40 Best Japanese Sunscreens For Every Skin Type

by Tabitha Wilders | LIFESTYLE

It's that time of the year again! Whether you’re ready to catch some serious rays, or struggling to cover up, there’s no denying the importance of an all-season must-have: sunscreen.

Japanese sunscreen, in particular, has become something of a cult favorite among beautyholics and skincare aficionados worldwide, thanks to their high SPF rating, weightlessness, moisturizing ingredients, and versatility as a makeup primer.

You’ll notice that in addition to SPF factor, Japanese sunblock also uses PA (Protection Grade of UVA), a four level rating to measure protection from the sun’s UVA rays.

With so many choices on the market, there’s bound to be confusion. But don’t worry: we’ve selected 40 of the best Japanese sunscreens that you can buy online, and divided them by skin type. So whether you have acne-prone skin, oily skin, dry skin or sensitive skin; light or dark complextion; or if you want to know where to buy Japanese sunscreen for kids or mature skin, we’ve got you covered!

Our editors independently researched and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links at no additional cost to you.

- Acne-prone Skin -

1. Watery Essence by Bioré (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

True to its name, Bioré Watery Essence Sunscreen is so weightless and hydrating, it’s as if you’re splashing water onto your face whenever you apply it. The high water content of this milky formula keeps oil at bay, ideal if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

Bioré Watery Essence – Available at Amazon

2. Tone Up UV Essence by Skin Aqua (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

If you want to cover up redness from acne without having to apply layers of product, then Tone Up UV Essence may the sunscreen you’ll want to have on hand this summer! It’s a sunscreen that functions as a green color corrector. (Green, by the way, counteracts redness in the skin). As a bonus, this popular Japanese sunscreen has a UVA/UVB rating of SPF 50 + / PA++++ and contains skin care ingredients like sodium hyaluronate to soothe irritation, and vitamin C derivatives to fight hyperpigmentation and acne-induced inflammation.

Tone Up UV Essence – Available at Amazon

3. Sunplay Clear Water Sunscreen with Color Control by Mentholatum (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

Sunplay Clear Water Sunscreen with Color Control is a blue-tinted “milky” formula that neutralizes hyperpigmentation in those with fair skin. It uses three kinds of vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin E) to nourish the skin along with glycyrrhizic acid dikaryum to prevent breakouts. Mentholatum Sunplay Clear Water Sunscreen with Color Control is waterproof and fragrance-free and has a SPF 50 + / PA++++ rating.

Sunplay Clear Water Sunscreen – Available at Amazon

4. Super Moisture UV Essence by Skin Aqua (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

It can be tough hunting for a sunscreen that won’t aggravate acne-prone skin. Well, the searching can stop now! The Super Moisture UV Essence is a waterproof, gentle sunscreen, perfect for acne-prone skin as it will not cause breakouts. The light texture of the product will make you feel as though you’re not wearing anything at all!

Super Moisture UV Essence – Available at Amazon

5. UV Face Protector by RMK (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

If clogged pores are a concern of yours but you still want to protect your skin from the harsh sunlight, the UV Face Protector might just be the sunscreen you were looking for. A great sunscreen that goes on like silk and dries immediately, this one will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and will not clog up your pores.

UV Face Protector – Available at Amazon

- Oily Skin -

6. Perfect UV Skin Care Milk by Anessa (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

If you have oily skin and can’t stand how most sunscreens make you look like a literal hot mess, then Anessa’s Perfect UV Skin Care Milk might live up to its name for you. What’s not to love about this sunscreen? Well, for starters, it’s a mattifying dual-layer formula that's lightweight, non-greasy, waterproof, and it won't leave you with embarrassing oil slicks across your forehead and cheeks. Perfect UV Skin Care Milk a is SPF 50 + / PA++++.

Perfect UV Skin Care Milk – Available at Amazon

7. UV Perfect Milk by Kao-Biore (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

Do you constantly find yourself reaching for those oil blotting papers? Well, the UV Perfect Milk sunscreen will do its job to keep the oil at bay. As this sunscreen contains alcohol, it is definitely geared to those with oily skin. The milky consistently is extremely lightweight and you’ll love how it leaves your skin feeling soft and velvety.

UV Perfect Milk – Available at Amazon

8. UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence by Kao-Biore (SPF 50 + / PA++++)

For those who get super oily around the T-zone area, you need a sunscreen that will control the oil and keep your makeup in place without it melting away. Behold the UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence. Simply use this brightening, waterproof sunscreen. Then, apply setting powder all over your face and just see the difference for yourself!

