have very sensitized skin, since they often have to walk various shows in a day, constantly removing and applying make up. For them it’s very important to have products that soothe irritated skin.

As founders, what is your personal skincare philosophy? How do you incorporate Ipsum Alii products into your own routine?

Nora: I have very dry skin and in times of stress and lack of sleep, I tend to look pale and a bit hollow. I like to pamper my skin and use my skincare routine for a little time out. I make sure to deeply hydrate my skin, and usually after cleansing my face, I use a serum and rich moisturiser throughout the year. I use the pat&press method to deeply work the serum into my skin and I am treating myself to a little face massage to enhance blood circulation for a more rosy complexion. Regular peelings are helpful too. And once a week I soak some tissues with a bit of serum and put it on my face for 15min as a mask.

Kikoc: not complicated and quick; I have combination skin and due to my skin history I prefer to put on less products. My routine is a mixture of pharmaceuticals and our products to calm irritation and nourish the skin. I am using prescription strength retinoids to treat melasma. I apply our serum before retinoids at night to calm the skin irritation that comes with this treatment. During the day, I apply our cream to restore the skin barrier and always finish with SPF50. Since I have been using retinoids at night, I exfoliate my face less than  once a week and I leave my skin free of any products once a week at night.

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