What Cosmetics To Buy In Japan? | 25 Best Japanese Cosmetics You Gotta Have!

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**

Check out what cosmetics to buy in Japan below!

What Cosmetics To Buy In Japan?

What Cosmetics To Buy In Japan	Price
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil	$28.00
Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen	$65.28
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder	$24.99
Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream	$24.99
Lunasol Nude Eyeshadow Quad	$54.00
Oshima Tsubaki Oil	$17.49
Melano CC Dark Spot Corrector	$15.98
Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation	$44.50
Bifesta Makeup Remover Cleansing Sheet	$11.20
Meishoku Facial Peeling Gel	$12.98
Botanist Botanical Shampoo & Conditioner	$85.82
DHC Velvet Skin Coat	$20.99
Quality 1st All In One Sheet Mask	$55.24
Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish	$18.99
DHC Nighttime Moisture Intensive	$36.00
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel	$17.98
Shiseido Ultimune	$49.89
Minon Amino Moist Mask	$17.50
Kose Sekkisei Emulsion	$78.53
KAO Curel Intensive Moisture Cream	$26.99
SK-II Power Radical New Age Cream	$193.88
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence	$162.87
Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap	$12.00
Shiseido Tsubaki Damage Care Hair Conditioner	$19.98
Miccosmo White Label Premium Placenta Eye Cream	$13.00

#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!

#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: Best Japanese Sunscreens 2020 | Stay Protected From The Sun Always!

#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!

#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 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!

Doesn’t suit your skin type? Check out the best Japanese moisturizers for different skin types and concerns right here!

#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!

#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!

#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.

The 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 (cause the Japanese cosmetic world isn’t cheap, and my skin is more sensitive than my emotions). Luckily, at least 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 the 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!

#25 — Miccosmo White Label Premium Placenta Eye Cream

Best Japanese Eye Creams

This product is specially formulated for eye puffiness, appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines and dark circles around the eyes. It’s formulated with placenta extract and is designed to give you soft skin like a newborn baby. 

Puts in more effort to improve my skin than I put in my relationships 

Key Features:

• Formulated with Japanese made placenta extract
• Reduces dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and crow’s feet around the eyes
• Makes skin soft to touch

Pros:

• Cost-efficient

Check out this best Japanese cosmetic below!

**To all these Japanese cosmetic products I say**

Also Read:

1. Best Japanese Body Lotion 2020 | Soft, Supple, And Nourished Skin!
2. Best Japanese Face Wash 2020
3. Best Japanese Serum 2020