FAQ
How to use
- Should I use cosmetic products from the same line?
- You do not necessarily need to use products from the same line. You can switch to or add products from a different line depending on your skin condition and the way you feel when using the products. However, products from the same line are well-balanced in terms of ingredients and sensation. They are also designed to work better as a series. So you can expect better effects by using products from the same line.
- Why should I use Balancing Milk before toner?
- Albion's Balancing Milk works best when you use it after cleansing because it delivers moisture and softens the skin instead of creating a barrier. Moisture is what skin needs right after cleansing. We recommend application of Balancing Milk after cleansing to maintain the moisture balance.
Labels
- I purchased Balancing Milk and found there were different types of alcohol listed among the ingredients.
- Currently, the ingredients referred to as "XX alcohol" on cosmetic product labels (e.g. "cetearyl alcohol," "behenyl alcohol," "stearyl alcohol" and "lauryl alcohol") are classified as alcohol in terms of their molecular structure. However, they are different from the so-called "alcohol" contained in alcoholic beverages and in disinfectants in that they are oily ingredients that soften the skin by way of smooth penetration with a light sensation. (When so-called "alcohol" of the kind found in alcoholic beverages and disinfectants is included in a cosmetic product, it is labeled as "ethanol.")
Also, the type and amount of alcohol in cosmetic products is carefully considered to ensure safety and gentle effects on skin. - What are UV inhibitors?
- UV inhibitors include UV scattering agents and UV absorbers. Sunscreen products include either or both ingredient(s). UV scattering agents, mainly in powder form, blocks ultraviolet radiation through diffuse reflection, preventing it from reaching the inner skin. UV absorbers absorb ultraviolet radiation, turn it into heat and release it away from the skin's surface, preventing any negative effects from reaching the inner skin. The safety of these ingredients for skin is confirmed, and you can use the products without worrying that your skin will readily absorb ultraviolet rays or that the products will cause heat to be generated on your skin.
- What are surfactants?
- Surfactants are ingredients that facilitate the mixing of substances that do not mix evenly by themselves (e.g. oil and water, water and powder). They are necessary to mix various active ingredients used in cosmetic products. They can also be found in other products used in daily life (e.g. food). For example, mayonnaise is a mixture of water and oil. Surfactants enable the two substances to be mixed evenly, maintaining the product quality. Among the many types of surfactants, only the safest ones, those that have passed rigorous safety inspections, are used in cosmetic products.
- What does "SPF value" mean?
- The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the extent to which a product can delay sunburn due to UV-B. For example, an SPF of 10 (or 20) allows the wearer to stay in the sun for 10 (or 20) times longer to acquire the same level of suntan as unprotected skin.
- What does "PA value" mean?
- PA (protection grade of UV-A) shows the extent to which cosmetic products protect users from UV-A, which penetrates the skin more deeply and over time causes the skin to lose elasticity. Products are labeled as either PA+ (some protection), PA++ (moderate protection), PA+++ (good protection) or PA++++ (extremely good protection).
- What are medicated cosmetic products?
- Some cosmetic products are labeled "medicated products." These products are positioned between cosmetic products and medical products. They are approved products with active ingredients that have been proven effective for certain conditions (e.g. preventing rough skin, dark spots, freckles and acne) based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. They also need to guarantee their safety in order to be approved as medicated products. While these products are often called "medical" cosmetics, they are designed only for prevention.
- What specifically is meant by "Please stop using the product if it does not suit your skin"?
- Cosmetic products are made with careful consideration for the safety of your skin, so that regular use will not cause any irritation or problems. However, skin may experience irregularities (e.g. glow, itchiness, redness, pain, swelling) during use or when directly exposed to the sun after use of cosmetic products, depending on the season and the user's physical characteristics/health and age. Such symptoms are included in the statement "If (the product) does not suit your skin" on the label of a cosmetic product. The instructions further call on users to stop using the product immediately to prevent any worsening of such symptoms.
Problems
- My child ingested the cream (accidental poisoning).
- Ingredients of cosmetic products, including creams, are quite safe. Therefore, it is not particularly dangerous if a person accidentally eats or drinks them. If you are still concerned, please contact our customer service department or consult a doctor (please take the relevant cosmetic product with you when you go to the doctor). Please also keep cosmetic products out of reach of children and make sure to close the cap after using them.
Note: The above notwithstanding, nail polishes and removers are extremely dangerous since they may cause inflammation of the mucous membranes. Please do not put them in your mouth. Should that happen, please consult a doctor immediately. - What specifically is meant by "Please stop using the product if it does not suit your skin"?
- Cosmetic products are made with careful consideration for the safety of your skin, so that regular use will not cause any irritation or problems. However, skin may experience irregularities (e.g. glow, itchiness, redness, pain, swelling) during use or when directly exposed to the sun after use of cosmetic products, depending on the season and the user's physical characteristics/health and age. Such symptoms are included in the statement "If (the product) does not suit your skin" on the label of a cosmetic product. The instructions further call on users to stop using the product immediately to prevent any worsening of such symptoms.
- What should I do if a product irritates my skin?
- If your skin reacts badly (e.g. itchiness, redness, pain, swelling) during or immediately after using a cosmetic product or when directly exposed to the sun immediately after use, please note the following and consult a dermatologist as soon as possible:
(1) Stop using the product immediately and rinse the area with cold or lukewarm water.
(2) Cool the symptomatic area with water and repeat several times.
(3) Avoid direct exposure to the sun, get plenty of rest.
(4) Avoid alcohol, tobacco, spices and other stimulants.
(5) Do not color or perm your hair.
Stores
- At which store can I buy your products?
- For information on stores handling Albion products, please check our store list or contact our customer service department.
- Where can I get product samples?
- We provide samples after counseling to ensure we get the best products into the hands of each customer. Please contact your nearest Albion stockist. (Please note that the number of available samples may be limited.)
- Where can I get your brochure?
- Please contact our customer service department or your nearest Albion stockist. Please note that the number of available brochures may be limited.
Other
- Other inquiries
- Please contact us from Inquiry Form.
- Where can I ask questions about your products (how to use, labels, product quality and storing, troubles)?
- For product inquiries, please directly contact a store in our store list or go to the "Contact Us" section of our website.
- How can I make a complaint about your products?
- If you experience any problem with a product after purchase, please directly contact the store where you made the initial purchase for a return, exchange and/or refund.
- How can I do business with Albion?
- Unfortunately, Albion products are handled only by our international branches and contracted agencies.
- Who should I contact regarding recruitment at Albion?
- Regarding recruitment, please go to the "Contact Us" section of our website.