UV Aqua Rich Light Up Essence – Available at Amazon

9. Athlizm Skin Protect Milk Sunscreen by Bioré (SPF 50 + / PA ++++)

Bioré UV Athlizm Skin Protect Milk sunscreen offers the highest form of UV protection and is formulated to perform well during Japan’s notoriously hot and humid summer months. It’s an ideal choice if you live in an area with a similar climate or if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the summertime. Athlizm Skin Protect Milk is “super -waterproof,” mattifying, and leaves your skin with a silky smooth touch.

Athlizm Skin Protect Milk Sunscreen – Available at Amazon

10. Super Water Gel by Nivea (SPF 50 / PA +++)

While milky sunscreen formulas have great mattifying properfires, those of us with oily skin shouldn’t overlook a quality gel sunscreen. Unlike milky formulas, gel sunscreens tend to wash off easily with soap and water, like Nivea Super Water Gel. Its formula is 75% water-based and it uses 2 forms of hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized all day long. Nivea Super Water Gel is rated SPF 50 PA +++ and goes on clear, leaving a fresh, dewy finish.

Super Water Gel – Available at Amazon

- Dry Skin -

11. Allie Extra Gel UV Sunscreen by Kanebo (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Nourish dry, parched skin with Kanebo Allie Extra UV Gel Sunscreen, one of Japan’s best-selling sunscreens. This gel-like lotion leaves skin with a healthy, dewy finish. This is also a great sunscreen for everyday use in colder climates to protect and moisturize dry skin, thanks to hyaluronic acid and collagen in its formula.

Allie Extra Gel UV Sunscreen – Available at Amazon

12. Sun Shelter Multi Protection Sunscreen by Decorte (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Decorte is a premium brand who uses both natural and synthetic ingredients in a responsible way. This sunscreen with zinc oxide blocks ultraviolet rays and locks in the moisture. Especially suitable for dry skin, the lightweight sunscreen will leave a subtle radiance to your skin.

Sun Shelter Multi Protection Sunscreen – Available at Amazon

13. Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence Sunscreen Gel by Isehan (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

The aptly named Sunkiller Perfect Water Essence Sunscreen Gel is rated SPF50+ PA++++ and blocks both UVA and UVB rays which can accelerate skin damage through overexposure. It is an alcohol-free gel-based formula that contains 3 kinds of hyaluronic acid to nourish dry, parched skin.

Sunkiller Sunscreen Gel – Available at Amazon

14. Super Moisture Milk by Skin Aqua (SPF50+ / PA ++++)

Skin Aqua’s Super Moisture Milk is ideal for active types with dry skin. Ithas a “super waterproof” and hydrating milk-based formula which contains two kinds of hyaluronic acids, amino acids, and collagen. Super Moisture Milk offers the highest form of sun protection and can be used on both the face and body to keep harmful UV rays at bay.

Super Moisture Milk – Available at Amazon

15. Ultra UV Perfect Gel by Kose (SPF 50+ / PA ++++)

Protect your skin from the sun and give it the nourishment it needs with this Ultra UV Perfect Gel Waterproof. This gel-based formula SPF50 + PA ++++ and can be used on both the face and body. It glides on smoothly while leaving a dewy finish.

Ultra UV Perfect Gel – Available at Amazon

- Sensitive Skin -

16. UV Milk by Curel (SPF30 / PA++)

Curel is Asia’s leading brand of products specially formulated for dry sensitive skin, so it’s no surprise that its Intensive Moisture Face Care Series sunscreen is a hit,as well. Curel UV Protection Milk soothes and enriches dry skin with ceramide and eucalyptus extract. Hypoallergenic, fragrance- and alcohol-free.

UV Milk – Available at Amazon

17. Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel by Shiseido Anessa (SPF 35 / PA+++)

The Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel has a mild formula making it safe for those with sensitive skin. With an SPF 35+ PA+++, the super moisturizing gel-like consistently will coat the skin evenly without any oily or thick after-feel. It’s fragrance-free, additive-free, colorant-free and can be easily removed with face wash or soap.

Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel – Available at Amazon

18. Mommy UV Aqua Milk (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

When looking for a sunscreen suitable for dry and/or sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to consider products aimed at babies and toddlers. After all, their skin is still developing and is prone to rashes and other unpleasant conditions. Mommy UV Aqua Milk is waterproof and free of additives, alcohol paradens, artificial colors and fragrances, preservatives, and mineral oils. As an added bonus, 80% of its ingredients are food-derived.

Mommy UV Aqua Milk – Available at Amazon

19. Face Sunscreen Spray by Privacy (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to avoid touching your face, but at the same time, sunscreen should be re-applied regularly. What a dilemma! Face Sunscreen Spray by Japanese skincare brand Privacy. This spray contains a gentle, gel-like formula that disperses as a gentle mist. It’s rated SPF 50+ / PA++++ and it paraben and alcohol-free.

Face Sunscreen Spray – Available at Amazon

20. Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk by Shiseido Anessa (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Another sunscreen by Shiseido Anessa that works equally well for sensitive skin-types. The hypoallergenic formulation of this sunscreen along with it being additive-free, fragrance-free, and colorant-free makes this a safe option for sensitive skin. This super waterproof sunscreen will leave a silky smooth finish to the skin.

Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk – Available at Amazon

- Mature Skin -

21. Tone Up Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel by Shiseido Anessa (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and tea extract, this lavender-scented sunscreen is both moisturizing and anti-aging. It’s also waterproof and sweatproof, but can still be removed using face wash. Tone and brighten your skin while also protecting it from the harsh UV rays using this sunscreen gel!

Tone Up Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel – Available at Amazon

22. Deep Protect & Care Essence by Nivea (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Sunscreen protects the skin from UV rays, preventing photodamage and slowing down the skin's aging process. Released in February 2021, Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence is the latest offering from Nivea’s line of Japanese skincare products, and it’s specifically formulated to prevent sunspots and freckles, along with the formation of fine lines caused by dryness. Nivea UV Deep Protect & Care Essence is a long-lasting waterproof, water-based gel that has a slight floral fragrance and leaves no white cast.

Deep Protect & Care Essence – Available at Amazon

23. Perfect UV Milk by Senka (SPF50+ / PA++++)

This milk formulated sunscreen with its comfortable spread will make your skin feel moisturized and leave a soothing, smooth finish. As it contains hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen is ideal for mature skin, but is also great for all skin types. As stated on the product packaging, it provides extra double guard protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Perfect UV Milk – Available at Amazon

24. Tone Up UV Essence by Skin Aqua (SPF50+ / PA++++)

Originally a limited edition sunscreen in 2021, due to its popularity, the rose-tinted sunscreen was relaunched as a permanent item in 2022. Ideal for everyday wear, the Tone Up UV Essence includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C derivative to replenish moisture and boost skin elasticity. You’ll also love the blossom fragrance!

Tone Up UV Essence – Available at Amazon

25. White UV Milk by Sekkisei Kose (SPF50+ / PA++++)

Known for being one of the best Japanese anti-aging sunscreens on the market, this powerful sunscreen creates a smooth veil on the skin and prevents dark spots and freckles caused by sun damage. The White UV Milk sunscreen also provides excellent protection against irritation and dryness.

White UV Milk – Available at Amazon

- Fair Complexion -

26. Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion by Shiseido (SPF 50+)

This water-resistant formula provides coverage for the face and body and is ideal for anyone who actively wishes to avoid tanning at all costs. Fans of Japanese beauty trends will appreciate the porcelain-like finish of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion as well.

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion – Available at Amazon

27. Tone Up UV Essence by Skin Aqua (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Skin Aqua Rohto New Sunscreen Tone Up UV Essence is a lightly scented tinted makeup base that brightens the complexion as it protects from the sun’s rays. Use as a BB cream or tinted moisturizer to simplify your makeup routine.

Tone Up UV Essence – Available at Amazon

28. Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion by Shiseido (SPF 50+)

If you have fair skin and get burned very easily, this mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is perfect for you. When applied to areas that are exposed to water or perspiration, the Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion with its wetforce technology becomes even more powerful to protect your fair complexion.

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion – Available at Amazon

29. Nuance Change UV Gel by Allie (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

It’s not uncommon to come across Japanese sunscreens that also function as color coloretors and Allie Nuance Change UV Gel is an example of a tinted sunscreen that does more than protect the skin from UV Rays. This is a waterproof and “friction-proof” gel sunscreen that leaves a glowing, pearlescent finish on the skin and creates a natural rosy complexion.

Nuance Change UV Gel – Available at Amazon

30. Mermaid Skin Gel UV by Canmake (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

“Feel as fresh as a mermaid princess!” This powerful, UV protecting sunscreen serves as a moisturizing make-up base, helping your foundation sit better and last longer. The Mermaid Skin Gel UV in 02 White is specifically made for those with a fair complexion. Enjoy the illuminating cast and beautiful pearlesque finish it leaves on the skin.

