5 Great Japanese Skincare Brands, From Long-Established Makers to New Rising Stars!

1. SK-II

SK-II is a high-end cosmetics brand in Japan that is beloved by a wide range of consumers from various age groups. Creating skincare products with the concept of “crystal clear and beautiful skin,” this brand also boasts massive popularity around the world. I recommend the new serum called “R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Youth Essence 30ml” (12,500 JPY (excl. tax)). After applying your skin lotion, put a moderate amount of this serum on your palm and spread it over your entire face while patting it onto your skin for better absorption. By doing that, you will transform your skin into smoother and more moisturized skin. This product is available at all department stores throughout Japan, as well as drugstores and other establishments in the country.

I have visited the SK-II store several times, and every time I noticed that the staff would thoughtfully listen to each customer’s skin issues and suggest a product that is most suitable for that customer’s type of skin. With that, you won’t have to worry about anything when using SK-II’s products. You can try it for yourself by visiting one of its stores.

2. SHIRO

SHIRO is a skincare brand that offers products made from select natural ingredients from all over the world. It has only been 10 years since the brand debuted in the market, but it has already been steadily gaining popularity in Japan. It is also one of the brands that has recently grabbed my attention.

The most recommended product from SHIRO is the "Sake Kase Lotion" (3,800 JPY (excl. tax)), a facial lotion (third product from the left in the photo) that is unique to Japan as it uses sake lees (solids that are produced in the process of making sake) from Kobayashi Shuzo Brewery, a brewery in Hokkaido with a history of about 140 years. This product will make your skin finer and clearer. Do note that the sake lees sink to the bottom of the bottle, so make sure to shake it well before use. You can purchase this facial lotion at all SHIRO stores throughout Japan.

3. SHISEIDO

SHISEIDO boasts the highest share in the domestic cosmetics market. It has also become a brand loved by many around the world, as seen by its high ranking in the global market in terms of shares. Out of its products, I recommend the newly-released products from SHISEIDO’s extremely famous anti-aging series: the "UL Firming Cream" (13,000 JPY (excl. tax)), "UL Firming Cream Enriched" (13,000 JPY (excl. tax)) and "UL Firming Day Emulsion" (11,000 JPY (excl. tax)). Scoop a small amount of the cream with your fingers and then spread it over your entire face. You can expect this product to take care of your skin and fight signs of aging, as it will help moisturize your skin from underneath the surface.

I have also tried using this product, and I felt my skin became firmer and had more bounce to it after I used it. We normally worry about skin issues as we get older, but with this excellent product, you can now say goodbye to such skin problems.

4. do organic

do organic is a brand of organic cosmetics that are made primarily from plants. Demand for healthy, organic products have been on the rise in Japan, and a growing number of people in the country are also opting for organic skincare products.

As for me, I would recommend do organic’s "Cleansing Liquid " (2,800 JPY (excl. tax)). All you have to do is put a small amount of this cleansing liquid on your hand, apply it to your skin in a circular motion, and then wash it off with warm water. Usually, you have to wash your face after removing your makeup, but with this product from do organic, you can do all that with a single product as it thoroughly removes the dirt within your pores! People who are quite lazy like me will be grateful for not having to wash their faces twice in a row. After using this cleaning liquid, your skin will feel smooth and moisturized. You can purchase this product from do organic’s stores throughout Japan.

5. HONEY ROA

HONEY ROA develops cosmetics that use acacia honey from Hokkaido. Honey is rich in vitamins and minerals, so it is not just great as food, but will also make your skin more beautiful when you apply it.

One of the most popular products of HONEY ROA is the "Organic Natural Oil 60mL" (3,850 JPY (incl. tax)). You can even use it as a primer before makeup and for moisturizing massages. It is a versatile oil that can also be used on your body and hair, not just on your face! When I used it, I felt it penetrate my skin as soon as I applied it, and enjoyed its faint, soothing citrus scent. HONEY ROA has stores in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, and Chiba.

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Are you interested in or curious about any of the brands featured in this article? You should definitely try incorporating them into your daily skincare routine.