After spending two weeks in Japan, I can safely say this: nothing compares to Japanese skincare. As a beauty writer, I’ve always dreamed of wandering through Tokyo’s famous beauty stores, from Don Quijote (basically a beauty lover’s playground) to @cosme, where the cool girls stock up on their skincare and makeup staples. If you’ve ever fallen down a J-beauty TikTok rabbit hole, you'll get the obsession.
My first port of call was Don Quijote, and I’ve genuinely never seen so many products in one place. It even put our Glamour beauty cupboard to shame. The shelves were stacked with everything from viral favourites like Medicube and Biore to cult J-beauty brands like Keana and Melano. To make sure I didn’t miss the good stuff, I spent months researching, from TikTok deep dives to chats with experts about what’s really worth the hype, from face masks and serums to vitamin C serum. My biggest tip if you’re heading to Japan? Go with a list.
The best Japanese skincare products, at a glance
Asking shop assistants for their recommendations quickly became part of my daily ritual too. And I’m not the only one on the Glamour team who’s obsessed with J-beauty. Glamour US contributor Sarah Y. Wu has loved Japanese skincare for more than 20 years, long before she became a beauty editor. She even reached out to Kyoko Getz, clinical aesthetician and director of education at J-beauty retailer Shiko Beauty, who told her, “In Japan, radiant skin is seen as a reflection of how we care for ourselves inside and out. There is a beauty in consistency.”
This edit is a mix of everything I bought in Japan and haven’t stopped using since, alongside Sarah’s long-time favourites and expert-approved picks. And the best part? You don’t even need to hop on a plane; everything I bought is now available to shop in the UK, too. Glass skin, incoming.
How we test & why you should trust us:
As a beauty writer, my recent trip to Japan was never not going to include a full beauty haul. I’ve been obsessed with J-beauty for years, ever since it took over my TikTok FYP, but for a long time it just wasn’t that easy to get hold of. Now that so many cult products are finally available in the UK, this guide brings together everything I bought in Japan, backed by expert recommendations and plenty of research along the way.
I also teamed up with Glamour US contributor Sarah Y. Wu, who’s been into Japanese skincare for over 20 years and shares the products she genuinely uses in her own routine. Everything in this edit has been properly tested across different skin types – and if it’s made it in here, it’s because we genuinely rate it.
Best Face Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask
Fast facts: Overnight jelly mask; locks in skincare and moisture; infused with marine collagen, hyaluronic acid and peptides; brightens, firms and soothes; ideal for dry or dehydrated skin.
“I’ve been using this mask for a few months now, and I’m honestly obsessed,” says Shani Cohen, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer. “The biggest thing I love is how it seals in all my products at night - so I don’t have to worry about them sliding off on my pillow. When I rinse it off in the morning, my skin looks so smooth and glassy, it’s like I’ve had a facial while I slept.”
It's got a jelly-like texture and feels cooling on application, before drying down into a glossy, protective layer that shields the skin overnight. Shani Cohen says: “When it dries, it does feel tight on the skin, but I feel that's the secret to my smooth, wrinkle-free skin come morning.” It's powered by marine collagen, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, Centella Asiatica and ceramides, making it a hydrating, barrier-boosting powerhouse for anyone whose skin feels dull and lifeless.
Save when you shop for J-beauty skincare with these LookFantastic discount codes at checkout.
Best Night Moisturiser: Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask
Fast facts: Intensely hydrating night mask; on the richer side but still fast-absorbing; barrier-friendly; recommended for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin.
While Laneige isn’t technically J-beauty, it’s a Korean beauty favourite that’s fully taken over my skincare shelf over the past few years. I’d already tried the travel-sized version of this Sleeping Mask and loved it, so when I spotted the huge 60ml jar in Japan, it went straight into my basket. I have extremely dry skin, especially in winter, and this has been my go-to overnight hydration boost. It’s definitely much thicker than a normal night moisturiser, but somehow it doesn’t transfer onto my pillow, which I appreciate. I use it as my final step and always wake up with skin that feels nourished, calm and properly glowy.
It’s packed with ingredients that really back up the results too, including a Peony-Collagen Complex to help plump dull skin, probiotic ferment to support the skin barrier, plus hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides and collagen to lock in moisture. Even though it’s super rich, it sinks in nicely and never feels greasy on my skin. And the jar is huge, which I love because it seems to last forever - a little goes a long way.
Save when you shop for J-beauty skincare with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
Best SPF Mist: Biore Aqua Rich UV Invisible Face Mist SPF 50
Fast facts: Ultra-lightweight SPF mist; totally invisible on skin; high SPF 50 protection; no white cast; can be applied over makeup; adds shine; fragranced and may irritate sensitive skin.
