What is Shiseido Future Solution LX Concentrated Balancing Softener

What a softener is in Shiseido's routine

Shiseido builds its skincare around six steps, which its listings name as cleanse, soften, strengthen, treat, moisturize, protect. The softener is the second step. In Western routines this slot is usually called toner; in many Japanese routines it is called lotion or softener. The idea is the same: a watery product applied right after cleansing, before the thicker steps.

Future Solution LX is Shiseido's top-tier line. Its listings mention the brand's LonGenevity Complex, which Shiseido describes as including Enmei Herb, Vitamin C, Green Tea and Skingenecell 1P, a proprietary amino acid derivative. Those descriptions come from the creams in the line. For the softener itself, read the ingredient list on the box; our ingredient list guide explains how.

Texture and feel

Softeners are liquids. Expect a thin lotion that pours from the bottle rather than a gel or cream. Compared with an essence such as SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, a softener plays a similar early role, but brands position them differently. Our essence vs toner page explains how these watery steps compare.

Because it is so light, the softener does not replace a moisturizer. In the Future Solution LX routine, the cream steps come later: Total Regenerating Cream at night and Total Protective Cream SPF 30 in the morning.

How to apply the softener

Japanese brands, Shiseido included, often show lotions and softeners applied with a cotton pad. The box for your bottle will say which method Shiseido recommends, and that direction takes priority over any general advice. The hands method uses less product. Our essence application guide covers both methods in more detail.

1. 1

   Cleanse your face and pat it dry.

2. 2

   Moisten a cotton pad with softener until it is damp throughout but not dripping.

3. 3

   Sweep the pad gently over the face from the center outward: forehead, cheeks, nose, chin.

4. 4

   Finish over the neck with upward sweeps.

5. 5

   If you prefer your hands, pour a coin-size amount into your palm and press it over the face instead.

6. 6

   Wait until the skin no longer feels wet, then continue with serum.

Note.The Restorative Ritual listing gives only general directions: use as directed in the morning and evening. Follow the printed instructions that come with each item in the set.

Where it fits with the rest of Future Solution LX

Here is the line in Shiseido's six-step order, using the products in our Shiseido Future Solution LX guide. Not every step has a product on Amazon, and you do not have to use every step.

See every Future Solution LX product →

How to buy it: the Restorative Ritual set

A standalone Future Solution LX softener is not among the listings in our guides. The way to get it here is the Shiseido Future Solution LX Restorative Ritual, listed at $305 with a stated $446 value. The listing says it includes Extra Rich Cleansing Foam, Softener, Serum and a full-size Total Regenerating Cream. That price matches the full-size Total Regenerating Cream on its own, so the set adds three steps for the same spend.

The catch is that the listing does not state the sizes of the cleanser, softener and serum, so you cannot work out a price per ml for the softener. If size matters, check the brand's own site before you buy. Our gift set guide and are skincare gift sets worth it explain how to judge sets.

Frequently asked questions

Is Shiseido softener the same as toner? It fills the same slot in the routine: a watery product after cleansing and before serum. Shiseido names the step soften.

Do I use the softener morning and night? The Restorative Ritual listing says to use the set in the morning and evening. Check the box of the softener itself for specific directions.

Can I use the softener with other brands? Yes. It is one step in a routine; you can follow it with any serum and cream. Keep the thin-to-thick order shown in our routine order guide.

Where can I read more about the line? See how to use Shiseido Future Solution LX and what is Shiseido Legendary Enmei.