Before getting into the contents, I would like to drop a caution. Some Japanese sunscreens contain alcohol, so it is better to try them on the body first before using them on your face. Testers are available at a lot of drug stores! If you have sensitive skin, I suggest you to choose a sunscreen designed for sensitive skin.
SPF（Sun Protection Factor）is the ability to protect against UV-B waves which causes redness, inflammation, and freckles. The higher the number, the better the protection, with the highest value being SPF50+. The PA (Protection Grade of UVA) value is a value to protect against UV-A which causes skin elasticity to decrease, leading to wrinkles and sagging. The highest value is PA++++
Contents
The BEST & Most Popular Sunscreen in Japan
Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Milk NA
This sunscreen is very basic and the most well-known sunscreen in Japan. I highly recommend this sunscreen for those who never want to get sunburned.
This sunscreen has 2 features – Auto repair technic, Auto booster technic. Auto repair technic is a technic that automatically repairs sunscreen smudges and gaps caused by movement so that the sunscreen stays longer on the face.Auto booster technic is a technic that strengthens the UV-blocking film when it reacts to sweat, water, heat, and moisture in the air.
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Milk lotion
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: Fruity Floral
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・Very smooth and comfortable to wear despite the effects.
・I use this sunscreen as a make-up base.
・It says the sunscreen can be removed with soap, but I usually use an oil makeup remover to remove it.
There are gel, spray, and powder types. You can go for the gel type if you prefer a lighter texture. Spray or powder type is easier to re-apply but with no auto repair technic and auto booster technic. The powder type comes with an integrated brush so that you can apply it directly to your face.
ALLIE CHRONO BEAUTY GEL UV
The sunscreen with the strong sun protection effect can be used as a make-up base. Also, it is designed to be beach-friendly with the consideration of the environment.
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Gel
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: None
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・It is very smooth and easy to apply and doesn’t feel dry even after using a while.
・No white coloration even when sweating.
・It can be washed out with soap.
Milk type is also available, but I recommend gel type and reapply several times if you are outside for long periods of time.
Biore UV Asrism Skin Protect Essence
This sunscreen has UV effects to withstand the harsh environment of 40°C and 75% humidity. Highly recommended for your summer stay in Japan.
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Milk lotion
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: White floral
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・It spreads well and doesn’t feel sticky but moist.
・People who like it are really into it.
・There was a cooling sensation from ethanol.
・It protected from sunlight very well and was resistant to sweat, but it turned white on my clothes.
You can purchase mist and stick type. The mist type is good for reapplying to the body. The stick type is easy to carry, and it can be applied over make-up.
Japanese sunscreen recommended for women
SKIN AQUA Hyaluronic Serum UV
This sunscreen contains three types of hyaluronic acid to provide a moisturizing effect like a beauty serum. Ethanol-free and gentle to the skin!
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Gel
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: None
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・It is really comfortable to wear and doesn’t feel dry at all.
・It says no scent on the label, but felt a slight sunscreen-unique smell.
・As it is ethanol-free, it can be applied without any worries.
My husband is a huge fan of this sunscreen brand as it doesn’t feel sticky and no need to be worried about the face turning white.
MINON Amino Moist aging care day cream UV
This sunscreen can be a sunscreen, beauty serum, and make-up base! A non-chemical type of hypoallergenic sunscreen that does not use UV absorbers. It contains niacinamide to improve wrinkles and prevent freckles, glycyrrhizic acid 2K to prevent rough skin, and Coconut oil fatty acid hydrolyzed collagen K to give firmness and lead to glowing skin!
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Cream
- Color: Slight pink beige
- Scent: None
- Waterproof: No
Online Reviews
・It tones up the skin and makes my face bright, and very natural.
・This sunscreen is good for daily use.
・It has good coverage, so I use it with face powder and finish my daily base make-up.
Please be careful to choose with your skin color. Though the sunscreen color isn’t that strong, it is designed for Japanese skin. If your skin color is very different from the Japanese, it could be too bright or dark.
SKIN AQUA TONE UP UV Essence
Very unique Japanese sunscreen! The sunscreen has 5 different colors, and you can pick one based on your preference. It contains fine pearls and makes your skin brighter!
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Milk lotion
- Color: Lavender, blue, mint green, rose, latte beige
- Scent: Savon
- Waterproof: Yes (Except latte beige)
Online Reviews
・The amount of pearls isn’t too much and just enough to tone up my skin.
