15 Best Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Buying
Achieve flawless skin and healthy hair with these beauty products from Japan.
The best Japanese beauty products can make fifty-year-old models seem like they’re in their twenties. Japan’s cosmetic industry is a Disneyland of its own. With faces that never seem to age, hair that stays in place for days, and skin that does not have a single blemish, Japanese women have us mortals amazed and envious. All thanks to their excellent Japanese beauty products!
If you love all things beauty, it is safe to say that you will never again need to look beyond the vast aisles of Japan’s beauty stores. From skincare essentials like the Deep Cleansing Oil to downright eccentric ones like the Placenta Eye Cream (no, we are not kidding), they have it all. If you want to start taking care of your skin, hair, and makeup seriously, you ought to take a peek into the treasure trove that is the Japanese market.
15 Best Japanese Beauty Products (Cosmetics)
That said, here’s a list of 15 freakishly awesome Japanese beauty products you absolutely must get your hands on!
1. Best Water-Soluble Formula: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a unique water-soluble formula that provides a thorough cleanse. Amongst the world’s leading cleansers in removing makeup, it also nourishes and hydrates the skin thanks to its fullness of vitamins and antioxidants, leaving your skin looking young and refreshed. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.
Pros
- Water soluble formulation
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Works on waterproof cosmetics too
Cons
- Some users have had issues with the oily composition of the product (verdict varies)
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Review
As per reports, 92% of participants in a certain study agreed that the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil worked better than a leading cleansing product at removing makeup. Apparently, one bottle is sold every 10 seconds worldwide.
That alone should tell you what a punch this one product packs. DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil is a runaway success with most people that use it, including yours truly. What I particularly like about this product is how easy it is to use. Come back home from a tiring day, get some of the oil in your hands, rub it on your dry face, and voila!, you’re done. I cannot remember the last time it was so easy to get makeup off my face, especially foundation. DHC’s Deep Cleanse Oil makes the process a breeze. It’s worked well on removing my waterproof mascara and eyeliner too. Some users have had issues with using oil on their faces as a cleanse, but I feel that’s a matter of personal choice. I find that getting the oil off the face is just as easy as applying it, as a few splashes of water helps get rid of ALL OF IT. No stickiness, no greasiness, just petal soft skin and a constant need to touch it!
Important Note: Certain users on Amazon have complained about getting the wrong product, or a rip-off. While we can’t be certain whether the fault lies with Amazon, the supplier, or the manufacturer, it would probably be a good idea for you to double check if the product you’ve received is the right one. It definitely is worth it.
2. Best For Exfoliation: Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap
The Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap is, as the name suggests, a special charcoal formulation. Being an adsorbent, charcoal is known for its efficiency at extracting impurities from the skin. Works especially well on all skin types. Exfoliates and moisturizes the body too.
Pros
- No dryness, or flaking
- Gently cleanses and exfoliates
- Good quantity product, lasts long (approx 1-2 months)
Cons
- Mild but peculiar waxy fragrance
- Washes off gray
Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap Review
Charcoal seems to be the buzzword in skin care these days—activated charcoal soaps, bamboo charcoal soaps, handcrafted charcoal soaps—charcoal and its products are everywhere. I for one am not complaining though. My tryst with Sumi Haigou Settuken’s Charcoal Bar Soaps has been nothing short of a success. I have dry skin and dry hair because of which most drugstore soaps are a strict no-no for me, especially on the face. Sumi Haigou Settuken’s Charcoal Bar Soaps solve that problem though. Upon use, I found that the soaps don’t strip the body of any essential oils, leaving it moisturized at all times, including the face (woohoo!).
An added benefit is that these soaps function as both cleansers and exfoliators, as they do a fine job of removing dirt and grease. During summers, I tend to have small breakouts on my face due to the heat (sweat, dust and pollution make for a bad combination). I’m happy to report that The Sumi Haigou Settuken’s Charcoal Bar Soaps helped deal with that problem to a great extent too. A Win for life!
3. Best Fast-Absorbing: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
The description for the product on Amazon reads ‘pure, lightweight miracle’, and rightly so. SK-II is a Facial Treatment Essence that absorbs quickly into the skin (read 15 seconds). Containing an anti-aging ingredient called Pitera (a derivative of yeast), SK-II gently exfoliates and helps moderate the skin’s surface renewal cycle leaving your skin with a soft, gentle glow. In fact, the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is a powerful product that works on all five dimensions of beautiful clear skin—less visible spots, reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, refined skin texture, improved firmness, and radiance. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.
