15 Japanese Beauty Products That Will Change Your Life (2024)

15 Japanese Beauty Products That Will Change Your Life (1)

I went to Japan with high hopes of seeing a Blade Runner-esquetake on a big city. I fully expected to be awed by the ad-forward culture, the plethora of anime and the food, what I didn’t expect is to haul back an entire suitcase of Japanese beauty products.

Japanese beauty-focused drugstores are as ample in Tokyo as Starbucks locations are here stateside in NYC. You’re bound to hit a drugstore selling beauty products every few blocks while in Japan. In some instances, you’ll see them on every block, depending on the neighborhood. This isn’t confined to Tokyo either- Osaka and Kyoto have just as big of a concentration!

My mornings were spent roaming and exploring (and buying!), while, in the evenings, I meticulously scoured Japanese and English sites, looking for some of the top Japanese beauty products I should bring back.

Most of these have a markup when buying in the US, but it’s really not as bad as I expected it to be. The markups are confined to a few dollars, with the exception of Babyfoot! It already made its way over to the west and got repackaged and sold for $25 instead of Japan’s $15 yen equivalent.

I tested out a few of these products live on my beauty channel at PocketLIVE last Thursday (May 11) at 4 PM. I’ll be testing a new batch of makeup in this week’s broadcast, so make sure to tune in every Thursday!

15 Japanese Beauty Products That Will Change Your Life

Kanebo Suisa Beauty Clear Powder

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This powder enzyme cleanser comes in a package of 32 individual pods that are excellent travel companions! The product is pre-measured so you know exactly how much to use every time. Enzymes and lactic acid slough off the dead skin cells and clear pores while the tofu extract, royal jelly, and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin and even out the tone. Use this after removing your makeup as the second step of your cleansing routine. Also, check out Amarte Exfolipowder from Korea that provides similar benefits in a bigger bottle.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

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Cleansing oil is the necessary first step of a skincare routine for Japanese women. This one is one of the most popular in Japan because of its olive oil base. It’s not drying and gives you plenty of substance to gently remove all makeup. The thick consistency turns into a watery lather after applying water.

CANMAKE Cream Cheek

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This drugstore cream blush comes in a super cute tin and is Jenna Lyons’ fave blush! I picked up a tin to try it out and ended up ordering 2 more because of how seamlessly it blends! It delivers a completely natural, pretty flush. The colors are sheer and buildable to your desired intensity.

Babyfoot Exfoliant Foot Peel

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You might’ve seen these things stateside by now. A lot of retailers sell babyfoot in stores (for a heftily upmarked price). The Japanese formula now comes in 30 minute and 60 minute express foot peel times. Basically, this isthe most disgusting, amazing and cheapest pedicure treatment for summer-worthy feet. Just soak them in the booties, soak them in water, and watch as the skin peels off over the next week.

Kiss Me Heroine Long and Curl Mascara

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Japanese mascaras deliver truly black, curling and lengthening formulas that don’t weigh lashes down at all. The Heroine mascara is one of the top sellers in Japan for good reason! I’m someone whose lashes grow downward. Even after curling meticulously with my Shu Uemura curler, they lose their curl by mid-afternoon. This formula actually keeps my lash curl as if they were freshly done! Not only that, but the black is also a true black that doesn’t flake and glides on smoothly. I’m never getting a western formula mascara again- and I’m not exaggerating!

Face + Eyebrow Safety Razors

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Whether you’re already doing this (I am) or not, these little safety razors are specifically meant for shaving off your face fuzz. They safely remove the little hairs, making your face a smooth canvas for makeup application, with the added benefit of gentle exfoliation (or, ahem, as salons like to call it, dermaplaning)! These little face and eyebrow razors are sold everywhere from beauty stores to gas stops!

Rohto Lycee Eye Drops

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I was a little skeptical about this at first since I don’t wear contacts anymore (woohoo, LASIK). I picked up a bottle to test out, and sure enough, the eyedrops make my eyes whiter and brighter. Bright, clear eyes (and colored contact use) are a sign of beauty in Japan, so you’ll see a hefty selection of eyedrops in drugstores. The only downside is that the drops sting!

Biore Aqua Rich Watery essence UV SPF 50++

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THE HOLY GRAIL. That is all. I have never tried a better SPF lotion, and I’m a Shiseido SPF addict. Watery essence is an extremely apt name for this SPF lotion. It glides on without leaving any white cast. In fact, the formula isn’t white in color, it’s clear. It feels more like a nice, watery moisturizer rather than an SPF cream.

