I absolutely love Japanese skincare and makeup products. So I’ve made a list of ‘what cosmetics to buy in Japan’, after going through my cosmetics collection. Now you can easily get the best Japanese cosmetics during your visit to Japan or just go ahead and get it online!
Japan is the holy grail when it comes to cosmetics. Some of the best brands in the world are based in Japan. And you’ll find cosmetics for all ranges here from quite affordable ones to luxurious cosmetic brands. And each one oh-so-worth-it!
**Me and my girls at any Japanese cosmetics store**
What cosmetics to buy in Japan?
Here’s a list of best cosmetics to buy in Japan:
- Power Radical New Age Cream by SK-II
- Skin Plumping Gel Cream By Hada Labo
- Nude eyeshadow Quad by Lunasol
- Oshima Tsubaki Oil
- Skincare lotion by Kikumasamune
- Gokujun Hyaluronic Moisturizing Lotion By Hado Labo
- Dark Spot Corrector by Melano CC
- Static Eliminating Hair Brush
Check out what cosmetics to buy in Japan below!
Which is the best cosmetic to buy in Japan?
My team and I tested 50+ Japanese cosmetics on the basis of it’s ingredients, formula type as well as end results. We found DHC Deep Cleansing Oil to be the best cosmetic to buy in Japan.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has a water-soluble formula that works efficiently to remove even the most pigmented makeup.This cleansing oil not only effectively removes stubborn makeup but also nourishes and hydrates your skin. It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamins providing your skin with all nourishment it needs. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is available on Amazon for sale.
What Cosmetics To Buy In Japan?
#1 — DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Best Japanese Cleanser For All Skin Types
The DHC cleansing oil has a water-soluble formula that works efficiently to remove even the most pigmented makeup. This is one of the best-selling cleansing oils in Japan and DHC is one of Japan’s most sought-after skincare and makeup products.
The cleansing oil not only effectively removes stubborn makeup but also nourishes and hydrates your skin. It’s also rich in antioxidants and vitamins providing your skin with all nourishment it needs.
Even drag-queens will approve this makeup remover!
Key Features:
- Formulated with olive oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Vitamin E
- Water-soluble formula
- Rich antioxidants and vitamins
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral Oil free
Pros:
- Suitable for most skin types
- Removes water-proof makeup as well
- Good choice for double-cleansing method
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Related: Check out these nourishing Japanese serums that will deeply moisturize and hydrate your skin!
#2 — Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen
Best Japanese Sunscreen
Shiseido is one of the luxury Japanese skincare and makeup brands. It offers the best products for different skin types and concerns. And this particular sunscreen is the best selling Japanese sunscreen. It has an SPF50+ and PA++++. The formula provides high protection against the UVA and UVB rays. It is also water-proof so don’t be scared to take a dip in the pool.
This sunscreen does more than just protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, it also nourishes and moisturizes your skin.
The sun got nothing on me with this sunscreen
Key Features:
- Lightweight formula
- Formulated with moisturizing ingredients
- Water-proof
- Sweat-resistant
- SPF50+
- PA++++
Pros:
- Strong UV protection
- Formulated with skin nourishing ingredients
- Not greasy, can be worn under makeup
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Related: Hair loss trouble? Here are Japanese anti-hair fall shampoo that works like a charm!
#3 — Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder
Best Japanese Cleanser For Traveling
This beauty clear powder comes in small capsules for single use – which makes it super travel-friendly. Just add a little water to the powder and foam it up. It’s formulated with enzymes that not only remove impurities from your skin but also make it soft. The cleansing powder helps remove dead skin cells and blackheads, giving you smooth, silky skin.
The healthy enzymes on this one penetrates deep enough to reach my soul
Key Features:
- Contains enzymes that effectively removes impurities
- Makes skin soft
- Removes dead skin cells and blackheads
Pros:
- Travel-friendly
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Related: Keep your skin soft and moisturized with these nourishing body lotions from top J-beauty brands!
#4 — Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream
Best Japanese Moisturizer
Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream stays true to its name and does make your skin feel plump and soft. It’s clinically tested to keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours without reapplication. It has a serum-like formula, with three types of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the mix, that spreads easily on the face and neck.
