20 Best Japanese Skin Care Products

Award Winning Best Japanese Skin Care Products

Japan is an amazing country to shop beauty products as various kinds of skin care and make-up products are sold in a wide price range. Some of Japanese beauty brands are famous worldwide, such as Shiseido, KOSE and SK-II.

Japanese skin care products are renowned all around the world especially for their quality and effectiveness. The secret of the beautiful skin of Japanese women could be choosing the right skin care products. In Japan, skin care products are available in wide price range and surprisingly, you can find amazing quality products with very affordable price.

If you wish to try Japanese skin care products but don’t know which one to choose, you may find this article helpful. Here, I have picked 10 most popular Japanese skin care products in various categories and with different price range including face cream, cleanser, face mask and sunscreens. These products are highly recommended to add to your daily skin care routine.

From affordable drugstore cosmetics products to high-end brands, award, check out 20 must-buy skincare products in Japan!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Cosmetic Recommends


1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL
Copyright © DHC Corporation

DHC is one of the most trust-worthy cosmetic companies in Japan, producing a range of affordable skincare products as well as supplements, diet and health products. One of their best selling items is DHC Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil (DHC 薬用ディープクレンジングオイル), the award-winning makeup remover oil that removes stubborn makeup, excess sebum and dirt effortlessly. It contains several skin conditioning ingredients such as virgin olive oil which keep skin’s moisture and leave skin smooth. It’s free of colouring, fragrance, paraben, mineral oil and petroleum surfactant. It’s recommended for dry and sensitive skin type though wearing heavy make-up.

Price: 2,720 yen

Shop Now ▶ DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

2. Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

Copyright © Kanebo Cosmetics Inc.

Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder (カネボウ suisai ビューティクリアパウダー) has won multiple beauty awards in past years. The cleansing powder contains two types of enzymes and amino acid-based cleansing ingredients and removes excess sebum, blackheads and old keratin that can cause clogged pores.With every wash, it helps to improve skin’s transparency and to achieve soft and clean skin. As powder is packed in a small capsule per single use, it’s easy to carry and take for travelling.

Price: 990 yen (15pc)/ 1,980 yen (32pc)

Check the Price ▶ Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder

3. Senka Perfect Whip

Copyright © Shiseido Co., Ltd.

Senka Perfect Whip (専科パーフェクトホイップ) is one of the most famous Japanese beauty products and has fans worldwide. The cult-favourite face wash creates the iconic rich and dense foam that cleanses off your skin gently. It contains several beauty ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and silk essence, and keeps your skin moisturized.

Price: 550 yen

More info about Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip

4. TRANSINO CLEAR WASH

 TRANSINO CLEAR WASH

Copyright © DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE CO.,LTD.

TRANSINO CLEAR WASH (トランシーノ 薬用クリアウォッシュ) has been awarded for the best face wash products in 2017 on the Best Cosmetics Awards by @cosme, the most influential website for Japanese beauty industry. Transino is a skincare range by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare, one of the biggest medical companies in Japan. The medicated face wash has creamy texture, and helps removing old skin cells, freckle and skin spot and brightening up the skin tone.

Price: 1,800 yen

Buy it Now ▶ Transino Clear Wash

Check more Japanese Face Wash and Cleansers: 10 Must-Buy Japanese Face Washes and Cleansers

5. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
© 2023 Procter & Gamble.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence (SK-IIフェイシャル トリートメント エッセンス) is a multiple award winning skincare product by SK-II . It’s one of the longest-selling beauty products in Japan, which has been renowned for over 35 years. It hydrates the skin and helps to prevent causing dryness and  moderate the skin surface renewal cycle. The product might be pricey comparing to others in the same range, yet it’s the most trust-worthy skincare products in Japan that you can expect high effectiveness for hydrating dry skin and anti-aging. You may wanna get a sample before purchasing at stores in Japan!

Price: 75ml 8,925 yen/160ml 18,360 yen/230ml 23,760 yen (TAX included)

Worldwide Shipping Available ▶ SK-II Facial Treatment Essence-

6. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel

Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel

© Imju Corporation.

Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel (ハトムギ保湿ジェル) is one of most praiseworthy “affordable” Japanese skincare products, and has been chosen as the best skincare product for the Best Cosmetics Awards by @cosme in 2017, which is the most honorable prize in cosmetics industry. The hydrating gel has light non-sticky texture, and penetrates into the skin instantly. It contains the maximum amount of water possible, and formulated with Job’s Tears (Hatomugi), a natural plant ingredient with alcohol free. It can be used for a multiple purpose as a toner, emulsion, moisturizer, serum and even for body.

