18 Of The Best Japanese Skincare Products To Incorporate Into Your Routine

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04-04-2025

1. A DHC cleansing oil with an olive oil-based formula that's a perfect first step in a double-cleansing routine since it'll break down even the most stubborn waterproof makeup and SPF. Just apply it to your dry skin and massage it in. And don't worry about an oily residue — this is designed to rinse away super easily!
www.instagram.com, Amazon
New to cleansing oils and double-cleansing? The most important thing to remember is: Don't wet your face or hands first!! You must start with dry skin for the cleansing oil to work its makeup-dissolving magic. Start by applying two to three pumps of this to your dry hands, then massage in circular motions on your face while it's still dry, then wet your hands and introduce a bit of water to your face to help emulsify it. Finally, give it a full rinse and follow up with a water-based cleanser.
Promising review:" This is the best makeup remover cleanser, hands down, and I've tried a lot! I wear foundation every day and wouldn't be without this. No cleanser removes makeup better than an oil-based cleanser for those who've never tried it. Don't be afraid even if you have oily or problematic skin. I do, and I believe this has actually improved my skin. I suffered from acne for a long time. My skin is better now, and this is all I use. I use it at night to remove makeup. Then, exfoliate with a microfiber cloth to remove any makeup left over, and then after showering, I use this again to wash away any residue. I then use it to wash my clean face again in the morning. That's it. No additional cleanser is needed, and I find my oil production is more balanced because other cleansers, especially foaming ones, dry out your skin. The only downside is it's hard to find. Amazon is the only retailer that seems to stock it consistently." — Dee
Get it from Amazon for $21+ (available in three sizes).
Check more of DHC at Amazon.
2. And to follow it up: Hada Labo's Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Foam — it's the affordable star of foaming cleansers when it comes to Japanese beauty. The bottle and formula may seem unassuming, but it has a loyal following who love its ability to feel ultra-cleansing (thanks to that foamy lather!) without over-drying your skin (thanks to the hyaluronic acid!). Use this as step two in a double-cleansing routine, and your skin will be ready for all your other J-Beauty faves.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I consider this to be the poster boy of 'mild-cleansers.' It's a soft mousse-like foam that cleans your face without drying, stripping, or burning your face, which, in honesty, is all a cleanser should need to do... This soap is truly suitable and optimized for all skin types. Dry skin benefits from its gentleness, cleansing the face without that tight feeling. Oily skin is cleansed thoroughly without dehydrating the skin more, which causes excess sebum production... After wiping my face with toner, I can see that it has cleansed my face properly as well. This foam is light and unscented, which may suit people with fragrance sensitivities or other kinds of sensitivities. Just one pump is enough to cover my whole face. I recommend this to everyone looking for a simple and mild cleanser." — Cassanda
3. Or DamDam's Snow Mushroom Pore Cleanser if you're looking for an oil-regulating formula with a touch of exfoliation. The bar soap comes with an exfoliating glove — all you have to do is insert the bar, lather it up with water, then take the soap out and apply the lather to your skin while gently scrubbing with the glove. The snow mushroom will add some moisture and soothe irritation, while the salt helps soak up excess oil.
Sephora
Promising review: "This is my second time buying this cleanser. I bought it for the first time back in August before it got so popular (no surprise), and I love it. I see an overall improvement in how often I break out, how much oil my skin is producing, and all of my dark spots have lightened or disappeared." — Jennagriff
Get it from Sephora for $47.
Check out more from Damdam at Sephora.
4. Cure by Toya's Aqua Gel Gentle Exfoliator, which is the top-selling exfoliating treatment in Japan! It forms tiny balls of exfoliating beads as you scrub to help slough away all the dead skin — which looks so ridiculously satisfying. You can use this on your face and body; just be sure to apply it to dry skin.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Once you've rubbed it on your dry skin (with dry hands!) and those tiny balls start to form, wait a minute or two for the formula to work its soothing and rejuvenating magic, then rinse off.