It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into your skin. It has a non-greasy formula so it doesn’t feel sticky after application. It’s also non-comedogenic. It’s free of fragrances and mineral oils. It’s also dye-free and paraben-free.
You can use it by itself or mix it with your foundation to create your own tinted moisturizer. It also helps reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Keeps my skin hydrated longer than any of my relationships
Key Features:
- Formulated with three types of hyaluronic acid and collagen
- Serum-like formula, lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Clinically tested to keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- No mineral oils
- Fragrance-free
Pros:
- Can be mixed with foundation
- Anti-aging properties
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Suitable for most skin types
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#5 — Lunasol Nude Eyeshadow Quad
Best Japanese Eye shadow Palette
This eyeshadow palette by Lunasol is one of my favorites. It has a combination of four beige-based colors for a classic look. The shades have a smooth and soft texture that easily glides on to your eyelids. The glittery eyeshadow shadow doesn’t have much fall out and the color payoff in this palette is excellent.
The kind of shade I like to throw (on myself)
Key Features
- Four beige-based color combination palette
- Easy to apply
- Smooth and soft texture
- Minimal fallout
- Excellent color payoff
Pros:
- The combination of colors used is very easy to use together and can be used for everyday makeup
- Not chalky
- Comes with two double ended applicators
- One of the applicators has a brush on one side
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Related: Give your skin the ultimate protection against the sun with these amazing sunscreens!
#6 — Oshima Tsubaki Oil
Best Japanese Hair Oil
Oshima Tsubaki hair oil is made of Camellia oil. It moisturizes your hair to make it smooth and glossy. The oil also protects your hair from damage and adds bounce and volume to your hair as well. The hair oil is rich in minerals, vitamins, omega-9 fats. It revitalizes your hair and adds shine to your hair.
Will work even if your scalp is as dry as a desert
Key Features:
- Made of camellia oil
- Rich in minerals, vitamins, omega-9 fats
- Moisturizes hair
- Prevent hair damage
- Prevents cuticle damage
- Prevents split ends
- Adds shine, body, and volume to the hair
Pros:
- Made of camellia oil and it’s 100% natural oil
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Related: Here are some amazing Japanese hair brushes that are easy on your scalp and hair!
#7 — Melano CC Dark Spot Corrector
Best Japanese Spot Corrector
This one is a best-seller in Japan and is a cult-favorite amongst many skincare communities. The Melano CC dark spot corrector is formulated with ascorbic acid that controls the production of melanin. It targets dull areas to gradually brighten it. In order to reduce exposure to air, this dark spot corrector comes in an air tight tube that keeps the effectiveness of the Vitamin C intact.
If everybody really believed ‘you’re beautiful just the way you are’ why is this spot corrector selling like hot cakes?
Key Features:
- Formulated with ascorbic acid
- Rich in antioxidants
- Rich in vitamin C
- Inhibits melanin production
- Brightens dull areas gradually
Pros
- Packaged in airtight tube
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#8 — Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation
Best Japanese Liquid Foundation
The synchro skin foundation by Shiseido has a natural fresh and dewy finish. It doesn’t have that oily sheen like other liquid foundations. It has a lightweight formula and gives sheer to medium coverage.
This Japanese liquid foundation is formulated with Shisheido’s advanced sensing technology that synchronizes with your skin’s moisture levels to provide your skin with appropriate levels of hydration. The liquid foundation also allows you to build up coverage with multiple layers without making your skin look cakey.
This liquid foundation understands my skin better than I can understand my emotions
Key Features:
- Lightweight formula
- Gives you luminous long-lasting finish
- Sheer to medium coverage
- 8-hour hydration
- Buildable coverage without cakey appearance
Pros:
- Shiseido’s advanced sensing technology synchronizes with your skin’s hydration levels to give your skin the appropriate amount of hydration
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#9 — Bifesta Makeup Remover Cleansing Sheet
Best Japanese Makeup Remover
The Bifesta makeup remover cleansing sheet makes removing makeup super easy. It removes makeup with just one swipe and also cleanses your face. The cleansing sheet also doubles up as a beauty essence. One pack has 46 sheets and should last you about a month.
If one thing is consistent about me – it’s that I’m always broke. Luckily, the price of this makeup remover won’t make me cry.