Pros
- All in one solution for five skin problems—spots, wrinkles, rough and dry skin, sagging and dullness.
- > 90% Pitera
- Exfoliates
- Induces facial glow
Cons
- High-end product, price might be an issue
- Usage and instructions unavailable
- For visible difference, recommended to start early
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Review
SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence is a mixed bag, rather a bottle, of emotions for me. I’ve used it once or twice, and while it sure did seem refreshing, I didn’t notice any extraordinary change. While this could be because I’m still on the younger side of my twenties, and don’t have any skin issues as such, most friends and colleagues who’ve used this had a similar verdict. Mixed.
However, for those who it has worked, SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence is a game changer, so much so that, price notwithstanding, they’ve stocked up on bottles of what they call ‘the miracle water’. An interesting observation I’ve made with people who it works for is that they started early, and by early I mean, late teens/early twenties. Such friends of mine have reported the appearance of less to no laugh lines or wrinkles, a cause for much envy amongst onlookers, and the reason why SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence makes it to this list.
[ Read – SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Ingredients ]
4. Chojyu Collagen Source Solution Ball
Chojyu’s Collagen Source Solution Ball is a revolutionary new way of getting your daily hit of collagen and in the most direct way possible. With a high concentration of collagen (three months worth of collagen condensed into one pack), Chojyu’s Collagen Source Solution Balls are meant for direct application. Just open a pack, wet it with your toner, and apply it on the face—yes, it really is that simple!
Pros
- High concentrate of collagen
- Ease of application
- Ideal for maintaining supple, youthful skin
Cons
- Not really!
Chojyu Collagen Source Solution Ball Review
The world over, collagen has been consumed mostly as a dietary product to keep the skin feeling young and supple. But trust the Japanese to kick the b out of boring. Taking collagen supplements has always felt a bit extreme to me, seeing how I don’t need it—yet. But Chojyu’s Collagen Source Solution Balls did a good job of solving that problem for me. And for a lazy girl like yours truly, the ease of application is nothing short of a boon. Using the collagen balls feels quite similar to using a tissue to wipe the face at the end of a long, hectic day, only here, I prefer doing this early in the morning. Just wet the contents of each pack (there’s a different pack for each ball) with your toner, and use it to wipe your face. Relax your mind and allow the contents to be absorbed, and you’re done!
5. Best Collagen-Infused Formula: Lululun Precious Facial Mask
Make your skin softer and younger with the Lululun Precious Facial Mask. It provides luxurious daily treatment and targets aging signs. This facial mask is infused with a special plant-derived complex oil, L22, that manages sebum overproduction and restores its balance. It hydrates your dull, dry skin with a freshwater algae extract that has a much more intense moisture retention quality than hyaluronic acid. Additionally, the white rice koji extract infused in the mask exfoliates your skin and makes it smoother and shinier. It has three layers, with top and bottom layers distributing the essence in the skin, and the middle layer holding the beauty essence for efficient results.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fast absorbing
- Effective
- Reduces wrinkles
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May not be ideal for sensitive skin
Lululun Precious Facial Mask Review
This facial mask is available in three variants: green for skin maintenance, red for intensive hydration, and white for skin brightening and firming. The mask offers a mess-free application and leaves the skin hydrated. Though, it does not deserve the hype that has been created around it. Also the tissue-box style of packaging results in the sheets being drier overtime. But, give them a shot if you want to, as they refresh you.
6. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask
The Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask is specially formulated for dull and damaged hair. It penetrates deep into your hair fiber. Locks in moisture, restores shine, and prevents further damage to the hair. The hair mask is formulated with the extracts of royal jelly, lipidure, along with squalene, glutamine, dimethicone, etc., to strengthen and nourish your hair.
Pros
- Travel-friendly pack
- Anti-leakage lid
- Pleasant smell
- Smooth texture
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- None
Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask Review
This hair mask has a heavy texture but is absorbed easily. It is efficient in detangling your hair, making it soft and smooth. You need to use it once or twice a week for clear visible results. The mask also reduces frizz for a smoother and sleek look. However, use a little bit and apply away from the scalp as too much product can weigh down your hair.
