Japanese skincare brand HADAYOI upcycles sake lees to reduce food loss

Cosmetics manufacturer DMA Co., Ltd., who has a focus on Hokkaido-orign ingredients, and long-established sake brewery Michisakari has launched a new skincare brand named HADAYOI. It upcycles sake lees and rice bran, which are by-products of the sake brewing process, into premium cosmetic ingredients.

Historically, sake lees and rice bran were essential components of the Japanese diet, widely used for pickling and traditional cuisine. However, the westernisation of eating habits in Japan led to a significant decrease in the consumption of these materials. As a result of this shift, a surplus of nutrient-rich by-products that the brewing industry struggled to use effectively. The HADAYOI project provides a solution to this challenge by transforming these leftovers into skincare products, which reduces food loss and revitalises regional resources.

The initial product line includes the HADAYOI Sake Kasu Lotion and the HADAYOI Sake Kasu Rich Cream. Both items feature an alcohol-free formula that combines the moisturising properties of Michisakari sake lees with raw placenta and thermal spring water from Hokkaido. These ingredients aim to improve skin texture and hydration while maintaining a connection to Japanese fermentation traditions.