The Best Japanese Skin-Care Products Pair Time-Honored Botanicals With Modern Day Technologies

A Japanese beauty ritual is all about being gentle, effective, and consistent—and the best Japanese skin-care products are reflective of this holistic approach. Esthetician Erica Choi explains that the Japanese philosophy involves multiple steps designed to address specific needs and contribute to overall skin health over time. “Key steps include double cleansing, layering lightweight hydrating products, and using sun protection, all aimed at achieving a clear, radiant complexion.”

Vogue’s Favorite Japanese Skin-Care Products

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Kikumasamune Moisturizing Hydrating Japanese Body & Skin Toning Lotion

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There’s a wealth of products to discover in Japan, and while some can only be snagged by taking a trip out East with a checked bag, plenty of the best Japanese skin-care products can now be delivered straight to your doorstep. Navigating these options can be confusing, especially with the language barrier, but we went ahead and curated a list of the best Japanese skin-care products according to Vogue staffers and experts.

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Best Sunscreen: Sekkisei Herbal UV Defense Gel

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Why We Love It: Japanese sunscreens are cosmetically advanced compared to what we have in the U.S., which is why you might want to consider incorporating them in your routine. With a lightweight gel texture, this sunscreen provides SPF 40 protection against harmful UV rays. “Infused with a blend of herbal extracts such as Job’s Tears seed extract, angelica gigas root extract, and licorice root extract, it hydrates and brightens the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and radiant without a greasy residue,” explains Choi.
Key Ingredients: Coix seed extract, angelica gigas root extract, licorice root extract
Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal skin
Size: 1 oz

Best Serum: Tatcha The Silk Serum

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Why We Love It: For those with mature skin, consider Tatcha»s The Silk Serum which addresses multiple signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. Dr. Lee explains that it’s formulated with liquid silk protein, derived from fibroin silk, which helps to smooth and nourish the skin, providing a silky finish. The serum also includes Japanese seaweed for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and Hadasei-3, which goes beyond surface hydration to deliver nutrients deeper into the skin.
Key Ingredients: Upcycled cranberry extract, sea fennel, silk protein, hadasei-3
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Size: 30 mL

Best Face Moisturizer: Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer

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Obagi

Hydrate Facial Moisturizer

Why We Love It: Well-known in Japan, this moisturizer provides long-lasting hydration and improves the skin’s overall texture. Dr. Lee explains that the key ingredient—hydromanil—is an advanced compound derived from the tara seed, which helps retain water in the skin and gradually release it over time. It also contains glycerin, which attracts water to the skin to help maintain moisture levels; shea butter, an emollient that softens the skin; mango butter, which moisturizes with its fatty acids; and avocado oil, which protects the skin from environmental damage.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, mango butter, tara seed extract
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Size: 1.7 oz

Best Hydrating Lotion: Kikumasamune Moisturizing Hydrating Japanese Body & Skin Toning Lotion

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Kikumasamune

Moisturizing Hydrating Japanese Body & Skin Toning Lotion

Why We Love It: Infused with sake and a blend of moisturizing ingredients, this product effectively replenishes the skin’s moisture, enhancing its texture and tone. Choi says, “The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, providing a refreshing and smooth finish while helping to improve overall skin hydration and elasticity.” The last thing we want is for you to feel stickiness on your skin, and thankfully, you’ll forget you ever applied this product—except for how great your skin looks afterward.
Key Ingredients: Junmai Ginjo sake, amino acids
Skin Type: Dry and rough skin
Size: 500 mL

Best Hyaluronic Acid: Hada Labo Gokujun Premium Hyaluronic Solution

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Hada Labo Gokujun

Premium Hyaluronic Solution

Why We Love It: Why settle for just one type of hyaluronic acid when you can benefit from a high concentration of several types? For those seeking intense hydration—especially dry Skin Types or anyone dealing with the drying effects of winter radiators—this product is ideal. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, making it a top choice. Choi is also a fan, saying, “It delivers deep and long-lasting moisture to the skin, helping to plump and smooth fine lines while maintaining a supple texture.”
Key Ingredients: Nano hyaluronic acid, super hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Size: 170 mL

Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Curel Japanese Skin Care Facial Cleansing Oil

Curel

Japanese Skin Care Facial Cleansing Oil

Why We Love It: This inexpensive, no-frills, gentle cleanser does a great job removing sunscreen and excess oils at the end of the day. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive Skin Types, so you don’t need to worry about irritation. Choi agrees that it’s one of the best cleansing oils out there, saying, “It effortlessly dissolves makeup, dirt, and excess sebum without causing irritation or stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Infused with ceramides, it helps to maintain the skin’s protective barrier, ensuring a soft, hydrated, and comfortable feel after cleansing.”
Key Ingredients: Ceramides
Skin Type: Dry, sensitive skin
Size: 150 mL

Best Cream Cleanser: Albion Infinesse Face Release Cleansing Cream

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INFINESSE Face Release Cleansing Cream

Why We Love It: Not just designed for cleansing, Getz explains that this cream also nurtures the skin’s barrier. Its secret lies in OSK9Peptide, a “cutting-edge peptide complex” developed in collaboration with Osaka University, complete with clinical studies to back it up. Like all of the brand’s products, known for their silky textures and emulsifying formulas that leave skin supple, Choi notes that it melts away makeup, removing traces of buildup, conditioning in the process.
Key Ingredients: Mei Gui Hua extract, royal jelly extract, resveratrol
Skin Type: Cleansing
Size: 170 g

Best Smoothing Cream: Damdam Mochi Mochi Luminous Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer

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Mochi Mochi Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer

Why We Love It: Inspired by mochi, the Japanese treat known for its soft, pillowy texture, Damdam’s moisturizer certainly lives up to its name. Choi describes its finish as cushiony, working to nourish skin via a blend of rice bran, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils. Hidden in this gentle formulation is phytic acid, a naturally occurring AHA found in Japanese rice that ever so softly exfoliates, smoothing and evening the skin tone over time. It sinks in like silk, leaving skin hydrated but never greasy, making it a dream for nighttime use when you want to wake up glowing without leaving a trace of sheen on your pillowcase.
Key Ingredients: Shiso leaf, phytic acid, hyaluronic acid, rice bran, willow bark extract
Skin Type: Mature, dry skin
Size: 1.8 oz

Best Night Cream: Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Fortifying Cream

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Intensive Fortifying Cream

Why We Love It: Although you might not realize it, Clé de Peau Beauté is a Japanese skincare brand under the Shiseido umbrella—often considered its most prestigious luxury line. From the collection, the Intensive Fortifying Cream is a standout that Choi describes as a rich nighttime cream designed to support the skin’s natural overnight renewal process. “Powered by the brand’s proprietary skin empowering illuminator, it replenishes moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and promotes firmness,” she says. “With its indulgent texture and refined formulation, it perfectly reflects Clé de Peau Beauté’s position at the very top of Shiseido’s skin-care portfolio.”
Key Ingredients: 4MSK, ononis spinosa root extract, okra extract, peony root extract
Skin Type: Normal to dry skin
Size: 1.7 oz

Best Lip Treatment: Decorté Liposome Advanced Lip Repair Serum

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Liposome Advanced Lip Repair Serum

Why We Love It: According to Choi, this targeted lip treatment uses multi-layer liposome technology to deliver hydrating and reparative ingredients deep into the skin. “It works to smooth the look of fine lines, restore suppleness, and lock in moisture,” she says. Getz adds that she loves liposomes for their ability to carry active ingredients precisely where they are needed most. “You may not see instant results from liposome products, most work better over time, but that aligns with J-beauty philosophy,” she continues, aiding your lips long-lasting suppleness. “There is beauty in consistency. There is power in gentleness.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, jojoba oil, serine, squalane, vitamin E
Skin Type: Dry, cracked lips
Size: 0.24 oz.

