Our editors scoured Japanese e-commerce sites like Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping and tested the best-selling Japanese sunscreens.
Keep on reading to find out which ones were our top picks for each type of sunscreen!
Sunscreen can't be that different between the U.S. and Japan, right? Well, there are actually a few major differences. We'll explain what they are, so keep reading!
Most notably represented by Geisha, Japan has traditionally valued pale, bright skin. This is evident in the myriad of brightening products available in Japan, ranging from toners, creams, serums, and of course, sunscreen is no exception.
In addition to SPF, which protects against harmful cancer-causing UVB rays, Japanese sunscreens also feature another metric that you may be unfamiliar with, called PA (more on the difference between SPF and PA below). In a nutshell, PA protects against UVA rays, which cause tanning.
Additionally, since Japanese sunscreen often falls under the category of cosmetics, they can include other beneficial ingredients in addition to those that block UV rays, such as moisturizing ingredients, brightening ingredients, and in some cases, even anti-aging ingredients.
There are at least six different types of Japanese sunscreen out there. In this section, we'll break down each type before getting into our top picks.
The six types of sunscreen are:
Cream and milk sunscreens adhere to the skin well, making them ideal for longer protection. In particular, sunscreen creams stay on the skin extremely well, and you can really lather these on. While they tend to be more expensive than sunscreen milks, they also provide better moisturization.
On the other hand, sunscreen milks create a barrier, offering more of a protective feel. Many sunscreen milks are nonchemical, or free of UV absorbents, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or for babies.
Sunscreen gels and lotions are known for their more watery textures. They both spread well and are less likely to leave a white residue.
However, the more watery the texture, the thinner of a layer you're actually applying, meaning that it's easier for ultraviolet rays to penetrate that thin barrier.
If you prefer gels or lotions for how easy they are to use, don't forget to reapply frequently.
What makes sunscreen sprays and powders great is that they're easy to carry and reapply. It also doesn't hurt that they can be applied over makeup, too!
However, many of them tend to not offer full protection, and UV rays may be able to penetrate them, even though they may be SPF50/PA++++. It's best to use these in combination with sunscreen creams or gels to ensure you're getting enough protection.
Image | 1 ![]() e’quipe | 2 ![]() IPSA | 3 ![]() Matsuyama |
---|---|---|---|
Name | RMK UV Face Protecter Advanced | Protector Sensitive | Hadahug Sunblock Cream |
Features | Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin With Great Friction Resistance | A Protective Sunscreen That's Easily Removed With Soap | A Gentle Yet Friction-Resistant Sunscreen |
Price | $36.73 | $32.41 | $13.94 |
Japanese | エキップ RMK UVフェイスプロテクター アドバンスド | イプサ プロテクター センシティブ | 松山油脂 HADAHUG 日焼け止めクリーム |
Amount | 60 g | 30 g | 70 g |
SPF | 50+ | 30 | 22 |
PA | ++++ | +++ | ++ |
Best for | Face and neck protection | Face protection | Face and body |
Features | - | Nonchemical, non-comedogenic tested | Non-chemical, allergy tested |
Removable with | Face wash, cleanser | Soap | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.3 | 5.0 | 4.6 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.6 | 3.4 | 3.3 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.2 |
Ease of removal | 3.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.66 | 3.65 | 3.63 |
Link |
Now to introduce the 3 best Japanese sunscreen creams available online. They were ranked by how well they did on our tests and given an overall grade ranging from 1.0 to 5.0.
