When I think about a trip to Japan, the delicious food and breathtaking sights immediately come to mind. But equally thrilling is the chance to shop for skincare products that can be hard to find or expensive in the States. As an Asian woman, I find Asian skincare particularly appealing because it complements my skin so well. Additionally, these products are often more accessible and affordable when purchased directly from Japan, and they come fresh from their source.
Japan is renowned for its cutting-edge skincare technology and time-tested beauty rituals. Nowadays, it often gets overshadowed by Korean skincare, which benefits from extensive marketing. However, before the K-pop and Korean culture boom, Japanese skincare was just as highly coveted. In fact, my mom has been a devoted user of Japanese skincare products for decades! If you’re looking to elevate your skincare routine with some Japanese products, you’re in for a treat. From hydrating serums to innovative cleansers, Japanese skincare products are celebrated for their quality and effectiveness. Here’s a curated list of 10 skincare products I brought back from Japan on my latest trip.
Table of Contents
Where to buy skincare products in Japan
Drugstores & Convenient Stores
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi: A major chain offering a wide range of skincare products, including popular Japanese and international brands.
- Don Quijote: Known for its extensive selection of skincare products at competitive prices.
- Tsuruha Drug: A drugstore chain with a variety of skincare options, often with good deals and promotions.
- Continent stores (7 Eleven, FamilyMart etc): Convenient stores often have an aisle for cost friendly but popular beauty products like Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+.
Department Stores
- Isetan: Offers high-end Japanese and international skincare brands. Their beauty sections often feature exclusive products.
- Takashimaya: Another upscale department store with a broad selection of premium skincare products.
- Marui (OIOI): Known for a variety of brands and sometimes offers exclusive items and seasonal products.
Beauty and Skincare Shops (ex. Shiseido, SKII etc)
Local Markets & Shops: Small, independent shops in cities and towns often carry unique or niche skincare products.
Each of these places offers a different range of products and price points, so you can choose based on your preferences and needs.
Money Saving Tips
1. Buy refill packages: In Japan, skincare products are available in both packaged containers and refill packs. Refill packs are often significantly cheaper than buying new bottles. If you already have a container or don’t need a new one, opt for the refill packs! Not only do they save you money, but they’re also more compact, so they’ll take up less space in your luggage. Refill packages looks like this:
Shop Duty Free: In touristy areas, you can find drug stores that allow you to purchase goods duty free! There is a purchase minimum, but it is pretty low. Just make sure to bring your passport when shopping!
Look for Discounts and Promotions: Keep an eye out for store promotions, sales, or discount coupons. Many stores have special deals, especially if you buy in bulk or during certain seasons.
8 skin care products to buy in Japan
1. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has been a cult favorite for years. It effectively and gently removes makeup, even stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara, while preserving your skin’s natural oils. Use it as the first step in your double cleansing routine for a fresh, clean face. Follow up with a non-oil based cleanser like: Shiseido Perfect Whip.
2. Shiseido Perfect Whip
Shiseido Perfect Whip is a popular facial cleanser loved for its rich, creamy lather and powerful cleansing ability. I love how it creates a luxurious foam that gently removes impurities, excess oil, and makeup, leaving your skin clean and comfortably hydrated. Its special formula cleans deeply without taking away your skin’s natural moisture, making it great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
3. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Japan is known for its exceptional lotions, which I would describe is light and watery in texture that absorbs quickly, offering deep hydration without a heavy or greasy feel. I’ve previously used SANA Soy Milk Moisture Lotion, but after hearing rave reviews about Hada Labo’s Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, I had to pick up a bottle to try for myself. I’m happy to report that it lives up to the hype! This lightweight yet deeply moisturizing lotion features a blend of multiple types of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrates the skinI use it after my toner and before my moisturizer, and it really helps keep my skin hydrated, which is important in the very dry climate that I live.
4. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+
I’ve been using this sunscreen for seven years, and it’s still the best I’ve ever found. It offers excellent SPF protection with a light, watery texture that absorbs quickly and leaves no white streaks or residue. While I’ve always purchased it from Amazon, you can get it at a much lower price in Japan. Naturally, I stocked up while I was there! Fortunately, it’s so popular that you can find it in almost every convenience store across Japan.
5. Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder
A Korean co-worker introduced me to Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder, and it’s become an essential travel item for me ever since. I love that it comes in powder form, which means I don’t have to worry about liquid limits when flying. The enzyme powder does an excellent job of removing makeup, dissolving dead skin cells, and clearing impurities. It’s perfect for a quick and effective exfoliation. While it’s a bit pricey—about $0.75 per wash on Amazon—buying it in Japan is much more affordable.
6. Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Cure Natural Aqua Gel is another cult favorite and arguably one of the most sought-after products in Japan. This gentle exfoliating gel, enriched with natural plant extracts, effectively removes dead skin cells and impurities while being suitable for all skin types. It delivers a mild yet effective exfoliation that leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed without irritation. I discovered this gem a decade ago, and it remains a staple on my bathroom counter. While it is on the pricier side, even in Japan, a single bottle lasts a long time. Its popularity is such that many stores actually keep it locked up!
7. Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Japanese Rice Face Mask
Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Rice Face Mask is a fantastic Japanese sheet mask that helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores while nourishing your skin. Packed with rice serum from Japan, it’s known for its great moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. It’s also pretty affordable. I’ve used it on and off over the years, mostly because it’s not always easy to find. One of my favorite tricks is to pop it in the fridge before using it—the cooling effect is super refreshing, especially on hot summer days.
8. pdc – Wafood Made Sake Lees Face Mask
The PDC Wafood Made Sake Lees Face Mask is a rinse off face mask infused with Japanese sake lees extract. Sake lees, or sake kasu, is the leftover yeast from sake fermentation, and is celebrated in beauty for its skin benefits. The formula helps to brighten and smooth your complexion, soften and gently break down dulling dead skin cells, without stripping away essential moisture.
Final Thoughts
Japanese skincare products are celebrated for their innovation and effectiveness. Whether you’re seeking deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, or reliable sun protection, these products provide a range of solutions to elevate your skincare routine. While many of these items are available on Amazon, you’ll find a greater variety, including discounted refill packages, and often more affordable prices when shopping in Japan. Happy shopping!
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