The origins of Rohto date back to February 22, 1899, when pharmacist Yasutami Yamada founded a pharmaceutical business in Osaka. In its formative years, the enterprise focused on general medicines before gradually building a reputation for specialised eye care formulations. By the early 20th century, eye drops had become a signature product line, helping to establish the brand’s standing throughout Japan.

The modern corporate entity, ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., was formally incorporated on September 15, 1949. Over subsequent decades, the company diversified beyond eye care into skincare, cosmetics, oral healthcare, nutritional supplements, and prescription medicines. International expansion was driven by acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and the establishment of manufacturing facilities across Asia and other global markets.1

• Company Name: ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
• Founded: February 22, 1899
• Established: September 15, 1949
• Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
• Industry: Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Healthcare
• Stock Exchange: Tokyo Stock Exchange (Prime Market)
• Business Areas:
• Eye Care
• Skincare
• Oral Medicine
• Health Foods & Supplements
• Medical Products
• Functional Cosmetics2

Rohto operates across multiple healthcare categories relevant to consumers in Singapore and international markets.

Eye Care

Eye care remains the company’s flagship business segment. Rohto manufactures a comprehensive variety of lubricating, cooling, moisturising, redness-relief, allergy, and contact lens-compatible eye drops. The Rohto eye drop range is particularly noted for its distinctive cooling sensation and innovative dispensing technology.3

Skincare

As one of Asia’s largest skincare manufacturers, Rohto offers a portfolio addressing hydration, acne care, brightening, anti-ageing, and sun protection. Key active ingredients and technologies featured in its skincare lines include:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin C
• Retinol
• Ceramides
• Niacinamide
• UV Protection Technologies

Healthcare

The company’s broader healthcare division produces:

• OTC medicines
• Digestive medicines
• Lip care products
• Oral care solutions
• Nutritional supplements
• Functional foods
• Medical devices

Additionally, Rohto is active in the fields of regenerative medicine and professional healthcare services.

Rohto owns or markets numerous brands that are widely available in Singaporean drugstores and beauty retailers.

Hada Labo

This brand is known for minimalist formulations centred on hydration, utilising multiple types of hyaluronic acid. Popular products include:

• Gokujyun Lotion
• Premium Lotion
• Cleansing Oil
• Hydrating Cream

Melano CC

A vitamin C-based skincare line designed to address dark spots, hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and overall skin brightening. Its most prominent product is the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence.

Mentholatum

Originally an American brand acquired by Rohto, Mentholatum is a staple in the market. The range includes:

• Lip balms
• Acne treatments
• Body care products
• Medicated creams
• Cooling products

Skin Aqua

A sun care brand offering lightweight Japanese sunscreens formulated for daily use in tropical climates.

Obagi

A premium dermatological skincare line that combines pharmaceutical research with cosmetic science.

Rohto Eye Drops

The eye drop portfolio includes numerous series such as:

• Rohto Cool
• Rohto Digi-Eye
• Rohto Lycee
• Rohto Z!
• Rohto V Premium

Rohto invests significantly in research and development across ophthalmology, dermatology, anti-ageing science, stem cell technologies, regenerative medicine, functional foods, and skin microbiome research. Its laboratories focus on integrating pharmaceutical expertise with consumer skincare innovations to develop products suited to diverse market needs.

Rohto maintains manufacturing facilities, research centres, and subsidiaries across Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and Latin America. Major markets include:

• Japan
• China
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• South Korea
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Singapore
• Philippines
• India
• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia

The company continues to expand through acquisitions and partnerships, including investments in traditional medicine and healthcare businesses across Asia.4

Rohto’s long-term management vision, “Connect for Well-being & Longevity,” emphasises improving quality of life through healthcare innovation, preventive medicine, and sustainable business practices. The company aims to combine science, beauty, and health to support healthier, longer lives worldwide.5

Rohto is widely recognised for adhering to high-quality Japanese pharmaceutical standards, producing innovative eye care products, and offering effective yet affordable skincare. The company is also noted for its strong scientific research capabilities, reliable OTC medicines, and extensive distribution network across Asia. Brands such as Hada Labo, Melano CC, Mentholatum, and Skin Aqua have become staples in the global Japanese beauty and skincare market.

Key products in the Rohto portfolio include:

• Rohto Eye Drops
• Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion
• Hada Labo Premium Lotion
• Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence
• Skin Aqua UV Sunscreen
• Mentholatum Lip Ice
• Mentholatum Acnes Series
• Obagi Vitamin C Serum

Today, Rohto stands as one of Japan’s largest pharmaceutical and personal care companies, employing over 9,000 people globally. It continues to manufacture pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health foods, and medical products while expanding its international footprint and investing in advanced healthcare technologies and consumer wellness solutions.

1. Company Information | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
2. Business and Brand | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
3. Mitsui and Rohto to buy $594 mln Chinese medicines company Eu Yan Sang
4. Our Business | About Us | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
5. History | About Us | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd