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  3. Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More)
  • Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More) 1
  • Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More) 2
  • Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More) 3
  • Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More) 4
  • Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More) 5

Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums in 2020 - Tried and True! (Haku, SK-II, and More)

We might not be able to prevent aging altogether, but we can still age gracefully. That feels like the consensus here in Japan, where anti-aging skincare is popular and constantly evolving. As time goes by, our skin undergoes certain changes–hormones are thrown out of balance, certain functions are dulled–and serums that you used once may no longer be as effective.

So which serums a) target the signs of aging and b) will actually work for you? In order to answer that question, we ordered the 18 most popular anti-aging※1 serums※2 from Japan’s e-commerce giants (such as Amazon, Rakuten, and @cosme) and tested them all. We also invited a skincare specialist and had her compare the following:

1. Hydration
2. Application

This is how we tested and found the most exceptional Japanese anti-aging serums, essences, and ampoules.

※1 エイジングケア: anti-aging (lit. aging care), which, in this article, refers to products meant to moisturize mature skin

※2 美容液: serums, essences, and ampoules (all three are basically the same product, just with different concentration levels of active ingredients)

This article's specialists

Aiko Kawakami
  • Last updated: 06-17-2020
  • 14,768 views
Table of Contents

Introducing the Expert Who Lent Us Her Knowledge

This time around, we borrowed the expertise of a skincare specialist, who’s a well-known face both in magazines and on the web.
Introducing the Expert Who Lent Us Her Knowledge
〈Aiko Kawakami〉
Skincare Specialist

She's a skincare specialist who's got over 20,000 consultations under her belt. She approaches skin with a combination of scientific evidence and experience, using her knowledge of dermatology and cosmetic ingredients to help women become even more beautiful, down to their fingertips.

She's the representative of the board of directors over at ANSEM (Association of Nail & Skin Experts Maestro) and an instructor at the JCLA (Japan Cosmetic Licensing Association). She's also made numerous media appearances.

What Exactly Does an Anti-Aging Serum Do?

What Exactly Does an Anti-Aging Serum Do?
The main thing an anti-aging serum does is hydrate. Dehydration is said to be one of the biggest culprits behind the various signs of aging. And it’s not just the wrinkling and the sagging; when your skin is dehydrated, its natural barrier gets worn down, which in turn leads to hyperpigmentation and acne.
Furthermore, as your skin ages, it loses its ability to hold on to water. When your skin starts losing its firmness and elasticity, when spots and dulling start to become apparent, is when you need to pay attention to hydration more than ever. When it comes to anti-aging, the most important thing is to use products that help with water retention.
That isn’t to say that other things, such as ingredients that help firm up skin or prevent age and sun spots, aren’t important–they are. But they’re more like the cherry on the sundae. At the end of the day, the first question you should ask yourself is, “Does my anti-aging serum keep mature skin properly hydrated?”
Aiko Kawakami
Skincare Specialist
Aiko Kawakami
When it comes to anti-aging, the most important thing is keeping the stratum corneum—the horny outer layer of skin—moisturized. It wouldn't be too much to say that the key to anti-aging lies in the extent to which you can stave off dehydration.

How to Choose a Japanese Anti-Aging Serum, Essence, or Ampoule – Buying Guide

There are a whole lot of anti-aging serums out there. Let’s talk about how to narrow down the choices and find one that’s right for you.

① Look for Something Hydrating

① Look for Something Hydrating
As we’ve already mentioned, the first thing we want you to check for is hydration. We’re not exaggerating when we say that, simply by making sure your skin doesn’t dry out, you can eliminate or ameliorate many signs of aging. The following are examples of effective moisturizers:
  • Ceramides: Hydrates your skin and helps restore its natural barrier
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Known for water retention
  • Proteoglycans: Glycosylated proteins. Provides hydration and elasticity

In particular, proteoglycans have enjoyed tons of popularity in recent years. The poster child of proteoglycans would be aggrecan, found in articular cartilage. That’s would explain why it’s highly elastic. It has exceptional water retention. It also been experimented on and proven to help with collagen synthesis–truly a superstar when it comes to anti-aging.

Aiko Kawakami
Skincare Specialist
Aiko Kawakami
As for other hydrating ingredients, glycerin and BG come to mind. Then there's fruit cell culture extract, taken from apples, as well as sugars like trehalose and sugar squalane, which have the ability to attract and retain water.

② Then Look for Other Ingredients that Target Your Concerns

It’s not only hydration–there are a whole host of other benefits an anti-aging serum can offer you. Below, we introduce a few of the most common woes of aging, as well as ingredients that target those areas.

Ingredients Said to Work on Spots and Dullness

Ingredients Said to Work on Spots and Dullness
With age comes blemishes and lackluster skin. The following are ingredients meant to prevent that.
  • APPS: A vitamin C derivative that has the ability to permeate into skin. Brightens skin and fights off wrinkles.
  • Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate: A stabilized vitamin C derivative. Reduces melanin in the skin and suppresses its production.
  • Kojic Acid: Inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes the production of pigments.
  • Fullerene: Suppresses melanin production. Also said to help with hydration and reducing crow’s feet.

Ingredients Said to Restore Firmness and Elasticity

Ingredients Said to Restore Firmness and Elasticity
Another thing: as your skin matures, it loses suppleness and gains wrinkles. The following are ingredients that are said to smooth out skin.
  • Retinol (Vitamin A): Helps with skin elasticity. Also reduces dullness and the appearance of spots and wrinkles.
  • Pine Extract: Strengthens lymphatic vessels. By doing so, also keeps skin from sagging.
  • Astaxanthin: A red pigment. Lightens the skin and reduces wrinkles.
  • Acetyl Hexapeptite8: Relaxes facial muscles, reducing face contractions. This, in turn, helps with sagging and expression lines.

③ Look for a Serum with a Pleasing Texture and Scent–and is Also in Convenient Packaging

③ Look for a Serum with a Pleasing Texture and Scent–and is Also in Convenient Packaging
With skincare, consistency is key. Even the best anti-aging serum in the world will be of no help if you don’t use it every day. That’s why it’s important to find a formula that smells and feels good, wrapped up in packaging that’s easy to use.
Serums vary in density. They can be lightly or heavily scented or have no scent at all. As for packaging, you can find serums in tubes or bottles with either a pump or dropper. This kind of stuff all comes down to personal preference, so make sure you find something you like.

What Products We Ordered and How We Tested Them

What Products We Ordered and How We Tested Them
Now to introduce the 18 most popular Japanese anti-aging serums that we ordered and the process by which we tested them.
【The Products We Tested】

1. Beauty Mall Premium APPS + E Fullerene Serum

2. RISOU Repair Gel 
3. Sofina Lift Professional EX 
4. Dr.Ci:Labo Super White 377VC 
5. Melano CC Medicated Blemish Prevention W Vitamin Serum 
6. POLA B.A Prislumina Serum 
7. SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N 
8. Albion Upsurge Solution 
9. Elixir enriched serum 
10. MUJI Aging Care Moisturising Essence
11. MAIHADA KATSUJUN Lift Essence 
12. HAKU melanofocus V 45 Whitening Serum
13. SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence
14. ORBIS Lift Bright Essence
15. NOV L&W Lift Essence
16. ASTALIFT Essence Destiny
17. Cosme Decorte Whitelogist Bright Express 
18. Kobayashi Seiyaku Keshimin Essence 
We then tested for each of the following things:
Test ①: Hydration
Test ②: Application

Test ①: Hydration

Test ①: Hydration
First, we looked at hydration–the key to anti-aging.
We applied pearl-sized drops of serum to our arms. We then used a moisture analyzer and compared the state of our skin before application to its state eight hours after application.

The Big Takeaway: Hydrating Serums Contained Sugar Derivatives or Antioxidants

The Big Takeaway: Hydrating Serums Contained Sugar Derivatives or Antioxidants
The serums that proved to be most hydrating usually contained antioxidants–such as Vitamins A and C, as well as tocopherol–or sugars–such as rhamnose or sugar squalane–as ingredients. Sugars in particular are great at absorbing and holding on to water.
Other anti-aging serums that were effective contained ascorbic acid, ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10), and apple fruit cell culture extract. To summarize, we found that ingredients that either prevent oxidation or are effective humectants have a positive effect on your skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Test ②: Application

Test ②: Application
Next, we looked at how well each serum applied.
We gathered staff from several departments and had them test each product. They then shared their impressions on how the formula felt and smelled, as well as how convenient the packaging was.

