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 allantonin protects and soothes your dry and sensitive skin. Check out this video to learn more. Pros
Lightweight Gets absorbed instantly Hypoallergenic Alcohol-free Fragrance-free Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
Cons
Not suitable for combination skin
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
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 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
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
5. 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 that hydrates your skin. It is a good antibacterial agent that heals skin burns. This hydrating milk moisturizes deeply and offers nourishing hydration. 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 hydration Imparts a healthy-looking glow Improves elasticity Fragrance-free Alcohol-free No mineral oil Colorant-free
Cons
Not suitable for all skin types
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 botanicals 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. This 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. Pros
Dermatologist-tested Smoothens the skin Lightweight Oil-free Non-comedogenic Non-irritating No synthetic fragrances Cruelty-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free
Cons
Not suitable for sensitive skin
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
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. 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
11. 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
12. 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. This lightweight and refreshing gel dissolves quickly into the skin. It improves the skin condition and 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. AQUALABEL White-Up Emulsion II
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. 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. 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
15. 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
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 the customers to find the best ones for her readers. These moisturizers nourish, reduce hyperpigmentation, fade scars, and lessen signs of aging. 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.
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