Japanese skincare is often associated with gentle formulas and a less-is-more approach, but SHIMBI METHOD takes things a step further with its ingredient-first philosophy. Instead of hiding behind vague promises, the brand clearly highlights the active ingredients and their concentrations on each product.

I tried the complete collection for two weeks, rotating the serums rather than using everything at once. While two weeks is not long enough to judge major changes in pigmentation or fine lines, I did notice a difference in how smooth, hydrated and balanced my skin felt.

Double Enzyme Face Wash

The Double Enzyme Face Wash combines papaya and protease enzymes with bamboo charcoal and Moroccan lava clay to remove dead skin cells, excess oil and daily buildup.

Despite the charcoal and clay ingredients, the cleanser did not leave my skin feeling stripped or uncomfortably tight. It dispenses as a rich, dense foam, making it quick and convenient to use without the need for vigorous scrubbing.

After two weeks, my skin felt cleaner and smoother, particularly around areas where I tend to experience rough texture. It worked well as an evening cleanser, especially after a long day out in Singapore’s heat and humidity.

However, those with very dry skin may prefer to use it once a day instead of both morning and night.

Brightening Medicated Serum

Of the three serums, this was the easiest to incorporate into my daily routine. It features a 5% arbutin-and-vitamin C pairing, together with 1.1% tranexamic acid and dipotassium glycyrrhizate, targeting dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone.

The milky-water texture feels lightweight but still adds a comfortable layer of moisture. It absorbs easily without leaving a sticky finish, so it also sits well beneath moisturiser and sunscreen.

I did not expect stubborn pigmentation to disappear within two weeks, but my complexion appeared slightly fresher and more even, particularly on days when my skin usually looked tired. Existing post-acne marks were still visible, though they looked a little less pronounced overall.

This would be my pick for anyone looking for a gentle, everyday brightening serum without an overly heavy texture.

Bakuchiol + Retinol Derma Serum

The most interesting product in the collection is the dual-tube Bakuchiol + Retinol Derma Serum. It contains 1% bakuchiol alongside retinol and retinol derivatives, with the two formulas stored separately and dispensed together.

I introduced this gradually, using it at night a few times a week instead of applying it daily. The two textures blend easily in the palms and feel surprisingly nourishing rather than harsh.

After two weeks, the most noticeable change was in my skin texture. My face felt smoother the morning after use and looked slightly more refined. It is still too early to comment on deeper wrinkles or longer-term firming results, but it felt like a relatively approachable introduction to retinol.

As with any retinol product, I would recommend starting slowly, especially if your skin is sensitive, and wearing sunscreen consistently during the day.

Niacinamide 30% Derma Serum

At 30% niacinamide, this is the most concentrated formula in SHIMBI METHOD’s current range. It also contains 14 amino acids and is designed to address visible pores, rough texture, dullness and signs of ageing.

The watery texture absorbs quickly and does not feel greasy. Since the concentration is much higher than many niacinamide serums I have tried, I used only a small amount at night and alternated it with the retinol serum.

Over the two-week trial, my skin appeared less oily around the T-zone and felt smoother to the touch. My pores did not suddenly disappear—no skincare product can truly do that—but they looked slightly less obvious when my skin was well-hydrated.

Those new to niacinamide or with reactive skin should patch-test first and avoid introducing this alongside several other strong active ingredients at the same time.

Moist Clear Derma Cream

Both moisturisers contain five ceramides, urea, four peptides and CICA-derived ingredients, but their textures are designed for different skin needs.

Moist Clear has a lightweight gel consistency that feels especially suitable for combination or oily skin. It absorbs quickly, layers comfortably over the serums and does not leave a heavy film behind.

This was the moisturiser I reached for most often during the day. It provided enough hydration for an air-conditioned environment while still feeling comfortable outdoors in humid weather.

Rich Moist Derma Cream

Rich Moist offers the same core ingredient blend in a thicker, more comforting cream. I preferred using this at night or on areas that felt drier.

Although richer than Moist Clear, it did not feel excessively greasy. By the next morning, my skin felt soft, plump and well-moisturised. It also paired particularly well with the Bakuchiol + Retinol Derma Serum, helping to keep my routine feeling balanced and comfortable.

Those with dry or dehydrated skin will likely prefer Rich Moist, while combination skin users could keep it as a night cream.

The Verdict

After two weeks, the biggest improvement was not a dramatic fading of every spot or line. Instead, my skin felt smoother, better hydrated and more balanced, with a subtle improvement in overall brightness.

The Double Enzyme Face Wash and Moist Clear Derma Cream were the most effortless everyday products, while the Brightening Medicated Serum stood out as the most versatile serum. The retinol formula also impressed me with its thoughtful dual-tube design, although it needs more time before its longer-term results can be properly assessed.

The range makes active ingredients feel relatively straightforward, but that does not mean all three serums need to be used together. Rotating them according to your skin’s needs—and introducing the stronger formulas gradually—is the more sensible approach.

SHIMBI METHOD is available at Watsons, DON DON DONKI and the Mandom Official Store on Shopee, TikTok Shop and Lazada. Prices range from S$17 for the face wash to S$46 for the dual-tube retinol serum.