I-Mju Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

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An essence or toner is part of the daily Japanese beauty ritual. Different toners provide different benefits for the skin, and while this one isn’t necessarily a pH balancing essence, it is one of the top-selling Japanese products because of its gentle, hydrating properties. Hatomugi is Job’s Tears, known for its hydrating properties, and ability to balance skin and control its sebum production as well as clarify skin. This skin conditioner is unscented and easily applied with a cotton pad.

Shiseido Perfect Whip Cleanser

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Another bestseller in Japanese drugstores. This is a foaming face wash that doesn’t follow the western rules of a foaming product. The entire point is to gently cushion the face as you cleanse it, so the product is first foamed between your hands or in a little container, after which you apply it to your face and let its kickass cleansing properties clear out your pores with minimal tugging. See below instructions to get the idea:

Oshima Tsubaki Camellia Oil

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I’m sure you’ve seen the little red bottles of Boscia Tsubaki oil in Sephora. The bestseller is $46 at the online retailer and its primary ingredient is camellia (Tsubaki) oil. In Japan, this Oshima Tsubaki oil graces nearly every woman’s beauty counter. The Japanese Tsubaki flower’s oil nourishes dry, split-end prone hair in addition to providing ample, balancing hydration for the skin. A little goes a long way with this oil!!

Cure Natural Aqua Gel (alternative: Gommage Rosette Gel)

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My husband loves this exfoliating gel so much I had to buy two bottles. One of these bottles flies off the shelf every 12 seconds in Japan! Once you try it, you’ll see why. After cleansing, you gently rub some of the gel in circular motions onto your face, focusing on the rough/dry areas. Within a few seconds, little balls of product+skin start forming. You literally see your skin sloughing off! It’s super gentle though, leaving my sensitive combination skin perfectly smooth without any irritation.

Hadabisei Kracie Facial Mask 3D Aging Moisturizer

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I think we all know how popular sheet masks are in Asia, so this list wouldn’t be complete without an effective, innovative and top-selling sheet mask! This one is SUPER moisturizing, containing both squalene and collagen as its top ingredients. While we may be used to flat sheet masks, this one is 3D shaped, fitting over the face perfectly.

MUJI Japan Face Lotion Sheet

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Drawing on the previous point, and continuing the hype for sheet masks, these tablet-sized “sheets” expand into a full-sized sheet mask when you soak them in your favorite serum or lotion! I found several different brands in different stores around Japan. Using a sheet mask with your favorite product allows for better absorption since the product isn’t immediately absorbed/evaporated.

Ingestibles for skin – Hythiol-C Plus + Collagen Supplements like Meiji Amino Collagen

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These obviously take a longer time to see the difference. I started taking Hythiol-C tablets and collagen powder (in my coffee) every morning. Japanese beauty relies not only meticulous topical skincare but also on the belief that beauty comes from within, sans the corny message. Like, literally, it comes from within, so ingest that collagen! Our body starts reducing collagen production in our 20s, so the sooner we start replenishing it, the better.

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Nataliya Ogle

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Nataliya Ogle likes making sure others live to their full potential. She publishes articles on her primary website styletomes.com and works as a freelance writer for other women's interest sites. Her physical body is in New York but her presence can almost always be found online. The internet is her first love.

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15 Japanese Beauty Products That Will Change Your Life (2024)

FAQs

15 Japanese Beauty Products That Will Change Your Life? ›

Hada Labo is Japan's No. 1 skincare brand, widely recognised for its superior hydration and scientifically proven beauty solutions.

What is the Japanese No 1 skin care line? ›

Hada Labo is Japan's No. 1 skincare brand, widely recognised for its superior hydration and scientifically proven beauty solutions.

What is the Japanese secret to aging? ›

They also tend to eat less red meat, more fresh vegetables and fewer processed foods. They also drink a lot of green tea which has substantial health benefits. Two is genetic - there is something that gives them a little edge in life expectancy. Japanese have some of the highest life expectancy in the world.

What is the Japanese concept that will change your life? ›

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means "continuous improvement." It is the philosophy of making small, incremental changes to improve a process, system, or oneself over time.

What is Japan No 1 makeup brand? ›

SHISEIDO is one of the biggest Japanese cosmetics companies and offers a wide range of beauty products including skin care, makeup, body care and hair care. The company has produced several holy grail beauty products in past, and SHISEIDO Spots Cover Foundation (資生堂 スポッツカバー ファウンデイション) is one of them.

