Japanese drugstores are one of my favorite places to shop when Iâm in Japan.
You can find everything from sunscreen and skincare to hair treatments and lip care â often with a huge selection in one store.
But if you donât read Japanese, walking into a Japanese drugstore can also feel a little overwhelming. There are so many products!
So, if youâre wondering what beauty products to look for during your Japan trip, here are 10 popular Japanese beauty finds to add to your shopping list.
1. ANESSA Perfect UV Skincare Milk âïž
If youâre looking for Japanese sunscreen, ANESSA is one of the names youâll see frequently in Japan.
Perfect UV Skincare Milk NA is SPF50+ PA++++ and is designed for both the face and body. The current Japanese version is also rated UV water resistance â â .
It has a lightweight milk texture and is a useful option to look for if youâre planning lots of sightseeing outdoors.
Look for: The distinctive gold ANESSA bottle.
Good for: Outdoor sightseeing and sunny travel days.
2. BiorĂ© UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence đ§
Bioré UV is another Japanese sunscreen range worth looking for while shopping in Japan.
The Aqua Rich Watery Essence is especially well known for its light, watery feel compared with heavier traditional sunscreens.
Itâs an easy product to add to your Japan shopping list if you prefer sunscreen that feels lighter on the skin.
Good for: Everyday sightseeing and travelers who prefer lightweight sunscreen.
3. CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV đ§ââïž
CANMAKE is an affordable Japanese cosmetics brand thatâs easy to spot in drugstores and beauty shops.
Mermaid Skin Gel UV is particularly popular with travelers because it combines high UV protection with a light gel-style texture.
CANMAKE also has plenty of cute, affordable makeup to browse while youâre there.
Good for: Beauty lovers looking for affordable Japanese cosmetics.
4. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion đŠ
Donât let the word âlotionâ confuse you.
In Japanese skincare, a lotion like this is closer to a hydrating toner than a Western-style body lotion.
The current Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion contains four types of hyaluronic acid as moisturizing ingredients and is fragrance-free, colorant-free, oil-free, alcohol-free and paraben-free.
Itâs one of those simple Japanese skincare products thatâs easy to work into an existing routine.
Good for: Anyone looking to add hydration to their skincare routine.
5. Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Lotion âš
If you want something richer, look for the gold Gokujyun Premium bottle.
The current version contains eight types of hyaluronic acid as moisturizing ingredients and is positioned as a higher-moisture lotion in the Hada Labo range.
The texture is richer than the regular version, so which one you prefer will depend on your skin and the texture you like.
Good for: Travelers who prefer richer, more moisturizing skincare.
6. CurĂ©l Intensive Moisture Facial Cream đ€
Curél is another Japanese skincare brand worth knowing, particularly if you prefer simple moisturizing products.
Its Intensive Moisture Facial Cream is one of the brandâs recognizable products and is designed as a moisturizing facial cream.
Itâs a good one to look out for if your skin tends to feel dry, especially after long flights or during colder weather.
Good for: Dry-feeling skin and travelers looking for a moisturizing cream.
7. Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil đ«§
Japanese cleansing oils are worth checking out if you wear makeup or sunscreen regularly.
Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil is designed to remove makeup and is an easy drugstore product to add to a double-cleansing routine.
Itâs also generally much less bulky than bringing home lots of larger beauty products.
Good for: Makeup and sunscreen removal.
8. fino Premium Touch Hair Mask đââïž
Japanese haircare deserves its own shopping trip.
fino Premium Touch Hair Mask is an intensive hair treatment made for damaged hair and has become especially recognizable among international J-beauty shoppers.
If you use heat styling, color your hair or simply love trying Japanese hair products, this is an easy one to look for.
Good for: Damaged or dry-feeling hair.
9. DHC Medicated Lip Cream đ
Sometimes the best Japanese beauty souvenirs are the small ones.
DHC Medicated Lip Cream is compact, easy to carry and simple to add to your drugstore basket.
It also makes an easy little beauty gift because it doesnât take up much suitcase space.
Good for: Handbags, travel and small beauty gifts.
10. Japanese Sheet Masks đ§ââïž
Finally, donât leave the skincare aisle without looking at the sheet masks.
Japanese drugstores usually have plenty to choose from, including individual masks and larger multi-mask packs.
Instead of looking for only one specific brand, take a little time to browse the shelves and choose something that suits your skin and budget.
Theyâre also easy to pack and make fun souvenirs for beauty-loving friends.
Good for: Skincare lovers and easy-to-pack souvenirs.
Where to Buy Japanese Beauty Products
You donât need to visit a specialist beauty store to find many Japanese skincare and beauty products.
While traveling around Japan, look in:
- Drugstores
- Don Quijote
- Large shopping malls
- Department stores
- Variety and beauty stores
Stock and prices can vary between stores, so donât worry if you donât find everything in one place.
Part of the fun is browsing!
What Should You Buy First?
If you donât want to come home with an entire suitcase of skincare, start with a few products that are particularly easy to use.
For a first Japanese beauty haul, Iâd look at sunscreen, a Hada Labo lotion, a hair treatment and a few small items such as lip care or sheet masks.
Then leave a little room in your suitcase â because Japanese drugstores are very good at convincing you that you need âjust one more thing.â
My Japan Beauty Shopping Tip đŻđ”
Take a photo of the exact product you want before you go shopping.
Japanese beauty brands often sell several products in very similar packaging, and it can be difficult to tell the difference when everything on the shelf is written in Japanese.
Also remember that formulas, packaging and availability can change, so check the actual product label before buying.
Save this guide for your Japan shopping trip đŻđ”đ
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