Promising review: "The texture of the gel is unique — it goes on like a clear liquid and then starts to roll up into small bits as you massage it into your skin, which makes it feel like it's really working. I use it on my face and body, and I love how it leaves my skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated without being harsh. It also has a light, clean scent that's not overpowering, which I really appreciate." — Paola F.
Get it from Amazon for $34.50.
5. The astoundingly popular and iconic SK-II Facial Treatment Essence that reviewers swear lives up to the hype. The secret is a special ingredient called "Pitera" that acts as both a retinol and vitamin C alternative to help promote skin cell turnover and brighten your complexion. A little also goes a long way — just put a few drops in your hand and pat it in after cleansing.
www.instagram.com, Sephora
Promising review: "This is expensive, but it's a great product! I was skeptical, but the results speak for themselves! This gives you radiant skin, reduces dark spots, and moisturizes your skin! I saw a reduction in my hyperpigmentation from breakouts as well as a reduction in breakouts! My skin looks brighter and smoother! I hate that it's so expensive." — mintkandy
Get it from Sephora for $99+ (available in four sizes).
Check out more of SK-II at Sephora.
6.
Or Albion's Skin Conditioner Essential N if you'd prefer a milky toner-like moisturizer as the first hydrating step in your routine (milky toners are all the rage right now, but Albion is one of the tried and true classics!). It's made with a variety of Job's tears called Kita no Hato, which is meant to help brighten, hydrate, and soothe the skin after cleansing.
Albion Garden
Promising review: "I have been using Skin Conditioner since I was in Japan. I am so glad that I can buy it online in the US now! My skin has been stable and [has] less issues such as acne, redness, and dry skin. Highly recommend!" — Juri N.
Get it from Albion Garden for $35+ (available in three sizes).
Check out more from Abion Garden here.
7. Hada Labo's Gokujyun Premium Lotion, a moisturizer with eight — count 'em, EIGHT! — types of hyaluronic acid. Reviewers say it absorbs super quickly despite its thick and slightly sticky consistency (if you've ever used a snail mucin serum, this is similar in texture). It's perfect for hydrating and plumping the skin before makeup, or you can use it before applying a heavier cream at night.
YesStyle
Promising review: "I only use two drops at a time, and this HA is very hydrating. It leaves my skin soft and plump. I have sensitive, red, and oily skin and this has definitely helped calm the rosacea. I will repurchase as this is now one of my holy grail products." — Dalmane
Get it from YesStyle for $13.20 (also available in a refill size).
8. Decorté's Liposome Advanced Repair Serum to hydrate and help promote skin cell turnover at the same time (BTW: skin cell turnover is what helps bring that fresh, smooth skin to the surface). The shirakaba water gives it a silky, lightweight texture, while the HPA yeast-culture liquid and a fermentation extract tell those dead skin cells to take a hike.
Bloomingdale's
Promising review: "My skin used to get so dry by mid-afternoon, but after I started using this serum, I don't have to reapply moisturizer. It keeps my skin hydrated and smooth all day long." — Junko N.
Get it from Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's for $75+ (available in three sizes).
And check out more Decorté products at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.
9. A brightening serum from popular luxury brand Clé de Peau — the formula was inspired by dermatological treatments that are used to brighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The splurge-worthy formula includes a high concentration of the brand's exclusive brightening ingredient called 4MSK, and the addition of sea ferment brightener is meant to treat hyperpigmentation before it occurs.
Nordstrom
Promising review:"First, let me start with how pretty this bottle is! The packaging is one of the most luxurious and beautiful I have seen. This serum has a great performance for dry skin; I was pleasantly surprised at how soon I started seeing results; the first I noticed was the softness and hydration. After two weeks of incorporating it into my routine, I noticed my skin looking brighter and radiant, with a healthy glow. This serum has a beautiful consistency, easy to apply and absorb by the skin without feeling tacky or sticky; I also need to mention that it is heavily, but beautifully scented." — Irisrubi16
Get it from Nordstrom for $330.
