As we are all becoming more aware of the damage the sun can have on your skin, the use of sunscreen is increasing, and more options of sunscreen are popping up on the market.
To offer your skin the best protection, you should incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, but this can be difficult with the thick, greasy-feel sunscreens on the market. One such type of sunscreen that is lightweight and comfortable to use daily is Japanese sunscreen.
In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in Japanese skin care, driven by the desire for effective, gentle, and time-tested beauty solutions. Japanese skin care routines emphasize natural ingredients, meticulous layering techniques, and a holistic approach to beauty that focuses on overall skin health rather than quick fixes.
Which are the best Japanese sunscreens? The best Japanese sunscreen should offer you sufficient protection from the sun, and it should be a thin, milky consistency that feels light and comfortable on your skin. This is especially important if you want to wear makeup over the sunscreen without much change.
There are many benefits to using Japanese sunscreen, and if it sounds like the perfect fit for you, keep reading to find out how to pick out the right option for your skin and your needs, and our recommendations for the best on the market.
Best Japanese Sunscreens – Buyer’s Guide
If you are not familiar with Japanese sunscreen, it can be tricky to pick out the one that is right for your skin. To help you out, take a look at the factors below to consider which will help you find the perfect Japanese sunscreen for you.
Broad Spectrum Protection
The sunscreen you use should have broad spectrum protection. This means that the sunscreen will offer you protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays make up around 90% of the UV rays emitted, and they can pass through clouds and windows, and often catch us unaware. It is the UV ray responsible for causing wrinkles and dark spots, which can lead to rapid aging of the skin.
UVB rays are what cause sunburn, and what tan the skin. The burning of your skin can cause lasting damage, and it is best avoided.
Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen lowers your risk of both types of damage to your skin.
SPF And PA
Make sure that you choose a sunscreen that has adequate SPF and PA protection. For a sunscreen you use daily just for added protection, an SPF 30 is fine, as you won’t be spending extended periods in the sun.
If you are spending short periods in the sun, then an SPF 40 or higher is better, and if you are planning on long exposure in the sun, SPF50+ should be your first choice.
The PA system was developed in Japan and is now widely used in various parts of Asia. The PA factor indicates UVA protection, which is important to prevent rapid aging of the skin, so it really does help your skin look youthful.
PA+ indicates some UVA protection.
PA++ indicates moderate UVA protection.
PA+++ indicates high UVA protection.
PA++++ indicates extremely high UVA protection.
Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin, you need to be aware of the ingredients contained in the sunscreen. There are numerous Japanese sunscreens that are suited for sensitive skin, and these will obviously be the better option for you.
If your skin is prone to breakouts, you should look for a non-comedogenic sunscreen. A non-comedogenic sunscreen will not clog pores and will be safe to use on your face.
Texture Of The Sunscreen
Japanese sunscreen is known for being great for everyday use, and this is because they are mostly a milky, thin type texture. This feels light and comfortable on the skin and doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel. You can apply makeup over this type of sunscreen too.
However, there are other textures available, such as gel-type sunscreen or cream-type sunscreen, which are also great options. Gel sunscreens are easy to apply and are often water-resistant, and cream sunscreens are usually moisturizing as well.
Nourishing Ingredients
The main purpose of sunscreen should be to protect your skin from UV rays, but you should look for a sunscreen that contains nourishing ingredients that hydrate and care for your skin, while it is exposed to the sun which dries skin out, and well after too.
The Best Japanese Sunscreens
Below are the best Japanese sunscreens on the market at the moment. We have included a range of products to ensure that you are able to find the one that suits your skin care needs best.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel | High protection, cool water-like texture, suitable for sensitive skin, hydrating |
| 2. | Mommy UV Aqua Milk | 80% natural ingredients, suitable for sensitive skin, kid-friendly, waterproof |
| 3. | Kose Suncut Perfect UV Essence | Waterproof and sweat-proof, long-lasting, broad-spectrum, suitable for all skin types |
| 4. | Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen | Strong UV protection, sweat and water resistant, lightweight, suitable for normal to dry skin |
| 5. | Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence | Tones skin, high protection, water-like consistency, lavender color guide |
| 6. | Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV | Lightweight formula, 85% beautifying ingredients, suitable for all skin types |
| 7. | Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunblock | Hydrating on skin, water-based gel, high protection |
| 8. | Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel | Four hydrating ingredients, high protection, water-based formula |
| 9. | Nivea Protect Water Gel | Free from fragrances and coloring, face and body, hydrating, broad-spectrum |
| 10. | Anessa Whitening UV Gel | Free from fragrances and coloring, face and body, hydrating, broad-spectrum |
| 11. | Curel UV Milk SPF30 | Suitable for dry and damaged skin, moisturizing, including ceramide |
| 12. | Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen | High water protection, hydrating, strong sun protection |
| 13. | Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel | Water-like consistency, alleviates irritation, high level of protection |
| 14. | Allie Extra UV Gel Sunscreen | Gel-like lotion, gives skin dewy finish, hydrating formula |
| 15. | Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel For Kids | Suitable for the whole family, free from alcohol, no sticky residue |
1. Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel
The Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel has a refreshing water-like feel to it, and it feels lightweight and cool on the skin.
