15 Best Japanese Moisturizers For All Skin Types & Budgets – 2024
Pamper your skin with these amazing moisturizers for nourished, plump skin.
Nichelle Temple is an NYC-based esthetician and the owner of Inderma Studio with over a decade of experience in microcurrent, HydraFacial, and holistic skin care treatments. She is passionate about using professional-grade and organic products as well as cutting-edge technology to help her clients experience instant and illuminating results.
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Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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The effectiveness and nourishing ingredients of Japanese skin care products are well-known. And, when it comes to skin care, the best Japanese moisturizers are a must-have to achieve glass skin. These beauties nourish and brighten dull skin, turning it vibrant and healthy. However, while purchasing a Japanese moisturizer, you should look into its ingredients and formula. We have covered them in the buying guide at the bottom of this article to give you a headstart. But first, take a look at the best Japanese moisturizers on the market. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
15 Best Japanese Moisturizers
1. Best Overall:Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream
Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream is an affordable moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin. It is enriched with eucalyptus, ceramide, and allantonin that hydrate and soothe your skin. This lightweight moisturizer is formulated with Ceramide Care Technology that improves the skin’s natural barrier function. It gets absorbed instantly and leaves your skin with a luminous and healthy glow. Eucalyptus is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties that reduce redness. Ceramide keeps your skin hydrated, and allantoin protects the skin from damage and soothes your dry and sensitive skin. A personal blogger has no regrets after using the product. She writes, “It’s a lightweight moisturizing cream that sits comfortably on the skin and does provide that moisturized ‘glow’ after applying. This is also easy to spread along the skin, it’s not too viscous, and also not so thin that it simply disappears and doesn’t feel like it has done anything (i).” Check out this video to learn more about this product and the reviewer’s experience with it.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed instantly
- Hypoallergenic
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
Cons
- Not suitable for combination skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 2,141 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
2. Best Antioxidant Properties:DHC Super Collagen Cream
DHC Super Collagen Cream is a collagen-boosting moisturizer for all skin types. It is a deeply nourishing face moisturizer that is formulated with Dipeptide-8, a skin-firming collagen that delivers a high concentration of collagen to your skin’s top layer. This collagen-rich cream is also enriched with olive oil, rapeseed oil, and jojoba oil that deeply moisturize your skin, and vitamin C and E derivatives that brighten and protect your skin with their antioxidant properties. It prevents the free radical damage that accelerates the signs of aging.
Pros
- Brightens the complexion
- Prevents skin damage
- Anti-aging formula
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Colorant-free
- No mineral oil
Cons
- Greasy formula
- Not suitable for combination skin
"This collagen cream deeply moisturizes my sensitive skin. It has a light texture that gets absorbed quickly and does not feel greasy. It nourishes my skin and gives it a youthful glow."
Did You Know?3. Best Long-Lasting Results:d Program Moist Care Emulsion R
d Program Moist Care emulsion R is a medicated lotion for rough and flaky skin. This lightweight cream is infused with plant oils and extracts that get absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue on your skin. It penetrates and moisturizes every corner of your skin. This emulsion is suitable for sensitive skin as it effectively reduces redness and irritation and accelerates skin recovery. The medicated formula of this milky emulsion fights acne and skin inflammation. It defends your skin from reoccurring roughness and treats the skin barrier.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Prevents dryness and flaking
- Reduces irritation and redness
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Preservative-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May dry out your skin
| Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream Best Overall | DHC Super Collagen Cream Best Antioxidant Properties | d Program Moist Care Emulsion R Best Long-Lasting Results | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches | 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.2 inches | 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.2 inches |
| Weight | 0.09 Ounces | 1.7 Ounces | 1.7 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,141 | 236 | - |
| Price | $22.4 | $54 | - |
4. Best Fragrance-Free:Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk is a hypoallergenic skin care product. This moisturizing emulsion is enriched with nine amino acids that hydrate, soothe, and tighten your skin. These amino acids are essential for healthy skin. This rich and creamy lotion strengthens and fills your skin with moisture. It gives a radiant look to your skin and improves its elasticity. Its hypoallergenic formula is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Ingredients like glycerin and butylene glycol help in moisturizing and penetrating deep into the skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Gets absorbed quickly
- No color additives
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
Cons
None
"This moisturizer is great for my sensitive skin. It causes no irritation and absorbs quickly without leaving any tackiness. It improves my skin texture and hydration, even in dry weather conditions. I like its anti-inflammatory formula which helps me avoid common sensitizers. It is great for daily use and under makeup."
