What to Buy in Japan: 15 Top-Rated Japanese Supplements for Skin & Health
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Ever wondered why Japanese supplements consistently earn high global trust?
For starters, Yakult led the way in popularizing probiotics. Orihiro made healthy konjac jellies more accessible as functional foods, and FANCL’s packaging breakthroughs have reduced the need for preservatives in supplements.
On scientific frontiers, Shiseido has led discoveries into skin immune function and advanced UV protection, while DHC and FANCL have targeted increased biodiversity with nanoparticle processing.
These are just a few examples that have inspired trust and confidence in Japanese supplements and biotechnologies.
In this article, we highlight five key Japanese supplement brands, together with 15 top supplements for skin and health in general. Get essential facts about uniquely formatted multivitamins, cutting-edge skincare, and collagen supplements, plus best sellers like glucosamine, nattokinase, squalene, and herb-based formulations.
Leading Japanese Supplement Brands
Shiseido
Shiseido is a globally renowned ‘beauty giant’ respected for its scientific research, innovations, and extensive product portfolio. They pioneered research into the skin's immune system, leading to Ultimune, a serum that strengthen the skin's internal defenses against damage and aging. WetForce, HeatForce, SynchroShield are all key innovations in sunscreen technologies that do more than block, but actually utilize environmental forces for shin protection. Shiseido’s key product categories are skincare, suncare, and make-up.
DHC
DHC is known for a few breakthrough product developments. This includes emulsification technologies for their Deep Cleansing Oil, improved bioavailability of CoQ10 via nano-sized particles, and hydrolyzed collagen for superior uptake. Their product range encompasses diverse skincare, makeup, as well as supplements for general wellness, beauty, and targeted health needs.
FANCL
FANCL, as a brand, emphasizes additive-free skincare products and supplements. This includes its preservative-free "freshness" packaging, and FANCL has been a front-runner for plant-based liquid-form capsules. Their tri-peptide collagen is a Japan-patented breakthrough, using smaller tri-peptide units to increase absorption rates. FANCL is also known for its synergistic formulation of supplements using natural ingredients and key coenzyme combinations.
Orihiro
Orihiro is largely a functional, health food manufacturer, researcher, and developer. Their key product range includes konjac jellies for nutritional support, unique or specially formulated herbal teas, and ‘beauty foods’ such as collagen placenta. Their most popular nutritional support supplements include CoQ10, glucosamine, DHA/EPA, nattokinase, and shark squalene.
Asahi Dear-Natura
Dear-Natura sells a wide range of daily health supplements. Their approach leans more towards optimizing existing, well-researched ingredients. Their strong point is formula synergy, often using coenzymes, such as their EPA/DHA and nattokinase combination for cardiovascular health, or blueberry/lutein blended with multivitamins for eye support. Dear-Natura also has a commitment to products being free from artificial coloring and preservatives.
What Makes Japanese Supplements Different?
What makes Japanese supplements different is their unique approach to understanding consumer needs and innovative solutions. You’re likely to come across products you’ve never seen before, and formulations that offer a more customized or effective approach. When shopping for Japanese supplements, there are, however, two important differences to note compared to North American products:
1. Nutritional Listings: Supplements sold in America will show an average Recommended Daily Allowance RDA (also DV) percentage. Japanese vitamins, however, tend to list only nutritional values in milligrams (mg) or micrograms (μg). This means it’s not so easy to make quick value judgments. RDAs, anyway, will differ slightly between age ranges, gender, and physical conditions.
2. General Potency: The other difference is potency (not to be confused with quality). Japanese nutritional supplements are generally sold in lower dosages than in the U.S. For example, you are unlikely to find any over-the-counter vitamin D supplement that contains more than 1000 mg per tablet in Japan.
Additionally, Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) or Adequate Intakes (AI) differ in Japan due to differences in average body sizes, weight, or nutritional evaluations. For vitamin D, as an example, the AI (RDA) in Japan is only 8.5 µg/day (340 IU/day) for adults, whereas in the US the RDA is 600 IU. For some nutrients, the difference is much less, and in other cases slightly more.
