Sali Hughes on beauty: Rejoice! The most beloved cleanser in history is back in the UK

Shu Uemura’s legendary Ultime8 face cleanser has made a return. Plus four more excellent options

I was recently in Japan with industry colleagues, many of whom were desperate to get to the shops to pick up Shu Uemura’s Ultime8, arguably the most beloved face cleanser in history among experts. I was delighted to break the news that they needn’t stockpile: Ultime8 is back in the UK this month, having been withdrawn along with the rest of Shu Uemura’s skincare and makeup lines back in 2017.

What can be so great about a 60-year-old cleanser? And why, when innovation is seen as key to a beauty brand’s success in the west, is it still the bestselling cleanser in all of Asia?