The Best Japanese SPF and Sunscreens
I wanted to compile a rather small list of the best Japanese SPF and Sunscreens that I’ve personally used and loved for many a fine year. I’ve used a lot of Japanese sunscreens over the years but three featured in this post are ones I come to back to again and again and again because I love how well they perform, how great they look and feel under makeup, and how fabulous the formula is.
Unfortunately, the US market hasn’t quite caught up to the Japanese one when it comes to creating lightweight, easy to absorb SPF formulas. I truly believe the Japanese excel at this which is one of the reason I purchase sunscreen products from Japan. They also happen to be affordable picks as well!
Let’s take a look!
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
This is by far one of my favorite gel based SPF sunscreens! This is actually promoted to “apply like water” and can be used on both your face and body. The texture is that of a gel and absorbs into skin so easily without leaving behind a heavy, sticky feel. There is not pastiness or chalky finish with this product and it leaves skin feeling quite hydrated. It’s unfortunately not waterproof nor a particularly good choice if you prefer a more matte SPF. It was actually discontinued last year but recently became available again in new packaging and reformulated to meet Japanese SPF standards plus, as pictured on the left, it now comes in a limited rose fragrance formula (the original has a subtle citrus scent).
Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Mousse SPF 50+ PA++++
This is actually just as lovely as the Watery Essence formula (although I like the Watery Essence a bit better) with a mousse-like texture that absorbs equally easily into the skin and features hyaluronic acid that adds moisture and helps retain it. The texture is interesting in the fact it has a whipped up mousse formula that quickly breaks down and turns watery as you apply it on skin. It’s very light and leaves my skin nicely hydrated. It’s unfortunately not waterproof but absorbs easily into skin.
Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Mineral Moist N SPF SPF 50+ PA++++
Allie’s Gel Mineral Moist is actually one of the formula I use the most often! This absorbs SO easily it’s like a lightweight moisturizer! The gel texture was newly formulated and acts to bond to the skin making it perfect for warm weather as it resists water, sweat, and sebum allowing it to remain on your skin for a longer amount of time offering better protection.
Swatch Above: Watery Essence, Watery Mousse, Mineral Moist
These are just some of the many great SPF and Sunscreen formulas that can be found in Japan. The main reason I love Japanese SPF formulas is the fact they absorb so easily and feel like I’m applying moisturizer versus SPF. Here in the US many SPFs are formulated with a very heavy texture that don’t absorb easily. Sometimes you’re forced to wait several minutes to apply your makeup as well! Not the case with Japanese formulas! They tend to apply easily, absorb easily, and allow for instant makeup application.
These are a few that top my “Best of” list but there are literally dozens and dozens of others that are equally great!
You can shop these and others from Ebay.com seller AlphabeautyUK.
Do you have a favorite Japanese sunscreen?
Do share!