Articles

Approach to the 4 Major Skin Troubles in Men: The Power of the Evolved All-in-One Lotion "QUATTRO BOTANICO"

2025.02.01

Though many want to take care of their skin, lack of time can be a hurdle.

QUATTRO BOTANICO’s "Botanical Lotion & Aftershave S" serves as a beacon of hope for such men.

It identifies four factors that can make men look older, using unique anti-aging ingredients［1］ to provide targeted care and improve the skin’s appearance.

Above all, it cleverly captures a man's heart by offering the convenience of completing all skincare with just this one product after washing the face. This time, we spoke with Saeko Sakai from Rebranding Japan, the company behind QUATTRO BOTANICO, about everything from its functionality to its origins.

PROFILE

Saeko Sakai

Rebranding Japan
Director & Product Development Director

Fighting the 4 Major Skin Troubles in Men with 4 Plant Extracts

Could you start by telling us about the brand's origin?

"I wish there were more stylish adult men." To bring that sentiment to life, this men's skincare brand was born in Japan in 2014.

Initially, we released lotions and face washes through our official online shop and Amazon, followed by in-store sales at the men's cosmetic specialty store QUOMIST the following year. In 2017, we also began selling at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo.

The brand name is quite impactful.

When establishing the men’s skincare line, we researched men’s skincare troubles. We discovered that many men struggle with four main issues: dryness, lack of firmness, pore problems, and excess oil.

As we investigated the ingredients, we encountered the concept of the four elements—fire, air, water, and earth—stating that all substances in the world consist of these four.

Additionally, as seen in the expressions of four seasons and four directions, the number four symbolizes stability and harmony. By selecting four specific plant extracts to formulate our products, we achieved significant and promising results.

Thus, combining "QUATTRO (four)" with "BOTANICO (plants)" in Italian gave birth to our brand name.

As the brand name suggests, do you have a focus on plant ingredients?

Not only are all the ingredients plant-derived, but we also exclusively select those proven to be safe and effective. Furthermore, we pay close attention to the combinations and ratios to create a texture that makes users want to use it daily.

Updating the Anti-Aging Functionality of Best-Selling Lotion

"Botanical Lotion & Aftershave S," 150mL 2,750 yen (tax included)

It seems that a single lotion played a significant role in making QUATTRO BOTANICO widely known. What kind of product is it?

The "Botanical Lotion & Aftershave" released in 2014 addresses the four main factors affecting men's skin (dryness, lack of firmness, oily skin issues, and pore troubles). This lotion provides targeted care for these skin troubles.

Its thicker texture delivers moisturizing power akin to that of a serum or emulsion, making it a popular choice for completing skincare with just this one product after cleansing.

Furthermore, the "Botanical Lotion & Aftershave S," released in October 2024, has further evolved this all-in-one lotion.

How has it evolved?

Mainly, we have enhanced the aging care benefits. We aimed to create an all-in-one aging care lotion that goes beyond the mere category of a simple all-in-one toner, allowing users to maintain a youthful skin impression with just this one product.

The highlights of the ingredients are Bakuchiol and Lotus Germ Extract.

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived beauty ingredient that addresses issues such as lack of skin firmness, uneven texture, and dryness. It is gaining attention as a safe ingredient for sensitive skin.

In this lotion, we adopted nano-Bakuchiol wrapped in nano-capsules to maximize its effects. By penetrating deep into the skin, it cares for men's skin, which tends to lose firmness and elasticity due to dryness.

On the other hand, Lotus Germ Extract, derived from the highly germinative seeds of the lotus, focuses on the nutrient-rich germ. This extract penetrates into the skin, addressing dryness, lack of firmness, and uneven texture associated with aging.

Achieving Long-lasting Moisture Without Stickiness

Like its predecessor, the texture has a unique viscosity.

The lotion soaks into the skin smoothly upon application, transforming from a rich texture to a light and fresh feel. This is a sign that a moisturizing film has formed in the stratum corneum. The moisturizing film, which contains rice fermentation loaded with amino acids that make up NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), keeps the skin hydrated for an extended period.

What challenges did you face during the renewal process?

The primary hurdle was balancing long-lasting moisture with a non-sticky feel.

Lotions typically create a film with oil to retain moisture, which leads to a perception of stickiness that many men tend to avoid. However, this lotion maintains its moisturizing properties not with oil but by creating a viscous film.

To enhance moisture retention, one could add oils or increase the amount of moisturizing ingredients. However, doing so can compromise that perfect non-sticky hydration feel.

For this reason, we mixed in rice fermentation liquid, rich in amino acids that are essential for skin hydration, elevating the viscous film to an amino moisturizing membrane.

After numerous adjustments and iterations of ingredient balances, we finally created a product we were satisfied with.

It gives a moist, hydrated sensation. It seems great for after shaving.

We have newly added fermented coix seed extract, which possesses moisturizing and skin-beautifying properties. This extract, fermented with yeast, supports skin barrier function and prevents rough skin, tightens the skin, and helps prevent post-shave irritation.

Pursuing Usefulness & Fragrance that Fits Men

The refreshing and calming fragrance is also impressive.

We strengthened the scent using two types of natural essential oils: Bergamot and Rosemary. The aroma of Italian Bergamot essential oil features a citrus freshness with a floral sweetness that soothes the mind.

On the other hand, Moroccan Rosemary essential oil has a scent that evokes lush greenery and refreshes the mind.

The bottle has also been changed to a pump type.

Yes. With a single pump, it can be applied quickly, contributing to better time performance in skincare routines. Additionally, this renewal also introduced refill options, reducing plastic waste and lessening the burden of waste disposal for users.

What role do you envision this lotion playing for the brand in the future?

Our mission at QUATTRO BOTANICO is to increase the number of stylish adult men in ten years.

This all-in-one aging care lotion, upgraded for comfort and user-friendliness, while enhancing aging care functions, is a key item to achieve that mission.

We aim to continue evolving this lotion while capturing the diversifying skincare needs of men.

Within just a few months of its launch, its sales numbers became the highest among all products in the brand. Users have expressed their delight regarding its pleasant feel, long-lasting moisture, and skin firmness. It seems to enrich not just the skin of modern men but their hearts as well.

Note:
[1] Moisture care according to age

Text by Ryota Osujo