The magic of Japanese sunscreen has been well recognised in the beauty industry for its efficacy and high quality, and really there’s no other country that does better than Japan when it comes to sunscreens.

 

It’s Japan’s obsession and ruthlessness to continue innovating the very best to meet the consumers demands every year. Sunscreens are no exception. 

 

I’m Japanese born and raised and I can say that one of the Japanese beauty secrets is sunscreens. Not random ones but Japanese sunscreens.

 

Neglecting to protect your skin from the sun is a sure way to welcome wrinkles and ageing much faster than you wish.

 

You can use the best Japanese sunscreens (because they REALLY are the best in the world) so you can keep your beautiful skin for long.

 

Now ready to discover the best Japanese sunscreen that suits your skin type and needs?

This post is going to be your complete guide to Japanese sunscreens – from Japanese source and written by a Japanese who has been using Japanese sunscreens all her life.

 

Scroll on 😉

 

5 Reasons Why Japanese Sunscreens Are Special

 

credit: www.pola.co.jp (BA light selector sunscreen)

Most Japanese sunscreens not only protect your skin from the sun but also provide skincare effects too.

Japanese sunscreen = sun protection + skincare

 

Take advantage of J-Beauty’s cutting edge technology to protect your skin and prevent premature ageing!

You will see the 5 special benefits below when you switch to Japanese sunscreens:

 

High Quality

 

The beauty industry in Japan is enormous.

About 250 domestic brands are competing followed by the global players like Shiseido and SK-ll.

This means each brand MUST come out with their VERY best to survive and thrive. 

It’s a tough market, extremely competitive environment. As a result, Japan developed cutting edge science and technology to innovate world-class skincare products, including sunscreens. 

 

Excellent Texture

 

One of the amazing features of Japanese sunscreens is the lightness.

Japanese brands use their latest skincare technology to bring comfort to your skin while protecting.

Since it’s lightweight, it’s easy to remove, and you don’t need to worry about getting breakouts or acne because of wearing sunscreen all day every day.

And of course, you see NO WHITE CAST! You can forget about this problem with Japanese sunscreens.

 

Skincare Effect

 

This is another beautiful feature of Japanese sunscreen – you can do skincare with sunscreen.

Japanese brands think of other needs that consumers may have.

They think of consumers’ general skin concerns like dry skin, sensitive skin, acne etc. and innovate formulas to prevent those troubles.

 

Your Skin Type Covered

 

With over 250 local skincare brands in Japan, you will find a sunscreen that suits YOUR skin needs. Plus, every sunscreen has its unique features. You will just have to look for what’s right for you 😉

Whether you have sensitive skin, dry skin or acne-prone skin, Japanese sunscreens got you. 

 

Incredibly Affordable

 

You can buy most Japanese sunscreens for $10 – $20. Some are even below $10 in drugstores, and yet they work like a charm on your skin.

Considering the quality and all the skin-friendly features, it is a bargain.

 

 

How To Choose Japanese Sunscreens for Your Skin Type

 

 credit: www.kanebo-cosmetics.jp/allie/

 

You might feel intimidated seeing the packaging in Japanese, but not to worry! I will break everything down for you in this article.

There are only a few things you need to know, and it’s pretty easy.

Make sure you check the following 3 points:

 

1 ) SPF / PA

Choose the right SPF and PA level by season and activity.

2 ) Texture

Choose the texture by occasion and your skin type.

3 ) Blocking or absorbing

Are Ingredients sun blocking (physical sunblock) or absorbing (chemical sunscreen)?

 

Let’s go through each process in detail now:

 

#1 SPF / PF

 

 

Choose the right SPF and PA.

You will see those 2 metrics on Japanese sunscreen labels.

• SPF (10 – 50)
• PA (+ – ++++)

Those metrics indicate the strength of the sun protection you can get from the sunscreen.

It’s important to understand how to read those two metrics so you can find the right one that suits your needs.

 

SPF  (Sun Protection Factor) Protect from sunburn	The number indicates the level of protection you get from UVB rays. It has a scale of 10 – 50+. In other words, it shows how much time it takes before your skin turns red due to UVB. If it’s 10, in no time your skin will most likely turn red. The higher the number is, the longer you can protect your skin from sunburn.
PA  (Protection Grade of UVA) Protect from premature ageing of the skin	The number of + signs indicates the level of protection you get from UVA rays. It has a scale of + – ++++. In other words,  it shows how much time it takes before your skin turns dark due to UVA. If it’s a +, in no time your skin will soon turn dark. The more + it has, the less likely your skin turns dark and premature.

 

Note: UVB and UVA are the two types of ultraviolet rays in sunlight that reach the earth’s surface.

 

 

* UVA – penetrates more deeply into the skin and plays a greater role in premature skin ageing including wrinkles (photoaging)

* UVB – responsible for sunburn and plays the greatest role in causing cancers

 

There are about 500 times more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays.

So it is essential to choose a sunscreen that protects you from not only UVB (check SPF) but also UVA (check +).

 

Here’s a guideline when choosing the strength:

• Going out for about an hour (general shopping, walking, commuting etc.)

→ SPF 10 – 30 / PA ++ – +++

• Leisure under the sun, on the beach (out between 10 am – 5 pm, summertime)

→ SPF 30 – 50 / PA ++++

 

It is helpful to remember this too:

The higher the number, the more protection, but the burden on the skin will also increase.

So I recommend you have both types.

One for daily use and one for leisure / summertime.

 

#2 Texture

 

Choose the texture by the occasion and your skin type.

There are mainly 5 different types of texture in Japanese sunscreens. You can choose which type based on your needs.

 

Milk

• Smooth on the skin, easy to spread and not-sticky
• Most are non-chemical, gentle on the skin

→ Perfect for face and sensitive skin

 

Cream

• Moisturising
• Resistant to water (waterproof)

→ Perfect for swimming outdoors and other leisure activities under the sun

 

Gel / Essence

• Feels light, easy to pat
• Less likely to get white cast

→ Perfect if you’re mainly looking for ease of use and lightness

 

Mist spray

• Very light, easy to apply and remove
• Can be used for areas that are difficult to reach (hair, scalp etc.)

→ Perfect for touch-ups and hair & scalp

 

Powder

• Very light, easy to apply and remove
• Can be used as a foundation

→ Perfect for touch-ups, quick walks & shopping

 

#3 UV Reflecting or Absorbing

 

Are Ingredients sun reflecting (physical sunblock) or absorbing (chemical sunscreen)?

There are two main types of sunscreen – physical or chemical.

It’s just two different ways to block the sunlight.

 

Both have their own unique properties and benefits in terms of protecting the skin from UV rays.

 

Physical sunscreen

• Uses minerals that sit on top of the skin and reflect away UV rays
• More moisturising than chemical sunscreen
• Can appear a little greasy on the skin

→ A better option for sensitive skin as it doesn’t absorb directly into the skin.

 

Chemical sunscreen

• Uses ingredients that absorb and transform UV rays to heat
• Usually lightweight and doesn’t leave a white cast.
• Tends to be more water/sweat resistant

→ best for outdoor activities and ideal for most skin types

 

Bear in mind that most sunscreens you find in your local pharmacy or drugstore are chemical sunscreens. But if you have sensitive skin, try to look for a physical sunscreen.

 

10 Best Japanese Sunscreens – 2021

 

 

Now that you have all the knowledge you need to choose the perfect Japanese sunscreen, here is the list of best Japanese sunscreens!

 

All the sunscreens listed below are from my research in Japanese (remember I’m Japanese 😉?) from major Japanese beauty magazines and publications. 

 

Discover the best Japanese sunscreens J-Beauty swears by!

*Unless stated physical, all sunscreens listed below are chemical formula.

 

1. ALLIE Extra UV Gel (Kanebo)

 

“One of the best in Japan, literally”

courtesy of brand

Gel | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA++++ 

( $28 amazon or Kokoro )

• Waterproof, friction proof
• Contains moisturising essence (hyaluronic acid)
• Can be used as a makeup base
• Fragrance-free, paraben-free
• Easy to remove with regular face wash, soap

 

This sunscreen comes from a J-Beauty giant Kanebo – a brand that continues to be popular since launch in 1887!

Lightweight, moisturising and yet resistant to sweat and water. Leaves no white cast. What’s more, it contains a serum level of moisturising ingredients.

Many Japanese women love this sunscreen – high protection, serum level skincare, lightweight, no stickiness. No need to worry about your clothes. They will stay clean.

 

Ideal for outdoor activities, any day you’re out for long.

 

2. ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk (Shiseido)

 

“Queen of Japanese Sunscreen”

courtesy of brand

Milk lotion | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA++++

 ( $29 amazon )

• 50% is skincare ingredients (hyaluronic acid, collagen)
• Waterproof
• Lightweight milk lotion
• Easy to remove with regular face wash, soap
• Can be used as a makeup base

 

ANESSA is the queen of Japanese sunscreen. It’s always ranked top for decades.