Best Hydrating Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50+

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UV Aqua Rich Essence Sunscreen

Why We Love It: “You know how much I love Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen,” says renowned esthetician Kyoko Getz, describing its texture as incredibly lightweight, almost like a water-based serum, so it melts into the skin without any stickiness or white cast. “If you’ve struggled to wear sunscreen every day because it feels heavy or greasy, this will change your mind.” Formulated with Japan’s advanced UV filter technology, it delivers strong, effective broad-spectrum protection while added hydrating ingredients (think: hyaluronic acid and glycerin) keep skin fresh and smooth all day. Plus, it layers seamlessly under makeup, never pills, and skips the telltale sunscreen scent.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Size: 3.7 oz

Best for a Glow: Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream

Why We Love It: The reason so many people have this face cream on their vanity is because it truly works to hydrate and nourish the skin. It’s formulated with a blend of Japanese botanicals and other moisturizers, including Hadasei-3, which is made of green tea, rice, and algae. Board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Kimberly Lee explains that these ingredients are rich in antioxidants, providing deep hydration that helps give a dewy finish and plump the skin. It also contains Japanese purple rice, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to calm any irritation and/or redness.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, hadasei-3, squalane, Japanese purple rice
Skin Type: Dryness, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles
Size: 50 mL

Best Oil Cleanser: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

Why We Love It: Washing your makeup off at the end of a long day can seem cumbersome, but this cleansing oil melts everything away so quickly that it no longer feels like a chore. “A popular skin-care product known for effectively removing makeup, dirt, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils, this cleanser is formulated with nourishing olive oil and vitamin E,” says Choi. She adds that it helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance while providing antioxidant benefits.
Key Ingredients: Organic olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, vitamin E
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Size: 6.7 oz

Best Essence: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

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Why We Love It: Often dubbed “miracle water,” this pitera-based essence is rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids. “This essence improves skin texture, brightens, and provides hydration, contributing to a more youthful and radiant appearance,” Choi raves. If you’re nervous about adding it to your routine, Dr. Lee reassures that there are minimal additives, and its clean and simple formulation minimizes the risk of irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: SK-II’s Pitera
Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal skin
Size: 75 mL

Best Eye Cream: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

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Shiseido

Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream

Why We Love It: Perfect for nighttime use, this moisturizing and hydrating eye cream effectively targets fine lines around the delicate eye area. It also has a brightening effect, giving a more awake and youthful appearance—in case you forget your nightly magnesium mocktail or miss your eight hours of sleep. Dr. Lee adds, “It’s particularly appealing for those with mature skin or signs of aging around the eyes.”
Key Ingredients: Peptides, squalane, ginseng extract, turmeric
Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal skin
Size: 15 mL

Best Gel Cream: Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream

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Hada Labo Tokyo

Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream

Why We Love It: The secret to this intensely hydrating gel-cream lies in its trademarked Super Hyaluronic Acid, which, according to Choi, “provides long-lasting moisture, helping to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Additionally, the formula contains collagen, arginine, and ceramide, which for under $20, is a major steal.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, collagen, arginine, ceramide
Skin Type: Fine lines, wrinkles
Size: 1.76 fl. Oz.

Best Cleansing Balm: Perfect One Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm

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Perfect One

Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm

Why We Love It: Cleansing balms are an integral part of the J-beauty routine, so it’s no surprise that one of the most popular ones is self-described as perfect. It combines oils like sunflower and olive oil to dissolve makeup and impurities, along with emollients to soothe and soften the skin. Additionally, it contains botanicals and extracts known for their soothing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, explains Dr. Lee. If you’re someone who loves a full beat, this is a great option as it breaks down makeup without requiring any harsh scrubbing.
Key Ingredients: Natural citrus essential oils
Skin Type: Dry, combo, normal skin
Size: 2.64 oz

Best Makeup Wipes: Koh Gen Do Spa Cleansing Water Cloth

Koh Gen Do

Spa Cleansing Water Cloth

Why We Love It: Cleansing wipes often get a bad rap, but these spa water cloths might be the exception. According to Choi, the fabric is exceptionally gentle, removing makeup without tugging on the skin as some wipes do. We almost never travel without them—and unlike harsh astringents—these wipes use micellar water to remove makeup, leaving the skin feeling clean, soft, and refreshed. While it depends on personal preference, there are also multiple options with different aromas, which can feel calming when you’re far from home.
Key Ingredients: Rosemary, sage, white birch sap, and lavender
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Size: 10 cloths per pack

Everything You Need to Know

What makes Japanese skincare so special?

