The Time Reset Aqua Lotion
The Time Reset Aqua Lotion
Product Description
Product overview
A cult-favorite Japanese hydrating lotion featuring IPSA's proprietary Aqua Presenter III technology that delivers multi-layered moisture with tranexamic acid for brightening and soothing benefits. This award-winning formula balances skin hydration while targeting dullness and uneven texture.
Aqua Presenter III Technology
IPSA's proprietary moisture formula delivers 1,000 trillion fine moisturizing molecules that penetrate deep into skin, trigger natural hydration production, and create a moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYAqua Presenter III Technology
IPSA's proprietary moisture formula delivers 1,000 trillion fine moisturizing molecules that penetrate deep into skin, trigger natural hydration production, and create a moisture barrier.
Tranexamic Acid
Medical-grade brightening ingredient that helps fade dark spots, reduces melanin production, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits for a more even complexion.
Botanical Complex
Peony, marjoram, rosehip, and Chinese blackberry extracts work together to soothe inflammation, control sebum, and refine skin texture.
Super Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate provides superior moisture retention with better skin adhesion than regular hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical tranexamic acid has minimal systemic absorption and is considered safe for use during pregnancy. No retinoids, hydroquinone, or high-dose salicylic acid present.
Safe for nursing mothers. Topical application results in negligible systemic absorption with no expected transfer to breast milk.
Free from fatty acids, oils, ferments, polysorbates, and esters that feed Malassezia yeast. Safe for pityrosporum folliculitis.
Tested non-comedogenic with a rating of 0-1. Oil-free formula won't clog pores or cause breakouts.
Free from alcohol, fragrance, parabens, and common irritants. Contains soothing licorice root extract. Always patch test if you have reactive skin.
Can be used with most actives including vitamin C, retinol, AHA/BHA. Apply before actives to prep and hydrate skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTranexamic AcidProven
A synthetic amino acid derivative that inhibits melanin synthesis by blocking the interaction between melanocytes and keratinocytes. Originally used to treat heavy bleeding, it's now a gold-standard ingredient for hyperpigmentation and melasma treatment.
- Clinical Evidence: Studies show 2-5% topical tranexamic acid significantly reduces melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Mechanism: Inhibits plasmin activity which prevents melanocyte stimulation from UV exposure
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritated skin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizinateProven
Derived from licorice root, this powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient soothes irritation, reduces redness, and helps regulate sebum production. It also has mild skin-brightening properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Comparable to 1% hydrocortisone for reducing inflammation without side effects
- Sebum Control: Helps balance oil production for clearer skin
- Synergy: Enhances the brightening effects of tranexamic acid
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Enhanced HAProven
Also known as "Super Hyaluronic Acid," this modified form has acetyl groups that anchor better to skin's surface, providing longer-lasting hydration than regular hyaluronic acid.
- Enhanced Adhesion: 2x better skin binding than standard hyaluronic acid
- Longer Lasting: Maintains hydration for extended periods
- Improved Elasticity: Supports skin's moisture barrier function
Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl PhosphatePromising
A stable vitamin C and E derivative that provides antioxidant protection while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Helps brighten skin and protect against environmental damage.
- Dual Antioxidant: Combines benefits of both Vitamin C and E
- Stability: More stable than pure ascorbic acid in water-based formulas
- Barrier Support: Enhances skin's natural protective barrier
Paeonia Lactiflora (Peony) Root ExtractPromising
Traditional botanical with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps prevent acne formation and improves rough, uneven skin texture.
- Traditional Use: Used in Asian medicine for centuries for skin health
- Sebum Control: Helps regulate oil production
- Soothing: Calms irritated, inflamed skin
24 ingredients
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Tranexamic Acid, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Polyquaternium-51, Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Rubus Suavissimus Leaf Extract, Sorbitol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEIn Japanese skincare, "lotion" means a hydrating toner/essence. Use after cleansing as your first hydration layer. Can be used AM and PM.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense Product
After cleansing, pour approximately 2ml (about a 500-yen coin size) onto your palm or a cotton pad.
Apply to Face
Pat gently onto face, starting from areas of concern (dryness, dark spots, texture issues) and spreading outward.
Layer if Needed
For extra hydration, apply a second layer using the "7-skin method." During dry seasons, use more generously.
Continue Routine
Follow with serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The lotion enhances absorption of subsequent products.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want lightweight, non-greasy hydration
- You're dealing with dullness or uneven skin tone
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You need a pregnancy-safe brightening product
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimal formulas
- You want to prep skin for better serum absorption
- You live in a humid climate
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that needs rich, heavy moisture
- You want an all-in-one product (this requires follow-up moisturizer)
- You prefer strong, visible fragrance in skincare
- You need intense anti-aging with retinol
- You're looking for the most budget-friendly option
- You prefer cream or balm textures over watery lotions
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match. Oil-free, lightweight, absorbs instantly without adding shine. Helps balance sebum production.
