Kao’s Biore UV Aqua Rich Airy Hold Cream Wins Beauty Grand Prize in Nikkei Trendy’s 2026 First-Half Hit Awards

Kao’s Biore UV Aqua Rich Airy Hold Cream, also known as “Breathable Veil UV,” received the Beauty Grand Prize in Nikkei Trendy’s June 2026 issue feature, “2026 First-Half Hit Awards.” The product surpassed 2 million units in cumulative shipments within three months of launch and has been well received as a new-feel sunscreen whose film thickness changes according to humidity. In the same issue’s “2026 Second-Half Breakout Forecast,” Biore Ouchi de Esthe Deep Clay Facial Wash won the Beauty Excellence Award. Biore UV Aqua Rich Airy Hold Cream was developed in response to rising skin stress caused by increased UV exposure and changes in temperature and humidity. In addition to strong UV protection, Kao’s proprietary technology adjusts the film thickness depending on humidity, helping the product feel non-sticky outdoors in humid heat while remaining comfortable in dry indoor environments. Its close-fitting souffle cream texture feels airy when dispensed and juicy as it spreads, attracting attention since its February 2026 launch as a new value proposition against UV-related skin stress. Biore Ouchi de Esthe Deep Clay Facial Wash, launched in April 2026, is a facial cleanser designed to break down even hidden pore plugs and care for dark pore impurities. As awareness of pore concerns has grown, Kao focused on blackhead-like pore dirt and adopted Japan’s first pore-plug breakdown boost cleansing technology, which helps cleansing ingredients penetrate deeply into pore plugs. The product has surpassed 500,000 units in cumulative shipments. Biore will continue to view skin as a human interface and develop products and initiatives that expand people’s connection with society through the skin.