SPF is the most important step in my routine, and with temperatures hitting over 30 degrees in Japan, I made it my mission to find the best one out there. What I love about this is that the mist format makes topping up SPF so easy, especially over makeup. It feels super lightweight, dries down quickly, leaves no white cast and doesn’t mess with your base at all. It does leave a noticeable glow, which I loved on my dry skin, but if you’re oily, it may feel a little too shiny.
Initially, I made the mistake of spraying it straight onto my face (like a setting spray), and NGL, it stung when I opened my eyes. What I should have done to begin with was read the back of the bottle where it says to spray the product on your hand first and then apply it to your face. Another thing I’ve noticed is that it’s got quite an oily texture, so oily skin types may want to stay clear of this one.
Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Fast facts: Makeup-removing oil cleanser; recommended for combination, normal, and dry skin; removes waterproof makeup; thicker, nourishing feel.
Not only is this cleansing oil one of Japan’s most iconic products, but it’s also the first skin care product I ever bought. While there are now hundreds of similar products on the market, this golden bottle remains a favourite. It’s particularly great for dry, normal, and combination skin, since the formula is slightly thicker and more nourishing than others I’ve tried. It’s made with a blend of olive fruit oil, vitamin E, and rosemary leaf oil that leaves my complexion feeling soft and moisturised. As with all cleansing oils, you need to apply it to dry skin, then wet it to emulsify. It removes everything, including waterproof mascara, without leaving my face feeling dry or tight.
“This brand has been around since I was a child, and its signature product is this cleansing oil,” says Ishida. “It has a thick consistency that melts in easily to remove makeup and dirt. After cleansing, my skin feels moist but not sticky. I especially recommend it for those with dry skin or during dry seasons.”
Best Serum: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum
Fast facts: Brightening serum powered by 10% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid and 2% arbutin; helps fade dark spots and even skin tone; lightweight, non-sticky texture; ideal for dull or uneven skin.
Niacinamide has long been a K-beauty staple, but this Anua formula takes it to the next level. Combining 10% niacinamide with tranexamic acid and arbutin, it’s designed to tackle everything from pigmentation to texture and enlarged pores. The result? Skin that looks smoother, brighter and more refined over time.
“I was initially sceptical about trying out this viral K-beauty serum, but it genuinely surprised me in the best way possible and quickly became my favourite niacinamide formula to date,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour’s Beauty Contributor. “It’s helped fade my acne-related dark spots with ease and left my complexion noticeably more even.”
Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin: Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Fast facts: Intensely hydrating moisturiser; on the richer side but still fast-absorbing; barrier-friendly; recommended for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin.
If your skin is feeling dehydrated, this is one of the richest Japanese moisturisers I own. While it’s intensely hydrating, it still doesn’t feel overly heavy or greasy. A small scoop goes a long way in softening dry patches in a single application. It’s packed with hydrating, soothing, and barrier-supporting ingredients like vitamin E, glycerin, squalane, and allantoin.
“It’s ideal for those with stressed skin,” says Ishida. “I use it as the final step before bed for calm, healthy skin the next morning. It leaves my skin feeling soft without a greasy residue, so I also use it before applying base makeup.” Getz also says this is the ideal moisturiser “for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin” and loves how the ingredients help keep your skin barrier healthy. “It absorbs smoothly, replenishes moisture, and leaves my skin soft and supple,” she says.
Best Sunscreen: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturiser Sunscreen
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Fast facts: Broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen; lightweight and hydrating texture; no white cast; layers well under makeup.
The Bioré UV Aqua Rich range is Japan’s top seller for sunscreen. While the formula available stateside uses different FDA-approved filters, it’s still one of the best Glamour editors have tried. The fast-absorbing, spreadable formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and layers beautifully under makeup. It’s also noncomedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and oil-free, so all skin types can wear it. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 filters give you plenty of sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
“I’ve been using this J-beauty sunscreen for years and regularly run out of it (as you can see from my almost empty bottle in the video). The lightweight moisturiser with SPF 50 protection leaves a gorgeous glow and no white cast on my combination, oily skin. I like to use this particularly on my face, neck, and arms when I go running because it doesn’t feel heavy like other SPF body lotions,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Save when you shop for J-beauty skincare with these Superdrug discount codes at checkout.
Best Toner: Imyu naturie Skin Conditioner
Fast facts: Ultra-lightweight toner; deeply hydrating; calming and soothing; improves skin texture; non-sticky finish; huge 500ml bottle that genuinely lasts forever.
