Review: Kyoku Sake Infused Shave Crème for Men

Beginning his journey into the world of men’s skincare many years ago, the passion of this innovative skincare product designer most certainly stems from his family’s involvement in the beauty industry over the past 30+ years. Incredibly at the ripe old age of 13 Asim Akhtar produced his first skincare product line, ‘Generation X’. Since then this Chicago native (a fully-fledged heart kyoku shave cream surgeon) has spent time travelling the globe in search of the perfect ingredients to utilise in creating his ‘Kyoku for Men’ natural skincare product range.

During his travels he came across a small village just outside Tokyo, ‘Yazuri Hara’, whose name means ‘the village of long life’. Here it is said that 10% of the community are over 80 years of age (that’s almost 10 times the number in the U.K. and the U.S). However, of more interest to Akhtar was the fact that these village elders had the most flawless skin. After much research he determined this was due to a high level of hyaluronic acid present in the villagers. (Hyaluronic acid is a natural protein that is created by the body but as we age production declines). Akhtar further deduced that it was the daily diet and skincare routine of incorporating certain herbs, plants and vegetables that created such an accelerated amount of hyaluronic acid in the villagers’ bodies. Thus, Akhtar began his work on developing a skincare range based on natural ingredients, testing on himself first to ensure that the customer would end up with a product that really works. Key ingredients include volcanic ash, bamboo, rice bran and calendula leaves.

Kyoku for Men’s aim is to ‘change the appearance of male skin from the inside out, leading to deep, long lasting change in the collagen support structure’. To be accomplished obviously one must choose from the following Kyoku for Men product lines:

Body
Eyes
Face
Shave
Treatment / Masks

From the shave collection we decided to review the ‘Kyoku Sake infused shave crème’ (sensitive skin) since it was winner of the ‘best new shaving gel or cream’ category at GQ’s Grooming Awards in 2011 and winner in the ‘shaving cream’ category at Esquire’s 2010 Grooming Awards . I’d say Mr. Akhtar must be doing something right to receive such a buzz about his creation!

The ‘shave crème’ is of a smooth and silky ‘whipped’ consistency which spreads on easily but does not lather up like a foam or gel.

I use the Sake Infused Shave Crème every morning as I prefer to shave after a shower when my pores are open. I’ve applied with my fingertips and with a brush, preferring the brush, but for expediency I’d say use the first method. I then leave to rest for 2 minutes as instructed to do so on the packaging.

I’m testing the shave crème with two different razors, my Gillette Fusion Power, and my customised Merkur Princess wet razor. Hands down I got the closest, smoothest shave with the Merkur Princess wet razor. If one is unfamiliar or a novice with wet razor shaving then they’ll find it takes a little longer, but it’s well worth the extra effort to get such great results. When using the Gillette Fusion Power razor I found I had to clean the razor more frequently to rinse off the crème. However, I still received a close clean shave.

Personally, I love the crème. It is my favourite shaving product at the moment but think that a gel version would be a winner also!

Kyoku include what they call a ‘cellular anti-inflammatory’ ingredient which does seems to leave my skin feeling calm, with no tenderness or redness created following my shave.

In an article published by Web Japan, entitled, Cosmetics made from Food, I read that, ‘In Japan, it has long been said that the hands of sake brewers who handle rice bran every day are white and youthful’. So, the beautifying effects of this part of a rice grain are common knowledge, hence Kyoku’s use of Sake in their shave crème, and the following statement on the packaging, ’Japanese Sake is an ancient skin softener and acts to intensely moisturise the skin’.

And whilst on subject of packaging, I also like the simple yet stylish and informative presentation of the product and packaging – everything has been covered – very straightforward.

All in all I’d say Mr. Akhtar has it all worked out. He is creating a product made from natural ingredients that does what it says on the packaging, and makes my face feel moisturized as well as smooth to the touch after a therapeutic and close shave.