Price: 990 yen

Shop Now ▶ Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel

7. Sekkisei Emulsion

KOSE Medicated Sekkisei Emulsion
Copyright © 1996-2022 KOSÉ Corporation.

Sekkisei is one of longtime beloved Japanese skincare brands. The medicated skincare series by Kosé works effectively on the skin to look brighter and smoother. The best selling products from the Sekkisei series is the Medicated Emulsion (薬用 雪肌精 乳液) which has rich yet light texture and provides deep hydration, whitening and smooth effects on the skin.

Price: 5,500 yen

Check the Price ▶ Sekkisei Medicated Emulsion

8. KAO Curel Moisture Cream

Copyright © Kao Corporation.

KAO Curel Moisture Cream (花王 キュレル 潤浸保湿フェイスクリーム) is an excellent face cream for dry and sensitive skin, providing highly effective solutions to improve skin condition with a help of ceramide-function ingredients. It keeps skin’s moisture yet the texture is very light and smooth. Apply after face lotion, or use as a make-up base before applying foundation. It’s recommended to use all year round.

Price: 2,520 yen

Buy it Now ▶ Curel Moisture Facial Cream

9. Shiseido Ultimune

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Copyright © Shiseido Co., Ltd.

Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate (アルティミューン パワセラミング コンセントレート) is a multiple award winning product from Japanese beauty tycoon, Shiseido. It’s a boosting pre-treatment to defend against aging and damage. Using Ultimune helps anything you put on top of it, like moisturizer or serum, work harder. Ultimune acts as both protection from potential damage and a buffer to the daily assault that can visibly age skin.

Price: 30ml 8,800 yen/ 50ml 13,200 yen

Worldwide Shipping Available ▶ Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

10. COSME DECORTE Liposome Advanced Repair Serum

COPYRIGHT © DECORTÉ.

COSME DECORTE Liposome Advanced Repair Serum (コスメデコルテ リポソーム アドバンスト リペアセラム) is a beauty serum/booster with multi-layer liposomes, a micro capsule formed of layers of moisture, which penetrates into the skin, seals to dryness-prone areas and deliver concentrated moisture. Apply a small amount of the essence into your skin after washing your face. It slowly releases beauty ingredients and moisture, a 24-hour hydration. Use daily for plump, firm, and smooth skin that glows from inside.

Price: 12,100 yen (50ml)

▶ Shop COSME DECORTE Liposome Advanced Repair Serum

11. Takami Skin Peel

Copyright © TAKAMI

Takami Skin Peel (タカミ スキンピール) is a beauty serum which is produced by Takami Skin Clinic in Tokyo and developed based on the dermatology experience with over 200,000 cases at the clinic since 1999. Takami Skin Peel is not exactly a skin peeling product, but it actually helps to boost the skin turnover function and improves the appearance of rough and dull skin by reducing enlarged pores, blackheads and fine wrinkles. It approaches to the skin cells and improves the skin condition, leading the healthy and smooth skin.

Price: 5,280 yen (30ml)

Check the price ▶Takami Skin Peel

12. ANESSA Perfect UV Skincare Milk

Copyright © Shiseido Co., Ltd.

ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen (アネッサ パーフェクトUVサンスクリーン)  has been a top-selling Japanese sunscreen for many years. It offers a long-lasting effect of powerful UV protection and waterproof ability. It features Shiseido’s original auto-booster technology that enhances the strength of UV block veil when it senses sweat, water and heat. It contains 50% skin care ingredients which prevent from dryness and moisturize the skin. The texture is surprisingly light that you might forget that you’re wearing sunscreen.

Price: 3,300 yen

Shop Now ▶ ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen

13. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

Copyright © Kao Corporation.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (ビオレ UV アクアリッチ ウォータリーエッセンス) is an award-winning Japanese sunscreen, well-known for being lightweight and long-lasting. The water-based sunscreen provides a powerful, long-lasting UV protection with a smooth and transparent finish. It contains several beauty ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and royal jelly to keep the skin smoisturized. It’s super waterproof formula but can be removed easily with regular soap.

Price: 1000 yen

Check the price ▶Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

More Japanese Sunscreen Products: 20 Best Japanese Sunscreens

14. Minon: Amino Moist Mask

Minon Amino Moist Essential Mask

Copyright © DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE CO.,LTD.

Minon Amino Moist skin care series is highly recommended for dry and sensitive skin. The skin care products of Minon Amino Moist contain 9 kinds of moisture-retaining amino acid that help to achieve moisturized, smooth and resilient skin. Minon Amino Moist Essential Mask (ミノン アミノモイスト ぷるぷるしっとり肌マスク) contains a rich amount of beauty ingredients which supports skin’s barrier function and provides intensive hydration. If you have sensitive skin, this gentle skin care face mask is highly recommended.

