10 Best Tried and True Japanese Sunscreens in 2022 (Professor of Dermatology-Reviewed)

RMK UV Face Protector Advanced was released in March 2021 and contains a variety of moisturizing ingredients making it perfect for a daytime cream.

Regrettably, the UV label turned slightly pink during our tests, meaning that it couldn't fully block ultraviolet rays. It also performed similarly in the water repellency test, failing to repel water completely. However, it had an impressive friction resistance and it stood up to a lot of rubbing, yet was still fairly easy to remove when it was time to clean up.

During the feel test, it had a light, comfortable consistency and was applied smoothly to the skin. It moisturizes well, making it great for people with dry skin.

IPSA's Protector Sensitive is a sunscreen that’s passed both allergy and non-comedogenic tests. It protects sensitive skin from air pollutants such as dust and exhaust gas.

It was able to block UV rays very well during our sun protection test. Although its water repellency and friction resistance weren't outstanding, it works perfectly as a sunscreen for everyday use. Because it was able to be easily removed with mild body soap, it was highly rated for its ease of removal.

As we tested its feel, one tester remarked “It spreads easily and has a silky consistency,” while another commented on the fact that It leaves no white residue. This sunscreen is great for anyone who values a comfortable, easy application.

Matsuyama's Hadahug Sunblock Cream is gentle enough that it can be used on babies. However, in the UV protection test, the UV label got slightly discolored, so this sunblock failed to earn a perfect score.

While being on the slightly stickier side, it got full marks in the friction resistance test. In fact, it was so resilient that we couldn’t tell where we had rubbed – the sunscreen didn’t rub off at all. Unfortunately, it runs off in water, but this also makes it easily removable.

Rohto Pharmaceutical's Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Smooth Base UV Milk is a beige-colored sunscreen. It’s a quasi-drug, meaning it falls between the categories of pharmaceutical and cosmetics, and contains isopropyl methylphenol and stearyl glycyrrhetinate to help prevent rough skin.

In the UV protection test, this sunscreen earned high marks thanks to its ability to strongly block UV rays. Great features include its ability to be removed with mild body soap and its water repellency. It also scored reasonably well in the friction resistance test, as well.

Our testers loved that this sunscreen wasn't a bright white color like other products, and also praised the light texture that makes it easy to spread. This sunscreen milk is one of the best in terms of usability.

Rohto's Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Milk is a lavender-colored, tinted sunscreen. It has a refreshing soapy scent and can also be used as a makeup base.

When we tested how well this sunscreen protected against UV rays, we found that the UV-sensitive labels we used didn't change color, earning it top marks in UV protection. It was also praised for being easily removed with body soap. 

While it had moderate friction and water resistance, our testers also appreciated its smooth application and the convenient, compact bottle, making this a great sunscreen for daily use.

Kose's Sekkisei Skincare UV Milk is a sunscreen that also doubles as a makeup base for those with oily skin. The oil-absorbing ingredients suppress unwanted shine as well as helps protect the skin from allergens like dust and pollen.

In addition to earning high marks on the UV protection test, it also earned itself a high score in the water repellency test, clearly repelling water well. On the other hand, its friction resistance was weaker in comparison to other sunscreens, so take care to let it dry before rubbing your skin. It was also a little difficult to remove, but this can be addressed with thorough washing.

Our testers felt that the smooth and milky consistency moisturized their skin, making this best for those who want a moisturizing sunscreen.

Fragrancy's Ohana Mahalo Tone Up UV Serum is a waterproof, lavender-colored sunscreen gel with a floral scent.

In our sun damage prevention test, this sunscreen managed to prevent our UV-reactive labels from changing colors at all. It also didn't come off when rubbed, and repelled water excellently, earning high marks. Regardless of these properties, it was easily removed with body soap.

During the feel test, our testers commented that the tinted sunscreen managed to subtlely brighten their skin and that it applied smoothly. This smooth sunscreen is definitely our favorite sunscreen gel!

Style Create's PLuS UV Super Protection Gel is a sunscreen that can also be used as a toner or as a lotion, due to its moisturizing ingredients. It can also be used as a makeup base, making it great for those who want to reduce the number of steps in their skincare or makeup routine.

During our tests, this sunscreen blocked UV rays well and was easily removed with body soap. Although its friction resistance was slightly weak, it made up for it with its water repellency.

In the feel test, our testers often described it as having a moist consistency. While this also meant that it had a stickiness to it, this is a great sunscreen for dry skin.

Ishizawa Laboratories' Dry-Touch UV Gel contains 8.8 ounces per bottle and is safe to use on children ages one and up, as it's alcohol and fragrance-free.

In the UV test, it blocked ultraviolet rays well, despite it only being SPF 30. This sunscreen also earned high marks for ease of removal, washing off with mild body soap. It had great friction resistance, although it didn’t repel water very well.

In the feel test, while it was sticky immediately following application, our testers commented that “it gets more smooth over time”. It applied well and had a moist, vibrant consistency and it left no white residue. Coming in a large bottle, this sunscreen gel is useful for daily use.

Liquest's My Sunny Room Botanicals Deep Moisture UV Lotion is made with a nonchemical formula that can be used on newborn babies. While it's not allergy tested, we conducted patch tests to check for stinging and irritation.