This product came up in almost every single J-beauty haul on my TikTok feed, so the second I spotted it on the shelf, it went straight into my basket. I’ve used it every single day since getting back. The texture is completely weightless, almost water-like, but somehow it still delivers serious hydration. I use it straight after cleansing, patting it either with my hands or a cotton wool pad, and my skin just drinks it up. On days when my skin feels tight, dry or a bit irritated, this is the first thing I reach for because it instantly calms everything down without ever feeling sticky or heavy.
What I really love is how versatile it is. Some days I use it as a simple toner, other days I’ll layer it like a mini hydration treatment, and I’ve even poured it into a spray bottle to mist over my face during the day. It also makes the rest of my routine work better — my serums always sink in so much nicer afterwards. And the bottle is huge, which wasn't the best for packing in my case, but I'm so grateful it fit!
Best Rice Mask: Keana Nadeshiko Pore Care Rice Face Pack
Fast facts: Rinse-off rice mask; deeply hydrating and plumping; smooths rough texture; great for dry, dull winter skin.
Keana Nadeshiko is one of the most recognisable skincare brands in Japan, and I saw this mask everywhere, especially in pharmacies, which often sell skincare for way cheaper than the big department stores (Japan tip there for you). During my J-beauty deep dive, rice skincare kept popping up, but I’d never actually tried it before. I won’t lie, the texture of this mask really threw me at first. It genuinely feels a bit like porridge going on, but once it’s on, it’s surprisingly soothing. I use it two to three times a week when my skin feels dry or rough, and every time I rinse it off, my skin looks brighter, smoother, and so glowy, with way less texture.
Rice is such a hero ingredient in Japanese skincare because it’s known for hydrating, softening and boosting radiance, and this rinse-off mask is packed with 100% Japanese rice-derived serum to plump and smooth the skin. It’s especially good for dehydration and dullness. My makeup always sits better the day after I use it, and I love keeping it in the fridge so it’s extra cooling. If your skin feels dry, textured or just a bit meh, this is a really good one to have on hand, especially in winter.
Best Vitamin C: Melano CC Age Spot Beauty Essence
Fast facts: Thick hand cream; lasting moisture; instantly softens and smooths dry hands; herbal smell may be too strong for some.
A skincare product that really doesn’t get enough hype? Vitamin C. It’s one of my favourite ingredients for brightening, and after asking multiple shop assistants in Japan for the best Vitamin C serum, every single one pointed me towards this very NGL boring-looking Melano C Essence. It doesn’t give much from the outside, but the formula is where it really shines. After using it for around four months, I totally get why it’s a cult favourite.
It’s packed with Vitamin C and E to help fade dark spots and old acne marks, while keeping redness and breakouts in check. It sinks into my skin so nicely with zero stickiness, gives me the best glow and has genuinely helped fade post-spot marks. You don’t need much either, as it spreads easily, so even though the tube is small, it actually lasts really well.
Best Cleanser: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Face Foam Rohto Mentholatum
Fast facts: Gentle foam cleanser; recommended for sensitive skin; leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Double-cleansing (using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup and impurities) is the foundation of Japanese skin care. This best-selling drugstore gem is my top pick for your water-based cleansing step, and it’s been living in my shower all month. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, a popular ingredient for hydrating, and feels gentle even on my sensitive skin.
“I love the pump-style cleanser that conveniently produces a rich, creamy lather,” says Miki Ishida, a hair and makeup artist based in Tokyo. Getz is also a fan. “This velvety foam is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, colourant-free, and oil-free,” she says. “It’s a great cleanser for sensitive or reactive skin, it’s very gentle, and it doesn’t give me that dry and tight feeling after washing my face.”
Best Essence: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Fast facts: Lightweight hydrating essence; preps skin before serum and moisturiser; subtle plumping and brightening effect; dewy finish.
Even if you’re new to J-beauty, you probably recognise this iconic glass bottle at first glance. The brand’s popular hydrating essence (sometimes also referred to as a lotion toner in Japan) is famous for its key ingredient, Pitera. Also known as galactomyces ferment filtrate, it’s a yeast-derived ingredient that has barrier-supporting, hydrating, and antioxidant benefits. It’s also known to help brighten and smooth, ideal for targeting dark spots, fine lines, and overall skin tone. The texture is fast-absorbing and lightweight, leaving your face dewy and prepped for makeup. I usually like to splash a few drops all over my face for an instant refresh. Or, for gentle exfoliation, I’ll wet a cotton pad to sweep away dead skin cells.
