11 Must-Buy Japanese Skincare Products For Your Next Japan Trip

Curious about the best Japanese skincare to stock up on during your next trip to Japan? I packed my bags, landed in Tokyo with an empty suitcase (for skincare, obviously), and gave these babies a real test run! If you’re ready to upgrade your routine, I’ve done the testing (and the shopping) so you don’t have to. These cult-favourite Japanese products are worth packing a second suitcase for, and I’ve broken down what they do, who they’re for, and what to expect.

Find your match: Japanese skincare by skin type

Product	Oily	Combination	Dry	Best for
Melano CC Vitamin C Serum	✔️	✔️		Acne scars, dullness
Shiseido Anessa Mild Gel Sunscreen	✔️	✔️		Daily sun protection
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence		✔️	✔️	Oil control, sun protection in humidity
Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Toner		✔️	✔️	Skin barrier repair, hydration
Sana Nameraka Honpo Eye Cream			✔️	Fine lines, dryness
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Face Pack	✔️	✔️	✔️	Texture, dullness, redness
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Sheet Mask		✔️	✔️	Hydration, soothing
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner	✔️	✔️	✔️	Redness, dehydration
Naturie Hatomugi Conditioning Gel	✔️	✔️		Dehydration, lightweight hydration
Cure Natural Aqua Gel	✔️	✔️	✔️	Dullness, texture
NamerakaHonpo Brightening Cleansing Wash	✔️	✔️		Gentle brightening, daily cleansing

For acne-prone and oily skin

1. Melano CC Vitamin C Serum

Active ingredients: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), 3‑O‑Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, L‑Ascorbic Acid 2‑Glucoside, Vitamin C Tetraisopalmitate, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Allantoin, Pyridoxine HCl, Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract, Lemon & Grapefruit Extracts

Best for: Acne scars, dullness

Let’s talk about one of Japan’s most hyped serums: Melano CC. I picked this up from Don Quijote after seeing it plastered on every local beauty list. It has a light citrus scent, a little zesty but not overpowering, and the texture is more watery than oily. I was worried it might sting (especially since my skin was being a diva that week), but nope! It went on smoothly and calmly.

I’ve been using it nightly for a couple of years now as my main vitamin C serum, and I can vouch that it is effective for lightening acne scars. It’s budget-friendly, doesn’t irritate, and layers well with the rest of my routine. This is great for beginners wanting to add Vitamin C without irritation. Just remember to always follow up with SPF in the morning!

As a general rule, I do not use other acid products with this (e.g. AHA/BHA, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid). I usually use this after my Gokujyun toner, then followed by the Sana Nameraka Honpo eye cream, and finally seal everything in with the Keana face mask. I do it this way to avoid overloading my skin with too many acidic serums.

Pros	Cons
Brightens dark spots Gentle on sensitive skin Affordable price of less than $20	Sensitive to heat and direct sunlight. Must have proper storage as it can oxidise quickly, rendering the formula ineffective. Has a mild citrus scent that some may find off-putting

2. Shiseido Anessa Mild Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+

Active ingredients: UV filters: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis‑Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone; plus Glycyrrhizic Acid 2K, Na Acetyl Hyaluronate, Tocopherol

Best for: Daily sun protection

Everyone talks about this sunscreen, and after using it for two weeks in the humid Tokyo summer, I totally get the hype. It has zero white cast, sinks in like a moisturiser, and doesn’t leave your face shiny or greasy! I used it every single day and never broke out, even when I reapplied during the day. 

It’s been a staple sunscreen in my routine that goes well on my skin with or without makeup on. It does a great job doubling as a primer! I love that it’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin (some sunscreens make my eyes sting; this one didn’t). Personally, I prefer this over the Biore UV Watery sunscreen as someone with combination skin. It has a thicker consistency which makes it less greasy and stays put all day.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight Fragrance-free Doubles as a primer	Slightly pricier than average drugstore options

For dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin

3. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+

Active ingredients: Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate), Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate), Octocrylene, Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane), Tinosorb S (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine), and Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone).

Best for: Oil control, UV protection in humid weather

This gel-type sunscreen feels just like water on your skin, super lightweight and refreshing. This used to be my staple sunscreen before the Shiseido Anessa Mild Gel. I used it every morning during dry season weeks, and it never left me with a white cast. Their formula has added hyaluronic acid for a hydration boost. 

My only honest complaint, though, is that when I use this during the humid or summer season, my skin ends up getting greasy after a few hours and my makeup cakes on top of it. When I use it during the winter season as well, it freezes up easily. It might have a different effect on different skin types, but for my combination skin type at least, it is best to be used during cloudy or rainy days only.