$36.73
Japanese | エキップ RMK UVフェイスプロテクター アドバンスド |
---|---|
Amount | 60 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face and neck protection |
Features | - |
Removable with | Face wash, cleanser |
Sun damage prevention | 4.3 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.6 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 |
Ease of removal | 3.4 |
Overall score | 3.66 |
$32.41
Japanese | イプサ プロテクター センシティブ |
---|---|
Amount | 30 g |
SPF | 30 |
PA | +++ |
Best for | Face protection |
Features | Nonchemical, non-comedogenic tested |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.65 |
$13.94
Japanese | 松山油脂 HADAHUG 日焼け止めクリーム |
---|---|
Amount | 70 g |
SPF | 22 |
PA | ++ |
Use for | Face and body |
Features | Non-chemical, allergy tested |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.6 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.3 |
How it felt to use | 3.2 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.63 |
Image | 1 ![]() Rohto Pharmaceutical | 2 ![]() Rohto Pharmaceutical | 3 ![]() Kose |
---|---|---|---|
Name | Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Smooth Base UV Milk | Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Milk | Sekkisei Skincare UV Milk |
Features | A Highly Protective Yet Light Sunscreen Milk | A Silky and Convenient Sunscreen That's Easily Removed With Soap | A Moisturizing Sunscreen With Fantastic Water Repellency and a Light Texture |
Price | $38.43 | $8.67 | $19.01 |
Japanese | ロート製薬 メンソレータムアクネス 薬用スムースベースUVミルク | ロート製薬 スキンアクア トーンアップUVミルク | コーセー 雪肌精 スキンケア UVミルク |
Amount | 30 g | 40 ml | 56 ml |
SPF | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
PA | ++ | ++++ | ++++ |
Best for | Face protection | Face and body protection | Face and body protection |
Features | Non-comedogenic tested, allergy tested, able to be used as a makeup base, tinted | Allergy tested | Allergy tested |
Removable with | Soap | Soap | Facewash, body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.6 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 3.8 | 4.3 | 3.2 |
Overall score | 3.81 | 3.74 | 3.66 |
Link |
Next for the most popular Japanese sunscreen milks. Some of the prices have been converted to dollars from the original Japanese price for easier viewing.
$38.43
Japanese | ロート製薬 メンソレータムアクネス 薬用スムースベースUVミルク |
---|---|
Amount | 30 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++ |
Best for | Face protection |
Features | Non-comedogenic tested, allergy tested, able to be used as a makeup base, tinted |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 3.8 |
Overall score | 3.81 |
$8.67
Japanese | ロート製薬 スキンアクア トーンアップUVミルク |
---|---|
Amount | 40 ml |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Allergy tested |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.3 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.74 |
$19.01
Japanese | コーセー 雪肌精 スキンケア UVミルク |
---|---|
Amount | 56 ml |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Allergy tested |
Removable with | Facewash, body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.6 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 3.2 |
Overall score | 3.66 |
Image | 1 ![]() Fragrancy | 2 ![]() Style Create | 3 ![]() Ishizawa Laboratories |
---|---|---|---|
Name | Ohana Mahalo Tone Up UV Serum | PLuS UV Super Protection Gel | Dry-Touch UV Gel |
Features | Resilient Against Abrasion and Sweat, but Easy to Remove | An Easy-to-Remove, Moisturizing Sunscreen Gel | Don't Let the Low SPF Fool You With this Smooth Gel |
Price | $15.88 | $17.87 | $23.51 |
Japanese | FRAGRANCY オハナ・マハロ トーンアップUVセラム ピカケ アウリィ | スタイルクリエイト プリュ UV スーパー プロテクションジェル | 石澤研究所 紫外線予報 UVさらさらジェル |
Amount | 60 g | 40 g | 250 g |
SPF | 50+ | 50+ | 30 |
PA | ++++ | ++++ | +++ |
Best for | Face and body protection | Face and body protection | Face and body protection |
Features | - | Waterproof, can be used as a makeup base | Alcohol and fragrance-free |
Removable with | Soap | Cleanser, soap | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 4.6 | 3.4 | 3.2 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.2 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
Overall score | 4.22 | 3.67 | 3.66 |
Link |
$15.88
Japanese | FRAGRANCY オハナ・マハロ トーンアップUVセラム ピカケ アウリィ |
---|---|
Amount | 60 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | - |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 4.6 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 |
Overall score | 4.22 |
$17.87
Japanese | スタイルクリエイト プリュ UV スーパー プロテクションジェル |
---|---|
Amount | 40 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Waterproof, can be used as a makeup base |
Removable with | Cleanser, soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 |
Ease of removal | 3.8 |
Overall score | 3.67 |
$23.51
Japanese | 石澤研究所 紫外線予報 UVさらさらジェル |
---|---|
Amount | 250 g |
SPF | 30 |