Check out more Clé de Peau products at Nordstrom.
10. Or Melano CC's Vitamin C essence — a budget-friendly staple that has rave reviews for its brightening formula. The vitamin C can help brighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and some reviewers say it's great for reducing the appearance of post-acne marks. Even though it's called an "essence," this actually has more of a thin, oily consistency — but reviewers say it absorbs super quickly.
YesStyle
Promising review:"I have tried many vitamin C serums, and this is by far one of the best! It's not grainy or stinging when applied. It has given my skin a brighter and even tone and has also lightened some of my dark spots! I'm in love!" — Maggie
Get it from YesStyle for $9.04.
Check out more of Melano CC on YesStyle.
11. Bioré's UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen with 50+ PA++++ sun protection — it would win "Most Likely To Be Famous" if J-Beauty had a yearbook. This has become a cult classic thanks to its featherweight texture that sinks in instantly, wears well under makeup, and leaves no white cast. If you'll excuse me, I'm about to stock up on enough to last through the summer.
Bioré
Note: Bioré US has launched a new sunscreen inspired by this that's available on Amazon. It is not the same formula as the Japanese version due to FDA sunscreen regulations, though reviewers say it's still a solid option if you're looking for a lightweight formula.
Promising review: "I discovered Biore UV watery essence last summer before I went on a long beach holiday. I have fair skin prone to burning and freckling and have always slightly dreaded the beach due to the multiple applications of a greasy sunscreen and the fear I'd burn anyway. Biore UV has changed that totally — it goes on smoothly and dries down to a lovely matte finish. My makeup looks even better with this underneath. One application lasts much longer than your standard sunscreen and I haven't had a burn since I've been using it. I really can't recommend it enough!" — Emily
Get it from YesStyle for $11.44+ (the "HK version" is an older formulation, while the "JP Version" is a new formulation for 2025 that's designed to spread more evenly and blend instantly).
Check out more of Bioré's Japanese formulas at YesStyle.
12. Or Canmake's Mermaid Skin Gel UV that basically packs a lightweight essence, sunscreen, and makeup primer in one bottle. It's available in tinted versions to help color correct (e.g., the mint shade helps counteract redness, and the yellow shade counteracts blue and purple undertones), and it's especially loved by reviewers with sensitive skin thanks to the alcohol-free formula.
Promising review:"I have used plenty of sunscreens; most of them leave a white cast on my darker skin. This not only does not leave a cast but also feels great on my skin. I have acne/sensitive skin, and this has not irritated my skin one bit. I love it, I need to stock this up." — Divya
Get it from YesStyle for $9.92 (available in four colors and a clear formula).
13. The Dewy Skin Cream by Tatcha — a now-viral moisturizer that genuinely lives up to its promises of a dewy, glowy appearance. The creamy formula's fermentation of Japanese superfoods, green tea, rice, and algae helps to plump the skin and add a glistening appearance. The amount of times you'll hear "Your skin looks amazing!!!" throughout the day might almost get annoying. Almost.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
If you want something more lightweight without the dewy finish, check out Tatcha's equally popular The Water Cream, which is loved by reviewers with oily skin.
I've used a few jars of this, and WOW, the "dewy" in its name is not just a marketing gimmick. No, seriously, it's so glowy that it's actually perfect for those "no-makeup makeup" days when you just want your skin to look plump, brighter, and healthier. It's also rich enough to use as a night cream as well, so I tend to keep this one on-hand for travel instead of packing both a day and night moisturizer.
