Table of contents

• Types of sunscreen, recommended types by skin type
• 15 Best Japanese Sunscreens
  • Tone-up sunscreen
  • Skin-friendly sunscreen
  • Strong block sun protection
  • Sunscreen that is easy to reapply
• Products list

Types of sunscreen and recommended types for each skin type

The main types of sunscreen are cream, milk, gel, stick, and powder.
Each has a different feel and texture. It is expected that the effects will be better by choosing the one that suits your skin, lifestyle, and your own needs.

Cream type: Recommended for dry skin and those who want to protect their skin

• Highly moisturizing, a reassuring item for those concerned about dryness
• It adheres easily to the skin, can be applied generously and thickly, and has a high light blocking effect.
• Since it can be applied firmly, many products can be used as a makeup base.
• Compared to other types, it is heavier and difficult to fall off.

Milk type: Recommended for sensitive skin, dry skin, and those who want to protect their skin

• The milk type has a film-like feel and is characterized by the feeling of applying it firmly.
• Many products have non-chemical formulas (no UV absorbers) and are good for people with sensitive skin and babies.
• There are many products that spread better than cream types and blend easily into the skin, and can be used as a makeup base.

Gel/lotion type: Recommended for those who value the comfort of application and are concerned about white build-up

• Features a fresh texture that is non-sticky and smooth to apply.
• Good spreadability and little white cast or squeakiness.
• The texture becomes thinner and allows UV rays to pass through more easily, so frequent reapplication is necessary.

Stick, spray, powder type: Recommended for those who want to easily reapply

• Easy to apply without getting your hands dirty. It can be used directly over makeup, making it easy to reapply and carry around.
• It is easily penetrated by UV rays, so it needs to be covered with a makeup base.

15 Best Japanese Sunscreens

This time, we will introduce 15 types of sunscreens that are popular on Amazon and Rakuten Market *This article is based on my personal impressions, and each person's experience may vary.

Tone up sunscreen

A makeup base that can be used before applying foundation to improve makeup adhesion and prevent makeup from crumbling or smudging.
It is convenient to choose one with a high SPF/PA value, which also serves as a sunscreen! We will introduce makeup bases that will tone up your skin, correct pores, and add shine to your desired skin image!

A transparent foundation-free UV that covers dullness, dark circles, uneven color, and pores.
Sweatproof that is resistant to rubbing, sweat/water, and sebum, so it won't shine or crumble for 8 hours!
You can choose the color correction that suits your needs! Available in 3 colors: purple, pink, and sheer beige

• Japanese product name: ALLIE Chrono Beauty Color Tuning UV 01 Hydrangea Drops & Sage Scent 40g
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Gel

Recommended for dry skin! Barrier tone up UV makeup base
It is a cream type with high moisturizing power and has a high light blocking effect.
3 colors to choose from! Naturally covers skin problems such as uneven color and creates a natural and elegant glow.

• Japanese product name: La Roche Posay UV Idea XL Protection Tone Up
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Cream

A refreshing feel to use. Blocks UV rays while covering dullness
Contains moisturizing ingredients Na hyaluronate and vitamin C derivatives. Lie-up that you can choose by type with 4 colors available: lavender (improves transparency), mint green (corrects redness), rose (corrects complexion), and beige (corrects uneven color)!

• Japanese product name: SKIN AQUA Tone Up UV Essence 80g
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Milk

Skin-friendly sunscreen

For sensitive skin and babies, we recommend sunscreens that are gentle on the skin and do not contain UV absorbers.
UV-cutting ingredients include "UV absorbers" and "UV scattering agents." Ultraviolet absorbers absorb ultraviolet rays on the skin and convert them into other forms of energy such as heat and then dissipate them, which can irritate or burden the skin.

On the other hand, UV scattering agents are said to be gentle on the skin because they contain ingredients that repel UV rays, and are relatively easy to use even for people with skin problems. The package says "No UV absorbers", "Ultraviolet absorber free", and "Non-chemical formula".

Allergy tested! Sunscreen that can be used by parents and children.
Hypoallergenic formulation that does not contain UV absorbers, parabens, alcohol, fragrances or coloring.
Waterproof, strong against sweat and water! Can be used on the face and body, and is smooth and non-sticky
Does not leave a white cast and can be used as a makeup base

• Japanese product name: Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Minon UV Mild Milk 80ml]
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Milk

Hypoallergenic formula that can be used by babies as young as 1 month old
Hypoallergenic ingredients, free of parabens, mineral oil, alcohol, fragrance, and coloring.
Contains moisturizing ingredients including plant-derived ingredients!