Key Features:
- 46 sheets in a pack
- Easy to remove makeup
- Also works as a cleanser
Pros:
- Doubles as a beauty essence sheet
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#10 — Meishoku Facial Peeling Gel
Best Alternative For Chemical Peels
This facial peeling gel by Meishoku is the best alternative for chemical peels. This facial peeling gel exfoliates and unclogs pores, removes dead cells, and brightens skin using AHA and BHA. It’s very simple to use – massage it into the skin for 3-5 minutes (after washing your face first) then rinse thoroughly.
So effective it might just remove all your impurities from within as well
Key Features:
- Gentle on the skin
- Contains AHA and BHA
- Exfoliates clogged pores, removes dead cells, brighten/evens out skin tone
Pros:
- Easy to use
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#11 — Botanist Botanical Shampoo & Conditioner
Best Japanese Shampoo
This shampoo and conditioner by Botanist is made of 90% plant-derived ingredients so it’s easy on the scalp and hair as well. It moisturises your hair and scalp. It has an apple and berry scent that will leave your hair feeling refreshed and clean. Your hair will feel much smoother and lighter after wash!
Maybe I’d be a better-functioning adult if my mum was as gentle as this shampoo is on my scalp and hair
Key Features:
- 90% natural ingredients used
- Rich in moisture
- Apple and berry scent
- Hair feel soft and refreshed after use
Pros:
- Composed of plant-derived ingredients
- Easy on the scalp and hair
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Also, if you’re troubled with hair loss – check out the best Japanese shampoos for hair loss!
#12 — DHC Velvet Skin Coat
Best Japanese Primer
This is one of the best selling primers in Japan. The primer softens lines and improves your skin texture instantly. It visibly lightens wrinkles and covers pores making your skin look smooth.
It also reduces the oil in your face allowing the makeup to glide easily on top of it. This primer can be used on your hands and neck. It’s infused with olive oil that’s known for its skin nourishing properties.
It covered my black-hole sized pores, so I know it works!
Key Features:
- Infused with olive oil
- Softens lines and wrinkles
- Makes skin look smooth
- Hides pores
Pros:
- Last long and dries instantly
- Reduces oil on the face so the makeup can glide over easily
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#13 — Quality 1st All In One Sheet Mask
Best Japanese Sheet Mask
The very popular 10-step skincare routine is extremely good for your skin and everything but who has that kind of time on their hands? So get the benefits of that 10-step skin care routine with this Quality 1st all in one sheet mask. You can use it daily and your skin will feel fresh and moisturized instantly.
The cotton sheet masks are dipped in essence that’s a blend of 35 beauty ingredients including collagen and hyaluronic acid.
This sheet mask = The lazy girls skincare routine
Key Features:
- 50 sheet masks in a pack
- 35 beauty ingredients including collagen and hyaluronic acid
- Intensely moisturizes skin
- Skin feels soft after use
Pros:
- Replaces your skincare routine
- Soft and gentle on the skin
- Skin-firming and moisturizing effects
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#14 — Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish
Best Japanese Exfoliator
This is an exfoliator that’s formulated with rice bran and bamboo. It gently cleanses your skin and removes any impurities and dead skin cells. It’s formulated with ginger root and ginseng tone extracts that balance the skin.
The formula is also infused with green tea, geranium oil and camphor that have a soothing and refreshing effect. If you have sensitive skin or deal excessively with pore blockage this a great all-natural exfoliator that is gentle on the skin, yet very effective.
Unclogs my pores better than my plumber unclogs my toilet
Key Features:
- Formulated with ginger root, ginseng tone extracts, green tea, geranium oil and camphor
- Moisturizes and soothes skin
- Natural exfoliator
- Gently cleanses impurities, dirt and grime
Pros:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Unclogs pores
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#15 — DHC Nighttime Moisture Intensive
Top Japanese Moisturizer
This is one of the best Japanese moisturisers available in the market. WIth excellent anti aging properties, this cream visibly reduces signs of aging and intensely moisturizes your skin. It works with your skin natural revitalisation cycle overnight as you sleep.
It’s formulated with olive oil and squalene that moisturizes the skin while the collagen helps soften fine lines and wrinkles for younger-looking skin. The cream also improves skin elasticity. It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free.
