Love Japanese sunscreens but can’t manage a trip to Japan right now? Don’t worry, I got you! Here are some of my recommendations for the best Japanese sunscreens that are available to purchase in the US! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that as much as I love Japanese food, I also love other Japanese things, like skincare and makeup. One such category of Japanese skincare that I am obsessed with is Japanese sunscreens. Although America has really caught on to the wonders of Asian beauty and skincare, Japan is still on another level.

Why are Japanese sunscreens so great?

I don’t know that there’s a definitive answer, but the running theory that most of my Japanese and Japan-experienced friends seem to think is that Japanese sunscreens and Asian sunscreens in general are better than American ones due to societal pressures. For decades in Japanese society, women have been expected to look very put together in public. You’ll see women riding their bikes to school wearing skirts and dresses and a full face of makeup. I wouldn’t ever dare to wear my pajamas to the grocery store in Japan, which is something you might see in America. 

Note: My friends from Okinawa insist that this is fine in Okinawa, but I consider Okinawa to be set apart from the rest of Japan, culturally.

East Asian countries have also been obsessed with sun protection for many years. They know that sun damage leads to aging skin, freckles, and dark spots, and they take great lengths to combat it. For better or worse, it is not culturally valued to be tan in Japan.

All that to say, Japanese society, especially women, have created a demand for good sunscreen for many years, especially sunscreen to be worn under makeup. So when it comes to finding the best sunscreens, Japan has plenty of options!

Sunscreen That’s Also a Primer for Makeup

Want to know another secret to Asian skincare and beauty? Japanese beauty companies have made sunscreen formulations that double as makeup primers for many years as well. And they are AMAZING! The sunscreen sinks into your face so well, like a high end moisturizer, and your makeup glides flawlessly on top. I cannot recommend these sunscreen primers enough. So with that said, let’s get into some of the different brands and types of Japanese sunscreens that I recommend.

Where to Buy Japanese Skincare in the US?

You have several options for buying Japanese skincare in the US. Obviously, you can find some established brands like Shiseido at Sephora or department stores. Your local Japanese grocery store may also stock some popular Japanese skincare products. As for online options, there are some reputable websites like YesStyle that I’ll link below. Another online option is SayWeee, which is an Asian grocery delivery service that also has Asian skincare and beauty items. Be careful of buying off Amazon, as some buyers have reported finding fake products.

And now, without further ado, my list of favorite sunscreens!

1. Cezanne Make Keep Base 

This was my favorite sunscreen/makeup primer for many years. Cezanne is a very popular drugstore makeup brand in Japan. Their Make Keep Base comes in two formulas: one for a dewy finish (pink) and one for oil control (blue). It has spf 28 and appears to be a hybrid sunscreen, meaning it has both mineral and chemical filters.

Where to Buy:

You can buy this sunscreen on YesStyle, which is a reliable website for Asian beauty products that are shipped to the US. It’s reasonably priced, but shipping sometimes takes a while. You can also use Stylevana, which is a similar website, but I have not personally ordered from Stylevana before and cannot speak to shipping times.

2. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV

This Canmake sunscreen is another sunscreen/primer that is extremely popular. Canmake is another very well known drugstore makeup brand. Their sunscreen/primer comes in several color correcting options and a clear option. It has SPF 50+ and is another chemical and mineral sunscreen hybrid. Although it’s advertised as having a watery gel formula, I feel like my green version is more thick, like a cream. It’s not my ultimate favorite, but I know that many of my friends absolutely love this product. They recommend the pink, clear version instead, which I think is more true to its name and is closer to a sunscreen gel texture rather than cream.

Where to Buy:

3. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen

This may be the most popular and well known Japanese sunscreen and has been for many years. Unlike the previous sunscreens, it is not also a makeup primer, so it can be good for days that you are going bare faced. The texture of this sunscreen is just like a lightweight lotion and melts right into your skin with no white cast at all, as this uses only chemical filters. I find that this sunscreen doesn’t leave any dewy or oily finish, so it can be good for more oily skin types or acne-prone skin. However, if you struggle with dryness, I would advise you try a more creamy formula like the Canmake or a hydrating formula like the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector (below). In fact, I loved the Biore for when I was younger, although I reach for more dewy types now for my “mature” skin.

Where to Buy:

4. Shiseido – Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk 

Although this is a Shiseido brand, this isn’t a product you can find in department store in the US. Shiseido has drugstore lines in Japan that are more affordable than their Shiseido brand, and Anessa is one of them, although it’s not as cheap as other drugstore brands like Canmake and Biore. Like the Biore, this Anessa sunscreen is super popular; many people describe it as a holy grail product. Unlike the Biore, it’s advertised as being a makeup primer as well. As the name implies, this formula really is just like milk! It’s a super thin, white liquid, thinner than any of the other sunscreens I’ve tried. It’s a hybrid sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA++++. It’s also advertised as being sweat-resistant and waterproof with collagen included in its ingredients.

However, if I’m going to be very honest, this is my least favorite of all the sunscreens. The number one ingredient listed on the back is dimethicone, and when you put it on, it really feels super silicone-y. If you normally use the Smashbox primer or other very strong silicone primers, you may not be bothered by this, but it’s just not my favorite texture.

Where to Buy:

  • Weee! (Asian grocery delivery available in certain US cities)
  • YesStyle

5. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60+

Now we’re starting to get into the more expensive stuff. This Shiseido sunscreen is available at Sephora and other department stores in the US, which makes it probably the most easily accessible sunscreen compared to the others listed so far. However, it is definitely pricy. It’s SPF 60 from chemical filters and goes on so smooth, it’s almost like water. It’s got a pearly shimmer to it, which is nice for when you want a little glow even if you’re not going to wear foundation. When I tried it on, it felt just slightly oily to me, so this may be better for dry skin and not so much for teens with oily skin. It supposedly has technology that will make it even stronger when exposed to heat or water, although I’m not sure how much I believe those claims. Overall, it’s a really nice sunscreen, but it’s not meant to function as a primer.

This SynchroShield line of sunscreens from Shiseido also comes in a stick form, which I love! I don’t smell any fragrance, it’s clear, and the solid forms means it’s such a breeze to pack for traveling. It’s also great for applying to wiggly kids who get liquid sunscreen everywhere, although I know some moms avoid chemical sunscreens for littles.

Where to Buy:

6. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42

This is the sunscreen I’m currently using and another one available at department stores like Sephora. It’s a hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. It can also double as a makeup base. It’s advertised as drying matte and being great for oily skin, but I really feel that it’s more of a satin finish because it’s so moisturizing. I’ve heard that people with sensitive skin really like this product as well. I typically go for products for dry skin, but I love this one!

Where to Buy:

I hope these recommendations helped you. Are there any Japanese sunscreen favorites that I missed? Feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments and happy shopping.

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