Supplements for General Health
When buying Japanese supplements, you may be worried about understanding the nutritional information. Here at Japanese Taste, we list all ingredients and nutritional facts in English to make it easier for you.
1. DHC Daily Multivitamin Supplement 12 Essential Vitamins
DHC’s Daily 12 are one of the more potent multivitamins in Japan. This product lists averaged RDI percentage values for adults, and most values are close to the maximum. Water-soluble vitamins such as B1 and B12, that are not stored in the body, are at much higher percentage values, 183% and 250% respectively. Vitamins D and E are somewhat lower compared to the American RDA value.
These capsules do, however, contain lecithin derived from soybeans (a potential allergen) as an emulsifier, and they also use gelatin, so may not be Halal nor suitable for vegetarians.
DHC Daily Multivitamin Supplement 12 Essential Vitamins 60 capsules
$11.98
2. Kobayashi Multivitamin Mineral Supplement
Kobayashi Multi Vitamins are specifically formulated for adult women who may be wanting to supplement with extra iron, folic aid, and vit-B12. The (heme) iron content is 6.5 mg, folic acid 200 μg, and Vit B12 is 2μg. Other nutrients include copper 0.6 mg, Vit B6 is 10 mg, Vit C 50 mg, and calcium 0.18～1.8 mg.
In Japan, 6.5 mg of iron is recommended for young, non-menstruating women and 7.5 mg for men. The RDI for Vit B12 is 2.4 ug across the board, and Folic Acid is 240 ug. Suffice to say, all the vitamins and minerals in this supplement are slightly less than the maximum daily intake values.
Kobayashi Multi Vitamin Mineral Supplement (Heme Iron Folic Acid Vitamin B12) 90 Tablets
$15.99
3. Asahi Dear-Natura Multivitamin with Vit C and Zinc
Asahi Dear-Natura Multivitamins are a good recommendation for an immunity and metabolism boost. Zinc together with Vit B2 and B6 act as three important co-enzymes in the production of energy or increased metabolism. These multivitamins are a good choice for a busy and energetic day, and also an excellent choice for gym days.
The zinc content is 2.94 mg (or 33% RDI), Vit B2 is 6 mg (428%) and Vit B6 is 2 mg (153%). Vit C 1000 mg is a standard high potency value often found in vitamin C supplement sweets or drinks. Vitamin C is an important anti-oxidant and supports immunity, together with zinc. These tablets also contain lactic acid bacteria for gut support, and there are no animal derived ingredients.
Asahi Dear Natura Multivitamin with Vitamin C and Zink 120 Tablets (for 60 Days)
$9.98
4. Orihiro Glucosamine Japanese Supplement
Orihito Glucosamine tablets are one of the best Japanese supplements for joints and especially knee support. Glucosamine is an amino sugar which forms an important building block for cartilage tissue. These tablets contain purified glucosamine derived from shrimps and crabs, as well as type II collagen, zinc, and folic acid.
The use of fermented collagen from pig tissue as well as type II collagen from chicken cartilage make this supplement non-Halal and unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians.
Additional vitamins and minerals include calcium 17 mg, magnesium 10 mg, zinc 1.0 mg, Vit B1 at 2.0 mg, Vit B6 at 3.5 mg, Vit D 3.5 μg, Vit K 10 μg, and folic acid 250 μg. These glucosamine tablets are well formulated and also stand as a viable multivitamin.
Orihiro Glucosamine Japanese Supplement 1500mg 900 Tablets
$39.99
5. Orihiro Nattokinase Supplement
Natto are fermented soybeans. These stringy, sticky, and smelly beans are a healthy staple in any supermarket in Japan. Nattokinase is a natto bean extract that has become highly popular over the last few years. The active ingredient is ‘nattokinase’, generally available in 2000 FU and 4000 FU potencies. These supplements contain soy lecithin and gelatin, so may not suit people with certain allergies, vegans, vegetarians, and are probably not Halal.