7. Best Travel-Friendly Packaging: ONSEN Cuticle Conditioner Serum
The ONSEN Cuticle Conditioner Serum features the trademark Onsen Mineral Infusion for healthy and strong nails. The stain-free formula replenishes lost minerals, and keeps your nails soft and hydrated for a longer time. It is further fortified with shea butter, vitamin E, aloe vera extract, and Japanese wakame seaweed.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Certified organic
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
ONSEN Cuticle Conditioner Serum Review
Keep your nail bed and cuticle healthy with the daily use of this serum. It comes with a precision nozzle applicator for mess-free application. This serum is transparent and glides smoothly to treat the cuticles. It penetrates deeply without leaving behind any residue. The blend of powerful ingredients promotes healthy nail growth and also protects from bacterial growth
8. Best Organic Formula: Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask
The Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask is formulated with 100% Japanese rice extract to treat dry and rough skin. These thick sheets are made to retain the skin’s moisture level and make your skin appear supple, firm, and smooth. It also reduces pore size to give you an even and nourished skin tone.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Thick
- Suitable for all skin types
- Value for money
Cons
- Mask size might be an issue for some
Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask Review
This rice mask hydrates the skin and prevents the overproduction of sebum. It offers a refreshing feel and keeps your skin firm without losing elasticity. If you have large open pores, this mask works effectively by keeping the pores under control. However, you need to use it twice a week for better results.
9.Best For Dry Skin: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
The Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is a facial toner specially designed for dry skin that contains super hyaluronic acid—known to provide lasting and deep nourishment to the skin. Oil, fragrance, colorant, and alcohol-free, it is a lightweight solution that is perfect for reducing fine lines and sensitivity and firming saggy skin. The premium version comes with five different kinds of vegan hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Popular as a toner
- Oil, fragrance, colorant, and alcohol-free
- Lightweight
- Reduces fine lines, sensitivity, and lifts sagging skin
- Premium version is vegan
Cons
- More efficient with lotion masks than as a standalone product
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion Review
I came across the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion while reading up on Chizu Saeki’s Facial Lotion Mask technique. The fact that Japanese folk has amazing skin even in their mid-forties and fifties is a well-known fact, and thanks to Chizu Saeki for sharing their secrets to that.
The Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is a facial toner that when used according to the Facial Lotion Mask technique presents astonishing results. To start with, all I did was to wash my face with my regular cleanser. Now, instead of getting the toner on my hands and applying it directly to my face like I usually would, I used it on small cotton squares soaked in water (making sure to remove excess water) that I then applied to my face for three minutes, and done! The difference in efficiency from using it like a regular toner versus, with the facial mask lotion technique, was mind-boggling. My skin immediately felt lighter and refreshed. When used at night, it was nice to see that the puffiness reduced a hell of a lot too, AND carried over to the next day. Say whaaat! I love this thing and can honestly not get enough of it. You should definitely get it.
10. Best Lightweight Formula: Miccosmo White Label Premium Placenta Eye Cream
Miccosmo White Label is an entire range of products containing ‘carefully selected, Japanese made, placenta extract’ (yes, there is more to where this came from). The range has been designed to give the user soft and clear skin similar to that of a newborn baby’s.
Pros
- Placenta extract
- Cost efficient
Cons
- Acceptability issues
Miccosmo White Label Premium Placenta Eye Cream Review
Don’t get so grossed out now, you guys, placenta in skin care might be quirky, but it’s a thing. Seeing how this product is specially formulated for dark circles, under eye puffiness, crows feet and fine lines around the eyes, I must say it did a fair job of solving not just one, but all those issues. I used it for puffiness while my mother tried it for fine lines and crows feet, and it actually worked! I’d certainly recommend it to you too, provided you’re ready to take the leap of faith with this one. Peace out.
11. Best Vibrant Shade: SANA Hadanomy Collagen Mist
SANA Hadanomy Collagen Mist is collagen, formulated ideally for dry and dull skin. It keeps the skin moisturized, aids in retaining the moisture, and provides a dewy complexion.
Pros
- Easy-to-use
- Smooth texture
- Non-sticky
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- None
SANA Hadanomy Collagen Mist Review
The mist comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle, has a good fragrance, but is not beneficial for oily skin. It works well for blending foundation and concealer. It provides long-lasting moisture. The non-greasiness of the moisture keeps your skin smooth and fresh.
12. Suisai Cleansing Pods
A cult hit in Japan, Suisai’s cleansing pods are an enzymatic formulation contained within individual pods of cleansing powder that work as a gentle exfoliant. Rich in ingredients like royal jelly and tofu extract, they help brighten and tighten the skin.