What is the secret of Japanese flawless skin? ›

Eat a Balanced Diet

Jan says that in Japan, it is believed that the first step to beautiful skin is what you put inside your body. "The Japanese diet is full of vegetables and fish, and extremely low in meat and sugary foods," he says. "Japanese women also believe green tea is a source of clear, beautiful skin."

Is Japanese or Korean skincare better? ›

If you have sensitive or dry skin, the minimalist approach of Japanese skincare, with its emphasis on hydration, may be the best solution. On the other hand, people with oily skin may want to try the Korean routine, as it emphasizes exfoliation, oil control, and targeted treatment.

What is the Japanese remedy for wrinkles? ›

TSUBAKI BEAUTY OIL

Precious oil from the Japanese camellia. Rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids, it intensely rebuilds the skin's lipid barrier and has nourishing and moisturising properties.

What is the Japanese anti wrinkle method? ›

Japanese Facial Rejuvenation is a natural facelift massage that helps to give you healthier, fresher skin with a more radiant complexion. By combining the uplifting effect of oil massage with energizing acupressure techniques, it can cause the facial tissues to plump up, increasing skin tone and reducing wrinkles.

What is the most powerful anti-aging substance? ›

"Retinol is a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient that works to stimulate cell turnover and increase our skin's natural collagen production in the epidermis and dermis," says dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.

What is the Japanese way of self improvement? ›

Kaizen, often translated as "continuous improvement," is a philosophy that emphasises making small, incremental changes over time. Originating from the manufacturing sector in Japan, Kaizen has permeated various aspects of life, urging individuals to focus not on grandiose leaps but on steady, consistent progress.

What are the 4 Japanese ways of life? ›

Together, I think Ikigai, Wabi-Sabi, Kaizen, and Kanban create a tapestry of purpose, acceptance, progress, and organization. Embracing these 4 core principles could guide you towards a life filled with balance, growth, and fulfillment.

What does Ichigo Ichie mean? ›

Ichi-go ichi-e (Japanese: 一期一会, pronounced [it͡ɕi.ɡo it͡ɕi.e], lit. "one time, one meeting") is a Japanese four-character idiom (yojijukugo) that describes a cultural concept of treasuring the unrepeatable nature of a moment. The term has been roughly translated as "for this time only", and "once in a lifetime".

What makeup do Japanese wear? ›

While modern western makeup styles such as in Europe and the US emphasize pinpoint makeup for the eyes and mouth, modern Japanese styles place more emphasis on foundation, base makeup, and skin-care.

What is the most famous Japanese product? ›

10 Popular Japanese Products
  • 3. Japanese Tea Sets. ...
  • Kokeshi Doll. ...
  • Lucky Cat. ...
  • Furoshiki. ...
  • Sushi Set. ...
  • Blue and White Tableware. ...
  • Sake Set. ...
  • Haiku Poetry Collections and Calendars.
Dec 19, 2019

What is the Japanese skincare? ›

The beauty of a classical Japanese skincare ritual, one suitable for women of every age, lies in its clarity, accomplished in just four simple steps: purify, polish, plump, and nourish. Less is more in this routine, with an emphasis on consistency, efficacy, ingredients, and mindful application.

What is Shiseido ranked in the world? ›

Update: Shiseido ranks at #6 on our latest report Top 20 Global Beauty Companies 2023. Shiseido is #5 on our Top Global Beauty Companies 2022 Report. Below is a look at the company's 2022 highlights, recent acquisitions, best-selling brands and latest innovations.

Which skincare brand is best in the world? ›

20 Highest Quality Skincare Brands in 2024
  • Paula's Choice.
  • Ole Henriksen.
  • Tata Harper.
  • BeautyStat.
  • Cetaphil.
  • Dior.
  • Caudalie.
  • SkinMedica.
Feb 24, 2024

What is the #1 beauty brand? ›

L'Oréal is the leading beauty products company with over $40 billion in global sales (Statista) L'Oréal remains the top player in the beauty industry, with around $18 billion more in sales than second-place Unilever. Rounding out the top 5 are Estée Lauder, P&G, and Shiseido.

What do Japanese people use for skin care? ›

Rice, green tea, seaweed, yuzu, shea... Natural ingredients like these contain countless beneficial properties that can work wonders for our skin. The Japanese are totally au fait with all of them, and they're a key element of the majority of Japanese skincare products.

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