Synchs better with my skin than my periods cycle
Key Features:
- Formulated with olive oil, squalene, Vitamin E, and collagen
- Intensely moisturizes skin
- Reduces signs of aging
- Improves skin elasticity
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
Pros:
- Works with skin’s natural skin revitalization cycle overnight
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#16 — Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel
Best Affordable Japanese Skincare Product
This is one of the more affordable skincare products from Japan. Despite being cheaper than most other brands, this product was awarded the best skincare product by @cosme for Best Cosmetics Awards in 2017.
This gel penetrates into the skin and intensely hydrates the skin. It’s formulated with Job’s tears aka Hatomugi which is a plant derived ingredient. It’s also alcohol-free. You can use this skin conditioning gel as a toner, moisturizer, emulsion, or even serum. This can also be applied on the body.
This conditioning gel gives my skin more love than my cat
Key Features:
- Formulated with Job’s tears
- Get absorbed by the skin quickly
- Intensely hydrating formula
- Non-greasy texture
- Alcohol-free
Pros:
- Cheaper than most other skincare products
- Can be used as toner, moisturizer, emulsion,or even serum
- Can also be applied on body
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#17 — Shiseido Ultimune
Best Japanese Essence
This concentrated essence by Shiseido is formulated with Shiseido’s Ultimune Complex that boosts skin’s defensive function. It visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to give you a smoother appearance.
It also improves skin texture and elasticity, giving you younger-looking skin. It makes your skin smoother, brighter, and firmer. This concentrate prepares your face for the rest of the beauty products you apply. It also protects your skin from daily damage.
This concentrated serum better prepares my skin than I can better prepare myself (mentally) for the day
Key Features:
- Formulated with Ultimune Complex that boosts skin defensive function
- Visibly reduces signs of aging
- Gives smoother appearance
- Improves skin texture and elasticity
Pros
- Prepares skin for the rest of the beauty products that follows
- Suitable for most skin types
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#18 — Minon Amino Moist Mask
Top Japanese Sheet Mask
This is one of my favorites sheet masks to use. It’s formulated with nine different amino acids that moisturize your skin. It locks-in moisture and improves the skin’s natural barrier as it contains protective compounds that are similar to ceramide. The sheet is made of soft, non-irritating fiber that is safe to use on dry and sensitive skin.
Only if my sister was made out of the same non-irritating fiber, I’d be much happier
Key Features:
- Formulated with 9 amino acids
- Moisturises skin
- Makes skin look healthier
- Improves skin’s natural barrier function
Pros:
- Made of soft, non-irritating fiber
- Suitable for dry/sensitive skin
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#19 — Kose Sekkisei Emulsion
Best Japanese Emulsion
The Sekkei emulsion by Kose works effectively to make your skin look brighter and smoother. It has a rich texture and yet is light on the skin. It deeply hydrates the skin. It has a brightening effect on the skin as well and makes your skin look and feel smoother. It reduces dark spots by controlling melanin production.
Reduced my dark spots better than my ability to reduce my expenditure
Key Features:
- Makes skin brighter and smoother
- Rich texture
- Lightweight formula
- Deeply hydrates skin
- Reduces dark spots
Pros:
- It has a lightweight formula but has a rich texture that doesn’t make your skin greasy
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#20 — KAO Curel Intensive Moisture Cream
Best Japanese Moisturizer For Dry Skin
This moisturizing cream by KAO Curel is especially recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin. It has a gentle formula that’s free of irritants. It locks in moisture for a longer time and keeps your skin hydrated. It has a light texture that doesn’t feel greasy after application. You can use it as a makeup base before applying foundation.
If your sensitive skin feels like ‘fish out of water’ then this moisturising cream is water
Key Features:
- Light formula
- Gentle formula
- Free of irritants
- Alcohol-free
- Non-greasy
- Deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin
Pros:
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
- Can be used as make up base
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#21 — SK-II Power Radical New Age Cream
Best Japanese Anti aging Cream
SK-II is one of the luxurious Japanese beauty brands. And this RNA Cream by SK-II uses a scientific approach to achieve tighter, firmer, and more radiant skin. The RNA cream combines Pitera and chlorella extracts that easily gets absorbed into the skin. It doesn’t feel greasy after application, in spite of having a rich texture. You can use this cream as a night cream or as a makeup base.
