Discover the Perfect Japanese Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

How to navigate the world of Japanese sun protection and find your perfect SPF, whether you have dry, oily or acne-prone skin.

Japanese sunscreens are considered to be some of the best in the world, thanks to their innovative UV-A and UV-B filter technology. These sun protection products are known for standardizing much higher SPF and PA protection ratings without ever compromising on texture or experience. Japanese sunscreen is lightweight enough to wear under makeup, rarely sticky and leaves a glowing finish on the skin.

When there are so many amazing SPF options on the market, knowing the right product for your particular skin type can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together this Savvy guide to finding your perfect Japanese sunscreen for every skin age, concern and need.

Dry Skin

When it comes to finding sun protection for dry skin, it’s important to search for sunscreens that are essence, milk or cream-type. These are specifically formulated with additional moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen and propylene glycol to keep your skin hydrated for longer. You should also avoid gel-type sunscreens, which can potentially strip dry skin.

Budget Recommendation:

Bioré Aqua Rich Watery Essence

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol and glycerin

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Price:

¥979 for 70g

Mid Tier Recommendation:

Skin Aqua Super Moisture Barrier UV Essence

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol and glycerin

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Price:

¥1,625 for 70g

Luxury Recommendation:

Albion Super UV Cut Intense Concentrate Day Cream

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Hydrolyzed collagen, butylene glycol and glycerin

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Price:

¥11,000 for 50g

Sensitive Skin

Sunscreens can often be an offender for irritating sensitive skin due to the chemical reaction of UV blockers. To minimize this risk, we recommend choosing a sunscreen that’s not just fragrance and alcohol-free, but has been specifically formulated for sensitive skin. These products are typically allergy-tested and created with UV-blockers that are less likely to trigger easily inflamed skin on the face and body.

Budget Recommendation:

Verdio UV Mild Gel

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Protection:

SPF30, PA+++

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Notable Ingredients:

Alcohol, fragrance, oil, paraben and sulfate free

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Price:

¥990 for 80g

Mid Tier Recommendation:

Anessa Perfect UV Mild Milk for Sensitive Skin

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Alcohol, fragrance, oil, paraben and sulfate free

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Price:

¥3,058 for 60g

Luxury Recommendation:

Shiseido Perfect Sun Protector Lotion Sensitive

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Alcohol, fragrance, paraben and sulfate free

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Price:

¥6,380 for 50ml

Oily Skin

For oily skin, look for gel-type sunscreens. These lighter-weight Japanese formulas are designed for fast absorption and oil control and leave a mattifying finish on the skin. As sunscreen can wear off faster on oily skin, you may want to choose products that are particularly moisture resistant, for example, those with a high UV-resistance rating (UV耐水性) of one to two stars.

Budget Recommendation:

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Gel

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Oil-free

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Price:

¥1,078 for 80g

Mid Tier Recommendation:

ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care Gel

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Camellia sinensis leaf extract

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Price:

¥2,508 for 90g

Luxury Recommendation:

SK-II Atmosphere Airy Light UV Cream

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Oil-free, contains niacinamide

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Price:

¥11,550 for 30g

Acne-Prone Skin

To limit aggravating acne-prone skin, we suggest selecting Japanese sunscreens that do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or potential triggers for fungal acne, such as stearic acid. Non-comedogenic ingredients like silica and vitamin E are less likely to block pores to avoid future breakouts, while brightening formulas are great to reduce acne scars and discoloration.

Budget Recommendation:

Skin Aqua Super Moisture UV Gel

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Fragrance and oil-free, contains silica and arginine

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Price:

¥1,155 for 110g

Mid Tier Recommendation:

SEKKISEI Skincare UV Gel

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Silica, zinc oxide and vitamin E

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Price:

¥2,100 for 90g

Luxury Recommendation:

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Silica, vitamin E and tocopherol

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Price:

¥4,180 for 20g

Mature Skin

While broad-spectrum sunscreens are always important for protecting the skin, opting for products with high UV-A protection is particularly important for mature skin. These types of rays can cause deeper wrinkles and visible skin damage, which is why we recommend products with a UV-A rating of at least PA+++. Mature skin may also benefit from brightening and anti-aging ingredients such as niacinamide and tocopherol.

Budget Recommendation:

Koi-Gokujyun UV White Gel

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

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Price:

¥1,417 for 90g

Mid Tier Recommendation:

ORBIS Wrinkle Bright UV Protector

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Niacinamide and tocopherol

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Price:

¥3,850 for 90g

Luxury Recommendation:

Decorté Sun Shelter Multi Protection Tone Up CC

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Hydrolyzed and soluble collagen

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Price:

¥3,300 for 35g

Child-Friendly SPFs

The best Japanese sun protection products for children will contain broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30+ and PA+++. Sunscreens need to be not just formulated for sensitive toddler and baby skin, but also fast-absorbing without any stickiness. For summer beach or pool days, it’s also important to find formulas that are highly waterproof while remaining gentle enough to be washed away by just soap and water.

Budget Recommendation:

Kiss Me Mommy UV Mild Gel

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Protection:

SPF33, PA+++

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Notable Ingredients:

Alcohol, fragrance, paraben, silicon and sulfate free

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Price:

¥990 for 100g

Mid Tier Recommendation:

Pigeon UV Baby Milk Waterproof

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Protection:

SPF50+, PA++++

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Notable Ingredients:

Alcohol, fragrance and paraben free

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Price:

¥1,188 for 50g

Luxury Recommendation:

Alobaby Waterproof UV Milk

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Protection:

SPF35+, PA+++

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Notable Ingredients:

Alcohol, fragrance, paraben, silicon and mineral oil free

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Price:

¥2,640 for 60g

Have you found a Japanese sunscreen that works best for you? If you have other recommendations, feel free to let us know in the comments!