PA | +++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Alcohol and fragrance-free |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.2 |
How it felt to use | 3.2 |
Ease of removal | 5.0 |
Overall score | 3.66 |
Image | 1 ![]() Liquest | 2 ![]() Kao | 3 ![]() Muji |
---|---|---|---|
Name | My Sunny Room Botanicals Deep Moisture UV Lotion | Curél UV Protection Day Barrier UV Lotion | Sunscreen Lotion Citrus Herb Scent |
Features | The Best Sunscreen Lotion With High Friction and Water Resistance | A Gentle Sunscreen With Great Protective Abilities | A Compact Sunscreen With Minimal Stickiness |
Price | $22.85 | $13.10 | $6.79 |
Japanese | リクエスト マイサニールーム ボタニカルズ ディープモイスチャー UVローション | 花王 キュレル UVカット デイバリアUVローション | 無印良品 日焼け止めローション シトラスハーブの香り |
Amount | 50 ml | 60 ml | 30 ml |
SPF | 39 | 50+ | 30 |
PA | ++ | +++ | +++ |
Best for | Face, body, and neck protection | Face and body protection | Face and body protection |
Features | - | Nonchemical, allergy tested, non-comedogenic tested | Nonchemical |
Removable with | Soap | Cleanser, body soap | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.2 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 | 3.4 | 3.8 |
Overall score | 3.78 | 3.58 | 3.54 |
Link |
$22.85
Japanese | リクエスト マイサニールーム ボタニカルズ ディープモイスチャー UVローション |
---|---|
Amount | 50 ml |
SPF | 39 |
PA | ++ |
Best for | Face, body, and neck protection |
Features | - |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 |
Ease of removal | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.78 |
$13.10
Japanese | 花王 キュレル UVカット デイバリアUVローション |
---|---|
Amount | 60 ml |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | +++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Nonchemical, allergy tested, non-comedogenic tested |
Removable with | Cleanser, body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.3 |
How it felt to use | 3.2 |
Ease of removal | 3.4 |
Overall score | 3.58 |
$6.79
Japanese | 無印良品 日焼け止めローション シトラスハーブの香り |
---|---|
Amount | 30 ml |
SPF | 30 |
PA | +++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Nonchemical |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 5.0 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.2 |
How it felt to use | 3.7 |
Ease of removal | 3.8 |
Overall score | 3.54 |
Image | 1 ![]() Dr. Ci:Labo | 2 ![]() istyle | 3 ![]() Koh Gen Do |
---|---|---|---|
Name | Dr. Ci:Labo UV Protect Spray 100 | Lishan Large Volume UV Spray | Clear UV Veil |
Features | The Best Japanese Sunscreen Spray | Easily Removable, High-Volume Sunscreen Spray | A Compact, Resilient Spray-On Sunscreen |
Price | $26.15 | $14.37 | $22.90 |
Japanese | ドクターシーラボ ドクターシーラボ UVプロテクトスプレー100 | アイスタイル リシャン 大容量UVスプレー | 江原道 クリアUVヴェール |
Amount | 100 g | 250 g | 60 g |
SPF | 50+ | 50+ | 50+ |
PA | ++++ | ++++ | ++++ |
Best for | Face, body, and hair protection | Face, body, and hair protection | Face, body, and hair protection |
Features | Waterproof, allergy tested | Waterproof, allergy tested, paraben-free, alcohol-free | Waterproof, nonchemical, fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free |
Removable with | Cleanser, body soap | Soap | Body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.3 | 4.6 | 3.4 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.8 |
How it felt to use | 4.0 | 3.3 | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 3.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Overall score | 3.85 | 3.75 | 3.72 |
Link |
$26.15
Japanese | ドクターシーラボ ドクターシーラボ UVプロテクトスプレー100 |
---|---|
Amount | 100 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face, body, and hair protection |
Features | Waterproof, allergy tested |
Removable with | Cleanser, body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.3 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.8 |
How it felt to use | 4.0 |
Ease of removal | 3.3 |
Overall score | 3.85 |
$14.37
Japanese | アイスタイル リシャン 大容量UVスプレー |
---|---|
Amount | 250 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face, body, and hair protection |
Features | Waterproof, allergy tested, paraben-free, alcohol-free |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.6 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.3 |
How it felt to use | 3.3 |
Ease of removal | 5.0 |
Overall score | 3.75 |
$22.90
Japanese | 江原道 クリアUVヴェール |
---|---|
Amount | 60 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face, body, and hair protection |
Features | Waterproof, nonchemical, fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free |
Removable with | Body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 3.4 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.8 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Ease of removal | 5.0 |
Overall score | 3.72 |
We have a whole article about Japanese sunscreen sprays! Click the link below for our buying guide specifically on sunscreen sprays!
Image | 1 ![]() Madame Yoshiko | 2 ![]() Orbis | 3 ![]() DR |
---|---|---|---|
Name | Yves Duffrane UV Sunscreen Powder | Sunscreen Powder | Beauty Protector Finishing Powder |
Features | Strong UV Protection With an Excellent Finish | Subtle Toning With Passable Protection | A Powder Sunscreen With Good Finish and Resilience |
Price | $17.93 | $20.02 | $15.82 |
Japanese | マダムヨシコ イヴデュフラン UV日焼け止めパウダー | オルビス サンスクリーンパウダー | ディーアール Beauty protector finishing powder |
Amount | 5.0 g | 8.0 g | 6.0 g or 17 g |
SPF | 50 | 50+ | 50+ |
PA | +++ | ++++ | ++++ |
Best for | Face protection | Face protection | Face and body protection |
Features | Nonchemical | Waterproof, allergy tested | Waterproof, nonchemical |
Removable with | Soap | Cleanser | Face wash, body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.3 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.4 |
Finish | 3.8 | 3.3 | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.64 | 3.63 | |
Link |
$17.93
Japanese | マダムヨシコ イヴデュフラン UV日焼け止めパウダー |
---|---|
Amount | 5.0 g |
SPF | 50 |
PA | +++ |
Best for | Face protection |
Features | Nonchemical |
Removable with | Soap |
Sun damage prevention | 4.3 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Finish | 3.8 |
Overall score |
$20.02
Japanese | オルビス サンスクリーンパウダー |
---|---|
Amount | 8.0 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face protection |
Features | Waterproof, allergy tested |
Removable with | Cleanser |
Sun damage prevention | 3.6 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.8 |
How it felt to use | 3.8 |
Finish | 3.3 |
Overall score | 3.64 |
$15.82
Japanese | ディーアール Beauty protector finishing powder |
---|---|
Amount | 6.0 g or 17 g |
SPF | 50+ |
PA | ++++ |
Best for | Face and body protection |
Features | Waterproof, nonchemical |
Removable with | Face wash, body soap |
Sun damage prevention | 3.6 |
Friction and water resistance | 3.4 |
How it felt to use | 3.4 |
Finish | 4.3 |
Overall score | 3.63 |
First, we tested how much UV protection each product offers. For this test, we used a UV-reactive label that turns pink when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
We covered a plastic clear file folder with the aforementioned UV-reactive labels, and then applied the sunscreen on top of it. We then exposed the plastic folder to sunlight for three minutes and scored the products depending on how much the label changed color.
Next, we applied each sunscreen to our tester’s arms to judge their friction resistance and water repellency.
To test its friction resistance, we rubbed the area with a cotton swab twice and observed how much came off. We rated each sunscreen on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 1 meaning that a significant amount of the product had come off, and a 5 meaning the product barely rubbed off at all.
We tested for water repellency test by spraying artificial sweat onto the sunscreen to see how well they repelled water. Again, they were evaluated on a 5-point scale, with any product that showed runniness scoring a 1 and any product that clearly repelled water scored a 5.
*We tested sunscreen powder using artificial skin instead of applying them on our tester's arms
Next, we tested to see how easily each sunscreen was removed.
