Products

Best Sunscreen Products in Japan | Find The Right Protection For Your Skin!

If you are wondering what’s the best sunscreen that Japanese people use to maintain their healthy and beautiful skin, then you’ve come to the right page. I will be listing down below the best if not, highly recommended products that you must have. Let’s take a little time understanding the 3 types of UV radiation that can harm our skin when we are directly exposed to sunlight.

First is UVA (Ultraviolet A), it has the longest wavelength that can penetrate up to the middle layer of our skin(dermis). Second is the UVB which reaches out the outer layer of our skin(epidermis). The last is UVC(Ultraviolet C) which is in most cases being blocked by the ozone layer so it has lesser chances to reach us since it also has the shortest wavelength among the 3.

It’s never too late to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Keep reading until you can find your best match for maximum protection against the sun!

ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen

Product Information and Review

Product Name ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer Shiseido Co.,Ltd
Price 20ml ¥1,260
60ml ¥2,428
(price source: Amazon)
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website anessa.shiseido.co.jp

ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk that smells like citrus soap, is considered as the holy grail all over the globe. It strongly blocks UV rays that are harmful to the skin containing a maximum skincare ingredients of up to 50%. Its milkish liquid does not leave your skin that whitish effect when you apply the right amount and blend it to your skin.

Aside from UV ray protection, ANESSA Perfect UV Milk also serves as moisturizer leaving your skin completely moisturized and smooth.

How to use

Apply an appropriate amount into your skin and blend it well. This product can be applied to both face and body and leave it for at least 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Cons

This product is not so ideal for those who have oily skin. After using it for hours, my face got really oily.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

Product Information and Review

Product Name Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer Kao Corporation
Price 90ml ¥899
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website kao.com

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence has the World’s First Micro Defense Formula that provides even coverage for skin, fine lines and uneven surfaces at a micro-level. It leaves the skin feeling light after application. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, and Royal Jelly Extract that are good for moisturizing and its fruity scent feels so refreshing.

If you have oily skin, it is best to use light and watery texture sunscreen that can easily be absorbed by the skin and does not leave any sticky after feel. This product is perfect for the face and body.

How to use:

Apply an appropriate amount into your skin and blend it well. This product can be applied to both face and body and leave it for at least 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure.

ALLIE Extra UV Gel

Product Information and Review

Product Name ALLIE Extra UV Gel
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer Kanebo Cosmetics Inc.
Price 90g ¥2,061
40g ¥1,030
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website kanebo.com

ALLIE Extra UV Gel has gained supporters around the world and it is also as prominent as ANESSA brand. It has the new Kanebo friction proof technology and a combination of Hyaluronic acid and collagen that can help protect the skin from drying.

If you want almost complete protection for your skin, this product will not be a major disappointment as it has already proven and tested by many.

How to use:

After moisturizing, dispense an adequate amount and apply onto clean skin at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Apply as needed during sun exposure.

KOSE SUNCUT Sunscreen Spray

Product Information and Review

Product Name KOSE SUNCUT Sunscreen Spray
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer KOSE Cosmeport Corp.
Price 60g ¥535
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website suncut-uv.com

KOSE SUNCUT Sunscreen Spray has the maximum UV protection technology for a complete full-body sun protection, ensuring that you’ll never suffer from sunburn! It is really light and non-greasy type of spray.

It is considered as the best-selling sunscreen spray in Japan given that it is very easy to apply all over the body and definitely not overpriced.

How to use:

Shake the bottle vigorously four or five times and spray at a distance of 10-15cm to evenly cover the skin and hair.

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence

Product Information and Review

Product Name Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co.
Price 80g ¥723
Availability Online, Drugstore
Website jp.rohto.com

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence, a renewed sunscreen just last June of this year 2019, is already making noise in terms of UV ray protection. Aside from its cute packaging, this product is very light-weight and easy to apply on your skin.

Toning up your skin tone is what it does great, too! With its blue-pink pigments, it can turn your dull skin into a brighter and more attractive skin tone. It also contains good skin care ingredients that will leave your skin soft and smooth throughout the day!

How to use:

Apply an appropriate amount into your skin and blend it well. This product can be applied to both face and body and leave it for at least 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure.

NIVEA Sun Water Gel

Product Information and Review

Product Name NIVEA Sun Water Gel
SPF 50 PA+++
Manufacturer Kao Corporation
Price 80g ¥658
140g ¥823
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website kao.com

This light-weight sunscreen gel is very easy to apply and can be easily absorbed by the skin. Its gentle effect on the skin makes it more convenient to use on a daily basis or as much as needed when exposed to sunlight. It also contains Hyaluronic acid and plant extracts keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day.

How to use:

After moisturizing, dispense an adequate amount and apply onto clean skin at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Apply as needed during sun exposure.

Cons:

The product is not waterproof!

KOSÉ Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel

Product Information and Review

Product Name KOSÉ Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer KOSÉ Corporation
Price 90g ¥2,160
40g ¥1,080
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website kose.co.jp

A newly developed sun protect gel which is “super water proof” that can stand the hassles all day long. It contains Hyaluronic acid, collagen, jojoba leaf extract, and squalane ingredients that will surely leave your skin completely moisturized while getting a maximum protection from the harmful rays of the sun.

How to use:

Apply an appropriate amount into your skin and blend it well. This product can be applied to both face and body and leave it for at least 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Curel UV Protection Milk

Product Information and Review

Product Name Curel UV Protection Milk
(SPF 50+ PA+++)
Manufacturer Kao Corporation
Price 60ml ¥1,620
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website kao.com

Curel UV Protection Milk is the best partner for those who have dry and sensitive skin. It prevents skin damages such as dryness, redness, burning sensation, dark spots and freckles. Its silky light texture leaves skin smooth, comfortable and completely moisturized.

This sunscreen is good for face and body plus it is completely sebum-resistant so you won’t be suffering from excessive oily feeling. It can also be used as a makeup base and its suitable for babies 2 months and above.

How to use:

Apply an appropriate amount into your skin and blend it well. This product can be applied to both face and body and leave it for at least 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure.

2e UV Sunscreen (Non Chemical)

Product Information and Review

Product Name 2e UV Sunscreen (Non Chemical)
(SPF 45 PA+++)
Manufacturer Shiseido Co.,Ltd
Price 40g ¥ 2,376
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website 2e.shiseido.co.jp

Sheseido’s 2e UV Sunscreen is a 100% non-chemical suncare formulation that is highly recommended by a lot of dermatologists especially to those who have highly sensitive skin.

How to use:

Take an appropriate amount on your clean hand and apply on both cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin and distribute evenly all over the face. You can use the container directly when applying to your body.

Parasola ILLUMI SKIN UV Essence

Product Information and Review

Product Name Parasola ILLUMI SKIN UV Essence N
(SPF 50+ PA++++)
Manufacturer Naris Up Cosmetics Co.
Price 80g ¥815
Availability Online, Drugstores
Website narisup.com

Parasola Illumi Skin Essence N is a high-selling sunscreen product that functions not only as a protector from the sun but also contains brightening effect if you have dull skin.

Considering its high SPF level, you don’t have to worry about being exposed to the sun plus it is also water resistant!

How to use:

Apply an appropriate amount on your skin and blend it well. This product can be applied to both face and body and leave it for at least 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure.