The 10 Best Japanese Sunscreens for Summer 2022 for Every Skin Type

This popular and innovative sunscreen won a Cosme award in 2021 – Japan’s most popular beauty rankings site, based on real product reviews. The sunscreen’s formula has been updated in 2022 and has a transparent texture that can also be used as a makeup base whilst still benefitting from a high level of SPF protection.

Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence Sunscreen contains Light Diffusion UV technology, which when applied, creates a coating film on the skin that diffuses light. This gives the effect of a glowing and brighter complexion and skin tone, especially in sunlight.

The sunscreen’s waterproof formula can be removed easily with cleanser and is suitable for use on the face and body.

Kao Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Best protection for harsh environments

 

 

 

Updated in 2022, this milky lotion contains Kao’s new “tough boost” technology that helps to protect the skin in the harshest environments and is particularly effective in very hot and humid conditions.

This Japanese sunscreen also features a UV-blocking film function called "durable outer skin" which naturally adheres to the skin creating a second layer to protect vulnerable bare skin from UV damage.

The sunscreen has a lightweight texture with a matte finish and feels silky soft when applied to skin. It also contains moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract and has a light floral scent.

Kanebo Allie Gel Sunscreen UV EX (Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen) SPF50+ PA++++

Best environmentally friendly sunscreen

 

 

 

This eco-friendly sunscreen is ideal for use at the beach as it does not include an ultraviolet absorber known as OMC which is found in many sunscreens and causes damage to coral reefs.

Kanebo Allie Gel Sunscreen has a powerful UV protection of SPF factor 50+ and does not easily wear off in water or when rubbed against towels, clothing, or face masks. It has a non-greasy and lightweight formula that makes skin look dewy.

It also works as a moisturizer as it contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and is free from fragrances and colorants. This 5-star rated product is loved by consumers thanks to its light consistency and powerful waterproof and friction proof features.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Best sunscreen/makeup base

 

 

 

This convenient portable sized sunscreen from Canmake is the ideal product to slip easily into your handbag and reapply when you’re out and about and doubles up as a makeup base. This sunscreen has a brightening effect on the skin and works great as a primer, especially when paired with a matte foundation.

We love the refreshing, non-greasy sensation this product has when applied onto the face. The sunscreen has a smooth, watery gel texture that glides easily onto skin, without feeling sticky or rough, helping foundation to sit better on top and last longer.

In addition to providing powerful UV protection of SPF 50+, it’s also packed full of moisturizing ingredients and is absorbed quickly onto the skin. Mermaid’s non-fragranced, alcohol-free formula makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin too.

Rohto Skin Aqua Moisture Gel Sunscreen SPF35 PA+++

Best-value sunscreen for everyday use

 

 

Rohto Skin Aqua Moisture Gel Sunscreen is an affordable, lightweight Japanese gel-type sunscreen that has a water-like texture and is easily absorbed into skin without leaving white marks.

Skin Aqua sunscreen is also blended with 4 kinds of moisturizing components, including hyaluronic acid and collagen, to keep your skin hydrated during sun exposure. It is also waterproof and sweat resistant so you can relax when swimming or exercising knowing that your skin is still protected.

The non-sticky, non-greasy formula is completely absorbed by skin making it ideal to apply before makeup as a primer.

& Be UV Milk SPF50 PA++++

Best natural ingredient non-chemical sunscreen

 

This popular sunscreen is rated number 2 in Japan’s biggest beauty rankings site Cosme and was released with an updated formula in 2022. & Be UV Milk is made from a gentle formula that has a pearly non-greasy texture that can easily be removed with soap and has a natural orange and lavender scent.

Its non-chemical formula does not contain any UV absorbers that cause damage to the environment and is also free from mineral oils, parabens, synthetic colorants, and synthetic fragrances. The sunscreen contains plenty of plant extracts that prevent dry skin and is easily absorbed after application, leaving your skin feeling glossy and moisturized.

Ishizawa Lab Shigaisen Yohou UV Stick SPF50+ PA++++

Best for convenience when out and about

 

This handy waterproof sunscreen in a pocket-sized stick is easy to apply when out and about without getting product on your hands and is a firm favorite among Japanese consumers. It has a high protection factor and can instantly be applied to areas prone to sweat under the sun, such as the back of your neck.

Suitable for children over the age of one year old and for individuals with sensitive skin, this sunscreen is colorless, fragrance free, alcohol free, and free from mineral oils. It also moisturizes and protects dry skin with its hydrating ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acid in addition to seven kinds of plant extracts.

Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Gel Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Best value popular sunscreen

 

 

 

This popular gel-type sunscreen is one of the top-rated products on Japan’s beauty rankings site Cosme and is suitable for all skin types. The sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays whilst preventing blemishes and freckles caused by sunburn. Its non-sticky, non-greasy texture has a light floral scent.

In addition to being an effective sunscreen, the Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Gel also functions as a makeup base and can be used on the face and body. The smooth gel not only protects but also hydrates skin thanks to its beautifying ingredients such as Japanese honeysuckle flower extract, pearl protein extract, and Damask rose water.

Astalift Perfect UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++

Best premium branded sunscreen

 

Astalift UV Protector is a luxurious sunscreen that blocks up to 99.9% of UV rays, powered with the deep UV guard technology which protects against skin damage and prevents age spots and freckles.

This multi-functional moisturizing sunscreen protects against UVB, UVA, and Deep UVA and has deep antioxidant effects. It contains ingredients such as astaxanthin, lycopene, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to keep skin feeling firm and hydrated.

It has a non-greasy creamy texture with a light after-feel and can also be used as a great make-up base in addition to a beauty essence and waterproof sunscreen.