We colored the sunscreen before applying it to our tester's arms, then let it dry for a set period of time. After that, we rubbed the area with a cotton swab soaked in mild body soap and observed how easily it came off. We again used a 1 to 5 scale scoring system, with 1 being difficult to remove and 5 being easy to remove.
With the cooperation of three Japanese female testers, we also rated how each product felt to use. We had them apply each sunscreen to their arms and had them score each product out of 5, based on how well the sunscreen blended onto their skin and if it left a white residue. We then calculated the average scores.
Additionally, we applied each sunscreen to artificial skin to test its stickiness. The artificial skin was then pressed into a tray filled with small beads to see how many beads stuck. This was also evaluated on a 5-point scale.
When it comes to sunscreens, SPF, or sun protection factor, and PA, or protection grade of UVA, are important acronyms to remember.
SPF gauges how well you’ll be protected from ultraviolet B waves (which cause sunburn), while PA filters out ultraviolet A rays (which cause tanning). Japanese sunscreens often list both these ratings, as they protect against different things.
The PA system was developed in Japan in 1996, based on the persistent pigment darkening (PPD) evaluation method, and is used to rate how well a sunscreen protects against tanning.
There are two types of UV rays that reach the surface of our planet; UV-A and UV-B rays.
UV-A rays have a long wavelength, and can therefore reach deep into the skin. While they cause very little visible damage, they can eventually cause premature aging, or worse, skin cancer. Generally, radiation levels from the sun are highest from April to September and don't decrease much throughout the year, even in winter.
UV-B rays, on the other hand, have a shorter wavelength and damage the surface of the skin. These radiation levels peak from July to August and cause sunburns and suntans.
Note that neither UV-A nor UV-B can be considered "safe," and they both can cause all kinds of damage.
However, rather than using your body’s energy to evaporate ultraviolet rays, scattering types use ingredients like titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, and aluminum to form a protective shield on your skin. These are often advertised for sensitive skin.
When applying sunscreen to your face, start with five evenly spaced dots before you start spreading. When applying it to the arms and legs, simply apply it directly from the container or bottle.
For both the face and body, a good trick is to spread in a gradual, circular motion. By doing this, you’re more likely to apply it evenly.
If applying makeup, it’s important to do it at the end of your skincare routine. Layer your makeup base and foundation on top of the sunscreen. Be sure to wait at least ten minutes before applying your makeup to minimize the chances of the sunscreen getting rubbed off.
If possible, it’s best to use sunscreen within three to four months after opening. Note that many organic sunscreens have a more limited expiration date.
Sunscreen shouldn’t be used if it has been open for a year or more, because there’s a
possibility it has been contaminated with bacteria. If you insist on using it, it’s best to do a patch
test in advance on the inside of your arm.
Babies have thinner skin than adults, and are more at risk of the harmful effects of UV rays, so it's best to use sunscreen to protect their delicate skin.
When choosing sunscreen for babies, be sure to check the target age. Next, check if it's made with a nonchemical formula. Then, it's probably a good idea to also choose something that's free of any added fragrances and coloring, as well as something that's alcohol and paraben-free.
Finally, when removing the sunscreen, don't try and scrub it off. Try to use a sunscreen that can be easily removed with warm water or soap.
Dr. Funasaka adds, "Assuming on a sunny day, UV rays are at 100%, the amount of UV rays is 80 to 90% on lightly cloudy days, 60% on cloudy days, and 25% on rainy days. It's also important to protect your baby's skin regardless of the season or weather.
The products listed do not guarantee any effects, efficacy, or results as described in the buying guide. All products listed in this article have been tested in-house by mybest’s Japan team, with the cooperation of Japanese testers, unless specified otherwise.
None of the content on this website is intended to act as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner or other qualified healthcare provider for healthcare concerns.
In order to provide as much accurate information as possible, in addition to asking an expert to review our buying guide, we referenced the following sources for information.
https://www.dermatol.or.jp/qa/qa2/q03.html (The Japanese Dermatology Association, Japanese only)
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications