‘Mochi skin’ is everywhere and one of the latest skincare trends we’re going to talk about. Forget glass skin, moisture sandwiching and skin flooding, this trend is all about trying to achieve a complexion resembling the much-loved dessert.
What is mochi skin?
Mochi skin is a term originating from Japanese beauty culture and refers to a complexion that is smooth, soft, plump and bouncy. Does that sound familiar? Well, it takes its name from the popular Japanese dessert – a soft, chewy Japanese rice cake.
The mochi skin trend is characterized by intensely hydrated skin with a velvety finish, giving the complexion a healthy and youthful glow. Unlike some beauty trends that focus on a matte or ultra-glossy appearance, mochi skin is all about achieving a natural, fresh, and well-moisturized look.
What does mochi skin look like?
Mochi skin looks as the popular dessert does: smooth, dewy, and bouncy!
- Smooth texture: The complexion appears even, soft and with minimal pores, just like the surface of mochi.
- Plump and bouncy skin: The skin is well-moisturized, leading to a full, supple appearance of the skin.
- Radiant glow: This isn’t about a blinding glow; the mochi skin trend gives a natural dewy glow to the skin.
- Silky soft finish: The complexion has a velvety feel and doesn’t look oily or greasy.
How to get mochi skin
Much like all skin trends, what underpins mochi skin is actually taking care of your skin and prioritising the health of your natural skin barrier. Using products which truly nourish your skin and are formulated with natural, vegan ingredients helps to maintain your skin barrier and set you on the road to mochi skin.
1. Support your skin barrier
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and has the important job of protecting you from external stressors. Playing a huge role in this is your skin barrier, which helps to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, while preventing toxins from damaging the skin.
Replacing lost moisture with a consistent routine helps to restore your skin barrier. Our UpCircle experts recommend using skincare products that contain humectants – like glycerin and hyaluronic acid – that work by pulling moisture from the air and locking it into the skin.
Product pick: Hydrating Face Toner
Our fan-favorite Face Toner is formulated with both hyaluronic acid and glycerin, humectants that help prevent the skin from losing moisture due to evaporation. Working to balance and protect the skin, our Face Toner helps to clear pores and keep blackheads at bay – essential for the silky smooth appearance of mochi skin.
Leaving the skin feeling plump and hydrated, our natural Face Toner also helps the skin appear bright and refreshed.
How to use: After cleansing, apply to fingertips or cleansing pad and gently sweep over face. This product can also be used as a mist: spritz over the face at any time to revitalize. YouTube Video.
2. Focus on hydration
For plump, radiant skin, there’s only one way to go – hydration, hydration, and more hydration!
Layering different layers of moisture helps to ensure that not only are the active ingredients effectively absorbed by the skin, but the hit of moisture that’s been provided is maintained.
Product pick: Elasticity Boosting Duo
Our all-new Elasticity Boosting Duo contains both our Peptide Serum and our Face Moisturizer.
After using your toner, use a water-based serum packed with skin-loving ingredients. Our Peptide Serum is clinically proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% over the course of 14 days. Skin elasticity is important for mochi skin and that’s what helps give the appearance of plumper skin.
This Peptide Serum works to boost collagen in the skin and improve hydration levels, while also helping to heal scars and regenerate the skin.
How to use: Apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage into the skin. Apply before moisturizer to allow hydrating properties to seep into your skin.
Afterwards, it’s time to use a light moisturizer that nourishes, soothes and balances the skin.
Our Face Moisturizer with Vitamin E helps to boost collagen production, which is essential for a healthy skin barrier. Suitable for all skin types, this moisturizer is formulated with upcycled finely-ground powder of discarded argan shells, a natural by-product of the argan oil industry that is rich in antioxidant Vitamin E.
How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin. Massage until the cream absorbs.
3. Use face masks
For refreshed and balanced skin, use a detoxifying Face Mask a few times per week. Not only does it feel like a treat, your skin will be left feeling cleansed and refreshed.
Multi award-winning, this clarifying kaolin clay face mask is suitable for all skin types. Olive powder is combined with rejuvenating white kaolin clay, coconut powder and baobab oil to nourish your skin.
The olive powder used in this mask is upcycled from discarded olive stones, a natural by-product of the olive oil industry and a powerful anti-inflammatory.
How to use: Apply the mask to damp skin in a thin layer and relax for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water or a damp cloth to reveal fresh, cleansed skin. Suitable for use several times a week.
Glass skin vs mochi skin
Glass skin is another beauty trend – one originating in Korean beauty (K-beauty) – focusing on obtaining luminous, smooth and clear skin. While mochi skin also focuses on the smoothness of skin, it also prioritizes plump, youthful skin.
Both glass skin and mochi skin are achieved with consistent care, focusing on improving your overall skin health and skin barrier.
Discover our full range of organic, sustainable skincare to support your skin barrier.