16 Best Japanese Skincare Products That Are Worth The Hype

Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply looking to elevate your beauty routine, Japanese skincare is known for delivering next-level results.

I can personally vouch for it! During my recent visit, I was so impressed by the incredible range of J-beauty skincare that I ended up buying a new suitcase to bring all these products home (and share with my friends, of course).

From lightweight sunscreens to soothing sheet masks, these products will help you achieve that coveted, flawless Japanese beauty glow. Let’s dive into the best finds worth adding to your regimen.

Now, let’s dive into our top Japanese picks!

Viral Japanese Sunscreen

1. Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF50+ PA++++

As the name suggests, this sunscreen has an easy-to-use lightweight formula with a liquid milk-like consistency. It is easy to spread and dries down into a skin-like satin finish that won’t leave you feeling sticky or greasy.

It doesn’t leave a white cast, making it perfect for every skin tone. It is also waterproof and sweat-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about sweating it all off on a hot sunny day.

Skin Aqua is a natural and chemical sunscreen with broad-spectrum sun protection of SPF 50+ PA++++. It is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is free of artificial fragrances and mineral oils.

Note: This sunscreen contains alcohol, so it may not suit those with dry or sensitive skin.

2. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Another milky sunscreen! The formula really feels just like milk on your skin! It’s a super thin, white liquid formula that leaves a natural-looking radiant skin tone without any white cast. 

It’s a hybrid (mineral & chemical) sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection.

While Anessa is owned by Shiseido, you won’t find it on drugstore shelves in the USA.  And with its cult following, it is flying off the shelves in Japanese drugstores, and for good reason!  This sunscreen feels so nice to put on.  It has me hooked!

It’s infused with moisturizing ingredients, like tormentil root extract and water-soluble collagen, which prevent skin dehydration and leave you with super-soft skin. The waterproof and sweat-resistant formula leaves a soft matte finish, making it a great choice for a makeup primer.

This innovative formula makes it ideal for extended sun and water exposure without compromising protection.

Thanks to its Auto Booster Technology, Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk gets stronger when it comes into contact with water, sweat, and moisture.

3. NIVEA Japan – UV Super Water Gel SPF50 PA+++

Another must-buy sunscreen is the Nivea UV Super Water Gel. This chemical sunscreen is waterproof and provides SPF 50 PA+++ sun protection. 

This sunscreen has more of a gel consistency than some of the other options on this list.  The lightweight formula feels cool to the touch and absorbs into the skin quickly without feeling greasy or leaving my skin shiny.

The Nivea UV Super Water Gel is fragrance-free and has no added colorants.  It contains hyaluronic acid and is suitable for sensitive skin. 

My favorite thing about it is its pump top, which makes applying it a breeze. I keep it by the door so I always remember to apply it before heading out for a day in the sun.

4. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++

When I think of Biore, I think of those pore strips I used as a teenager, but Biore makes so many more excellent products sold in Japan. 

My favorite is the Biore UV Aqua Rich sunscreen! It is one of the most famous Japanese sunscreens on the market. 

The Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen with SPF50+ PA++++ protection. It is infused with hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract without artificial colorants.  It does contain alcohol and fragrance but doesn’t feel drying on the skin. 

This waterproof sunscreen is so lightweight that it does feel like water.

It feels more like applying a hydrating serum than a sunscreen. It absorbs right into the skin without leaving a white cast, making it perfect for layering under makeup.

Japanese Skincare Products

1. Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel Moisturizer

As Japan’s number one skincare line, Hada Labo makes so many amazing products! Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with anything you get from Hada Labo.

The Koi-Gokujyun Perfect Gel Moisturizer is a 5-in-1 product, giving you the benefits of a toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sleeping mask all in one.  This rich gel provides moisture deep into your skin barrier, leaving your skin feeling hydrated long after you use it.

It contains four kinds of hyaluronic acid to improve the skin’s moisture retention, collagen to restore firmness and elasticity, and ceramide to infuse moisture.

Plus, it is fragrance-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free! 

Beyond its amazing hydrating ability, I love that when I feel too tired or lazy to do my whole skincare routine, I can use this gel and still get all the great benefits of a complete skincare routine.

2. Kikumasamune High Moist Sake Skin Care Lotion

Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion Sake Skin Care Lotion may be called a ‘lotion,’ but it functions more like a toner.  I would compare it to a cream toner with its lightweight texture and extremely hydrating abilities. 

 Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion contains high-quality Junmai Ginjo sake from Kikumasamune Brewery.

This lotion contains a high concentration of kojic acid in rice wine, which hydrates, smoothens, soothes, and brightens skin.  The alcohol-free lotion also contains ceramides, arbutin, amino acids, and placenta extract to help protect and strengthen your skin barrier.  While it’s fantastic for dry, dehydrated skin, it works wonders on all skin types.