Pros
- Enzyme rich, gentle exfoliant
- Help brighten and tighten skin
- Ease of application
Cons
- Not very travel-friendly as packaging is flimsy
Suisai Cleansing Pods Review
Suisai’s beauty cleanse powder comes in easy-carry cleansing pods that make it possible to clean up on the go. All you need is to get some powder on the hands, add water and massage onto the face to create a gentle foam. Back when I received my sample batch of them, I’d carry a couple of pods with me wherever I went as I loved how clean and light my skin would feel after use. It isn’t too harsh on the skin and doesn’t cause any breakouts. My only issue with them was that they needed to be carried separately in a Ziploc bag as the packaging is flimsy and tends to tear.
13. Oshima Tsubaki Oil
With 100% of camellia japonica seed oil, Oshima’s Tsubaki Oil is a natural way to restore the moisture and shine to your damaged locks. Packed with the goodness of oleic acids, the oil helps nourish dry hair, treat split ends and liven up dull strands. Can be used to moisturize the skin and face too.
Pros
- High concentration of Japanese Camellia seed oil
- Loaded with oleic acids
- Repairs split ends and dull strands, nourishes dry hair
- Can be used as a multi-purpose oil
Cons
- Thick, viscous oil that could be inconvenient to apply
- Too much of it can weigh hair down
Oshima Tsubaki Oil Review
Tsubaki is an ancient Japanese beauty secret that has been used by successive generations of families in Japan. Almost everyone I know, comes back with a container of this from their trip to Japan. In fact, I too got my bottle from a relative who’d visited the place recently. I have shoulder length curly hair that easily gets weighed down by heavy products. Which happened to be my exact problem with this oil (people with thick hair might not have this problem). Even the three drops recommended for use before styling, as stated on the bottle, felt a bit much for me, because of which I stopped using it on my hair. However, I found that the oil is great for use on the skin, especially during the winters. It’s nourishing, soft, and a little goes a long way.
14. Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Mascara Long and Curl
Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Mascara Long and Curl promises eyelashes that last for days. With an intense black formulation that provides great volume and curl, the Isehan mascara is a pocket-friendly product that is also waterproof.
Pros
- Intense black
- Voluminizing and curling
- Waterproof
- Pocket friendly
Isehan Kiss Me Heroine Mascara Long and Curl Review
Isehan, where have you been all my life?
If you had to pick just one product from a bunch of Japanese beauty products thrown at you, this ought to be your pick. No mascara has ever seemed to work for me as I’m dark and have moderately generous lashes. Isehan’s Kiss Me Heroine Mascara Long and Curl turned out to be a game changer for me though. Right from the first stroke, it voluminized and curled my lashes to the point that I look like I’m wearing falsies (that’s when you know it works!). I haven’t had a chance to test out its ‘super waterproofness’ yet, but by all accounts, that’s a win too. I don’t think I’m ever going to get myself any other mascara, I’m sold for life. You would be too, try it!
15. Kracie Simpro Hair Mascara
The Kracie Simpro Hair Mascara has been designed to save you from the hassle of constant dying. Touch up the roots with the easy to use comb applicator that finishes dye application in just 5 minutes. The natural collagen formula helps in maintaining healthy hair.
Pros
- Comb applicator enables easy usage
- Contains collagen
- Application completed in 5 minutes
Cons
- Instructions in Japanese only
- Might contain allergy-causing ingredients. Patch test recommended
Kracie Simpro Hair Mascara Review
The unbelievable happened a few months ago—I spotted my first gray. It wasn’t quite the earth-shattering event I expected it to be, and thankfully the grays haven’t multiplied, but since I don’t yet qualify for a full-blown dye job, Kracie’s Hair Mascara was definitely a winner. The comb-like applicator is a huge plus over the brush kind. It does a fine job of concealing the grays and stays on for a decent amount of time too. As of now, my mother’s been using it more, to touch up her roots, and she loves it. Saves the need of having to dye them hair every month just coz a tiny patch shows up gray. Definitely a keeper product.
*Subject to Availability
Final Word….
Ancient beauty traditions combined with modern science have ensured that there’s something for everyone in Japan’s beauty world. So whether you are looking for skin care products to kick wrinkles to the curb and have a younger-looking complexion or looking for makeup products to enhance your features, it is time for you to try out some Japanese beauty products. They all have skincare essentials, from deep cleansing oil to the placenta eye creams. Japanese beauty products will be your best investment if you want to take your makeup and skincare game up a notch!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Jyotsana Rao, is a makeup fanatic. With her deep research on different makeup products, she always comes up with the best. She has curated the best Japanese beauty products list after extensive research and reading many online reviews from different forums. She says that these beauty products are a must-have to take excellent care of your hair and maintain a youthful look.
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