FAQ

 If radioactive substances derived from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant in 2011 could be detected in Matsuyama’s products, if any, they are raw materials and packing materials. With regard to water, among all materials, our Sumida Factory (in Tokyo) uses tap water of Tokyo as raw water, and our Fujikawaguchiko Factory (in Yamanashi Prefecture) uses underground water pumped up from 200 m below ground. The Bureau of Waterworks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Town of Fujikawaguchiko regularly measure radioactive substances and release the results on their websites. We keep a close watch on this data, news reports, etc. and confirm that the waters are safe to use. Most raw material plants, from which extracts, oils, and fats are taken, are distributed as food. Since the aforementioned accident, we have investigated the areas (prefectures) of origin of raw materials using plants of Japanese origin, including wildflowers and natural vegetation, and used them after confirming that they do not fall under the “items and areas covered by inspection plans, delivery restrictions, etc.” established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. If any raw material falling under these items or areas is found, we (1) immediately switch it to a raw material of another origin, or (2) if no alternative raw material is available, use the raw material concerned after confirming that the raw material manufacturer investigated it for radioactive materials and considered it safe to use. Raw materials include clayey substances, such as kaolin and bentonite. These substances can be obtained from deep points under ground, and there is little chance that radioactive substances are detected from them. Even so, we investigate and confirm these substances as in the case of raw material plants as mentioned above before use. Packing materials are manufactured in an indoor isolated, controlled environment, and we determine that they are not contaminated by radioactive substances at all at present. In our product manufacturing process, all products are also manufactured in an indoor, controlled environment, and there is little chance that radioactive substances released into the air are contained in our products. Matsuyama continues to collect correct information and take appropriate actions to provide customers with products that are safe for them to use.
[Reference]Views of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association about the safety of cosmetics etc.

When choosing ingredients, in addition to safety and hypoallergenicity, we prioritize ingredients that do not put an excessive burden on the environment and those that have a high biodegradability.

Manufactured in Japan. Matsuyama Yushi Sumida Plant (Sumida-ku, Tokyo), Fuji-Kawaguchiko Plant and Fuji-Kawaguchiko Laboratory (Fuji-Kawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture).

The natural moisturizing factor, Glycerin, which is originally contained in the natural oil and fat used as raw material, remains moderately in the soap body. It will not strip away even necessary sebum that protects the skin and relieve the tight and dry feelings after washing. Soap is the only cleaning agent contained and it will rinse off the dirts and waste products quickly. Also, the cleaning agent will not remain on the skin. It will give a fresh feeling after washing and remove oiliness.

he milling method is the process of drying, mixing, kneading, and finishing scooped-up soap body using a machine in a short time. The frame kneading method, on the other hand, produces soap by pouring liquid-state soap into the frame, cooling, solidifying, and cutting it, and finally drying the cut blocks for up to about 60 days. Soap produced by the milling method is somewhat likely to crack and melt but can be offered at a low price. Soap processed by the frame kneading method is less apt to crack and melt because the water content and other substances are volatized and, as a result, crystals increase in density at the stage of drying and aging. Transparent soap, in particular, becomes harder and more transparent at the stage of drying and aging.
Milling method／Frame kneading method

It means that it is free of synthetic surface active agents, mineral oils, perfumes, colorants and preservatives. Our Non-Additive Soap Bar is produced from soap body boiled by the traditional pot boiling method and is blended only with natural vitamin E (labeled as Tocopherol, antioxidant) extracted from soybeans.

The pH values of Matsuyama’s bar soaps, including Additive-Free Soap Bar range from 10.0 to 11.0. One of the causes of the rotting of things is the development of microorganisms, and ordinary microorganisms can come into existence and grow at a pH value between 3.0 and 10.0. The reason our bar soaps do not get rotten although additives are not used is that their pH values are 10.0 or higher.

Matsuyama’s bar soaps, including Additive-Free Soap, are available for shampooing. You may, however, feel creakiness or coarseness peculiar to soap. We hear that persons often feel something different in the feel of use from synthetic shampoos when they shampoo with soap for the first time. Please see the following page for advice about how to use bar soaps. Although bar soaps and liquid shampoos are different in shape, they can be used in the same way. After shampooing, use a conditioner for soap shampoo, such as a PH Balanced Conditioner.