Do I really need both my kidneys?
Key Features:
- Makes skin tighter, firmer, and more radiant
- Combines Pitera and chlorella extracts
- Gets easily absorbed into the skin
Pros:
- Doesn’t feel greasy after application
- Can be used as a night cream or makeup base
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#22 — SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Top Japanese Essence
The SK-II facial treatment essence absorbs instantly into the skin and is known as miracle water by many. It’s formulated with Pitera which is an anti-aging ingredient. It gently exfoliates your skin giving it a soft glow. It targets 5 different skin concerns: dark spots, wrinkles, skin texture, elasticity and dullness.
Which other organ can I sell?
Key Features:
- Contains 90% Pitera
- Strong anti aging effects
- Reduces dark spots, signs of aging
- Improve skin texture and elasticity
- Induces a soft facial glow
Pros:
- Targets five skin concerns – wrinkles, spots, skin texture, dullness, and firmness
Cons:
- Expensive
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#23 — Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap
Best Japanese Soap
This soap is formulated with charcoal. Charcoal is an excellent agent to extract impurities from the skin, as it’s an adsorbent. And this charcoal soap does exactly that! It exfoliates and moisturizes the body as well. It works with all skin types.
The longest stable relationship I’ve had was with this charcoal soap – and that’s saying something
Key Features:
- Formulated with charcoal
- Extracts impurities from the skin
- Exfoliates and moisturizes
Pros
- No dryness, or flaking
- Lasts for about 1-2 months
- Suitable for most skin types
Cons
- Mild waxy fragrance
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
#24 — Shiseido Tsubaki Damage Care Hair Conditioner
Best Japanese Shampoo
This conditioner by Shiseido is formulated with Tsubaki aka Japanese Camellia oil. It is packed with enriching nutrients like oleic acids and amino acids. It treats multiple hair issues like split ends, brittle hair, and dryness.
Shut up and take my money!
Key Features:
- Formulated with Tsubaki Oil, oleic acid and amino acids
- Repairs hair damage
Pros
- The formula repairs brittle hair, split ends and dryness.
- Has a nice fragrance
Cons
- Sulphate present
Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!
Muji Light Moisturizing Toning Water
Muji’s toning water is one of the best buys from Muji that is great for sensitive skin types. It’s extremely moisturizing and helps in restoring skin hydration. It’s made with ultra-pure soft alkaline water sourced from the mountains of the Iwate prefecture that helps in balancing the skin’s pH level.
I personally recommend using this toner as I’ve seen a massive change in just 2 months on my skin.
Key features:
- Curated from the mountains of Iwate prefecture
- Meant for sensitive skin
- Synthetic Fragrance Free, Coloration Free, Alcohol Free, Paraben Free, Mineral Oil Free, Weak Acidity
- Allergy-tested
Pros
- Moisturising and hydrating
- Balances pH level
- Lasts for about 1-2 months
- Fast results
**To all these Japanese cosmetic products I say**
So what cosmetics to buy in Japan?
Here are some of the best cosmetics to buy in Japan – DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen, Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream, Shiseido Tsubaki Damage Care Hair Conditioner, DHC Nighttime Moisture Intensive.
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – This oil cleanser, honestly, can remove drag-level makeup with one swipe. You gotta have it! Check it out here!
- Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen – This is one of the best selling Japanese sunscreens and pretty much anything by Shiseido is great! Check it out here!
- Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream: This is a great option to reduce signs of aging, if that’s a concern for you. It plumps your skin with moisture and brings back the youthful radiance! Check it out here!
- Shiseido Tsubaki Damage Care Hair Conditioner: Let’s not forget about hair care! This Japanese conditioner is a great option for chemically-treated or damaged hair. It promises to bring back the lost luster to your hair. Check it out here!
- DHC Nighttime Moisture Intensive – This is a must-buy Japanese cosmetic. It helps your skin rejuvenate as you rest. It reduces signs of aging and deeply moisturizes your skin. Check it out here!
Also Read:
Hiya! I’m the main author of Japan Truly. I love everything Japan and love testing out Japanese products, be it skincare and makeup or gadgets! You’ll find reviews of some of the best selling Japanese products (tried and tested) right here!
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