・Mint green and blue are recommended to subdue skin redness.
・I use this sunscreen for the body throughout the year.
Of course, the color doesn’t show on your skin as their color names are, so please don’t worry! You may be able to try with a tester at a drugstore before a purchase.
Japanese sunscreen recommended for men
Biore AQUA Rich Watery Essence
This sunscreen is easy to wear and has no color or scent. Highly recommended for those who do not like the smell or the feeling of being covered by sunscreen.
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Light watery
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: White Muguet
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・I tried 4 or 5 different sunscreens this season, and this one is the lightest to wear.
・No unpleasant smell or heavy feeling of wearing sunscreen!
・As the tube container type runs out quickly when shared among a family, I use a pouch container type which is much bigger than the type one.
The light and refreshing feelings won’t make you bother to reapply the sunscreen!
SKIN AQUA Super Moisture Gel
This sunscreen is very cost-effective and non-sticky, a genuine classic!
- SPF: 50+
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Gel
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: –
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・The skin and clothes won’t get white, and easy to spread the gel.
・My skin gets moisturized and won’t be dry.
・I have kept buying this sunscreen repeatedly, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing it.
This sunscreen is designed to be environmentally friendly, and the UV-protectant of this sunscreen is encapsulated.
AQUA Rich AQUA PROTECT MIST
For those who get bothered putting sunscreen on!
- SPF: 50
- PA: ++++
- Texture: Mist
- Color: Clear
- Scent: Fresh citrus
- Waterproof: Yes
Online Reviews
・It is easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas of the body.
・Very handy and easy to carry around!
・I use it when I wear sandals. Just spray the mist while keeping sandals on.
This mist-type sunscreen is easy to apply, not only to your body and face but also to your hair!
Japanese sunscreen recommended for those who have sensitive skin
Biore AQUA Rich Water Hold Cream
This sunscreen is UV absorber-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and colorant-free, which is good news for those who have sensitive skin. It blended easily into the skin and did not feel squeakiness!
- SPF: 50
- PA: +++
- Texture: Cream
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: Lightly scented
- Waterproof: No
Online Reviews
・The sunscreen can be removed easily with a soap.
・It blended easily into the skin and did not feel squeakiness.
・As the sunscreen can be spread very easily, it is recommended to apply little by little. If you apply too much at once, the white color will remain.
Despite its strong UV protection, the skin remains hydrated throughout the day! I recommend this sunscreen for those who have a little bit of sensitive skin but want great sun protection effects.
Curel INTENSIVE MOISTURE CARE
This sunscreen can be used on not only those who have sensitive skin but also babies. UV absorber-free, alcohol (ethyl alcohol)-free!
- SPF: 30
- PA: ++
- Texture: Cream
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: None
- Waterproof: –
Online Reviews
・This sunscreen can be shared with kids, highly recommended!
・I have sensitive skin but didn’t experience itchiness or redness.
・I have sensitive and dry skin, so I’m always worried about the damage to the skin when using sunscreen. This sunscreen doesn’t feel coarse or heavy.
Moisturizing ingredients keep skin moisturized until evening!
VERDIO UV Mild gel N
The sunscreen can be used from 1 year old! It contains no UV absorbers, fragrances, colorants, mineral oil, parabens, or ethanol.
- SPF: 30
- PA: +++
- Texture: Gel
- Color: White (Transparent finish)
- Scent: None
- Waterproof: No
Online Reviews
・I have very sensitive skin and have experienced skin problems with various sunscreens, but not this VERDIO sunscreen!
・The product description says gel type, but I felt more like milk lotion.
・I bought this sunscreen for my kids. As long as you can apply even, you won’t get sunburned.
Large-volume bottle type with pump is also available!
Why Japanese sunscreen?
Japanese sunscreen is well developed because of beauty standards in Japan and environmental reasons. In Japan, white skin is considered beautiful, and many people try to avoid sunburn with sunscreen and personal-size parasols. However, as you know, Japanese summer is very hot and humid, and sunscreen comes off easily with sweat. For those reasons, companies are putting a lot of effort into developing sunscreens, and new products are launched every year. As many Japanese wear sunscreen every day, Japanese sunscreen is designed for comfort in addition to high UV protection.
My American mother-in-law is a huge fan of Japanese sunscreen, and she buys and brings it back home every time when she visits Japan for herself and her daughters!