Fun Fact5. Best Lightweight Moisturizer:Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Hydrating Milky
Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Hydrating Milk is a lightweight moisturizer. This unique facial moisturizer is enriched with hyaluronic acid or otherwise known as sodium hyaluronate, that hydrates your skin. It is a good antibacterial agent that heals skin burns. This hydrating milk moisturizes deeply and offers nourishing hydration to help you achieve soft skin. It hydrates your skin and imparts a natural, healthy-looking glow to it. It also improves its elasticity and makes it appear healthy and soft.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Lightweight
- Deep, long-lasting hydration
- Imparts a healthy-looking glow
- Improves elasticity
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- No mineral oil
- Colorant-free
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
"The Hada Labo milky lotion has a silky texture that leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Its lightweight formula is great for my dry and dehydrated skin. I like how it balances oiliness without making my skin greasy. It works well during extreme climates but I particularly use it in spring and autumn."
6. Best Anti Aging Benefits:Tatcha The Water Cream
Tatcha The Water Cream is an oil-free anti-aging moisturizer. This moisturizer is infused with skin-improving Japanese nutrients and powerful botanical extracts that provide optimal hydration to your skin. Ingredients like Japanese leopard lily and wild rose extracts help control excess oil and visibly tighten the pores. The lightweight formula of the moisturizer refines, clarifies, and smoothens the skin texture. The anti-aging formula of this cream imparts a shine-free and subtle glow to your skin. Tia, a personal beauty blogger, has a positive reaction to the product. She writes, “The Water Cream has the most uniquely refreshing yet hydrating texture (watery-gel-like), which is very lightweight. It leaves the skin hydrated the whole day (ii).” This product has not been tested on animals, making it ideal for both skin care and animal lovers. A huge number of reviewers on Amazon shared their experiences, vouching for this results-driven product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Smoothens the skin
- Lightweight
- Gentle formula
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- No synthetic fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 518 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
7. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel is a multifunctional moisturizer. This 3-in-1 facial moisturizer is enriched with ceramides to infuse moisture and collagen into your skin and restore its elasticity and firmness. It contains three types of hyaluronic acid to improve the moisture-retention abilities of your skin. It works as a hydrating and nourishing sleeping mask. This hyaluronic acid-based gel hydrates your skin deeply without making it feel sticky. The other moisturizing ingredients like vitamin A and collagen helps improve skin elasticity and smoothen out wrinkles and fine lines.
Pros
- Improves skin elasticity
- Non-irritating
- Non-sticky
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
"This hydrating gel is great for my sensitive skin. It has a great consistency that absorbs fast and does not leave the skin feeling heavy. It also does not leave behind any greasiness. It plumps my skin and makes it smoother. I use it sparingly as a small amount goes a long way. It leaves my skin feeling soft and glowing."
8. Best For Sensitive Skin:Kikumasamune Sake Milk Skin Care Emulsion
Kikumasamune Sake Milk Skin Care Emulsion is formulated with kojic acid that hydrates, brightens, and soothes your skin. This acidic sake emulsion moisturizes and nourishes your skin. The mineral oil in it is a great emollient. Glycerin moisturizes severely dry skin. This emulsion also contains arbutin, placenta extract, and amino acids to protect your skin against moisture loss.
