If you’re an admirer of the pared-down, functional, urban chic that is Muji, you will be interested to learn that the Japanese lifestyle brand has launched a skincare range this spring. And you wont be surprised to learn that, true to form, this is a line characterised by a no frills and no fuss attitude – but at the same time, every detail carefully considered for the maximum benefit.

Called, simply, Skincare, the range is divided into two: High Moisture and Sensitive Skin and both are water-based. But not any old water. Because the skin is largely composed of water and for it to function properly that water needs to be replenished, the formulators of Skincare wanted to find an extremely soft water with very fine particles – which would make it more easily absorbed. It was finally sourced in the Northern Japanese region of Iwate, in a cave where the water is filtered through very deep bedrock.

Nice to know, but what of the products? There are six in each range, with an additional selection of cleansers ‘with special features’. One of these is a Cleansing Oil (olive and jojoba), but I was tempted to try the Cleansing Milk (£9.95), which not only does the job, but smells so fabulously of oranges (although this is probably not the ingredient) that I actually look forward to taking my make-up off. It is recommended that you rinse after, but I prefer to use a tissue and haven’t found the after affects to be tacky or cloying. However, there is a toning water in the range, which would be a good substitute for water.

Although my skin is dry, I decided to try the Moisturising Milk (high moisture) for sensitive skin (at £9.95 it’s less expensive than the versions for dry skin, which start at £14.95). It feels perfectly good – creamy enough to give the sense of moisturisation and it is also absorbed easily. Such good value is it, that I am extending its remit to include throat, neck, chest and hands! The Sensitive range, combining grapefruit seed extract and common purslane extract, which protects, is free of alcohol, parabens, artificial perfumes, colouring and mineral oils ­ so ideal for delicate skins.

The range for dry skins uses peach juice and peach leaf extract, to firm and revitalise, together with hyaluronic acid and rose water for its extra moisturising properties. Included in the line is a Massage Cream (£12.95) which Muji suggests you use two or three times a week for extra hydrating benefits. Their handy little booklet (everything on the bottles and tubes is in Japanese) even gives a nine-step illustrated guide to the best way to massage your face). I have also found that it has calmed down a slight touch of sunburn across my nose and forehead.

Finally, the range includes little packs of eye masks and face masks, that are designed to be used in conjunction with the lotion of your choice (£1.50 a pack) and a nifty face massager (£6.95) which has bumpy rollers that stimulate the jaw line. Supposedly they are for a relaxing effect – while taking a bath maybe – but I’m making them really work, in the hope that I might roller any saggy bits that are threatening to appear, into retreating northwards. I live in hope.

From London Muji stores and on-line www.muji.co.uk