Chifure is a Japanese drugstore brand known for low prices and unusually open labelling, and its Moisture Gel is the product most often recommended to newcomers. It promises to replace six steps (lotion, serum, milky lotion, cream, mask and makeup base) with one jar of gel. That’s a big claim for a simple formula, so we looked closely at what’s inside.
Quick verdict: a well-priced, fragrance-free hydrating gel with a clear, glycerin-led formula and a disclosed ingredient breakdown. It works best as a light moisturiser for normal, combination and oily skin. It isn’t a true replacement for a serum with actives or for a rich cream on dry skin.
How we reviewed it: this review is based on the manufacturer’s published ingredient breakdown, retailer and brand information and general ingredient research. EwaGlow has not run its own hands-on test of this product, and we don’t report personal results.
Product Overview
- Brand: Chifure Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Japan.
- Product: Chifure Moisture Gel (also sold as “All in One Moisture Gel”).
- Size: 108 g jar; a refill pack is sold separately.
- Approximate price: about ¥800 before tax in Japan (refill about ¥700), according to a Japanese retail guide. Prices abroad depend on importers, so check current listings.
- Advertised benefits: six functions in one (lotion, serum, milky lotion, cream, mask and makeup base), moisturising without stickiness.
- Intended for: people who want a quick, minimal, budget-friendly hydration step.
The source article also mentions a blue “whitening” version. We focus on the standard moisture version here; formulas differ, so check which one you’re buying.
Key Ingredients & Benefits
Chifure is unusual in listing approximate percentages for its ingredients. A Japanese retailer’s listing shows the following breakdown.
Glycerin (11.12%) and butylene glycol (6.25%)
These two humectants make up the backbone of the formula. Glycerin is one of the best-studied moisturising ingredients: it draws water into the outer layer of the skin and supports barrier function. A concentration above 10% is substantial for a gel.
Hyaluronic acid, trehalose and scutellaria root extract
Sodium hyaluronate (0.05%) and hydrolysed hyaluronic acid (0.01%) add further water-binding, while trehalose (0.23%), a sugar, also helps hold moisture. Scutellaria root extract is included at an unstated “appropriate” amount. These are supporting players; the heavy lifting comes from glycerin.
Light emollients
Triethylhexanoin (1.40%) and diphenyl dimethicone (1.00%) add a little slip and softness without making the gel greasy. The low oil content is why it suits oily skin, and also why it may not be enough for very dry skin on its own.
Sensitivity notes
The retail listing shows no added fragrance, and the brand says the gel is alcohol-free. It does contain methylparaben (0.21%) as a preservative, which is permitted at this level in major markets but avoided by some shoppers. As with any new product, patch test first.
Texture, Packaging & Experience
Brand and retailer descriptions point to a smooth, light gel that spreads easily and absorbs without stickiness. It comes in a simple jar, so use clean fingers or a spatula, and close the lid tightly. A refill pack reduces cost and packaging over time. We haven’t verified the feel or finish ourselves.
Performance & Results
A glycerin-rich gel can be expected to hydrate the skin’s surface, help it feel softer, and provide a smooth base under makeup. That matches the brand’s core claims.
The “six-in-one” claim needs context. The gel can stand in for a toner, a light moisturiser and a primer-like base. However, it contains no targeted actives (such as vitamin C, retinoids or niacinamide), so it doesn’t replace a treatment serum. On dry or mature skin, it may also need a richer cream on top, especially in cold or air-conditioned environments. We have no independent clinical or user-panel data for this product.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Transparent labelling with ingredient percentages, which is rare.
- High glycerin content for effective, simple hydration.
- No added fragrance and alcohol-free, per the brand and listing.
- Low price and a refill option.
Cons
- No targeted actives, so “all-in-one” is a stretch.
- Likely too light on its own for very dry skin.
- Jar packaging and paraben preservative won’t suit everyone.
Price & Value
At around ¥800 for 108 g in Japan, it costs less than many basic moisturisers, and the refill lowers the cost further. Even with import mark-ups, it’s usually good value for a fragrance-free hydrating gel. If you need treatment benefits, budget for a separate serum.
Who Is It For?
- Good fit: normal, combination and oily skin; hot or humid climates; minimal routines; anyone who prefers fragrance-free basics.
- Consider alternatives: very dry or mature skin (look for a richer cream with ceramides or oils), and anyone avoiding parabens.
Final Verdict
Chifure Moisture Gel is a simple, honest hydrator: a high-glycerin, fragrance-free gel with clearly disclosed ingredients and a low price. Treat it as an easy moisturising step rather than six products in one. It’s worth considering for normal to oily skin and minimal routines; dry skin will likely need more. We haven’t given a numerical rating because we haven’t tested it ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use it instead of a moisturiser?
For normal, combination or oily skin, often yes. Dry skin will usually need a richer cream on top.
Can I wear it under makeup?
The brand lists “makeup base” as one of its functions. Let it absorb for a minute before applying foundation.
Does it replace a serum?
Not if you want targeted results. It hydrates but contains no actives for dark spots, lines or breakouts.