HISTORY
An 80-year heritage built on quality, trust and innovation
Founded in 1946 by Kozaburo Kobayashi, KOSÉ traces its origins to the establishment of KOBAYASHI Unlimited Partnership in Tokyo’s Oji district. In its early years, KOSÉ introduced an innovative contract sales model, securing advance payments from retailers to fund growth.
Kobayashi travelled extensively across Japan to build participation in the system, personally delivering products nationwide. This approach helped establish trust in the business and laid the foundations for KOSÉ’s enduring philosophy, ‘Mind to Follow the Right Path’.
From the outset, Kobayashi maintained a firm commitment to product excellence. Despite pressures to adopt mass production, KOSÉ prioritised the use of fine raw materials, premium fragrances and meticulous manufacturing standards.
Through the years, the company continuously invested in product development, organisational strength and recruiting talent to ensure competitiveness even as a small enterprise. ‘Quality should be a top priority’, a famous saying from Mr. Kobayashi, remains central to KOSÉ’s ethos.
Kobayashi’s founding spirit and values have been passed down through generations and continue to shape the Group’s global direction.
1946
On 2 March 1946, Kozaburo Kobayashi establishes KOBAYASHI UNLIMITED PARTNERSHIP in Tokyo, now known as KOSÉ Holdings Corporation.
1951
The company launches Perlight Skin Cream, one of its earliest bestsellers. The cream contains photosensitising dyes.
1956
ALBION was founded in March 1956 with the dream of becoming the world’s finest premium cosmetics manufacturer at a time when premium beauty is in its infancy.
1957
KOSÉ introduces LA BONNE, the company’s first premium cosmetics line which is still sold today.
1968
KOSÉ enters the Hong Kong market, the corporation’s first full-scale overseas operation.
1970
The company launches premium brand COSME DECORTE.
The ALPHARD R・C Liquid Precious was one of the very first products of its kind in the cosmetics industry
1971
The Group establishes a Singapore subsidiary called KOSÉ SINGAPORE PTE. LTD, followed by the KOSÉ Malaysia subsidiary in 1972.
1974
KOSÉ launches the Skin Conditioner, a long-running best-selling toner in the portfolio. The toner is released as part of the Grand Duke Essential series.
1975
KOSÉ introduces the pioneering beauty serum ALPHARD R・C Liquid Precious.
1978
ESPRIQUE is launched, offering a mild-acidity product line-up.
1984
KOSÉ establishes subsidiaries in Taiwan and Thailand, further expanding its business in Asia Pacific.
Launched in 1978, Esprique focuses on creating daily makeup and skincare products that help customers achieve “effortless elegance”
1985
KOSÉ launches in Indonesia. This year marked the launch of SEKKISEI, a lotion containing Japanese and Chinese herbal extracts.
1987
The company establishes a Japan-China joint venture called Chun Si Li Co., Ltd. in Hangzhou Zhejiang Province in China, marking the early steps of its entry into the Chinese market.
1991
The company introduces a new corporate identity and changes its name to KOSÉ Corporation. It also reveals a new logo and corporate philosophy.
1992
Launch of DECORTÉ Moisture Liposome; a beauty serum representative of the COSME DECORTÉ brand.
KOSÉ struck an agreement for the makeup licence of JILL STUART in 2005
2001
KOSÉ Corporation establishes local subsidiaries in South Korea and launches in Vietnam.
2003
KOSÉ launches in the Philippines. This year also marks the debut of the STEPHEN KNOLL COLLECTION haircare brand.
2005
The brand enters the licence business through an agreement with JILL STUART, launching a dedicated makeup line.
2007
KOSÉ expands into Myanmar and the UAE.
2009
Makeup brand ADDICTION launches in Japanese department stores. In addition, the company introduces SEKKISEI’s flagship sustainability initiative, SAVE the BLUE, supporting coral-planting and conservation efforts. Even today, a portion of sales continues to fund environmental protection and education programmes in Okinawa and beyond. More on this in pages 11-12.
2012
KOSÉ makes Italian market debut.
SAVE the BLUE was born in 2009. The programme has expanded from Okinawa to Hainan in recent years.
Tarte joins the KOSÉ family in 2014
2013
KOSÉ Corporation India is established, marking the company’s entry into the Indian market.
2014
KOSÉ acquires American cosmetics company Tarte as a wholly owned subsidiary.
2015
This year sees the establishment of KOSÉ America in the USA. The Spawake brand launches in the Indian market.
2016
KOSÉ BRASIL COMÉRCIO DE COSMÉTICOS LTDA. is established.
Spawake makes its Indian market debut
2017
The company launches the KOSÉ Research Institute in Lyon, France.
2020
KOSÉ TRAVEL RETAIL CO., LTD. was born.
2021
Almost three decades since its launch, DECORTÉ introduces the Liposome Advanced Repair Serum. The potent serum contains 1 trillion multi-layer bio-liposomes per drop, marking the first time that DECORTÉ has updated the Moisture Liposome formula.
2023
KOSÉ and luxury hotel group AMAN strike partnership agreement to introduce a high-performance skincare line.
2024
An important year for KOSÉ Corporation as the company establishes Research and Development Laboratories in Paris, France. It also acquires Thai cosmetics company PURI CO., LTD. as a wholly owned subsidiary.
KOSÉ launches the SEKKISEI Brightening Essence Lotion, which contains active ingredients derived from the liquorice plant. The launch marks a renewal of the long-running SEKKISEI Lotion. KOSÉ unveiled new amenity brand called NATURE&CO.
KOSÉ unveils its medium- to-long-term vision, ‘Your Lifelong Beauty Partner’.
2025
KOSÉ introduces SEKKISEI BLUE, a sustainable sister brand to SEKKISEI.
Spotlight Series – May 2026