As more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of skincare, sunscreen is, in turn, having its moment to shine.
What most aging people don’t understand is that, yes, you can use products such as retinol to try and combat aging when you start seeing fine lines
However, the easiest method?
Simply slow down the speed of aging or avoid wrinkles altogether by using sunscreen! The Japanese people know this, and this is why you will notice that many people over in Japan simply do not look their age; in fact, they’re incredibly youthful looking!
This is because sunscreen is ingrained in the Japanese skincare routine at a young age.
If you haven’t already, it isn’t too late to start!
Why should you use Japanese sunscreen?
Japanese sunscreen is well-known for its great quality, wide variety, and affordability. You can pick them up almost anywhere in Japan (convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores), and they’re usually pocket-sized for convenience too! You can also buy them online if you are not based Japan.
Unlike the usual thicker, creamier consistency that you may be used to, many Japanese sunscreens come in a thin, easily absorbed, milky consistency. This is quite popular amongst women, particularly those who like to wear makeup on top.
Let’s now have a look at the 10 best Japanese sunscreens you will love!
1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
If you’ve been reading our posts about Japanese skincare products, you might actually be sick of hearing about what a fantastic product the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is.
However, we absolutely stand by this product as being one of the best skincare products to come from Japan.
This essence sunscreen reels first-timers in with its super lightweight texture, quick absorbency, and invisible application. They then stay for the all-day hydration, water resistance, and SPF50+ protection. Those who want to wear it under sunscreen will be pleasantly surprised at just how quickly it absorbs and then disappears, almost acting like primer base.
There is literally nothing to not like about this premium grade sunscreen – bonus points for its sub-premium price!
Summary
- SPF50+
- Water resistance
- Applies invisible
- Lightweight and comfortable application
- Subtle to zero smell
- Suitable for all skin types
2. Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence
The first thing you’ll notice about this sunscreen is its gorgeous packaging; shades of pink, purple and blue combine to create an eye-catching label.
The Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence is a fantastic everyday sunscreen that is so lightweight, it almost feels like you’re applying water onto your skin!
It will hydrate your skin whilst providing you with optimum SPF50+ protection.
Summary
- SPF50+
- Lightweight watery texture
- Suitable for oily skin
3. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk
The Aneesa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk is definitely one of the best Japanese sunscreens on the market! It’s a powerful sunblock that penetrates the skin and creates a strong protective barrier against UV rays and its damaging effects.
It’s characterized by its super smooth texture and application process, which leaves a lightweight feel on your face. It’s used by many people who like to wear sunscreen under their makeup, as it feels invisible once applied.
It’s water and sweat resistant, contains aqua booster technology, and can be used on more than just your face.
Summary
- Powerful protection against UV rays
- Sweat and water resistant
- Contains aqua booster technology
- Suitable for normal to dry skin
4. ALLIE Extra UV Gel
The ALLIE Extra UV Gel is another popular sunscreen brand in Japan, known for its lightweight gel texture and powerful protection against the sun.
It’s one of the few sunscreens that are actually super waterproof, being resistant to both water and sweat.
It also contains Kanebo’s “Super Friction Proof Technology”, which is known to provide resistance against sunscreen coming off or fading when rubbed against clothes and accessories.
Summary
- Contains hyaluronic acid and collagen to moisturize the skin
- SPF50+
- Contains “Super Friction Proof Technology”
- Lightweight gel texture
5. Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel
This sunscreen is pleasantly fresh and hydrating on the skin. It actually contains 4 super hydrating ingredients: Super Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid Na, Amino Acid, and Collagen. Its texture makes it feel like applying water!
Read More: Best Japanese Collagen Supplements
The concentrated moisturizing ingredients plus powerful sun protection means your skin will stay hydrated and fresh throughout the day whilst combating the strong UV rays.
Summary
- SPF50+
- Lightweight watery texture
- Concentrated moisturizing ingredients
- Suitable for sensitive skin
6. Kose Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel
If you’re an athlete, the Kose Sports Beauty Sun Protect Gel is a fantastic option that’s made for the outdoors. It offers strong and durable defence against the sun during vigorous activity and extreme hot and humid climates.
It is also resistant to sweat, water, and rubbing, as once it’s applied onto your skin, it absorbs quickly and deeply, leaving you feeling comfortable and ready to head out right away.
Containing beauty ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and jojoba leaf extract, this sunscreen protects and moisturises.
Summary
- SPF50+
- Contains hyaluronic acid, collagen and jojoba leaf extract
- Lightweight gel texture
7. Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence
For those looking for a super powerful sunscreen that can withstand harsh environments (such as high temperature and humidity regions), this is the perfect solution.
Biore’s Athlizm Skin Protect Essence is known for its incredibly strong protection against UV rays, with “Tough Boost Tech” which works to aid the skin to resist sweating and rubbing. It applies on quite easily and gives the skin a smooth soft texture.
Summary
- SPF50+
- Waterproof
- Suitable for normal to dry skin
- Good for high temperature, high humidity regions
8. Curel UV Essence
If you have dry or sensitive skin and need a sunscreen that’s gentle on the skin yet powerful against the sun, the Curel UV Essence is a wonderful option.
It has a lightweight texture that goes smoothly onto your skin, even if it’s a bit dry. It actually contains plant-derived ingredients which work to heal dry and damaged skin. It provides an extra boost of moisture and also prevents irritation from UV ray skin damage.
Summary
- Contains eucalyptus extract
- Heals dry and damaged skin
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
9. Kose UV Perfect Gel Super Waterproof
Kose UV Perfect Gel Super Waterproof had to be in our list of the best Japanese sunscreens!
One of the biggest things that this particular sunscreen is known for is its waterproofness. It’s particularly great for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
It’s also used as a hybrid moisturizer as well, to keep the skin feeling hydrated and moist throughout the day whilst being protected.
It’s a lightweight, non-greasy gel that applies quickly and easily and doesn’t leave any sticky residue or whilst cast.
Summary
- Waterproof and sweat proof
- Can be used as a moisturiser as well
- SPF50+
- Suitable for all skin types
10. Biore UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence
The Biore range of sunscreen are some of the best in the market, and this particular Light Up Essence is quite special! It contains translucent pearl powder that gives you a natural glow when applied, hence the ‘light up’.
It is a lightweight watery gel type of sunscreen that applies and almost immediately goes invisible on the skin, despite providing strong SPF50+ protection.
Due to its moisturizing ingredients, it can also double up as a makeup primer, providing a supple, natural and hydrated base.
Summary
- SPF50+
- Lightweight formula
- Can be used as a makeup base
- Contains translucent pearl powder
- Suitable for all skin types
Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products that everyone should use. However, just like many other skincare products, you will need to try a few to find out which one works best for you and your skin.
Japanese sunscreens have long been praised for their lightweight textures, affordability, and wide availability in stores and online. We highly recommend that you try one of the few that we’ve listed above – they are super popular for a reason!
If any of these sunscreens piqued your interest, we recommend you following the link provided to purchase one to try!
To continue your shopping, make sure to read our list of the 10 best Japanese beauty products here.
It’d be nice to have a price comparison for these.