Price: 1,320 yen (4pc)

Check the Price ▶ Minon Amino Moist Essential Mask 

15. Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask

CopyRight © ISHIZAWA LABORATORIES

This award-winning face mask Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask (毛穴撫子 お米のマスク) is a great solution for visible pores caused by dryness. The made-in-Japan face mask contains 4 kinds of rice serum from 100% domestic rice as beauty ingredients, which penetrate into the skin, help to tighten pores and lead to plumped and moisturized skin.

Price: 715 yen (10pc)

▶ Shop Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask

16. Lululun Face Mask

Lululun (ルルルン) is top-selling Japanese face mask brand which has various face masks for different skin types and purpose. The thick sheet mask contains selected beauty ingredients to moisturize the skin and maintain its condition. The basic series of Lululun face mask, Lululun Pure is available with three variations that can be chosen based on skin type: Pink for balancing the skin moisture (for normal skin type), Blue for intensive hydrating care (for normal to dry skin type) and White for clear and translucent skin (for normal to oily skin type).

Price:
Lululun Pink 385 yen (7pc)/1,650 yen (32pc)
Lululun Blue 495 yen (7pc)/1,760 yen (32pc)
Lululun White 495 yen (7pc)/1,760 yen (32pc)

Shop Now ▶ Lululun Face Mask

More Japanese Sheet Masks ▶ Must Buy Japanese Sheet Masks

17. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

© ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.

HADA LABO is a popular Japanese skin care brand known for being high-quality and affordable. HADA LABO’s Gokujyun skin care series is formulated with the brand’s signature super hyaluronic acid that provides intensive hydration to the skin. Haba Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (肌ラボ 極潤 ヒアルロン液) is a highly moisturizing skin toner which contains four kinds of hyaluronic acid. It helps to improve barrier function and hydration of the skin. It’s gentle formula and free of alcohol, fragrance, colour and oil. It’s recommended to use for body and hair, too.

Price: 987 yen/704 yen (refill)

Check the Price ▶ Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion

18. MUJI Jojoba Oil

Copyright ©Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.

The popular Japanese retail company, MUJI sells a wide range of beauty products including for skin care, makeup, body and hair care at affordable prices. Muji Jojoba Oil (無印良品 ホホバオイル) is a top-selling skin care oil which is made with squeezed jojoba seeds purified for cosmetic use. It’s light-weight and non-greasy formula which feels smooth and pleasant. It can be used for face, body and hair. It’s available in 3 sizes.

Price: 50ml 890 yen/ 100ml 1,590 yen/200ml 2,490 yen

Check the price ▶ Muji Jojoba Oil

19. Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence

© ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd.

Melano CC offers a range of skin care products formulated with highly penetrating vitamin C technology. Their skin care line is effective to treat hyper-pigmentation such as dark spots, acne and visible pores. Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence (メラノCC 薬用 しみ 集中対策 美容液) is a beauty serum with double vitamin (C and E) that give an intensive care to the skin by suppressing melanin production and preventing dark spots and freckles. It also contains moisturizing ingredients and soothes the skin redness from acne or sunburn.

Price: 1,210 yen

Check the price ▶ Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence

20. DHC Lip Cream

Copyright © DHC Corporation

DHC Lip Cream (DHC 薬用リップクリーム) is a top-selling lip balm by Japanese beauty company, DHC. The balm contains beauty ingredients including virgin olive oil and aloe extract which nourishes chapped lips and keeps them smooth and moist. You can also apply it on top of lipstick for better colour payoff.

Price: 770 yen

▶ Shop Now!-DHC Lip Cream

Cosmetic Recommends


You can shop the listed Japanese skin care products online! Kokoro is an online store offering a wide range of Japanese beauty products with worldwide shipping!  Visit the website (http://bit.ly/32HfNbi) to check more Japanese beauty products available, and spend over 40 USD and get FREE shipping to your country!


▽Wanna keep up with Japanese trends?▽


Thanks for reading! The listed products are all highly recommended for your daily skincare routine. For more information about popular beauty products in Japan, please check out these articles below, too!

▶︎Best of Beauty Vol.1: Award Winning Japanese Cosmetics
▶︎Best Shiseido Beauty Products
▶︎Skin Care Products: Japanese Cosmetics Ranking

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▶︎Best Inexpensive Japanese Skin Care Brands
▶︎The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Sunscreens
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Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Spent around a decade by living and travelling across the world and currently reside in Japan working as a social media writer for Japan Web Magazine 💻 I spend my days by researching and discovering new places and hidden gems for my next journey, and write articles based on my knowledge, interests and travel experiences. I hope you find my stories helpful to plan your trip and have a wonderful time in Japan 🌈