10 Best Japanese Sunscreens Recommended By Experts

Japanese sunscreen is well-known for its light texture, superior quality, and affordable price. Discover the 10 best Japanese sunscreens below to find the finest product for you.

Intro

Sunscreen is an indispensable cosmetic to protect your skin every day. With the function of protecting our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, a high-quality sunscreen will be beneficial to you. On the other hand, if you choose the wrong type of sunscreen, they can make your skin greasy, sticky and fade quickly, even some types with low SPF may not protect your skin well enough.

So, if you are looking for a good sunscreen for yourself, Japanese sunscreens may be a safe choice for you. Because the summer of Japan is so hot and humid with high temperatures, Japanese cosmetics businesses have produced excellent sunscreens that are non-greasy, lightweight and have strong UV protection and long-lasting. 

You can find an abundance of products in Japan because that country has a huge and fiercely competitive market for sunscreen. They are available in a variety of formulas, finishes, and effects, allowing you to pick the one that best meets your requirements or skin condition. 

Let’s take a look at the 10 best Japanese sunscreens in 2023, which we have compared, analyzed, and compiled below.

Things To Look For When Buying Sunscreen

1. Consider SPF rating of the sunscreens (ideally 30 – 50)

Both UVA and UVB rays not only cause wrinkles, sunburns and accelerate the aging process, but they also have the potential to lead to skin cancer. An SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks 97% of UV rays from the sun, is what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests.

2. Select products labeled “broad spectrum”

If you want maximum sun protection, look for the products with the word “broad spectrum”. The term “broad spectrum” refers to sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays, two types of UV rays from the sun that may damage the skin and cause skin cancer.

3. Check out your skin type

4. Use water-resistant sunscreen

Dermatologists also advise that you search for the term “water-resistant”. Sunscreen with waterproof function will be a savior for those with oily, sweaty skin, because you don’t have to re-apply the sunscreen for a few hours. Some sunscreens are not water-resistant.

Are Japanese Sunscreens Good?

Thanks to its high SPF rating, lightweight, hydrating ingredients, and flexibility as a makeup primer, Japanese sunscreen has come to be a favored item among beauty lovers around the world.

Japanese sunscreens, in contrast to those made primarily in the US and Europe, clearly indicate on their product labels how much protection they offer from UVA and UVB rays. You should choose a sunscreen that can block UVB and UVA rays for maximum protection, and Japanese sunscreens are excellent at accomplishing this at a reasonable price.

One feature that makes Japanese sunscreen special is its natural and mild ingredients that are safe for any skin type, even sensitive skin. They are also typically hypoallergenic. Thus, they are ideal for consumers with sensitive skin or those who have skin allergies.

Additionally, Japanese sunscreens are well-known for their unique texture. Japanese sunscreens are incredibly lightweight in texture and frequently have a gel-like structure that slides onto the skin smoothly, in contrast to many Western sunscreens, which are thick creams that may be rather gloopy and leave white casts. They don’t leave any white spots after applying and offer a non-sticky, non-greasy texture.

10 Best Japanese Sunscreens 

Here we will introduce 10 best japanese sunscreens that range from the best sellers to the lesser known but good quality ones. Read the information carefully and find the greatest product for yourself.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen is the most popular Japanese cosmetic item of all time. This product is well-liked abroad as well as in Japan. Shiseido’s cutting-edge “Auto Booster Technology” is included in the sunscreen to improve UV protection and lifespan while in contact with water, sweat, and heat. It feels smoothly light, offers evenly on the skin without leaving a white case, and is effortlessly rinsed with ordinary cleaning even though it provides strong UV protection and long-lasting effects. 

For all skin types 

SPF 50+/PA++++

Price: 3,400 yen – 4000 yen (24,2 USD – 28,5 USD) 

* Prices vary depending on where you shop. Buying in Japan can be cheaper. 

Pros	Cons
Powerful UV protection Waterproof and sweat-resistant Integrated aqua booster technology Used for face and body Contains 50% of skincare ingredients  Easily removed with soap Smooth, light texture	The sunscreen could be drying.

Mommy UV Mild Gel

This sunscreen is made for children, but with its natural ingredients and mild texture, it has become a favorite item of many Japanese women. The product is produced with 90% food ingredients, is devoid of additives (coloring, scent, preservatives free, and no alcohol), and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. It also has organic beauty ingredients that maintain the skin nourished and smooth. It can be used on the face and the body and is easily removed with common cleansers.

For dry and sensitive skin 

SPF33/PA+++

Price: 1800 yen – 2600 yen (12,8 USD – 18,5 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Made with 90% food ingredients  Does not irritate your skin  Smooth texture  Natural moisture ingredients for skin	Mediocre SPF rating

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ALLIE Extra UV Gel (Kanebo)

ALLIE Extra UV Gel is a cool, lightweight gel sunscreen that offers strong sun protection. It is incredibly water- and sweat-resistant. It also features the unique “Super Friction Proof Technology” of Kanebo, which is very friction-resistant and keeps sunscreen from fading or smearing onto your clothes. Hyaluronic acid and collagen, two cosmetic ingredients that moisturize the skin, are included.

For all skin types 

SPF50+/PA++++

Price: 2000 yen – 3300 yen (14,2 USD – 23,5 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Super waterproof Friction-resistance  Moisturizing and nourishing ingredients  Perfect for makeup base Fragrance-free	Expensive

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence is not only a sunscreen but it is also a makeup primer to help even out your skin tone, offering you radiant skin even under intense sunlight. This light sunscreen lotion includes micro-fine pearl particles, which also provide the skin with a brighter, beautiful shine while protecting it from UV damage. 

