Sensai

Sensai traces its origins to Kanebo, a Japanese textile company founded in 1887. The pivotal moment came in the 1930s when company director Sanji Muto noticed that silk weavers' hands remained remarkably youthful despite years of manual labor. Kanebo scientists confirmed that silk proteins contain amino acids structurally similar to those in human skin, and the company's first skincare product -- Savon de Soie silk soap -- launched in 1936. Sensai debuted as a distinct prestige brand in Europe in 1979, with its name derived from the Japanese word for 'delicate' or 'graceful.' The landmark EX La Creme, introduced at the 1989 World Expo as a prototype demonstrating what was possible when cost was no object, became one of the world's first hyaluronic acid-based luxury creams and sold out within 14 days. Kao Corporation acquired Kanebo Cosmetics in 2006, and Sensai continues to use exclusive Koishimaru silk -- historically reserved for the Japanese imperial family -- as its signature ingredient across the range.