Promising review: "So far, I am IN LOVE. The texture is rich and creamy but not heavy. The scent is very lightly floral (almost lavender) but not strong at all. Absorbs super quickly and doesn't pill under my rosehip oil topcoat. Leaves my skin plump and literally silky, soft, almost buttery. It feels so luxurious and glides on like liquid satin. No adjustment period for my sensitive skin (my sensitive gals know what I mean….). I have sensitive combination/mostly oily skin with hormonal breakouts, and I have noticed a drastic difference in both balance as well as breakouts. The breakouts are minimized, my dry/rough spots are gone, and the oily areas remain dewy and moisturized but not greasy. This stuff is magic, honestly. It's my first pricey skincare product, but honestly, it's SO worth it, even for someone like me." — Madison
Get it from Amazon for $72.
14. The super lightweight Sekkisei Herbal Gel that manages to pack in a whopping SIX benefits in one practically weightless formula. What are those six benefits?? Glad you asked! *Takes a deep breath* It'll help hydrate, add a radiant ~glassy~ glow, smooth texture, soothe irritation, plump the skin, and nourish with a blend of coix seed, mugwort extract, and angelica.
Sekkisei
And it's also multi-purpose! You can use this as a daily moisturizer, or apply a thick layer to use as an overnight mask.
Promising review: "I love this gel cream. I use it along with the Sekkisei lotion, and together, they have really brightened my skin. The gel is medium weight; for a gel, it's very hydrating. On humid days, I use a very thin layer of this, but at night, when my dry skin needs more moisture, I use it like a sleeping pack and apply a thick layer, and I wake up with dewy skin in the morning. It has not broken me out, and I even used it on days where my skin was having a bad reaction to another product, and this did not irritate my skin at all." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $40 (and when it's time to replenish, you can pick up a refill pod for $36).
15. Shiseido's Benefiance Wrinkle Soothing Eye Cream, which has become a best-seller due to its peptide-packed formula that supports collagen production — and that means plumper, firmer skin. Reviewers say this is super thick, so a jar should last a while since a little goes a long way.
Ulta, Sephora
Promising review: "Wow! I have used several eye creams, and this one is definitely superior. I love Shiseido all around, but this product is by far the crown jewel of their line! It does a wonderful job filling in lines. I see a big difference if I stop using it. It is also quick to dry which is a huge plus for me with both day and nighttime use. In addition to under and around my eyes, I use it between my brows and am very happy with the results." — Jillian2690
Get it from Sephora and Ulta for $65.
Check out more from Shiseido at Sephora and Ulta.
16. A delightfully refreshing Dassai sheet mask that claims to give you ~glass skin~ in just 10 minutes. Each mask is infused with fermented sake extract to plump the skin and give you a glistening glow. Reviewers say the serum left behind on the skin is lightweight and fast-absorbing and that it lives up to its ✨ glowy ✨ promises.
Shikō Beauty Collective
Promising review: "These masks are great. Definitely improved the moisture barrier and clarity after one use. And save the packet after using the mask. There will still be enough liquid product to use a couple of times on face/ back of hands. Delightful bonus!" — Melanie B.
Get five masks from Shikō Beauty Collective for $40.
Check out more from Dassai at Shikō Beauty Collective.
17. A moisture spray from Curél for a ridiculously convenient way to add some ceramides to your routine — you know, the things that help protect the skin's moisture barrier. You can use it on your face and body, and you can even spritz it on over makeup when you need a refresh.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Since turning 45 and being pre-menopausal, I've never had dry skin in my life until now. Nothing seemed to help because I was already moisturizing my oily skin. I say this on a YouTube channel so I decided to give it a try... and OMG. It's amazing! My skin is holding moisture without overly producing oil. I use one to two times a day, depending on my skin. I've gotten so many compliments since I started using it. There's no real scent; it does take a moment to absorb, but it's totally worth it, and my skin has been glowing." — Rae
Get it from Amazon for $15.
Check out more from Curél at Amazon.
18. A silky smooth Nemohamo Booster Oil with cold-pressed ingredients to help boost moisture, plump fine lines, and fade dark spots. The Japanese panax ginseng gives it its firming and plumping quality, and the lightweight formula can even be used on your hair to tame flyaways and on your nails to soften cuticles and add shine.
Shikō Beauty Collective