Making this ideal for use on the face, the moisturizing sunscreen contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, amino acid, and collagen.
Through intense moisture delivered to the skin with this sunscreen, you will also receive complete protection from the sun, with SPF50+ and PA++++, your skin will be kept free from damage done by UVA and UVB rays.
This sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin, as it is unscented and uncolored, and will not cause irritation or breakouts. It contains gentle ingredients but still offers powerful hydration and sun protection.
The pump bottle is so easy to use, and this is definitely a great daily sunscreen to include in your skincare routine for when you want complete protection and hydration and a cool, refreshing sunscreen to use on your skin!
2. Mommy UV Aqua Milk
The Mommy UV Aqua Milk is a kid-friendly sunscreen that is suitable for the whole family to use.
It contains mostly natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, strawberry, and jojoba oil, hydrating and caring for the skin while it protects it from sun damage.
The sunscreen is free from fragrances, colorants, preservatives, alcohol, and mineral oil, so it is suitable for sensitive skin and all other skin types.
One of the benefits of the Mommy UV Aqua Milk is that it is waterproof, so you can go for a swim and still be protected from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
The sunscreen will also not cause any stinging or irritation if it does accidentally wash into the eyes, and it doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel either. It is SPF50+ and PA++++, giving you as much protection as you could hope for!
3. Kose Suncut Perfect UV Essence
The Kose Suncut Perfect UV Essence is a great option for those who want the ultimate protection while outdoors, especially when exercising.
It is both waterproof and sweatproof and will keep your skin protected no matter the conditions.
The long-lasting formula will also keep your skin moisturized throughout the day, protecting it from drying out under the sun too. It offers SPF50+ and PA++++, which is as much as you would need when outdoors.
It is broad-spectrum, which means it offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It is also suitable for all skin types and can be used all over the body.
The formula is lightweight and non-sticky, so you will not feel it on your skin as you get on with your outdoor activities.
This is a great everyday sunscreen to use, especially when you know you are going to be active outdoors and you need a sunscreen to rely on!
4. Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen is a high-performing sunscreen that is resistant to sweat and water, and which will last on your skin no matter what you do outdoors.
The advanced sunscreen has aqua-boosting technology, which allows a stronger UV blocking on the skin, especially when exposed to water and sweat.
With a lightweight texture, the sunscreen applies smoothly to the skin and does not feel heavy or greasy once applied, even though it is so reliable and durable to water and sweat.
One of the benefits of sunscreen is that it provides a great base for makeup to be applied over, so you can include it into your skincare routine without having to change much at all.
The sunscreen is suitable to be used on normal to dry skin, and it offers hydration throughout the day too. It is also suitable to be used on the face and the body, so it is all-in-one.
5. Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence
The Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence is a great option if you are looking for full-on sun protection, but also a product that will tone up your skin at the same time.
The water-like sunscreen feels amazing on your skin, and it doesn’t leave behind a greasy feel at all. It does however provide moisture throughout the day that keeps skin radiant.
The formula does have a lavender tint to it, but that is only to help you see where it has been applied, and it is then translucent.
Being free from preservatives and mineral oil, it is suitable for almost all skin types, even oily skin.
With SPF50+ and PA++++, it offers ultimate protection from both UVA and UVB rays, which is great for everyday use. On top of the protection, the sunscreen contains ingredients that help keep skin toned and youthful looking.
6. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV
The Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV is a lightweight but powerful sunscreen that packs a punch with SPF50+ and PA++++, giving you enough protection outdoors.
The light gel smooths onto skin easily, and does not leave a sticky residue behind, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter, refreshing sunscreen to use daily, and underneath makeup too.
Formulated to turn from a gel to a water-like substance when applied to the skin, you will barely feel it on your skin.
It is made up of 85% beautifying ingredients, so not only will it keep your skin protected, but it will nourish it too.
It is suitable for all skin types, so everyone can benefit from the beautifying makeup base that also happens to give you complete protection from the sun too!
7. Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunblock
Biore is a popular Japanese brand that is trusted by many, and for good reason. It is a water-based gel that offers skin SPF50+ and PA++++ protection.
With Aqua Micro Capsules and UV blocking ingredients, it gives the skin a rich protective layer that will prevent sunburn and damage. The water capsules in the formula further help the skin to keep hydrated and not dry out in the sun.
Hyaluronic acid and nourishing ingredients soften the skin and leave it soothed and cared for. The lightweight formula was designed to smooth over the skin evenly and quickly, leaving the skin feeling protected and refreshed.
Suitable for all skin types, this is definitely a sunscreen to consider keeping close by in the summer!
8. Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel
With a water-like feeling, the Rohto Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel is refreshing and comfortable to wear no matter the weather outside.
It uses the combination of four powerful moisturizing ingredients, which help to nourish skin deeply and keep it looking youthful and smooth.
Being waterproof, you can wear the sunscreen when swimming or when exercising, and trust that it will still offer you built-in SPF50+ PA++++ protection.
If you want sunscreen to use in your daily skincare routine, this is a great option, as it can be worn under makeup as a base too.
9. Nivea Protect Water Gel
The Nivea Protect Water Gel has many benefits, one of the main ones being that the UV sunscreen dries quickly on the skin, so you can get on with your day quickly, not having to wait for a sticky sunscreen to dry.
It strongly protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, being a broad-spectrum sunscreen. While it does not leave a sticky residue behind, it does deliver hydration to the skin, to prevent drying out in the sun.
The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, which is always beneficial to the skin. It is suitable to be used on both the face and body, and can be worn under makeup too.
It is free from fragrances and coloring, making it suitable for all skin types, and being allergy tested, it should not cause irritation to the skin. It offers SPF50 and PA+++.
10. Anessa Whitening UV Gel
The Anessa Whitening UV Gel is based on skincare properties, providing the skin with nourishing ingredients throughout the day. It is both hydrating and gentle, and fully protective with SPF50+ and PA++++.
This sunscreen goes further than just protecting your skin from sun damage. It contains tranexamic acid, which prevents melanin production, helping to stop freckles and sunspots from developing, and leaving your skin looking smooth and even.
With a fresh fragrance and a delightful feel on your skin, you will love using the Anessa Whitening UV Gel when you plan on spending time outdoors. With it increasing skin elasticity, it means it will also help keep your skin youthful and plump.
It is suitable for all skin types but is really ideal for those who do not want any color change in their skin when spending time under the sun.
11. Curel UV Milk SPF30
The Curel UV Milk contains caring ingredients that help to prevent your skin from drying out when in the sun while providing it with protection against UV rays.
It is a great option for dry and sensitive skin, and the lightweight texture will not cause any irritation or dryness.
The extra moisture it gives is delivered through plant-derived ingredients. Ceramide helps to prevent any irritation from the dryness caused by the sun.
The sunscreen also includes eucalyptus extract, which is known to soothe and calm skin after exposure to the sun.
Suitable for dry and sensitive skin, the sunscreen can be used on both the face and the body, and it is a definite must-try for anyone who battles to find an irritation-free sunscreen. It gives SPF30 and PA++.
12. Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen
The Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen offers SPF50+ and PA++++ protection, which gives your skin complete cover from UV rays.
With a refreshing citrus scent, the sunscreen can be used on the face and the body and will soon become your go-to product for sun protection.
It is waterproof and sweatproof, so you can go about swimming or exercising and not worry about the sunscreen washing away. It has the highest water-resistant rating and the highest SPF and PA protection.
Aqua Booster Technology forms a uniform and strong layer of protection on the skin while delivering deep hydration to prevent the skin from drying out in the sun.
13. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
This gentle sunscreen is smooth and refreshing on the skin, but it still does a great job at protecting the skin from the sun with SPF50+ and PA++++.
Active ingredients in the sunscreen help to alleviate irritated skin, soothing irritated skin, and preventing further dryness.
Hyaluronic acid locks moisture into the skin, preventing the sun from stealing away essential moisture that the skin needs.
The sunscreen applies like water to the skin, not leaving behind a sticky finish or white cast, so you can use it all day comfortably.
14. Allie Extra UV Gel Sunscreen
The Allie Extra UV Gel Sunscreen from Kanebo is a gel-like lotion that gives skin a dewy finish, helping skin look refreshed and youthful, and giving it ultimate protection.
It is a great option for everyday use, as it not only gives skin protection from UV rays, but it also moisturizes the skin during the day too. Hyaluronic acid and collagen in the formula help fight the damaging effects from the sun.
It has SPF50+ and PA++++, which means your skin is given the best protection possible.
15. Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel For Kids
Formulated especially for children, the Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel For Kids is perfect for the whole family to use. It contains no alcohol or irritating ingredients, so it is gentle and kind on the skin.
Hyaluronic acid and eucalyptus leaf extract help to hydrate skin and keep it soft and smooth even when out in the sun. To make sure it stays on your skin, it is waterproof, so swimming is not a problem.
There is no sticky residue left behind with this sunscreen, and it is suitable to be used on both the face and the body!
It is a lower protection, with SPF28 and PA++.
Related Questions
Are Japanese sunscreens good?
Japanese sunscreens are considered some of the best, as most have the highest SPF and PA protection, keeping skin protected fully from the sun.
What SPF is best?
Which SPF is best depends on your needs, but generally, the higher the SPF the better, as sun damage can be permanent, and the more you protect your skin, the healthier it will be.