This lotion plumps, hydrates, and brightens, giving your skin a healthy, radiant glow. The packaging is a large (500ml!), durable pink plastic bottle with a pump that makes it easy to apply just the right amount.  I use this lotion all winter long in Oregon!  It instantly makes my face feel soft, supple, & hydrated.

3. Melano CC Vitamin C Essence

Melano CC Vitamin C Essence is one of the best Vitamin C serums you can buy.  That’s right, don’t let the word essence confuse you.  This may be called an essence, but it functions more as a Vitamin C serum.

The Melano CC Vitamin C Essence is small but mighty.  It comes in a small, easy-to-use, drop-type tube that lasts forever. 

Finally, a Vitamin C product that won’t oxidize! 

It contains Vitamin C and E derivatives to help fade and prevent dark spots, while ethyl ascorbic acid helps brighten acne scars and reduce redness and irritation.  The formula contains other ingredients like alpinia seed extract to help brighten skin.

The high concentration of Vitamins C & E in this essence makes it so effective.  It penetrates deep beneath the skin to hydrate and brighten.  I was amazed by how well it worked on my hyperpigmentation.  Despite its strength, this lightweight formula can be used daily without irritating the skin.

4. Sana- Soy Milk Wrinkle Care Night Cream

If you’re beginning to notice those fine lines, especially between your brows, Sana Soy Milk Wrinkle Care Night Cream offers gentle yet powerful rejuvenation.

Its rich, luxurious formula combines soy milk and pure retinol to deeply hydrate and visibly diminish wrinkles and fine lines. Despite its thickness, the cream absorbs quickly—so you can settle in for the night without any sticky residue.

Since incorporating this cream into my routine, I’ve seen remarkable improvement in the lines between my brows and an overall boost in skin elasticity.

My complexion now appears plumper, smoother, and more radiant. If you’re looking for a night cream that truly delivers, this one is definitely worth trying.

5. Cure Natural Aqua Gel Exfoliator

Cure Natural Aqua Gel is Japan’s No.1 best-selling skincare product. 

One bottle of this cleanser is sold every 12 seconds!  

It is a water-based exfoliator formulated with 90% Activated Hydrogen Water, a powerful antioxidant that gently cleans and softens your skin in just 3 minutes.

This viral Japanese skincare product is advertised as an exfoliator but is more of a gentle physical exfoliant.  Essentially, it’s a water-based gel that acts like an oil cleanser. It is excellent for sensitive skin and won’t leave your skin feeling raw like other exfoliators can. 

Cure does contain alcohol, so if you have dry skin or don’t like alcohol, you may want to stay away.  Other ingredients include plant extracts like Aloe Vera, Ginkgo, and Rosemary to nourish and soothe the skin while polishing off dead skin cells. 

6. Kose – Softymo Cleansing Oil

This might be the best cleansing oil I have ever tried!  The Softymo Cleansing oil is the first step in my double cleansing routine. 

Softymo effortlessly removes makeup—even the notoriously stubborn Kiss Me Heroine Mascara—without leaving any oily residue on my face or eyes.

The Softymo cleansing oil is lightweight and gentle on the eyes. It is made with five types of oil, including olive oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, and shea butter, to keep skin moisturized. This cleansing oil works great for dry and sensitive skin. It will leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized.

The Softymo Cleansing Oil is so affordable that you will want to buy it in multiples. It comes in three different versions, all of which are amazing! Deep is my go-to for double cleansing, White is for when you need some exfoliation, and Speedy cleans your face just as effectively without the need for a second cleanse.

7. Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion

This lotion is part of the Hada Labo Gokujyun range, which is all about hydration!  Just like the Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion Sake Skin Care Lotion, this lotion is more akin to an essence or a toner with a lightweight, watery consistency. The Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion is a must for those with skin dryness.

This Japanese skincare product is formulated with a blend of 7 types of hyaluronic acid, including the brand’s patented super hyaluronic acid (the smallest in the world!) and lactic acid fermented hyaluronic acid to boost skin’s moisture levels intensely. 

This product started all the hype around hyaluronic acid, and for a good reason: it works! 

Formulated without fragrances, oil, alcohol, or colorants, this hydrating lotion is gentle and suitable for all skin types. Just pat the lotion onto your skin after cleansing before any moisturizer or serum, and your skin will instantly feel smooth and hydrated.

8. Kose – Clear Turn Essence Masks

The Kose Clear Turn Essence Masks come in packs of 30.  They are gentle, quick-acting face masks that work in as little as five minutes.  You can choose between 6 different versions: collagen, hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid, vitamin C, CO-Q10, and placenta.

I have tried the Kose CO-Q10 mask that comes in the orange box.  My skin felt instantly refreshed upon putting it on, and after just five minutes, it was noticeably brighter and glowy.  Once you are finished with the mask, be sure to pat any remaining serum on your skin.