Pros	Cons
Ultra lightweight Great for dry skin No white cast Affordable	Not water-resistant Needs frequent reapplication during active days

4. Gokujyun Hydrating Toner Light (by Hada Labo)

Active ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and Sodium acetylated hyaluronate.

Best for: Skin barrier repair, hydration

This one’s a legend, and now I know why! The first night I tried it, I poured a few drops into my palms, patted it into my skin, and just stood there like… wow. It soaked in instantly, no stickiness, just this refreshing burst of hydration. I even layered it twice (J-beauty hack!) and my skin looked plumper than a mochi ball. It has a very lightweight formula, great for both the humid and cold seasons.

During nights when I’m too lazy to do my skincare, I use it as a toner and moisturiser. This has been my constant, and it really helped to repair my skin barrier. I wasn’t getting dry patches around my nose anymore. It’s completely fragrance-free, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin, like mine. This one is a forever repurchase, as you can see, I already bought the refill of it.

Pros	Cons
Deeply hydrating Fragrance-free Perfect for layering	May be too light for extremely dry skin

5. Sana Nameraka Honpo Eye Cream

Active ingredients: Niacinamide, Fermented soy milk, Retinol, and Soy isoflavones,

Best for: Fine lines, dryness

I found this little tube at  Don Quijote (again), and for the price, I thought: why not? My under-eyes can get dry and crepey if I skip eye cream, and so far, other eye creams I’ve used have formulas that are too heavy for my liking. But this one was a perfect fit!

The cream isn’t too thick, so it doesn’t cause milia (those tiny bumps some richer eye creams leave behind), but it still did the job. Plus, there’s no fragrance, which is a bonus. It’s lowkey one of the best budget eye creams I’ve tried. This eye cream became my nighttime staple! At the same time, it’s light enough for day use and works well under concealer. No scent, no irritation, just soft, well-moisturised under-eyes!

Pros	Cons
Gentle Lightweight Works under makeup	Not rich enough for mature or very dry skin

6. Keana Nadeshiko Rice Sheet Mask

Active ingredients: Rice ferment filtrate, Ceramides, Alcohol, Soothing rice extract

Best for: Hydration, soothing

This face mask is such a game-changer for its price! Each time I use it, my skin feels soothed, hydrated, and bouncy. It’s fragrance-free and great for layering moisture. I keep it in the fridge for it to have a cooling effect during the summer seasons. The mask is saturated but not drippy, and it clings well to the skin without sliding off.

Its formula is great for my combination skin, especially on nights when I’m too lazy to apply any serums. My only concern with it? It contains alcohol in its ingredients and might be an irritant for those with sensitive skin. Although from my experience, I didn’t experience any side effects.

If you’d like to try a variation of their formula, they have a tightening mask version which does not contain alcohol. I prefer this over the rice sheet version when my skin is really dry.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Comes in multipacks	Contains alcohol

7. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Toner

Active ingredients: Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract (also known as Job’s Tears), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate,  Glycerin, and Butylene Glycol

Best for: Redness, dehydration

What I love about Japanese skincare is that most of their products are multitaskers like this one. I use this mainly as a toner, but also as a DIY mask and a post-sun burn refresher. It’s lightweight, watery, fragrance-free, and helps calm skin instantly. I wouldn’t rely on it alone for deep hydration, but it layers beautifully with serums and creams. You can read more about this in our best facial toners article.

It’s not moisturising in a creamy way, but it leaves your skin cool and calm, perfect for hot, humid days. I kept it in my fridge and used it morning and night, and my skin genuinely looked less red and more balanced. You can use it as a DIY mask by spritzing it on cotton pads, then layering it on your problem areas.

Pros	Cons
Large volume Affordable Soothing	Too light for dry skin if used solo

8. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel

Active ingredients: Hatomugi (Job’s Tears) extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C derivative), and Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate (Vitamin E derivative).

Best for: Dehydration, lightweight hydration

I usually pair the Hatomugi Skin Conditioner with this gel version during humid seasons. It’s got the same calming formula, but in a bouncy, jelly texture that absorbs quickly and gives lasting moisture. I use it in place of a cream during hot weather, and it leaves my skin feeling soft without being greasy. Perfect for layering over lighter toners.

It’s great to work with makeup as well, and it does not cake the concealer. Although I would say it doesn’t do much during the cold or winter season since it’s too watery, it ices up or dries on the skin quickly. It’s better to be used for the hot and humid Singapore weather.