For all skin types 

SPF50/PA++++

Price: 1200 yen – 1900 yen (8,5 USD – 13,5 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Strong UV protection  Tinted colored sunscreen Mineral oil free Lightweight, non-greasy texture  Preservation free Suitable for all the type of skin, especially for oily skin	Includes Alcohol  The scent is a bit soapy

Curel UV Essence

A sunscreen with a mild formula, Curel UV Essence shields the skin from harmful UV rays, dryness, and roughness. The lightweight sunscreen has a silky texture and is very easy to use. It is safe for use on sensitive skin, including infant skin, and free of UV absorbers, fragrances, colors, and alcohol. It also has plant-derived components that help treat dry and damaged skin.

For dry and sensitive skin

SPF30/PA+++

Price: 2400 yen – 3300 yen (17 USD – 23,5 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Ceramide-functioned  Can heal dry and damaged skin Used for both face and body Includes moisturizing and nourishing ingredients Non-sticky and lightweight	Hard to spread

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

One of the best-selling drugstore products in Japan is Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. It is popular for its lightweight texture and long-lasting. The water-based sunscreen offers a smooth, bright finish and strong UV protection. It makes use of the original Micro Defense technology from Biore, which consists of tiny capsules that are filled with a UV protection ingredient and cover the skin evenly.

For all skin types 

SPF50+/PA++++

Price: 1200 yen – 1800 yen (8,5 USD – 14,2 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Waterproof  Can be used as a makeup foundation Lightweight and transparent  Non-greasy, non-sticky	Depending on your skin type or the region you live in, it could make your skin a bit oily or drying for some people.

Kose Sekkisei White UV Gel

To make sure that the sunscreen is gentle on all skin types, Kose Sekkisei UV Gel has been particularly tested for allergens as well as on individuals with dry and sensitive skin. Coix seed, often known as “Job’s tears” is included in the product together with other botanicals like rose myrtle fruit extract, angelica root extract, and melothria root extract to keep your skin smooth and moisturized under the hot summer sun.

For dry and sensitive Skin 

SPF 50+/PA++++

Price: around 2500 yen (17,8 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Good moisturizing ingredients  Can be used as a primer Fades dark spots and brightens the skin The finish is smooth like being covered with water.	Not suitable for oily skin  Expensive

SHISEIDO ANESSA Perfect UV Mild Milk

Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Mild Milk is undoubtedly a wise choice for people who have sensitive skin. This sunscreen has a hypoallergenic formula with its additive-, fragrance-, and colorant-free structure. The skin will have a shiny smooth texture after using this extremely waterproof sunscreen.

For all skin types 

SPF50+/PA++++ 

Price: 3600 yen – 4200 yen (25,6 USD – 30 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Perfect UV protection  Contains 50% skincare ingredients Can be used as a makeup base Easily removed with facial cleansers  Waterproof	Sometimes it may leaves white casts

NIVEA UV Super Water Gel

NIVEA UV Super Water Gel 50 is popular for its non-sticky, aqua-light texture with excellent UV protection. You might not even realize that you are applying sunscreen because it spreads effortlessly and feels like a toner for your skin. Seventy-five percent of the ingredients are for skin care, including double hyaluronic acid. It’s also free of colorants, fragrances, and Mineral oil.

For all skin types 

SPF50/PA+++

Price: 800 yen – 1600 yen (5,8 USD – 12,8 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Has hyaluronic acids Lightweight Moisturizing ingredients Non-sticky, non-greasy	Contains alcohol No waterproof

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence

Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence is created to work effectively in Japan’s typically hot and humid summer with its strongest UV protection. If you live somewhere with a similar temperature or spend a lot of time outside during the summer, it’s an excellent choice for you. Regarded as a super-waterproof sunscreen, Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect essence will leave you smooth, dry skin even in the hot summer. 

For all skin types 

SPF 50+/PA++++

Price: 2300 yen – 3300 yen (16,4 USD – 23,5 USD) 

Pros	Cons
Super waterproof (up to 80 minutes) Not greasy, not sticky Powerful UV protection Moisturizing ingredients including royal jelly and hyaluronic acid	Contains alcohol  Fragrance

FAQs

1. What makes Japanese sunscreen special?

Because the weather in Japan’s summer is extremely hot and humid, the sunscreens here are usually lightweight, have a smooth texture, are easy to apply on the skin, and have a high SPF rating. In addition, Japanese cosmetic companies also tend to produce sunscreens with mild compounds that do not cause skin irritation, completely suitable for all skin types.

2. Does SPF 50 last longer than 30?

You need to reapply sunscreen less frequently since SPF 50 sunscreens can keep your skin protected for longer. Instead of every 120 minutes as recommended for SPF 30, SPF 50 sunscreens advise reapplying after 150 minutes.

3. Is Japanese sunscreen broad spectrum?

Japanese sunscreens are among the finest in their category because of their cutting-edge formulations, broad-spectrum protection, and skin-beneficial ingredients.

4. Where can I buy sunscreen in Japan?

In Japan, there are many shops that sell authentic sunscreen, from pharmacies to department stores such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote, Loft, Ainz & Tulpe,… Japanese sunscreen is also available online from retailers including Amazon Japan, YesStyle, and Rakuten.

5. Is it necessary to wear sunscreen everyday?

Sunscreen application is necessary every day. The sun may damage skin even on days with clouds. According to research, even exposure to the sun through a car window increases the chance of developing skin cancer.

6. Can I use 2 different sunscreens at one time?

It’s more beneficial to only use a single type of sunscreen at one time. According to the most recent study, combining chemical and mineral sunscreens (including those used in makeup) can make them less effective at blocking damaging UV rays.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Japanese sunscreens are unquestionably deserving of a spot in your makeup bag for the reasons we explained above. Try one of the 10 best Japanese sunscreens we’ve listed in this article for your skin to be well-protected every day.