Orihiro Nattokinase Natto Supplement 60 Capsules (For 20 Days)
$21.99
Supplements for Skin & Hair
Our selection of the top 5 Japanese supplements for skin and hair include the top two collagen supplements, a squalene extract, and two popular supplements for ‘skin whitening’ or removing blemishes and improving facial radiance.
6. Meiji Amino Collagen Powder Beauty Supplement
Meiji Amino Collagen Power is a drink supplement which dissolves easily and also be taken with yogurt or mixed into a smoothie. The collagen is derived from low-molecular fish scale collagen, which has minimal odor and is more easily absorbed than animal derived collagen. Each serving provides 5 000 mg collagen, 5.3 g protein, 25 g arginine amino acid, 60 g glucosamine, and 50 g Vit C. This product includes soy and gelatin.
Meiji Amino Collagen Powder Beauty Supplement 196g (for 28 days)
$24.95
7. DHC Collagen Tablets
DHC Collagen Tablets are also made from fish-derived collagen. Each collagen tablet contains 2050 mg of fish collagen peptide along with vitamins B1 and B2 to potentially support skin hydration and elasticity. Vitamins B1 and B2 are important co-enzymes needed for efficient collagen synthesis. The recommended dosage is 6 tablets taken after dinner, and this pack can support you for two months. These supplements also include a small amount of gelatin, but the source is not indicated.
DHC Collagen Tablets Beauty Supplement 360 Tablets (For 60 Days)
$19.99
8. Orihiro Deep Sea Shark Extract Squalene
Orihiro Shark Squalene comes from deep sea shark liver oil, and Orihiro's unique refinement process produces a 99.6% purity level. One serving of 6 tablets provides 1 800 mg of squalene per day, and this product is enough to support you for two months. Squalene is thought to help with skin hydration, and may provide some immunity support function. Orihiro does not provide any information on the source of its shark ingredients, nor does it mention anything about bio-sustainability.
Orihiro Deep Sea Shark Extract Squalene Supplement 360 Capsules
$29.99
9. Transino White C Clear
Transino White C Clear is a popular oral supplement which may help in melanin regulation in order to reduce skin blemishes in the form of freckles or from direct sun exposure. A key ingredient is L-cysteine amino acid (240 g) acting together with Vit C (1000 mg) as a coenzyme. Other micro nutrients are Vit E d-α-tocopherol (50 mg), Vit B2 (6 mg), Vit B6 (12 mg), Vit B3 (60 mg). People should monitor the use of the supplement for any unusual symptoms regarding skins rashes or itchiness, digestive upsets, or unusual mensuration.
Transino White C Clear Whitening Supplement 240 Tablets
$35.70
10. Shiseido Pure Bright
Shiseido Pure Bright comes in the form of either tablets or as a 50 ml supplement drink. Key ingredients in this natural health extract are goji berry, palm oil, lychee seed extract, coix seed extract, chrysanthemum extract, and added Vit C. All these ingredients are praised for their natural beauty effects, produced with cutting edge Japanese extraction methods. The drink has a natural lychee flavor and providing 9.5 kcal of energy, 500 mg of Vit C, and 1.8 mg of Vit E.
Shiseido Pure Bright Supplement 240 Tablets
$34.00
Protein Powder Supplements
Meiji Savas and DHC Protein Diet are two popular protein supplements in Japan, but they both contain artificial sweeteners. For protein powder with no artificial additives, try top alternative brands like Nichiga, Choice, goCLN and Ultora.
11. Meiji Savas Muscle Elite Acid Whey Protein
Meiji Savas Muscle Elite is high quality whey protein powder fortified with B-vitamins, 43 mg of Vit C and 12.1 ug of Vit D. The B-complex vitamins are B1, B2, and B6 all around half the averaged RDI value. This protein powder is certified and tested by Informed Choice, therefore suitable for competitive sports and the amount of protein preserving is 20 g. Almost all Savas protein powders use aspartame/L-phenylalanine, sucralose, and / or acesulfame K as artificial sweeteners.