Pros
- Brightens your skin
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best Non-Greasy:Yu-Be Tube Moisturizing Skin Cream
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream is a glycerin-based moisturizer. This cream is enriched with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor. Glycerin is known for its skin-replenishing qualities; vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and acts as a natural anti-aging ingredient; vitamin B2 enhances the collagen levels; and camphor imparts a fresh scent and smooth finish to your skin. This non-greasy moisturized gets absorbed quickly and retains moisture. It is found to be effective in providing visible results with continual use.
Pros
- Intense hydration
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Instant results
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial colors
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
10. Best Hydrating Formula:NAMERAKA Sana Isoflavone Moisturizer
Keep your skin hydrated with the NAMERAKA Sana Isoflavone Moisturizer. It is packed with carrot extract and plant collagen that boosts the skin’s collagen. In addition, this moisturizer is enriched with soya that helps keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and soft. The non-greasy formula ensures easy application with no mess.
Pros
- Softer
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Blends well
Cons
- Unusual odor
"This product hydrates my sensitive and dry skin type. It does not leave behind any greasiness and gets absorbed pretty well. I love how it enhances my skin texture without clogging the pores. The watery consistency is also easy to spread on my skin."
11. Best For Under Make Up:Elixir Of Seal Balancing Oshiroi Milk
Elixir Of Seal Balancing Oshiroi Milk is a great morning moisturizer and makeup base. The setting powder effect of this balancing lotion leaves your skin free from visible pores. Its anti-aging formula helps diminish the signs of aging. It helps in balancing the skin’s water and oil content, giving you a smooth, moisturized, and poreless complexion. Also, it is formulated with SPF 50+ sunburn protection.
Pros
- Anti-aging formula
- SPF 50+
- Smoothens the skin
- Minimizes pores
Cons
None
"I like this cream's milky formula that gives my skin a lightweight feel. It does not feel heavy or leave behind any greasiness. It protects my face from harmful UV rays and lasts longer, even when I do sweaty activities. It spreads easily and gets absorbed quickly."
12. Best Multi-Purpose:Naturie I-Mju Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel
Naturie I-Mju Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel is a multipurpose non-sticky moisturizer. It is formulated with Job’s Tears (Hatomugi), a plant ingredient that helps in deeply hydrating your skin while locking in moisture. Nichelle Temple, an expert esthetician, says, “Hatomugi is moisturizing and soothing and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It comes from a grain and contains lipids and amino acids, which can help hydrate and nourish the skin.” This lightweight and refreshing gel dissolves quickly into the skin. The naturie skin conditioning gel improves the skin condition and overall skin health. It is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Non-comedogenic
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
- Not suitable for combination skin
13. Best For Skin Brightening:AQUALABEL White-Up Emulsion II
No products found.
AQUALABEL White-Up Emulsion II is a Japanese brightening skin moisturizer. It is infused with tranexamic acid as an active ingredient for skin brightening and preventing roughness. It also moisturizes your skin and prevents hyperpigmentation. The active ingredients in this cream suppress the production of melanin to prevent freckles and blemishes. It gets absorbed within seconds with zero stickiness.
Pros
- Prevents freckles
- Hypoallergenic
- Reduces pigmentation
- Alcohol-free
- Ammonia-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
None
14. Best For Dehydrated Skin:FANCL Moist Refine Lotion II
FANCL Moist Refine Lotion II is a revitalizing lotion for normal to dry skin. It hydrates and calms the most sensitive skin while delivering multiple benefits. It is infused with active ceramides, tachibana citrus extract, and moisture-charging collagen. These ingredients help maintain moisture, minimize visible pores, and boost your skin’s natural hydration level to help you achieve radiant skin. It also protects the skin barrier function, which helps lock in moisture for healthier skin.
Pros
- Minimizes pores
- Deep hydration
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No artificial colors
- Petrolatum-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
None
"This moisturizer improves my skin and maintains hydration without clogging pores. The best part is that I don't need to apply it frequently throughout the day."