In the UV test, this sunscreen lotion earned high scores for being able to fully block UV rays. Our testers also loved this sunscreen for its ability to be easily washed off with soap while still having strong friction and water resistance, despite it not being sold as a waterproof sunscreen.

Although its stickiness held it back in the feel test, it made up for it with how easy it was to spread and the fact that it left no white residue. This palm-sized, convenient sunscreen is our top pick for Japanese sunscreen lotions.

Kao's Curél UV Protection Day Barrier UV Lotion is best for those who are looking for a gentle sunscreen. In addition to containing ingredients that prevent irritation, it also features moisturizing ingredients that help prevent dryness. On top of all that, it also protects the skin from pollen and other pollutants in the air!

In our UV test, we didn't register any changes to the UV labels we used, showing how protective this sunscreen is. It also has a moderate degree of friction and water resistance and can be removed with a thorough wash using body soap.

However, where it did fall behind was on the feel of it. Some of our testers noted that it left white streaking, and others commented that it was pretty sticky. Still, although this sunscreen takes a moment to blend into the skin, it's a compact and portable sunscreen.

Muji's Sunscreen Lotion Citrus Herb Scent is free of UV absorbers and can also be used as a makeup base. With the contents and container combined, this palm-sized sunscreen weighs a convenient 1.4 ounces. 

In our tests, we found that this sunscreen provided decent UV protection as well as was able to be removed with body soap. Additionally, it felt smooth with little stickiness, earning it high marks in the feel test as well.

Unfortunately, some of our testers commented that it leaves a white residue and that the consistency is a bit blotchy. It also didn't score well in the friction and water resistance tests. This sunscreen is probably best for indoor use, such as at home or at the office.

Dr. Ci:Labo UV Protect Spray 100 is a sunscreen spray that can also be used on your hair. It’s useful in hot weather, as it has a cool, refreshing feel. It also helps prevent dry, rough skin with skin conditioning ingredients like stearyl glycyrrhizinate.

In the UV test, while it didn't completely shut out all UV rays, it still earned a great score. It adhered strongly to the skin, giving it great friction resistance. Certified waterproof, water repellency was not an issue at all. It’s also easily removed with thorough washing.

When put to use, it applied well with even coverage, thanks to its incredibly fine particles. It left almost no white residue or stickiness, which testers loved. This is a great spray-on sunscreen with a balance of excellent UV protection and convenience.

istyle’s Lishan Large Volume UV Spray is characterized by a clean, soapy scent. It’s been allergy tested and is free of parabens, alcohol, or coloring agents.

While the UV label got slightly discolored during testing, this sunscreen got a moderate score. However, if you need more UV protection, we recommend using this in combination with liquid sunscreen. Although the sunscreen runs in water, its friction resistance was highly rated as we couldn’t even see where we had rubbed.

Great features are how easy it is to remove with mild body soap and how it sprays slowly with good coverage, meaning it’s unlikely to apply unevenly. It also leaves no white residue, making it a convenient sunscreen.

Koh Gen Do's Clear UV Veil uses hot spring water and herbs as part of its ingredients, making it a nonchemical, fragrance, alcohol, and paraben-free spray-on sunscreen.

In our tests, we found that while it didn't offer tons of UV protection, it was highly abrasion and water-resistant. Additionally, it adheres incredibly well to the skin but is also easily removable with soap.

Our testers were particularly fond of this spray-on sunscreen's compact size but noted that it does leave a white streaky residue. Still, if you're looking for a sunscreen that is resilient to rubbing and sweat, this is a great pick.

Madame Yoshiko's Yves Duffrane UV Sunscreen Powder is characterized by it being particularly gentle on the skin. It has a nonchemical formula and is paraben and alcohol-free.

This powder sunscreen scored well in the UV test, with the UV label only slightly changing color. It was also friction resistant and water and sweat resistant to some extent. 

Although one tester said “it leaves your skin looking quite pale,” the finish was rated highly due to its ultra-fine consistency, neatly concealing pores. This is a great sunscreen powder for those looking to cut out UV rays.

Orbis's Sunscreen Powder is a waterproof sunscreen powder. Available in two colors, this powder comes in a slim and light container. The case and powder refill are sold separately, so you have to buy them as a set initially.

It was rated highly by our testers for its convenience due to how well the powder adheres to the skin and its natural-looking finish. However, it regrettably couldn’t fully conceal pores.

While it scored moderately in the UV test, it did very well for friction resistance and water repellency. It’s recommended for anyone who wants a durable, rub-resistant sunscreen powder.

DR’s Beauty Protector Finisher Powder is a sunscreen powder that can be used on your whole body. It comes in two sizes; 0.2 ounces, and 0.6 ounces. We found the 0.6-ounce size more convenient to use across the whole body, as it has a larger application puff. We were also fond of how it's waterproof.

This is a well-balanced product with a moderate score in UV protection, friction resistance, water repellency, and convenience. However, it contains glitter, which some people may feel makes them look too pale.

The one issue we felt is the UV protection, as the UV label changed color unevenly during tests. If UV protection is a priority for you, make sure to apply it carefully and evenly.