The Big Takeaway: We Liked Serums that Felt like Lotion and Smelled like a Field of Flowers

The Big Takeaway: We Liked Serums that Felt like Lotion and Smelled like a Field of Flowers
As for texture, we preferred products that were a bit dense, as opposed to thin and watery. They felt and usually proved to be more hydrating. They were a bit tacky, but they also seemed to do more to plump out the skin and smooth out wrinkles.
As for smell, we found that most anti-aging serums do have classy, subtle fragrances. Our favorites tended to be those with light, floral scents.

Top 18 Best Japanese Anti-Aging Serums, Essences, and Ampoules

Now to introduce the 18 best Japanese anti-aging serums, essences, and ampoules available online. They were ranked by how well they did on our tests and given an overall grade ranging from D to A+.
Just keep in mind that these products are not guaranteed to produce all the results we talked about above. If you do choose to buy any of these products, be sure to double-check the official description and purported benefits.
※Prices are as they were at the time of this article’s publication. They may fluctuate depending on when and the site on which you purchase the product.
18
ORBIS Lift Bright Essence 1
amazon.co.jp

ORBIS Lift Bright Essence

$37.53

Is a Bit Sticky, but Leaves Your Skin Smooth and Supple

This serum was practically odorless. It was thick, so skin was a bit tacky after application. As for ingredients, it had retinol and ursolic acid, which work to bring elasticity back to skin, as well as burnet extract, which is an antioxidant. However, it wasn’t hydrating, so supplement with a good moisturizing cream or face lotion.
Cosmetic IngredientsCeracute®, Hydrogenated Retinol, Ursolic Acid B, Burnet Extract
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity
HydrationD
ApplicationB
Overall ScoreD
17
ASTALIFT Essence Destiny 1

ASTALIFT Essence Destiny

$50.62

Permeates through and Absorbs into Skin, Restoring Elasticity. However, is Sticky and Low on Hydration

This serum features FUJIFILM’s own Nano-Resveratrol EX, said to encourage cell turnover and leave skin supple. The formula was thin, light. The only thing was the sticky residue it left behind; sure, it felt like the serum was helping our skin retain moisture, but we didn’t enjoy the sensation of being wrapped in what could only be described as membrane.
Cosmetic IngredientsNano-Resveratrol EX, Nano-Astaxanthin, Nano-Lycopene
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity
HydrationC
ApplicationD
Overall ScoreC
16
Elixir enriched serum 1
amazon.co.jp

Elixir enriched serum

$68.31

Might Not be for You if You’re Picky about Scent. Hydration isn’t Amazing, Either

This one was packed with cosmetic ingredients, but it was still lacking in hydration. However, it was lightweight and didn’t leave skin tacky. It had this very light, almost coconuty smell that reminded us of cosmetics that came out about 10 years ago.
Cosmetic IngredientsSatsuma Mandarin Peel Extract, Mangosteen Bark Extract, Inositol, Soapberry Extract, Turmeric Extract
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity
HydrationC
ApplicationD
Overall ScoreC
15
NOV L&W Lift Essence 1
amazon.co.jp

NOV L&W Lift Essence

$65.00

Has a Bunch of Active Ingredients, but Still Doesn’t Hydrate

It was denser in texture, but it didn’t leave behind any sticky residue. Skin felt soft and plush after application. However, even though this ran the whole gamut of ingredients–from ingredients meant to deal with dark spots and dullness, to those that restore elasticity, to those that hydrate–we didn’t quite get the results we were hoping for.
Active IngredientsUbidecarenone, N-Acetyl-L-Hydroxyproline, α-Glucosyl Glycerol Solution, L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside
BenefitsPrevents Spots and Dullness, Improves Skin Elasticity
HydrationC
ApplicationB
Overall ScoreC
14
MUJI Aging Care Moisturising Essence 1
muji.net

MUJI Aging Care Moisturising Essence

$24.00

Feels Light on Skin, but Hydration Falls Short of Expectations

MUJI’s anti-aging serum’s been called a great find and a steal. We liked that it wasn’t tacky, and the light scent wasn’t unpleasing. However, if you have dry skin, you may find that it doesn’t hold on to enough moisture. In addition to humectants, MUJI featured ten all-natural cosmetic ingredients, so it’s worth giving it a shot and seeing what it does for your skin.
Cosmetic IngredientsPropanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Polyquaternium-51
BenefitsAdds Moisture
HydrationC
ApplicationB
Overall ScoreC
13
MAIHADA KATSUJUN Lift Essence 1

MAIHADA KATSUJUN Lift Essence

$150.90

This May Feature Rice Power Extract No. 11, but Hydration is Barely Decent

This featured the much lauded Rice Power Extract No. 11, but it was far less hydrating than expected. It was dense and wet and left skin a bit tacky. It also smelled slightly of rice, most likely thanks to the rice bran and fermented soybean juice. It’s one to try if you believe strongly in rice as a cosmetic ingredient.
Cosmetic IngredientsBacillus/ (Rice bran extract/ Soybean extract) Fermentation Liquid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Water-Soluble Collagen, PEG-150
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity
HydrationC
ApplicationB
Overall ScoreB
12
SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N 1

SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N

$70.00

Subtle and Refreshing Fragrance. However, Thick Texture Leaves behind a Sticky Residue

We thought this smelled like Shiseido, toned down and refined. There were a lot of supposedly hydrating ingredients in the serum, but the overall formula was less moisturizing than you’d expect, earning only a C. It was also thick and took a long time to set, so you shouldn’t get it if you hate feeling sticky.
Cosmetic IngredientsTrehalose, Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimetyl Ether, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Ectoine, Xylitol
BenefitsRetains Moisture
HydrationC
ApplicationA
Overall ScoreC
11
Albion Upsurge Solution 1
albion.co.jp

Albion Upsurge Solution

$111.17

Has a Relaxing, Elegant Scent. If Only It were a Bit More Hydrating

Everything, from the gentle fragrance to the sleek packaging, made us feel like we were at a classy spa, earning Albion’s serum an A for application. There were plenty of ingredients meant to moisturize skin, soothe irritation, and tamp down pigmentation. However, after testing, we found that we would’ve appreciated more and longer-lasting hydration.
Cosmetic IngredientsTocopherol, Royal Jelly Extract
BenefitsPrevents Rough Skin, Spots, & Fine Lines; Retains Moisture
HydrationC
ApplicationA
Overall ScoreC
10
Kobayashi Seiyaku Keshimin Essence 1

Kobayashi Seiyaku Keshimin Essence

$9.86

Prevents Blemishes with the Help of Vitamin C Derivatives. Doesn’t Hydrate, Though

This formula contains a lot of whitening ingredients, such as L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside and Glycyrrhizin Dipotassium, which means it should work on hyperpigmentation, dullness, and redness. However, it might not be moisturizing enough for dry skin.
Active IngredientsL-Ascorbic Acid 2-Glucoside, Glycyrrhizin Dipotassium, Tocopherol Acetate
BenefitsPrevents Spots, Dullness, and Rough Skin
HydrationC
ApplicationC
Overall ScoreB
9
Cosme Decorte Whitelogist Bright Express 1
amazon.co.jp

Cosme DecorteWhitelogist Bright Express

$124.56

Feels Extremely Light and Absorbs without a Trace. Might Not Provide Enough Hydration for Dry Skin

We liked the packaging. It felt as smooth and light as silk, so it’s a good one to try if you find most serums unpleasantly sticky. It offered only decent hydration and may not be enough for dry skin or during dry months.
Active IngredientsKojic Acid
BenefitsPrevents Spots
HydrationB
ApplicationB
Overall ScoreB
8
Melano CC Medicated Blemish Prevention W Vitamin Serum 1
amazon.co.jp

MelanoCC Medicated Blemish Prevention W Vitamin Serum

$8.68

Feels like an Oil but is Surprisingly Not Sticky

This was like oil in a tube, though it didn’t leave any sticky residue on our skin, unexpectedly. The formula revolves around vitamin C and is supposed to work not only on pigmentation, but acne as well. It didn’t do much in the way of hydration, but this is a good product to use if you’re looking for something that specializes in blemish prevention.
Active IngredientsAscorbic Acid, Tocopherol Acetate, Glycyrrhizin Dipotassium, Isopropyl Methylphenol
BenefitsPrevents Spots & Dullness
HydrationB
ApplicationA
Overall ScoreB
7
POLA B.A Prislumina Serum 1