Pros	Cons
Non-greasy Absorbs fast Fragrance-free Good for humid climates	Might not be rich enough for very dry skin on its own Not good for cold weather

For texture, dullness, or exfoliation

9. Keana Nadeshiko Rice Face Pack

Active ingredients: Rice Ferment Filtrate (sake), Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Extract, and Rice Bran Sphingoglycolipid (glycosphingolipids).

Best for: Texture, dullness, redness

After having their face masks as my skincare staple, I decided to try out their rice face pack, and they never disappoint! It acts more like a facial scrub, but I love how it doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin like other face scrubs. I apply it after cleansing my face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

It’s thick, creamy, and smells clean, not perfumey. My skin felt immediately smoother and nourished after washing it off. Texture? Soft. Pores? Less visible. Redness? Calmed! A new holy grail that is worth the luggage space, to the point that I bought extra packs as gifts for my friends (and they love it!). I now use it twice a week, and it has become my reset button mask.

Pros	Cons
Smoothing Nourishing Fragrance-free	Small tube Runs out quickly if used often

10. Sana Nameraka Honpo Brightening Cleansing Wash

Active ingredients: Arbutin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate, and Soybean Extract

Best for: Gentle brightening, daily cleansing

This cleanser was my go-to for morning skincare while I was travelling. It foams up into a super soft lather and smells faintly creamy, almost comforting. I usually use this as my second cleanse after removing makeup, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but never tight. Compared to my usual Perfect Whip cleanser, the soy milk-based formula of this was lighter for my combination skin.

Over a few weeks, I noticed my complexion getting more even and less dull. It didn’t sting, even when my skin felt a little sensitive from the sun. If you like creamy, gentle cleansers that still do something, this one’s worth a try. You can check an in-depth review of this product from our best facial cleansers article.

Pros	Cons
Non-stripping Creamy texture Affordable	Too mild for heavy or waterproof makeup

11. Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Active ingredients: Activated Hydrogen Water, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, and Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract.

Best for: Dullness, texture

I’m not much of a big fan of exfoliating face washes, but this one takes the cake for me! I’ve been using this formula since I was a teenager, and it’s a constant must-have in my skincare routine. You apply it to dry skin, massage gently, and these tiny balls of dead skin start rolling off. The first time I used it, I was both grossed out and amazed. It doesn’t sting at all, and my skin felt ridiculously smooth after rinsing.

I used it twice a week in place of a scrub, and it helped my other products absorb better and kept texture at bay, especially around my chin and forehead. If you’re scared of harsh exfoliants, this is the gentlest way to get that baby-skin finish!

Pros	Cons
Non-irritating Satisfying to use Smooth finish	Might not be strong enough for congested skin

Frequently asked questions about Japanese skincare

What is Japan’s No. 1 skin care line?

Hada Labo consistently ranks as the top skincare brand in Japan. Their Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is a nationwide bestseller known for its simple yet powerful hydration. It’s available at nearly every Japanese drugstore and has become a cult favourite for good reason! It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and effective across all skin types.

Where to buy Japanese skincare in Japan?

You’ll find Japanese skincare everywhere, from convenience stores to mega retailers. Top spots include: 

• Don Quijote (great for bundle deals)
• Loft
• Matsumoto Kiyoshi
• @Cosme Store
• FamilyMart for travel-size gems.

If you’re visiting during New Year’s, grab a fukubukuro (lucky bag) for a surprise mix of goodies at a bargain!

Does Japan have better skincare than Korea?

Depends on what you’re looking for! Japanese skincare is minimalist, focused on hydration, layering, and skin barrier support. Korean skincare tends to push innovation, active ingredients, and glow-centric routines. I personally lean towards J-beauty for its gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas, but love incorporating both.

What is a beginner-friendly Japanese skincare routine?

You can start with these basics:

1. Nameraka Honpo Brightening Cleanser – gentle and creamy
2. Gokujyun Hyaluronic Toner – deeply hydrating
3. Melano CC – great for brightening dark spots
4. Naturie Hatomugi Gel – lightweight hydration
5. Biore UV or Anessa Sunscreen – essential daily protection

Can you use Japanese skincare with Western or K-beauty products?

Absolutely! J-beauty routines are often flexible. Their mild formulations pair well with actives like retinol or exfoliants from other lines. Just introduce products slowly and patch test when combining different routines.

Your J-beauty haul checklist starts here

If you’ve been skincare-curious but unsure where to start, Japan is the place. From drugstore brand gems like Melano CC and Gokujyun, to sensitive-skin heroes like Keana and Cure, there’s something for every budget and skin concern.

I tried it all so you don’t have to (but also, you kinda should). Trust me, your skin will thank you!

This article was updated on 8 August 2025. Additional research done by Jaia Corral.