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!

10 Best Japanese Sunscreens You Can Buy

1. 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 and 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

2. 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

3. Best Allergy Tested:Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Suncare Milk (by Shiseido)

Product Claims This is a sunscreen emulsion. This product is developed with Aqua Booster Technology that helps it block UV rays, especially when you sweat or your skin is in contact with water. 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 to know more about the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Suncare Milk. Pros

Broad-spectrum SPF (SPF 50+ and PA++++) Highly water-resistant (80 minutes) No artificial color Allergy tested

Cons None

4. Best Non-greasy Formula:Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel

Product Claims This is a gel-based sunscreen, and it features 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. It contains hyaluronic acid and collagen that keep 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

5. Best Chemical-Free:Shigaisen Yohou No-Chemical UV Cream

Product Claims This is a chemical-free sunscreen 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 also helps to minimize the appearance of the pores. Hence, it can also double as a makeup primer. 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

6. 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). Pros

SPF 50+ Clinically tested (on 103 women) Non-comedogenic Dermatologist-tested Ophthalmologist-tested

Cons None

7. Best For Mature Skin:Senka Aging Care UV Sunscreen (by Shiseido)

Product Claims This product is specially developed for mature skin. This 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, it 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++++) No artificial fragrance No artificial color No mineral oils Suitable for all skin types

Cons

May cause itching or burning sensation in the eyes.

8. 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. It 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.

9. Best Non-Comedogenic:Curel UV Milk

Product Claims This sunscreen has a lightweight and silky texture that blends into your skin easily and helps to keep 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

10. Best For Long-Lasting Protection:ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk

4.3 Image: Etude House BUY ON AMAZON | $12.95
ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is a 100% safe sunscreen made with mineral ingredients. It protects your skin from the harmful UV rays and does not leave a white cast on it. Its gentle and skin-friendly formula glides smoothly onto the skin. The 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 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. 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 skin care 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.

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