These cold-processed travel soaps are handmade by Mutenka Sekken Honpo, a brand established by Marubishi Natural Soap Factory Co Ltd, which has been producing natural soaps in the Miki District, Hyōgo Prefecture since 1955. The soap is cut into smaller travel-size pieces which are wrapped individually for ease of transport. Each piece is sized for two-to-three uses on the face, body, and hair, a convenient size for a short trip. The travel-sized soaps are produced in variations of sakura (cherry blossom), sake, and rice bran.
Sakura – The soap has the distinct and delicate aroma of sakura, extracted from the leaves of flowering cherry trees. The scent is described as similar to sakura mochi, a springtime confectionary made from light pink coloured glutinous rice with a sweet red bean paste centre that is wrapped in a salt-pickled sakura leaf. The light pink hue of the soap is derived from powdered natural red clay that has pore-cleansing properties and which creates a firm texture within the rich foam.
Sake – The soap’s key ingredient, sake, is renowned for its benefits for the skin. There are stories of how the hands of tōji, (master brewers) are smooth and youthful due to the enzymes and amino acids encountered during the brewing process. It is also made up of a range of oils, such as camelia oil from the Gotō Islands containing oleic acid, a natural moisturiser, sesame oil and castor oil, which aid the lather and add to the moisturising effect of the soap and hinoki, Japanese cypress oil that adds a subtle aroma, known for properties that help with relaxation.
Rice Bran – The rice bran soap is rich in nutrients such as γ(Gamma)-Oryzanol, Vitamin B, and Vitamin E, which are said to be nourishing for the skin. The brand of pesticide-free Kobe Rice, is sourced from Koike Farm in Hasetani, which has a focused fertilizer plan that works with the climate of Kobe to produce high nutritional value, and strong flavours of umami and sweetness. The rice is processed through a machine specialized for threshing at a low temperature over a period of two days, preserving a high level of nutrients in the rice bran.
Sakura Travel Soap – Ingredients contain palm kernel oil, water, olive oil, sodium hydroxide, rice bran oil, palm oil, kaolin, cherry leaf extract, coumarin, BG (derived from sugarcane).
Has a subtle scent of sakura.
Recommended for cleansing pores and scalp for a refreshing and smooth finish.
It can be used for hair, skin, and face.
Avoid storing in places where the soap is submerged in water over a long period.
The soap can be stored for up to three years and should be kept in an enclosed container for prolonged aroma and colour.
As a handmade product, colour and shape may differ depending on the soap.
The soap may produce a white powder-like residue or moisture, however these are part of the soap and should be used.
Sake Travel Soap – Ingredients contain palm kernel oil, water, palm oil, olive oil, sodium hydroxide, sesame oil, castor oil, rice bran oil, rice fermented liquid, camellia oil and cypress oil.
Recommended for dry skin.
It can be used for hair, skin, and face.
The soap itself does not smell of sake, so suitable for children and adults who dislike the aroma of sake.
Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight.
As a handmade product, colour and shape may differ depending on the soap.
The soap may produce a white powder-like residue or moisture, however these are part of the soap and should be used.
Rice Bran Travel Soap – Ingredients contain palm oil, water, sodium hydroxide, rice bran oil, olive oil and rice bran.
Recommended for sensitive and dry skin.
Can be used for hair, skin and face.
As a handmade product, colour and shape may differ depending on the soap.
The soap may produce a white powder-like residue or moisture, however these are part of the soap and should be used.