For Getz, it comes down to the philosophy. “It’s never just about looking good for today. It’s about caring for your skin so it stays healthy, radiant, and resilient for years to come,” she says, adding that in Japan, beauty is deeply connected to wellness. “Skincare is seen as an act of self-respect, not just a cosmetic routine. Every step, from cleansing to moisturizing, has intention, and each product is designed to work with the skin’s natural rhythm, never against it.”

Choi agrees, noting that Japanese skincare is defined by a culture of mastery—an ongoing pursuit of perfecting and elevating what already exists. “Formulas are often refined over decades, with each generation of scientists and artisans building upon the last to make textures silkier, hydration deeper, and results more consistent,” she says. This dedication is paired with a respect for harmony and minimalism, resulting in products that are gentle yet highly effective. You can see it in the ingredient lists, where time-honored botanicals like green tea, rice bran, and camellia oil are blended with advanced technology to create rituals that are as much about care and intention as they are about results.

What are the most popular ingredients in Japanese skin-care products?

Per Getz, some of the most popular ingredients in Japanese skincare include time-honored staples like fermented extracts, green tea, seaweed, rice bran, and panax ginseng. In recent years, there’s also been a rise in cutting-edge actives that still align with J-beauty’s gentle philosophy, think: CO₂, exosomes, liposomes, placenta extract, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, nano-collagen, APPS (a potent, stable form of vitamin C), and human-type ceramides.

The Ideal Japanese Skin-Care Routine

According to Getz, the ideal Japanese skin-care routine is not about having the most steps, rather it is about having the right steps, done with care and intention. “We see skincare as a daily ritual, not a chore. A ritual with patience, respect, and a little bit of love for yourself,” she says. In Japanese skincare, the goal is never to strip the skin. but to respect its natural rhythm and protect the barrier function.

For a more structured routine, Choi suggests starting with an oil or cream cleanser to dissolve makeup and impurities, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to refresh without stripping. Then apply a hydrating lotion or essence to prep the skin and boost absorption, a targeted serum for concerns like brightening or firming, and a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Finish with sunscreen every morning, rain or shine. Evening routines may add a richer night cream or a mask. “The philosophy is to layer lighter textures first, building up to richer creams,” Choi says, “and to treat the routine as a mindful daily act rather than a chore.”

Why use Japanese beauty products?

According to Vicky Tsai, founder of Tatcha and one of our favorite skin-care gurus, a key difference in the Eastern approach to beauty is the concept of holistic care. “In Japan, caring for the skin is seen as caring for the mind, and this belief has shaped their approach to skincare. Our skin reflects and affects our inner health, so true skincare requires taking care of all aspects of yourself,” says Tsai. “The Japanese have long understood that what you put into your body affects how it looks and feels.” That’s why, she continues, a traditional Japanese diet is rooted in longevity-boosting ingredients like rice, green tea, and algae—superfoods credited with the country’s long lifespans. “And because what’s good for the body is good for the skin, these same ingredients have been central to classical Japanese beauty rituals for centuries.”

Due to the intense heat and humidity during the summer months, Japanese skincare also focuses on sun protection that remains effective even in challenging conditions. “Many sunscreens are resistant to sweating and water, and powerful cleansers are designed to remove sunscreen and excess oils thoroughly. Primers and setting sprays are popular to ensure makeup stays intact throughout the day,” says Choi.

Erica Choi is a licensed esthetician and the founder of Superegg.
Kyoko Getz is a renowned esthetician and Kyoto native based in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Kimberly Lee is a board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California.
Vicky Tsai is the co-founder of Tatcha.

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