Meiji Savas Muscle Elite Acid Whey Protein Powder Cocoa Flavor 900g
$59.99
12. DHC Protein Diet Supplement
DHC Protein Diet is advertised as a single meal replacement. It contains a full spectrum of 11 vitamins and minerals, with around 21 g of protein depending on the flavor. You can buy a single flavor version, or a variety box with a mixture of flavors. The iron content is 8 mg, so just above the recommended RDI in Japan, and this version also contains coenzyme Q10. All flavors use either aspartame/L- Phenylalanine, sucralose, and / or acesulfame K as artificial sweeteners.
DHC Protein Diet Supplement Five Flavors Assortment 15 Bags
$62.00
13. Morinaga Low Fat High Protein Skim Milk Collagen Powder
Morinaga Collagen Skim Milk Powder is a milk powder fortified with extra protein, 1000 mg of collagen, 10 billion lactic acid bacteria, iron, and vitamin C, all in one 20g serving. Protein is 7.44 g per serving, the iron content is 6.8 g, and calcium 227 g. The addition of collagen, pro-biotic bacteria, and an average iron content of around 100% RDI makes this supplement very popular with women. You can easily mix a single serving in with your morning coffee, a smoothie, some yogurt or morning oats. This product has no artificial additives, including sweeteners.
Morinaga Low Fat High Protein Skim Milk Collagen Powder Mix 160g
$8.95
Supplements for Middle-Aged Women
14. Kobayashi Inochi no Haha A
‘Inochi no Haha’ translates as ‘Mother of Life’ and it’s a natural supplement synthesized from 13 types of herbal medicines together with a few essential vitamins and minerals. The formula is designed to help balance female hormones and stabilize nervous system disorders, especially during menopause.
Ingredients include concentrated powders of rhubarb, valerian, cinnamon, peony root, and carrot. Kobayashi researches have also extracted essences from various traditional medicinal plants native to China, Korea, and Japan.
The supplement is fortified with B-complex vitamins, folic acid, taurine, Vit E, calcium, and biotin. The product also contains gelatin and refined soy lecithin.
Kobayashi Inochi no Haha A Menopause Supplement 420 Tablets
$25.49
15. FANCL Health Vitamin & Pack
FANCL Vitamin Pack is a unique combination of 7 different tablets, capsules, and softgels neatly combined into single sachets. Each pack includes: (1) a Vit B & C capsule, (2) a lactic acid bacteria and carotene capsule, (3) a coenzyme Q10 softgel, (4) a blueberries & lutein softgel, (5) a nattokinase & DHA Vit E with long pepper softgel, (6) a HTC collagen and soy sapponin tablet, and (7) a calcium & magnesium tablet. You should take one or two packs per day.
These supplements aim to support overall health and well-being, promote youthful vitality, improve circulation, enhance vision, and contribute to skin health and beauty. FANCL has similar value packs targeting men and women of all age groups.
FANCL Health Vitamin & Supplement Pack For Women In Their 40s (30 Tablets)
$49.99
Final Thoughts and Safety Tips for Supplement Use
Ideally, supplements are there for you when you need a little boost. You should always be focused on eating a balanced diet of high quality food, resting well, and exercising regularly. Sometimes, however, life can catch up with you.
If you’re taking any kind of prescription medication, it is imperative to seek advice from a healthcare professional beforehand. Supplements can easily interact negatively with conditions under treatment.
Secondly, if you’re experiencing persistent or chronic symptoms like bloating, fatigue, insomnia or whatever, always consult with your doctor first. While supplements can help, sometimes their continued use can cover up deeper underlying issues.
Finally, choose a reliable and reputable brand, such as the ones we recommend, read the label carefully, stick to the recommended schedule, and monitor yourself for any side effects whenever you start taking a new supplement.
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