• Japanese product name: ANESSA Perfect UV Mild Milk N 60mL
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Milk

For dry and sensitive skin! Contains anti-inflammatory agents to prevent repeated skin roughness and dryness.
A hypoallergenic formula that can be used on babies, with no UV absorbers, no alcohol, no fragrance, and no coloring.
Tested! A prescription that causes irritation and acne!
Protects your skin and prevents dirt such as dust and pollen from adhering to it.
Contains ceramide ingredients to keep you moisturized until the evening.

• Japanese product name: Curel UV cut day barrier UV lotion 60ml
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA+++
• Type: Lotion

Formulated with zero UV absorbers, for use on the face and body. It can also be used on baby's skin.
Additive-free (alcohol-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, coloring-free), contains moisturizing ingredients (shea butter, BG).
Resistant to sweat, water, and abrasion, perfect for children's daily outdoor play.

• Japanese product name: Biore UV Kids Pure Milk Sunscreen 70ml
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA+++
• Type: Milk

Powerful blocking sunscreen

For those who go outdoors or to the beach, we recommend a sunscreen that is resistant to sweat, water, and chafing, and also blocks UV rays! In particular, the cream type can be applied firmly and has a higher light blocking effect, but those who are not good at heavy or oily products may not like it. If you choose another type, you will be fine as long as you reapply more frequently.

2023 Spring/Summer 2nd place in Japan's major beauty magazines Cosme Awards!
Keeps you moisturized with a film that suppresses water evaporation! It won't fall apart due to sweat or facial movements.
Contains skin-beautifying ingredients that help moisturize and suppress melanin production.
Allergy tested and non-comedogenic tested
No fragrance or coloring!

• Japanese product name: ORBIS Wrinkle Bright UV Protector 50g
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Cream

UV resistant to harsh environments of 40℃ and 75% humidity.
The coating film is difficult to remove in hot and humid environments, and is resistant to sweat, stuffiness, and abrasion.
Adopts Tough Boost Tech. A smooth essence type that prevents dryness and provides lasting moisture.
Non-comedogenic tested! Prescription that does not easily cause acne
Contains moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract.

• Japanese product name: Biore UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence 70g
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Cream

Prevent spots and freckles caused by sunburn
Contains moisturizing ingredients! Makes fine wrinkles caused by dryness less noticeable* (*Efficacy evaluation tested)
Super waterproof against sweat and water.

• Japanese product name: Kao Nivea UV Deep Protection & Care Essence 50g
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Milk

Sunscreen that is easy to reapply

Easy to apply without getting your hands dirty. Introducing sunscreens that can be used directly over makeup, making them easy to reapply and carry!

Stick-shaped sunscreen that protects from strong UV rays
Equipped with Shiseido's unique Synchro Shield, which increases the uniformity of the sunscreen film and keeps it stable.
Prescription that does not easily cause acne

• Japanese product name: SHISEIDO Clear Suncare Stick
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Stick

Strongest UV protection. UV powder perfect for reapplying during the day
Resistant to sweat and water, and retains its freshly applied transparency.
Naturally covers uneven color and unevenness with one coat. . Achieves long-lasting makeup, clear skin, and UV protection.
Contains stearyl glycyrrhetinate, an ingredient that prevents rough skin, and a stratum corneum refining ingredient, a moisturizing ingredient.

• Japanese product name: Transino Medicated Whitening UV Powder n 120g
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Powder

Bathed in fog! ? Adheres evenly to the whole body. Instant mist UV
The fog-like mist that you are exposed to dries quickly and adheres evenly and tightly. Full body quick protection anytime, anywhere!
Instant mist UV. Non-gas mist type. Convenient and quick UV protection even when you're out and about.
It protects the moisture of your bare skin every time you take a bath, keeping your skin moist and shiny. For face and body (can also be used for hair).
Super waterproof (confirmed by 80 minute water resistance test).

• Japanese product name: Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist 60ml
• UV protection effect: SPF50+ PA++++
• Type: Mist

*Note: Product information listed in the article is subject to change. The latest information is based on the manufacturer's official website.