Best Lip Balm: Canmake Mellow Dew Lip Mask
Fast facts: Treatment for dry lips; thick texture that melts on contact; easy-to-use applicator; helps lips look instantly smoother and softer; lasting moisture.
Japanese drugstore brand Canmake is known for its delicate, shimmery eye shadows and immaculately packaged makeup, but its skin care is just as popular. I particularly love this lip mask, which I slather on before bed or during the day as a regular lip balm. I have extremely dry lips that are prone to flaking and peeling, so I love a thicker formula like this one that melts in and helps immediately smooth out my lip lines. It contains ingredients that both hydrate and help trap in moisture: hyaluronic acid, argan oil, shea butter, and ceramides. I also like the tiny spatula tucked under the lid; I always lose applicators when they’re packaged separately, but this one is easy to carry and keep clean.
“This lip balm is perfect for concentrated moisturising care while you sleep,” says Ishida. “I apply it before bed and wake up to plump, moisturised lips the next morning. I like the creamy texture that melts into an oil-like formula upon application, which moisturises and helps smooth vertical lines.”
Best Hand Cream: Isehan Kiss Me Medicated Hand Cream
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Fast facts: Thick hand cream; lasting moisture; instantly softens and smooths dry hands; herbal smell may be too strong for some.
This cult-classic hand cream is another Japanese household name, and it’s also the most affordable pick on our list. “It has been around since before I was born,” says Ishida. “I like that it doesn’t feel greasy after application and maintains its moisturising effects for hours. I massage it into my hands before bed and let it absorb well. The next morning my skin feels so moisturised and comfortable.”
Be careful not to apply too much: The formula comes out thick and feels like a cross between a rich hand cream and an ointment-like balm. Despite its rich texture, it absorbs well as long as you apply a small amount. It smells like traditional herbal medicine, which will feel nostalgic to its many fans (like me) but may be too strong for others. The scent does dissipate quickly and leaves me with silky-soft, smooth hands, even in the winter.
Best Moisturiser for Oily Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream
Fast facts: Oil-free gel cream; recommended for oily and combination skin; refreshing feel; helps balance excess sebum without dryness.
Japan’s hot, humid summers have influenced J-beauty brands to formulate moisturisers that provide just enough hydration while remaining light and refreshing. This oil-free gel cream feels amazing during the warmer months, or year-round if your skin falls into the oily and combination categories. It’s formulated with antioxidant-rich and barrier-friendly plant extracts like Japanese wild rose, green tea, rice, and algae. I’ve used this formula for years and love how it feels like a splash of cooling water on application. It absorbs quickly and layers well under makeup, so I especially love it for my morning skin care routine. It also helps keep my T-zone from getting too greasy while still leaving my mid-face sufficiently hydrated.
Save when you shop for J-beauty skincare with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What is Japanese skin care known for?
Rather than quick fixes, Japanese skin care is known for its balanced, gradual approach. “It’s a skin care philosophy that emphasises prevention by nurturing healthy skin through daily care,” says Ishida. Getz agrees that the best Japanese skin care products are known for a more long-term approach. “It’s a philosophy that sees skin not as a problem to solve, but as something to care for, daily, mindfully, and respectfully,” she says. The products on our list all reflect this mindset, prioritising holistic care for every skin type.
What are the best Japanese drugstore beauty products?
If you’re looking for budget-friendly products, we have plenty of drugstore picks on this list. Our top recommendations are the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturiser Sunscreen, Canmake Mellow Dew Lip Mask, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, and Isehan Kiss Me Medicated Hand Cream.
What ingredients are commonly found in J-beauty products?
Japanese skin care brands often utilise ingredients found in nature, then transform them with advanced skin care technology. Ishida says common ingredients include “rice bran, sake lees, and other fermented ingredients.” According to Getz, you’ll also see “time-honoured ingredients like green tea…things that have been used for centuries combined with some of the most advanced skin care technologies in the world.” You’ll find these ingredients throughout our list in products like the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and Tatcha's The Water Cream.
What are the must-have Japanese skin care products for glowing skin?
All of the Japanese skin care products on our list will help get you glowing skin. If you’re looking for formulas that focus on radiance, we especially recommend the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence for skin prep, Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum for concentrated brightening, and Medicube's Collagen Night Wrapping Mask for overnight glow.
Meet our experts:
- Kyoko Getz, clinical aesthetician and director of education at J-beauty retailer Shiko Beauty.
- Miki Ishida, hair and makeup artist based in Tokyo.