These face masks are a quick pick-me-up for your skin; for the price, you won’t feel guilty using one daily!

Top Recommended Japanese Makeup

1. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Canmake is a well-known Japanese drugstore brand that’s found all over Japan. The product that everyone recommended to me is the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel.

Mermaid skin is a sunscreen and makeup primer in one!  It comes in a clear option and color-correcting options. 

• The clear version of this product has a watery gel-like consistency that leaves no white cast.
• The white version has a creamy texture and leaves your skin looking glowing and radiant.
• The mint version comes in a green-tinted formula to color-correct redness
• The purple-tinted formula corrects yellowness and dullness.

It is easy to apply and works so good as a makeup primer with a semi-matte finish. 

I personally love the green one to help cover up my redness and give me a radiant, healthy complexion. 

It is alcohol-free and won’t dry out your skin.  Besides providing SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection, this hybrid sunscreen contains sodium hyaluronate and natural plant extracts like evening primrose seed extract and blueberry leaf extract to keep your skin moisturized under foundation.

2. Kiss Me Heroine Make Long & Curl Super Waterproof Mascara

Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara is a total game-changer in the world of Japanese beauty products—and yes, the hype is totally real!

This mascara comes in a few different formulas, so you can pick the perfect one for length, volume, or curl—whatever your lash goals are. Plus, it’s waterproof and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about smudging or irritation, even if you have sensitive eyes.

And when they say waterproof, they really mean it. We’re talking a mascara that can survive tears, swimming, and even 120-degree heat without budging.

If you want to remove it (which you’ll need to, because it’s THAT waterproof), an oil-based remover like Softymo cleansing oil will do the trick, or you can grab the mascara remover made just for it.

But beyond the waterproof factor, this mascara is just plain awesome. It holds your curl, doesn’t flake, and has fibers that deliver some serious length and volume, keeping your lashes looking fabulous all day long.

If you haven’t tried the Kiss Me Mascara yet, it’s time to get on board!

3. Canmake – Cream Cheek Blush

Canmake is a must-know brand for affordable Japanese drugstore makeup, and their Cream Cheek Blush is one of their standouts. Don’t let the low price fool you—this formula is on par with some high-end cream blushes!

Formulated with vegetable squalene and amino-acid-based emollients, this blush adds color and moisturizes your skin—pretty awesome, right?

The gel-like consistency goes on smooth and blends beautifully into the skin. Plus, it has buildable coverage, so you can keep it natural or build it up for more color, all while giving you that fresh, dewy glow.

What I love most is that it actually stays put all day, even over foundation or sunscreen (no slipping around). For the price, these blushes outshine a lot of the more expensive options at Sephora. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out!

4. Cle De Peau Beaute Concealer SPF 27

I’ve seen Cle De Peau Beauté in department stores for years but never realized it’s a Japanese brand. While this may be the priciest item on the list, it’s 50% cheaper in Japan—making it a must-buy if you’re there.

This concealer is consistently rated among the best, and it lives up to the hype. It outperforms any concealer we have tried. You will love the stick formula for its ease of application. It effortlessly covers under-eye circles, dark spots, and blemishes.

With full coverage and a smooth texture, it doesn’t crease and provides a natural finish that blends seamlessly into the skin. Plus, it includes SPF 27 for added protection around the eyes.

This is one Japanese beauty product that is worth the splurge!

There you have it!

If you are looking to transform your skincare routines with viral products that harness natural ingredients? These J-beauty essentials, readily found at Japanese drugstores, are here to help—from a gentle face wash to remove makeup effectively, to a hydrating toner that preps skin for silky-smooth moisturizers and targeted eye creams. Each formula works harmoniously to deliver a radiant complexion you’ll want to show off.

Now’s the perfect time to explore these tried-and-true Japanese favorites and elevate your skincare game!

Japanese Beauty Questions Answered

Where to Buy Japanese Beauty Products Online?

Although you can find Japanese beauty products on sites like Amazon or Walmart, the best sites to buy from are sites specializing in Asian beauty. These sites are usually cheaper and have a much better selection. It’s like shopping directly from a Japanese beauty drugstore.

What do the plus signs on Japanese sunscreen mean?

The PA+ on Japanese sunscreen lets you know the level of protection from UVA rays. UVA rays don’t cause sunburns but instead are the rays that cause the skin to turn brown and leave you with dark spots on your skin.

This measurement ranking was developed in Japan and is now used on almost all Asian and many European sunscreen brands. SPF indicates the level of protection from UVB rays, while PA indicates the level of protection from UVA rays. The protection grade is shown as PA+, with more plus signs indicating more protection from UVA rays.

• PA+ = Some UVA protection
• PA++ = Moderate UVA protection
• PA+++ = High UVA protection
• PA++++ = Extremely High UVA protection

This post is all about the best Japanese skincare products.