Shiseido’s latest technology, called ‘Aqua Booster’ makes this sunscreen a superhero.

 

You don’t need to worry if you’ve put sunscreen evenly all over the skin, so you’re protected 100%. It naturally does that as it touches your sweat with the Aqua Booster technology – it creates an even layer automatically – amazing!

 

Feels comfortable on the skin, lightweight. 50% of it is even skincare ingredients.

What’s not to like 😉 

There’s a spray version too! with the same effects above. 

If you’re looking for very light texture with high protection, the spray version of Anessa is the one.

 

ANESSA Perfect UV Spray Sunscreen

 

courtesy of brand

Spray | Face & Body & Hair | SPF50+, PA++++

( $35 amazon )

 

Spraying makes it really easy to apply evenly to the body and perfectly protect your skin. Not only that, but you can also protect your hair and scalp with this.

 

Japanese women love spray sunscreen because it helps

• keep their hair away from sun damage and
• maintain their shiny and sleek hair 😉

 

ANESSA is really the QUEEN of Japanese sunscreen and it’s got a whole range of sunscreen to cover everyone’s needs.

 

 

If you’re curious, you can check the whole ANESSA collection on Dokodemo Japan site.

 

3. Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence (Kao)

 

“Queen of J-Beauty Drugstores ‘Biore’s Sunscreen”

courtesy of brand

Essence | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA++++

( $19 amazon, $14 DOKODEMO, $18 Kokoro )

• Won many beauty awards in Japan
• Super waterproof
• Skincare effect (moisturising)
• Anti-acne prescription
• Can be used as a makeup base

 

This is the new super sunscreen from Biore – the queen of Japanese drugstores.

It is SO light, almost like water. It comes in essence form. So effective that it even resists some hottest climate (40°C, 100+°F / 75% humidity).

It’s also got ingredients that prevent acne and moisturise.

 

4. Curel UV Lotion (Kao)

 

“J-Beauty drugstore bestseller for sensitive skin, dry skin”

 

courtesy of brand

Milk lotion | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA+++

( $21 at Kokoro / $14 DOKODEMO )

• Very mild on the skin – no UV absorbing chemicals (physical sunscreen)
• Can be even used for babies
• Moisturises the skin with ceramide
• Can be used as a makeup base
• Easy to remove with normal soap

 

Curel is the go-to J-Beauty drugstore brand for sensitive skin. I’ve been a fan of Curel for a long time myself and not just their sunscreen but their products are really designed to suit the needs of sensitive skin.

Very mild, very light, and it can be even used for babies. Moreover, it’s got ingredients that moisturise the skin while protecting the sun too! And, it’s easy to remove. Win win win!

 

5. Biore Sarasara UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (Kao)

 

“World’s 1st defence formula ‘Micro Defence”

courtesy of brand

Essence| Face & Body | SPF50+, PA++++

( $18 amazon, $10 Kokoro, $8 DOKODEMO )

• Contains serum level ingredients
• Super waterproof
• Watery essence – no white cast
• Colorant free
• Anti-acne prescription

 

J-Beauty drugstore queen ‘Biore’ took sunscreen to another level.

It’s watery essence with serum level skincare effects. It is SO LIGHT, and even if you re-apply throughout the day, it still feels light – many say it’s incredible.

 

World’s first protection technology ‘Micro Defense’ makes it easy to cover all of your face and body at a micro-level.

No more worries to get sunburned accidentally!

 

6. Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel (Kao)

 

‘Moisturising sun blocking water essence in a pump!’

courtesy of brand

Water Gel | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA+++

( $19 amazon, $10 DOKODEMO, $13 Kokoro )

• Super lightweight texture – acne-prone skin-friendly
• No fragrance, no colourant
• Easy to remove with normal soap
• Contain highly moisturising ingredients
• Highly friction resistant

 

Feels like applying a normal essence to do your skincare.

This lotion-like sunscreen is perfect for daily life with normal activities. It contains ingredients that work to moisturise the skin – skincare & sun protection in one bottle.

 

Nivea Japan produces products that are milder and gentle on the skin than that of global Nivea to meet the crazy standard of Japanese women. This sunscreen is no exception! 

When I use Nivea, I specifically get the product from Japan for this reason – mild and gentle products for my sensitive skin.

 

I highly recommend you try Nivea Japan’s products – you will love the quality ✨.

 

7. Pola B.A Light Selector (POLA)

 

“Ultimate Anti-ageing sunscreen from a J-Beauty luxury brand”

courtesy of brand

Gel Cream | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA++++

( $112 DOKODEMO )

• 2020 award-winning sunscreen
• Pola’s original anti-ageing ingredients
• Also blocks air pollutants
• Moisturising and leaves no white cast
• Lightweight cream – velvety texture

 

POLA is the ultimate luxury skincare brand in Japan.