POLA B.A Prislumina Serum

$185.46

Takes a While to Set, but Pumps Hydration into Skin, Leaving it Soft and Dewy

This had the slick texture of a face lotion, and skin felt dewy after application. It took a while to absorb, but once it did, moisture reached deep down into our skin. However, water retention was only average. You can weigh that against the packaging that looks like it’s from a modern art museum and the delicate floral scent, and decide whether this product is worth the price.
Active IngredientsAscorbic Acid 2-Glucoside
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity, Prevents Spots
HydrationB
ApplicationA
Overall ScoreB
6
Sofina Lift Professional EX 1
amazon.co.jp

Sofina Lift Professional EX

$45.63

Restores Your Skin, Leaving It Soft and Plush. Has a Relaxing Floral Scent to Boot

This serum contained multiple ingredients meant to restore elasticity, the most notable being acetyl hexapeptite-8. The final result should be plush, supple skin. We also loved the subtle floral scent and dewy texture (no residue!). The only complaint we had was it didn’t keep skin hydrated for as long as we would’ve liked.
Cosmetic IngredientsAcetyl Hexapeptide-8, Ginger Root Extract, Horse Chestnut Seed Extract, Fucus Extract, Amidinoproline
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity
HydrationB
ApplicationA+
Overall ScoreB
5
Dr.Ci:Labo Super White 377VC 1
amazon.co.jp

Dr.Ci:Labo Super White 377VC

$43.80

Hydration is Only Average. Texture, However, Makes It Easy to Target Problem Areas

Hydration wasn’t anything special. However, this serum came out to a thick cream, which made it easy to target and apply product to specific areas.

Some of our volunteers weren’t enamored with the design of the packaging. However, we liked that there was a little window on the back that told you how much product you had left. (Once a black bar appears on the bottom, it means you have about 25 pumps left.)
Cosmetic IngredientsNano W377, Raw Vitamin C
BenefitsPrevents Spots and Dullness
HydrationB
ApplicationC
Overall ScoreC
4
RISOU Repair Gel 1

RISOU Repair Gel

$125.92

A Hydrating Serum where All the Ingredients Serve Some Kind of Cosmetic Purpose. Is Quite Sticky

This formula contained no water–it was 100% cosmetic ingredients. It targeted wrinkles and pigmentation. We also had no complaints about hydration. But, seeing as the main ingredient was glycerin, this product turned out quite sticky.
Cosmetic IngredientsAscorbic Acid, Rhizopus / Fermented Rice Extract Solution, Hesperidin, Licorice Root Extract
BenefitsImproves Skin Elasticity and Glow, Prevents Spots and Dullness
HydrationA
ApplicationC
Overall ScoreA
3
Beauty Mall Premium APPS + E Fullerene Serum 1

Beauty Mall Premium APPS + E Fullerene Serum

$78.06

Features Fullerene and Targets all the Signs of Aging. Doesn’t Really Feel like a Serum, for Better or Worse

This was watery in texture and left behind only a light residue. But what really got us was its use of apple fruit cell culture extract, which proved to be exceptionally good at attracting and then holding on to water. We weren’t that happy with the packaging, however; it didn’t look like 8000 yen (~$80) and precious serum dripped from the opening.
Cosmetic IngredientsFullerene, Apple Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Trisodium Ascorbyl Palmitate Phosphate, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Glucoside
BenefitsPrevents Spots, Improves Skin Elasticity, Retains Moisture
HydrationA
ApplicationC
Overall ScoreA
2
SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence 1
item.rakuten.co.jp

SK-IIGenoptics Spot Essence

$225.00

Love the Sleek Packaging. No Complaints about Hydration, Either

The texture was on the denser side, but it absorbed quickly into skin, leaving behind almost no residue. It featured a bunch of SK-II’s patented ingredients, and hydration was solid. We had only the slightest bone to pick–the dropper it came with was pretty unique, so it may take a bit of time getting used to.
Active IngredientsNicotinic Acid Amide W, D-Pantothenyl Alcohol
BenefitsPrevents Spots and Rough Skin
HydrationA
ApplicationB
Overall ScoreA
1
HAKU melanofocus V 45 Whitening Serum 1

HAKUmelanofocus V 45 Whitening Serum

$77.61

Hydrates and Protects against Blemishes. You Just Have to Get over the Slight Tackiness

This serum contained 4MSK and m-Tranexamic Acid, both of which are whitening ingredients–so you can be sure this will work to prevent age spots. On top of that, it earned an A+ for hydration. That’s what anti-aging serums are all about–fending off the signs of aging while hydrating your skin.

It was a bit tacky, so we weren’t wild about how it applied. It was also basically scentless, though some found it a bit medicinal. Still, if you care about results over application, then this is a good one to try.
Active Ingredients4MSK, m-Tranexamic Acid
BenefitsPrevents Spots, Retains Moisture
HydrationA+
ApplicationC
Overall ScoreA

The Difference between “Cosmetic Ingredients” and “Active Ingredients”

The Difference between “Cosmetic Ingredients” and “Active Ingredients”
In the tables above, you probably noticed that we list the “cosmetic ingredients” of some products and the “active ingredients” of others. Why’s that? Both in Japan and the US, serums that aim to merely beautify and alter appearance are labeled as cosmetics. Their main ingredients are usually not present in high concentrations and are called “cosmetic ingredients.”
On the other hand, serums that are meant to change bodily functions are labeled as drugs. Their main ingredients are present in higher concentrations and function like medicine (though, rather than curing anything, they are meant to prevent things, like the production of melanin). These ingredients are called “active ingredients.”

Other Products That’ll Complete Your Japanese Beauty Routine

Other Products That’ll Complete Your Japanese Beauty Routine
You’re not done yet! Serums are smack dab in the middle of the Japanese skincare routine. They’re actually proceeded by toner and followed by lotion. Find out more below.
Top 28 Best Japanese Toners to Buy Online 2020 - Tried and True!
Top 25 Best Japanese Moisturizers and Face Lotions to Buy Online 2020 - Tried and True!

Summary

We consulted a skincare specialist, purchased the 18 most popular anti-aging serums, essences, and ampoules, and tested them all.
Everyone ages in different ways. There are some signs of aging you may be able to accept and others you want to ameliorate, so it’s important to choose a serum that targets your specific needs. Just remember that a lot of skincare is preventive and not curative, and anti-aging care starts early.
Well, at the bottom of it, the best thing you can do for your skin is lead a healthy lifestyle–eat well, sleep well, exercise, and moisturize. And then, when you’re looking for a little extra insurance in the form of an anti-aging serum, be sure to keep what we talked about today in the back of your mind.
Original by Yukina Matsuda; Translation by Jasmine Li

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    Last time, we talked about toners. Now, we move on to the next step in the Japanese skincare routine: moisturizers and face lotions※1. Face lotions are important–they are, if you remember, the lid that seals your toner in. And, just like in America, in Japan, we have our high-end and drugstore brands, our revolutionary products, and dupes.We thought it was high time someone separated the wheat from the chaff. That’s why we ordered the 23 most popular moisturizers and face lotions from Japan’s e-commerce giants (such as Amazon, Rakuten, and @cosme) and tested them all. We also invited a skincare specialist and had her compare the following:1. Hydration2. ApplicationThis is how we tested and found the most exceptional Japanese moisturizers and face lotions. We also talk about the difference between lotion and cream at the very end of the article–be sure not to miss it.※1 乳液: moisturizer/face lotion
    Cosmetics and skincare
    21,391 views
  • Top 19 Best Japanese Face Washes for Acne in 2020 - Tried and True! (Fancl, Cow Brand, and More)
    Top 19 Best Japanese Face Washes for Acne in 2020 - Tried and True! (Fancl, Cow Brand, and More)
    Our editors searched Japanese e-commerce sites (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) for face washes that work on acne-prone skin. We looked at products with salicylic acid; we looked at pore-clearing stuff; we looked at foams and clays and bars of soap.After some hemming and hawing, we narrowed our list down to 19 options. We then tested them for the following:1. Cleansing Power2. Hydration (that is, how hydrated your skin is after cleansing)This is how we hand-picked the best Japanese face washes for acne. For those interested, we also discuss face washing technique at the end of the article–just a quick heads-up so you don’t miss it.
    Cosmetics and skincare
    10,689 views
  • Top 10 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones to Buy Online 2020
    Top 10 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones to Buy Online 2020
    No matter what your complexion is, it's important to wear sunscreen every day to protect yourself from damaging UV rays. But, it's not easy for people with darker skin to choose a sunscreen, as many can leave a white cast.Many cream-based sunscreens have a heavy consistency that can leave a white, chalky finish on the skin. So pick a product with a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that will look transparent on your skin. If you don't know which product is the most suitable, take a look at our buying guide and list of the best sunscreens for dark skin tones! 
    Cosmetics and skincare
    108 views

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