The New "Hidaka Kombu Face Mask": Harnessing the Rich Bounty of the Sea
The Hidaka Kombu Face Mask is the newest addition to SHIRO's face mask series, which has been meticulously crafted to hydrate the skin with the pure power of natural ingredients.
A Natural Evolution
Due to the effects of global warming, rising sea temperatures, and reduced rainfall, the annual harvest of Gagome Kombu, one of our signature natural ingredients, has been in steady decline. As we faced challenges in ensuring a stable supply of this ingredient, we discovered a new natural resource. Hidaka Kombu, which promised to deliver the same deep hydration and skin benefits in a sustainable way.
A Different Skin Experience
Renowned for its rich content of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A—Hidaka Kombu supports the skin’s innate vitality. The extract features a light, refreshing texture with exceptional water-retaining properties. Wanting to create a different feel from the rich, thick texture of Gagome Kombu, we spent countless hours refining the formula, ensuring it offers a unique skincare experience.
A Sensory Experience
From the moment you apply the mask, you’ll be enveloped in the gentle scent of the natural ingredients, leaving both your skin and mind feeling nourished and refreshed. With every use, you’ll witness your skin’s natural radiance shine through. Indulge in the soothing sensation of SHIRO’s Hidaka Kombu Face Mask.
October 16, 2025 Available at at SHIRO US Online Store
PRODUCT LINEUP
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HIDAKA KOMBU FACE MASK
$24 / 3 Sheets
$55 / 14 Sheets
STORY
The Story Behind the Mask
The Hidaka Kombu Face Mask was born out of necessity. With the decline of our signature natural ingredient, Gagome Kombu, we faced the challenge of continuing to deliver high-quality skincare without depleting natural resources. That’s when we discovered Hidaka Kombu.
The story of this remarkable ingredient began with Momoe Osuna, a young student entrepreneur. She reached out to SHIRO with a unique opportunity: “In Hiroo Town, Hokkaido, the shores are covered with washed-up Hidaka Kombu.” This discovery sparked a new challenge, creating a product that could bring out the full potential of this underutilized resource.
A Vision for the Future
Born in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, and raised by her great-grandfather, a kombu fisherman, Momoe Osuna has always felt a deep connection to kombu. Driven by her vision of creating a circular economy based on kombu, she founded her company, e-Combu, while still a university student.
However, her dreams extend far beyond the oceans. During a high school trip to the U.S., she witnessed a space shuttle launch and was struck by the harsh realities of homelessness in the city. This experience ignited a passion to address social issues on earth before pursuing her dream of space travel.
She shared her conviction:
“If I were to go to space without addressing at least one social issue on earth, I felt I couldn’t truly admire the planet. I wanted to do something good for the earth first, so that when I finally look back at it from space, I can feel proud.”
A Circular Approach to Sustainability
In university, Momoe began studying entrepreneurship with a focus on social issues and reducing waste from overlooked resources. This led her back to the kombu she had seen washed ashore since childhood. Earlier this year, she moved to Hiroo, where she collaborates with local fishermen to repurpose kombu that would otherwise be discarded, making it available for use in products like skincare.
The Hidaka Kombu used in SHIRO’s face mask comes from e-Combu’s partnership with the fishermen of Hiroo Town. To fully unlock its potential, e-Combu grinds the kombu into a fine powder before it’s processed into skincare. Momoe continues to explore new ways to use kombu beyond food, envisioning a future where kombu thrives in the oceans and supports marine ecosystems.
“If one day I get to space and see the fishing lights for kombu glowing from earth, that would be the most beautiful sight.”
A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
e-Combu is a company that reimagines how we can make the most of limited resources. By transforming washed-up Hidaka Kombu into a premium skincare product, we join forces in creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both the environment and your skin.
The Hidaka Kombu Face Mask is a product born of this shared vision. We hope it brings a new source of joy and nourishment to your everyday skincare routine.