15. Best Affordable:Arouge Moist Treatment Gel
Arouge Moist Treatment Gel is the best medicated moisturizer for sensitive, dry, and unstable skin. It is formulated with ceramides to moisturize your skin. Its ultra-fine nanoparticles penetrate deep into your skin for long-lasting moisture.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Additive-free
- No mineral oil
- Surfactant-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
Japanese moisturizers are the best skin care products to hydrate and brighten your skin. But, there are a few factors that you need to consider before you buy one. Check them out in the buying guide below!
How To Choose The Right Japanese Moisturizer
- Form: Japanese moisturizers are available in different forms like lotions, gels, emulsions, balms, and creams. Generally, emulsions and milky lotions are suitable to use on hot summer days and are ideal for sensitive skin type , oily skin type , and dehydrated skin types. Creams are perfect for mature and aging skin. Balms have a thicker texture and are used specifically for targeted areas. Gels have lightweight texture and are best for dehydrated and oily skin. So, pick the one that is appropriate for your skin type.
- Ingredients: Ingredients are another important point to consider when buying a Japanese moisturizer. Always look for organic and pure ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, glycerin, and plant extracts that are good for your skin. You can also look for ingredients that stimulate collagen production in the skin that helps you achieve smoother skin. However, look out for potential aggressors in the ingredients list that might cause irritated skin, allergic reactions, inflammation, or trigger issues like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis. Avoid moisturizers with harsh chemicals. It is advised to opt for products with dermatologically-approved ingredients as per your skin type to prevent skin reactions.
- Reviews: With the number of options available in the market, you may have no clue which one is the best to buy. So, check out the reviews and learn from the experiences of previous users to get an idea about the products.
Infographic: Mistakes To Avoid When Applying Japanese Moisturizers
So, you got your hands on a Japanese moisturizer, but it did not meet your high expectations? You probably did not get the most out of it because of the wrong usage. Check out the infographic below to understand the most frequent mistakes people make when applying a moisturizer. Scroll down.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Japanese moisturizers are essential skincare products. These moisturizers have a high demand in the market since many people use them to nourish, moisturize, and hydrate their skin. Japanese moisturizers can make your skin look healthy while making it soft and luminous. These moisturizers also have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help soothe your skin, especially if it is sensitive. If you want a cream that absorbs into your skin quickly and makes the skin smooth and supple, try the Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream. For skin-tightening effects, apply the Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Hydrating Milky, or you can go for the NAMERAKA Sana Isoflavone Moisturizer, which is lightweight and replenishes your skin. Overall, you should use Japanese moisturizers that have the ability to eliminate redness and inflammation. However, always do a patch test with the products to check for signs of allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you moisturize your face?
Cleanse and moisturize your face twice daily for healthy and glowing skin.
Can we use a face serum with a Japanese moisturizer?
Yes, serums and moisturizers are essential in the Japanese skincare routine. So, before applying moisturizer to hydrate your skin, use a serum to target your skin for problems like dark spots and wrinkles.
Do you also need to use a separate SPF product with a Japanese moisturizer?
No, Japanese moisturizers such as the Elixir Of Seal Balancing Oshiroi Milk already have the properties of SPF 50+ in them, making them a single solution for multiple skincare problems.
Is Japanese moisturizer natural/organic?
Yes, most Japanese moisturizers use natural ingredients in their formulas.
Can we use Japanese moisturizer daily?
Yes, you can use them daily to nourish and care for your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is a certified skin care coach. She recognizes the nourishing benefits of Japanese beauty products and believes they are a must-have in everyone’s beauty regimen. She has meticulously researched Japanese moisturizers and examined hundreds of online reviews by customers to find the best ones for her readers. These moisturizers nourish, reduce hyperpigmentation, fade scars, and lessen signs of aging.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) My Skincare Regime
https://myskincareregime.com/2021/05/31/review-curel-intensive-moisture-facial-cream/
(ii) Artistry Beauty Blog
https://www.artistrybeautyblog.com/tatcha-water-cream-review/
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