No other J-Beauty brand has ever beaten its status and never will. This sunscreen is their latest innovation with their cutting edge skincare technology.

 

The groundbreaking concept ‘don’t cut but choose’.

It blocks skin-damaging UV rays while capturing red light that has a positive effect on the skin. This is unprecedented. No other brands focused on the positive side of sunlight before.

Red lights are used in beauty salons to boost collagen production, reduce wrinkles and fine lines. With this sunscreen, you choose to let red light (anti-ageing effect) through to the skin and cut the rest.

 

It’s really like wearing a serum – many Japanese women fall in love with this sunscreen despite the price tag because it’s worth it, so they say!

 

8. Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel (Rohto)

 

‘Sunscreen from a giant J-Beauty drugstore brand’

courtesy of brand

Gel | Face & Body | SPF50+, PA++++

( $18 amazon, $12 Kokoro, $15 DOKODEMO )

 

• Contains super hydrating ingredients
• Fragrance-free, colour free, mineral oil-free, paraben-free
• Lightweight lotion feel
• Easy to remove with normal soap
• No white cast or greasiness

 

This sunscreen comes from a major J-beauty drugstore brand Rohto. You cannot miss this brand when it comes to J-Beauty drugstore cosmetics!

Less than $10, and yet high quality. Gentle on the skin, hydrating skincare effect, perfect option for daily use. Once you apply, the gel turns into some watery essence and quickly gets absorbed by the skin.

 

9. Cosme Decorté Sun Shelter (Kosé)

 

“J-Beauty’s hidden gem sunscreen’’

courtesy of brand

Milk | Face | SPF50+, PA++++

( $30 DOKODEMO )

 

• March 16, 2020 release
• High protection against all UV rays
• Protection against environmental stressors (dust, dirt, pollen etc.)
• A light feel and a rich moisturising effect
• Anti-dryness keeps the skin supple

 

Cosme Decorté is one of the J-Beauty luxury brands born in 1970.

Their products win many awards every year, and Japanese women can’t get enough of the prestigious feel of the brand. It’s like rewarding yourself with a piece of jewellery.

 

This sunscreen is a true gem.

It reaches a whole new level in treatment effects and comfort. It literally protects you from everything, from damaging UV rays to dust, dirt and pollen in the air.

 

On top of that, it comes with a super skincare effect. It moisturises and replenishes the skin throughout the day. It can be used as a makeup base too. It leaves your skin soft and luminous, and many Japanese women are hooked on this magic sunscreen 😉

A waterproof version also available.

 

 

10. d program Allerbarrier Essence (Shiseido)

 

‘Go-to sunscreen for sensitive skin’’

courtesy of brand

Essence | Face & Body | SPF40+, PA+++

( $41 amazon, $30 DOKODEMO )

 

• Non-chemical (physical) sunscreen
• Waterproof
• Protects from allergens like pollen and dust
• Kids friendly
• Serum formula

 

d program is a global J-Beauty brand Shiseido’s brand for sensitive skin.

d program is a culmination of Shiseido’s decades of research on sensitive skin.

All products are non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, colour-free, and fragrance-free. 

 

This sunscreen uses Shiseido’s technology ‘Allerbarrier’. It allows the sunscreen to spread like an even film layer and protest from all damaging UV rays and particles in the air. It protects against pollen too.

 

One thing that separates this sunscreen from the rest is that it is actually a daytime serum with SPF/PA effects. Yup, it’s a serum! Just use it like a normal serum in the morning and voila 🙂 you’re good to go all day.

It can be used for babies (except newborns) and kids too.

 

 

Summary

 

I hope you enjoyed discovering the 10 best Japanese sunscreens and could find one that is suitable for your needs! 

You can check how to choose section again if you haven’t found one and go over the list. I’m sure you’ll find one that meets your needs.

 

Wearing sunscreen all year is one of the Japanese beauty secrets, and Japanese women swear by it. The J-Beauty industry, as a result, evolved to produce very high-quality sunscreens over the decades. You need to try it once!

 

I hope you enjoy the latest J-Beauty technology with Japanese sunscreen so you can maintain your beautiful skin for long 😉.

 

With beauty products, we all have access to an endless amount of choice, and it can be overwhelming to compare and decide which one is right for us. 

When it comes to sunscreen, however, you might want to stick to Japanese ones for good ✨.