10 Best Japanese Sunscreens For All Skin Types – 2024
Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with these lightweight sunscreens from Japan.
Andrea Hall is an advanced beauty and esthetic practitioner and an image and style consultant with over three decades of experience. She is also a commercial advertising model, a former beauty queen, and a trained presenter. Andrea specializes in vampire facials, anti-wrinkle treatments, skin boosters, PRP, bio plasma, vitamin wellness therapy, microneedling, HydroFacials, laser hair removal, and IPL SHR hair removal.
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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.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Say ‘goodbye’ to greasy sunscreens that leave a white cast. Get your hands on the best Japanese sunscreens!
Sunscreen is an important step in your skin care routine. But, they often have a white cast or feel sticky. Not anymore! Lightweight Japanese sunscreens are here to change the game. These sunscreens are available in the form of gels, creams, lotions, and essence.
Japanese sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The PA measurement system, which is now followed by all products with SPF, was first introduced in Japan. Here is a list of the best Japanese sunscreens you can buy online. Check them out!
In This Article
10 Best Japanese Sunscreens You Can Buy
Best Overall:Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
Product Claims
Bioré has launched an improved version of its most popular sunscreen product. This has an essence-like consistency which means, it’s incredibly lightweight and blends effortlessly with your skin. This is a water-based sunscreen and is super-waterproof.
It is enriched with hyaluronic acid, citrus mix, and royal jelly extracts that protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays and also keep it nourished. The UV aqua rich watery essence is suitable for normal, oily, combination, and dry skin (not for sensitive skin). This product is also available in the gel form. If you want to know more about the benefits of the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, click on this video.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++)
- Allergy tested
- Waterproof (up to 80 minutes in water)
- No coloring agents
- Mild fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
Did You Know?Tomiro Nagase founded Bioré in 1887, and Kao Corporation currently owns it. The company’s primary motto is making high-quality soap at an affordable rate.
Best For All Skin Types:Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector
Product Claims
If you have oily skin and open pores, this sunscreen is the best match for your skin. It contains peony root extracts and sebum-absorbing powder that helps to eliminate oiliness and keep your skin shine-free.
It contains Scutellaria baicalensis extracts, an ingredient used in Asian medicine that helps to minimize the appearance of skin pores and nourish your skin to make it youthful. It is a lightweight sunscreen that can also double as a primer under your makeup. The Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector offers great UV protection. For more information, click here.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 42)
- Non-comedogenic
- Water-resistant (40 minutes)
- Suitable for all skin types
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- None
Best Allergy Tested:Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Suncare Milk (by Shiseido)
Product Claims
This is a sunscreen emulsion with a milky and watery texture. This product is developed with Aqua Booster Technology that helps it block UV rays, especially when you sweat or your skin comes in contact with water, providing a high level of protection. It also claims to be resistant to towel rubbing.
It contains super hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extracts, marine collagen, rosehip extracts, along with green tea and cherry leave extracts that keep your skin moisturized and protected. Check out this video featuring the tester’s experience to know more about the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Suncare Milk.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++)
- High protection
- Highly water-resistant (80 minutes)
- No artificial color
- Allergy tested
Cons
- None
Best Non-greasy Formula:Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel
Product Claims
This is a gel-based sunscreen with a smooth texture, featuring Kanebo’s latest Friction-Proof technology, which makes it extremely durable. It lasts long, even if it comes in contact with water and if you sweat. Specifically formulated for delicate skin and suitable for daily sun protection, this sunscreen for acne-prone skin contains hyaluronic acid and collagen that keeps your skin moisturized and firm.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++)
- Water- and sweat-resistant (80 minutes)
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Non-greasy
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 235 rave reviews on Amazon.
Best Chemical-Free:Shigaisen Yohou No-Chemical UV Cream
Product Claims
This is a chemical-free sunscreen for daily use and is suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. This is a newly upgraded formula that contains hyaluronic acid, collagen, and herbal extracts that nourish your skin, prevent damage and keep it moisturized. It not only provides deep hydration but also helps to minimize the appearance of the pores. Hence, it can also double as a makeup primer. Check out Amazon to read about the reviewer’s experiences and overall unbiased reviews of the product.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++)
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Natural fragrance (from orange oil)
- Paraben-free
- No dyes
- No synthetic fragrance
Cons
- None
Best Lightweight Formula:Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion
Product Claims
This is a lightweight and clear formula that becomes more effective when it is exposed to water or sweat, thanks to the WetForce technology with which it is developed. It is transparent, so you don’t need to worry about the product leaving a white cast on your skin. This is a fast-absorbing formula and provides even coverage and is a heavy-duty sunscreen (ideal for outdoor activities such as sports). This clinically-tested product will help you achieve visible results and offer good sun protection.
