Rohto traces its origins to February 22, 1899, when pharmacist Yasutami Yamada established a pharmaceutical business in Osaka. During its early years, the company specialized in medicines and gradually became known for its eye care formulations. Eye drops became one of Rohto’s signature products during the early 20th century, helping establish the brand’s reputation throughout Japan.

The modern company, ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., was formally incorporated on September 15, 1949. Over the following decades, Rohto expanded beyond eye care into skincare, cosmetics, oral healthcare, nutritional supplements, and prescription medicines. International expansion accelerated through acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and the establishment of manufacturing facilities across Asia and other global markets. [2]

• 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 Cosmetics [3]

Rohto operates across several healthcare categories:

Eye Care

Eye care remains the company’s flagship business. Rohto produces a wide variety of lubricating, cooling, moisturizing, redness-relief, allergy, and contact lens eye drops. The Rohto eye drop line is recognized for its cooling sensation and innovative dispensing technology. [4]

Skincare

Rohto is one of Asia’s largest skincare manufacturers. Its skincare portfolio includes products for hydration, acne care, brightening, anti-aging, and sun protection.

Popular skincare technologies include:

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Vitamin C

• Retinol

• Ceramides

• Niacinamide

• UV Protection Technologies

Healthcare

The company manufactures:

• OTC medicines

• Digestive medicines

• Lip care

• Oral care

• Nutritional supplements

• Functional foods

• Medical devices

It also operates in regenerative medicine and professional healthcare services. [5]

Rohto owns or markets numerous well-known brands worldwide, including:

Hada Labo

Known for minimalist formulations focused on hydration using multiple types of hyaluronic acid.

Popular products:

• Gokujyun Lotion

• Premium Lotion

• Cleansing Oil

• Hydrating Cream

Melano CC

Vitamin C-based skincare line designed for:

• Dark spots

• Hyperpigmentation

• Acne marks

• Brightening

Most famous product:

• Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence

Mentholatum

Originally an American brand acquired by Rohto, Mentholatum includes:

• Lip balms

• Acne treatments

• Body care

• Medicated creams

• Cooling products

Skin Aqua

Sun care brand offering lightweight Japanese sunscreens suitable for daily use.

Obagi

A premium dermatological skincare line combining pharmaceutical research with cosmetic science.

Rohto Eye Drops

Includes numerous eye drop series such as:

• Rohto Cool

• Rohto Digi-Eye

• Rohto Lycee

• Rohto Z!

• Rohto V Premium [6]

Rohto invests heavily in research and development across:

• Ophthalmology

• Dermatology

• Anti-aging science

• Stem cell technologies

• Regenerative medicine

• Functional foods

• Skin microbiome research

Its laboratories focus on integrating pharmaceutical expertise with consumer skincare innovations. [7]

Rohto operates manufacturing facilities, research centers, 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 expanding through acquisitions and partnerships, including investments in traditional medicine and healthcare businesses in Asia. [8]

Rohto’s long-term management vision, “Connect for Well-being & Longevity,” emphasizes improving people’s 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. [9]

Rohto is widely recognized for:

• High-quality Japanese pharmaceutical standards

• Innovative eye care products

• Effective yet affordable skincare

• Strong scientific research

• Reliable OTC medicines

• Extensive presence across Asia

Its brands, particularly Hada Labo, Melano CC, Mentholatum, and Skin Aqua, have become staples in the global Japanese beauty and skincare market.

Some of Rohto’s best-known products 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 is one of Japan’s largest pharmaceutical and personal care companies, employing over 9,000 people globally and manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health foods, and medical products. The company continues to expand its international footprint while investing in advanced healthcare technologies and consumer wellness solutions. [10]

1. Company Profile and Executives | Corporate Information | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

2. Company Information | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

3. Business and Brand | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

4. Mitsui and Rohto to buy $594 mln Chinese medicines company Eu Yan Sang

5. Company Information | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

6. Company Profile and Executives | Corporate Information | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

7. 会社概要・役員 | 企業情報 | ロート製薬株式会社

8. Our Business | About Us | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

9. History | About Us | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

10. About Us | ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd