John Bell & Croyden has launched its first Japanese beauty brand, introducing a three-product skincare collection made in Kyoto with ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers.
Ruiia Kyoto’s cleanser, cream and serum feature ingredients including Uji green tea, Kyoto honey and sake lees, a by-product of sake production. The brand works with fifth-generation tea farmer Kenta Hosoi in the Uji Hills and the Okazaki family, third-generation beekeepers in Kyotango.
Founded in 2024 by Emily Dorling, Ruiia Kyoto develops and produces its skincare in Japan, working with cosmetic laboratories and regional partners. The range takes inspiration from Kyoto Prefecture’s traditional arts and natural landscape, with hinoki oil giving the products a woody scent without synthetic fragrance.
Emily Dorling, co-founder of Ruiia Kyoto, said: “The farmers and producers we work with have been practising their craft for generations. Many are in their seventies and eighties, carrying an understanding of ingredients that is deeply embedded in place, season and tradition. We wanted to create skincare that honours that knowledge and the people behind it.
“That care extends to how each product feels to use. Our range is free from parabens, sulphates and synthetic fragrance, and our products are not tested on animals. We hope people enjoy taking a little time for themselves with each step of their skincare routine.”
Ruiia Kyoto also draws on mottainai, the Japanese principle of valuing resources and avoiding waste. The brand uses ingredients such as sake lees to give materials from traditional production another purpose.
Alexander Johnston, General Manager at John Bell & Croyden, said: “We’re excited to introduce Japanese beauty to John Bell & Croyden for the first time. Ruiia Kyoto brings together carefully sourced ingredients, Japanese craftsmanship and a real sense of ritual. It’s a lovely addition to our skincare collection for customers who want products that feel as special to use as they look on the shelf.”
The Ruiia Kyoto collection
- The Cleanser, 150ml — £46: A gentle daily cleanser with rice bran and sake lees (sakekasu) that removes impurities while leaving skin feeling soft and calm.
- The Cream, 50ml — £58: A lightweight moisturiser designed to provide lasting hydration and leave skin feeling plump and supple.
- The Serum, 37ml — £68: A serum featuring sake lees, matcha, Japanese maple (momiji) and grapes, designed to provide antioxidant care and leave skin looking more radiant.