Pros
- SPF 50+
- Clinically-tested (on 103 women)
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 673 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
Best For Mature Skin:Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen (by Shiseido)
Product Claims
This product is specially developed for mature skin. This moisturizing sunscreen has a serum-like consistency and contains an agar gel formula developed from mineral water from Mount Fuji. Along with protecting the skin from UV rays, the sunscreen for mature skin helps to minimize dark spots and improve firmness. It contains hyaluronic acid Na that keeps the skin moisturized and hydrated.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++)
- Anti-aging
- No artificial fragrance
- No artificial color
- No mineral oils
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May cause itching or burning sensation in the eyes.
Pro TipFollow it with a moisturizer to soothe the itching. If the itching continues, consult a doctor.
Best Hydrating Formula:Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk
Product Claims
This is a milky lotion-type sunscreen from the Skin Aqua range by the brand. It is lightweight and feels like water on your skin. The fragrance-free formula contains acetyl hyaluronic acid Na (super hyaluronic acid), essential amino acids, and hydrolyzed collagen that not only keeps your skin hydrated but also improves firmness and elasticity.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++)
- No artificial fragrance
- Allergy-tested
- No colors
- No mineral oils
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Best Non-Comedogenic:Curel UV Milk
Product Claims
This sunscreen has a lightweight and silky texture that blends into your skin easily, while providing effective protection from sun and keeping it comfortable and moisturized. It contains skin-nourishing ceramides and eucalyptus extracts that prevent dryness, reduce redness, and soothe the skin.
Pros
- SPF 30 and PA++
- Non-comedogenic
- No white cast
Cons
- Contains talc
Best For Long-Lasting Protection:ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is a 100% safe sunscreen made with mineral ingredients. This mineral sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful UV rays and does not leave a white cast on it. Its skin-friendly formula glides smoothly onto the skin and is suitable for sensitive skin.
The gentle formula contains Carex humilis root extract and sunflower seeds for UV protection, along with Portulaca oleracea, Centella asiatica, and mistletoe leaves for soothing the skin. Acerola (Barbados cherry) and acai berry strengthen the skin, while aloe vera and hyaluronic acid provide hydration.
Pros
- Broad spectrum SPF (50+ and PA+++)
- No white cast
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Non-sticky
- Sebum-free
- Gets absorbed easily
- Long-lasting protection
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,549 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Infographic: Everything You Need To Know About Japanese Sunscreens
Protecting the skin from sun damage should be part of your daily skin care routine. Japanese sunscreens are known for their effectiveness and quality ingredients. They protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays while improving its health and elasticity. Here is an infographic to learn what to keep in mind while looking for Japanese sunscreens and understand their key ingredients. Check it out!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Japanese sunscreens have revolutionized the skin care industry with their lightweight texture and effective sun protection properties. These sunscreens are non-greasy and help in protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens are available in lotions, creams, and gels. Moreover, some Japanese sunscreens are water-based, and some are heavily waterproof. For example, the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion has a high SPF and is water-resistant, the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Suncare Milk has a long-lasting and lightweight formula, and the ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk contains skin-nourishing ingredients and is light and non-greasy for everyday wear. They help minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. They nourish your skin while hydrating the deeper layers of your face. However, steer clear of sunscreens that haven’t been tested by dermatologists and are not dermatologist-recommended. Also, always ensure to do a patch test before topical application to prevent possible allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Japanese sunscreens safer?
Yes, Japanese sunscreens are safer as they do not contain harsh chemicals. They absorb easily and leave no oily residue, allowing the skin to breathe.
Which is better, Korean or Japanese, skin care?
The Japanese emphasize skin smoothness, layering, hydrating, and soothing treatments that nurture the skin. Natural, time-tested ingredients define Japanese skincare products, but Korean skin care is thorough practice and investing in products backed by advanced technology. The goal is to achieve flawless skin. So, depending on your skin type, texture, and lifestyle preferences, you can choose either.
Why do the Japanese avoid the sun?
Japanese people are conscious of their clear skin tone and follow numerous beauty regimes to maintain pale skin. Therefore, they avoid the sun to prevent sunburn and suntan, leading to wrinkles and freckles.
How long does Japanese sunscreen last?
Japanese sunscreen remains effective for three to six months after opening the seal or as mentioned in the package.
Is Japanese sunscreen a mineral or chemical?
Japan sunscreen can be a chemical and mineral product depending on whether it contains natural or chemical ingredients.
Is Japanese sunscreen good under makeup?
Yes, you can use Japanese sunscreen under makeup to keep your skin smooth while protecting it from UV rays.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She loves looking up different kinds of skin care products and reviewing them. She believes in using the best Japanese sunscreens to block the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. These sunscreens are super light and give you protection from the sun all day. These are ideal for people who don’t like sticky and heavy sunscreens that may block their pores.
- Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
- Things To Consider When Choosing A Sunscreen
- Best Japanese Face Washes and Cleansers
- Top 11 Reasons Why You Should Use A Sunscreen
- Best Japanese Body Lotions
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