• Full name: DHC Corporation
• Founded: 1972
• Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
• Industry: Cosmetics, skincare, health foods, dietary supplements, personal care
• Founder: Yoshiaki Yoshida
• Core business: Beauty, health, wellness, and lifestyle products
• Primary markets: Japan, Asia, North America, and selected international markets2

DHC was originally established in 1972 as Daigaku Honyaku Center (“University Translation Center”), providing translation services for academic institutions and research organisations. The initials DHC are derived from this original company name.3 The company’s development includes the following milestones:

• 1972: Founded as a translation company.
• 1980: Entered the cosmetics industry with the launch of Olive Virgin Oil, its first skincare product.
• 1983: Started a mail-order business that became one of Japan’s largest direct sales operations.
• 1995: Expanded into dietary supplements and established overseas operations.
• 1995: Introduced the now-famous Deep Cleansing Oil.
• 2000s: Expanded into pharmaceuticals, food products, apparel, pet products, and retail stores.
• 2022: Celebrated its 50th anniversary.
• 2023–2024: Introduced a new corporate identity and brand purpose focused on promoting everyday health and well-being.4

DHC emphasises the combination of Japanese beauty traditions with modern scientific research. The company focuses on high-quality ingredients, affordable pricing, daily skincare routines, natural botanical extracts, and products designed for long-term skin and health maintenance. Its current corporate purpose is “Elevating Happiness Every Day,” reflecting its focus on health, beauty, and everyday wellness.5

DHC offers a broad portfolio across multiple categories.

Skincare

• Cleansing oils
• Facial cleansers
• Moisturisers
• Lotions
• Serums
• Masks
• Sunscreens
• Lip care

Cosmetics

• Foundations
• Powders
• Lipsticks
• Eyeliners
• Mascaras
• Makeup removers

Health Supplements

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fish oil (DHA/EPA)
• Collagen
• Coenzyme Q10
• Hyaluronic acid
• Herbal supplements

Personal Care

• Hair care
• Body care
• Oral care

Other Products

• Functional foods
• Pharmaceuticals (Japan)
• Apparel (historically)
• Pet products (Japan)6

Some of DHC’s most recognised products include:

• Deep Cleansing Oil: An olive oil–based cleanser known for effectively removing makeup and sunscreen.
• Olive Virgin Oil: The brand’s original skincare product.
• Lip Cream: One of Japan’s best-selling medicated lip balms.
• Vitamin C Supplements
• Collagen Supplements
• Protein Diet: Meal replacement products.7

DHC products often feature olive oil, aloe vera, rice bran, green tea, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and various botanical extracts. The company states that it combines carefully sourced natural ingredients with modern manufacturing and quality control processes.8

DHC became well known in Japan through its direct-to-consumer mail-order business, later expanding into online shopping, company-owned retail stores, drugstores, department stores, and international distributors. According to the company, it has more than 16 million registered mail-order customers in Japan.9

DHC products are sold in numerous countries and regions, including Japan, the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Europe (through selected distributors). Availability varies by region, with products sold through local retailers and online marketplaces.10

DHC is widely recognised as one of Japan’s major beauty brands and is particularly respected for its cleansing oils, lip care, affordable skincare, dietary supplements, and long-standing mail-order business. Its products have received numerous beauty awards and remain popular among consumers interested in Japanese skincare.11

The company has faced significant public criticism over statements made by its founder and former chairman, Yoshiaki Yoshida, including remarks widely condemned as discriminatory towards ethnic Koreans and other groups. These statements prompted backlash from consumers, advocacy organisations, and retailers in several markets. The controversy has been associated with the company’s leadership rather than the performance or formulation of its products.12

Today, DHC remains one of Japan’s most established beauty and wellness companies. Its strengths include decades of product development, a large domestic customer base, and globally recognised products such as Deep Cleansing Oil and Lip Cream. The company continues to position itself around the themes of quality, affordability, and everyday health and beauty.

1. Company History / DHC Corporation
2. Our Story – The #1 Direct Skincare Brand from Japan | DHC
3. Message from Management / DHC Corporation
4. The Origin of DHC Was ‘○○○’!｜DHC公式note
5. DHC Thoughts / DHC Corporation
6. Another racist statement from DHC’s CEO
7. [News] Japanese beauty company DHC under fire AGAIN for CEO Yoshiaki Yoshida’s comments against Koreans.
8. The DHC Official Note is now live.｜DHC公式note
9. 会社沿革｜株式会社ディーエイチシー（DHC）
10. DHC Corporation
11. DHCの想い｜株式会社ディーエイチシー（DHC）
12. 代表メッセージ｜株式会社ディーエイチシー（DHC）