Mermaid Skin Gel UV – Available at Amazon

- Dark Complexion -

31. Spiracorretta UV Treatment Milk WT by Majestic Cosme (SPF 50+ / PA++++)

Give your skin the care it deserves with the Spiracorretta UV Treatment Milk WT. This lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen contains 17 beauty ingredients that work together to keep your skin looking its best. As it won’t leave any white, milky residue on the skin, this is a perfect sunscreen for those with a dark complexion.

Spiracorretta UV Treatment Milk WT – Available at Amazon

32. On Face Beauty Light Lotion by Orbis (SPF 34 / PA+++)

Orbis Sunscreen On Face Beauty Light Lotion uses zinc and titanium dioxide and provides light coverage, making it suitable as a makeup primer that adequately protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lightweight formula glides on skin without leaving oil residue behind, and it can be easily removed with makeup remover.

On Face Beauty Light – Available at Amazon

33. Super Moisture Gel Pump by Skin Aqua (SPF 50+ / PA ++++)

A Japanese sunscreen highly praised by individuals with darker complexions, Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel is an alcohol-free formula that leaves the skin with a natural, satin-like finish. The convenient pump bottle and lotion consistency makes it easy to apply on the face and body.

Super Moisture Gel Pump – Available at Amazon

34. Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion by Shiseido (SPF 50+)

It's challenging finding a sunscreen that won’t leave an unsightly white cast or make darker skin tones look purple or ashy. Skip physical sunscreens and go for a chemical one like Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion, which is a light and sheer gel formula that leaves no residue. It can be used all over the body thanks to Shiseido’s innovative SynchroShield technology that is strengthened by heat and water.

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion – Available at Amazon

35. Mermaid Skin Gel UV by Canmake (SPF 50+ / PA ++++)

White cast, you ask? It’s non-existent with the Mermaid Skin Gel UV in 01 Clear, making it ideal for those with a dark complexion. This colorless sunscreen blends wonderfully into the skin and can be used in place of your regular moisturizer. It will also leave a beautiful glow on the skin.

Mermaid Skin Gel UV – Available at Amazon

- Babies & Kids -

36. Waterproof Baby Milk by Pigeon (SPF 35 / PA +++)

Pigeon is one of Japan’s leading producers of baby and toddler goods. Its UV Baby Milk Waterproof sunscreen is tough enough to withstand water play and sweat, all while being gentle enough to protect babies’ delicate skin. This product leaves a faint white sheen so you can keep track when applying sunscreen on your little one.

Waterproof Baby Milk – Available at Amazon

37. Baby Care Sun Screen by Anessa (SPF 34 / PA+++)

Anessa Babycare Sunscreen is a dual-layer chemical sunscreen with a blend of hydrating agents to prevent dryness. It’s tough enough to protect the skin from UV rays but formulated for delicate skin, so infants and children can use it, too. Allergy tested and free of parabens, artificial colors, and alcohol.

Baby Care Sun Screen – Available at Amazon

38. Mommy UV Mild Gel (SPF 30 / PA+++)

90% of the ingredients in Isehan Mommy Mild UV gel sunscreen are derived from food, making it a wonderful choice for parents who want to avoid chemical sunscreens for their children. The gentle hypoallergenic formula can be removed easily with soap and water.

Mommy UV Mild Gel – Available at Amazon

39. Kids Pure Milk Sunscreen by Bioré (SPF 50 / PA++++)

Biore UV Kids Pure Milk Sunscreen is a dual-layer milky formula that creates a “mineral barrier” on the surface of the skin to block harmful UV rays. It is free of parabens, alcohol and fragrances, and uses shea butter to keep skin moisturized. Kids Pure Milk Sunscreen has a rating of SPF50 PA++++ and is resistant to water, sweat, and rubbing, making it an ideal choice for days filled with intensive outdoor activities.

Kids Pure Milk Sunscreen – Available at Amazon

40. Sun Protect Water Gel for Kids by Nivea (SPF 28+ / PA++)

Formulated especially for the delicate skin of infants and children, Sun Protect Water Gel for Kids contains no alcohol and uses hyaluronic acid and eucalyptus leaf extract to keep skin soft and moisturized. It is gel-based, waterproof, leaves no sticky residue, and can be used on both the face and body.

Sun Protect Water Gel for Kids – Available at Amazon

JO SELECTS offers helpful suggestions, and genuine recommendations for high-quality, authentic Japanese art & design. We know how difficult it is to search for Japanese artists, artisans and designers on the vast internet, so we came up with this lifestyle guide to highlight the most inspiring Japanese artworks, designs and products for your everyday needs.

All product suggestions are independently selected and individually reviewed. We try our best to update information, but all prices and availability are subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, Japan Objects earns from qualifying purchases.