Ideal for balancing different facial zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming the T-zone.
Great everyday hydration that maintains healthy skin balance without excess.
Provides good hydration but likely needs a richer moisturizer on top. Try layering multiple applications.
Fragrance-free with soothing licorice root. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic tested, fungal acne safe, oil-free. Tranexamic acid helps with post-acne marks.
Results timeline
8-12 WEEKSInstant Hydration & Freshness
Skin feels immediately plumped, refreshed, and more supple. The watery texture absorbs quickly leaving a silky finish.
95% noticedImproved Skin Texture
Skin starts to feel smoother and softer. Rough patches diminish and makeup applies more evenly.
80% noticedVisible Brightening
Overall complexion appears more radiant. Early stages of dark spot fading. Skin tone looks more even.
70% noticedSignificant Improvement
Noticeable reduction in hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Skin maintains better moisture balance throughout the day.
65% noticedRatings by platform
860+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Completely fragrance-free
- Fungal acne and pregnancy safe
- Non-sticky, non-greasy finish
- Balances oily and dry areas effectively
- Enhances absorption of other products
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Award-winning formula (Cosme 2019, 2020)
- Contains proven brightening ingredients
- Ergonomic bottle design easy to hold
Criticized
- Higher price point than drugstore alternatives
- May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin
- Brightening results take time to appear
- Can be hard to find in Western stores
- 200ml bottle runs out faster than expected
- Subtle results may not satisfy those wanting dramatic change
- Authenticity concerns with some sellers
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso contains tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid. More affordable Japanese alternative with similar brightening claims. Slightly thicker texture.
Similar lightweight watery texture with multiple hyaluronic acids. No tranexamic acid so lacks brightening benefits. Great for pure hydration.
Affordable hydration with hyaluronic acid. Different texture (more viscous). No brightening actives. Great for layering under other products.
Lightweight, soothing toner with centella instead of tranexamic acid. Great for sensitive/acne-prone skin. Different active focus.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAlbion Skin Conditioner
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is fine. No refrigeration needed.
Ergonomic curved plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Easy to grip and dispense.
200ml exceeds carry-on limits. Transfer to smaller container or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this product is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The main active ingredient, tranexamic acid, has minimal systemic absorption when applied topically and is classified as Category B for pregnancy. The formula contains no retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. It's free from fatty acids, oils, ferments, polysorbates, and esters that feed Malassezia yeast. The formula has been verified by ingredient analysis databases like SkinSort and Folliculitis Scout as safe for those with pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes, this lotion can be safely combined with other actives. Apply it as a hydrating prep step before serums and treatments. The hydration it provides can actually help buffer potential irritation from stronger actives. For retinol, apply this lotion first, then your retinol. For vitamin C, you can layer them together as tranexamic acid and vitamin C work synergistically for brightening.
This lotion is excellent for oily, combination, normal, and acne-prone skin types due to its lightweight, oil-free formula. It's good for dry and sensitive skin but those with very dry skin may need additional heavier moisturizers on top. It's particularly suited for those concerned with dullness, uneven skin tone, and texture issues.
Hydration benefits are immediate - skin feels plumped and refreshed right away. Texture improvements typically appear within 1-2 weeks. For brightening and dark spot reduction, expect 4-8 weeks of consistent use to see noticeable changes. Full results for hyperpigmentation may take 8-12 weeks or longer.
In Japanese skincare, "lotion" refers to a hydrating toner/essence, not a cream. Apply after cleansing (and toning if you use a separate toner) as your first hydration step. Follow with serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It prepares skin to better absorb subsequent products.
No, this product has been tested non-comedogenic with a rating of 0-1 out of 5. The oil-free, silicone-free formula won't clog pores. It's suitable for acne-prone skin and has been confirmed fungal acne safe as well.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. With twice daily use of approximately 2ml per application, a 200ml bottle typically lasts 1.5-2 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal preservation.
Verdict: IPSA Time Reset Aqua Lotion is a well-formulated Japanese hydrating toner that delivers on its promises of lightweight moisture and skin brightening. The combination of tranexamic acid, licorice root, and advanced hyaluronic acid makes it particularly effective for those dealing with dullness and uneven skin tone. Its clean formula (alcohol-free, fragrance-free, fungal acne safe, pregnancy safe) makes it suitable for a wide range of users including those with sensitive or problematic skin. While the price point is higher than drugstore alternatives, the sophisticated formulation and proven ingredients justify the cost for many users. Best suited for oily to normal skin types seeking hydration without heaviness.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
|
Irritation
Dark Spots
|








