20 Best Men’s Grooming Products from Japan

by Tabitha Wilders | LIFESTYLE

There’s no question that Japanese people take pride in their minimalistic yet highly effective skincare routines. Go into any drugstore in Japan and you’ll be taken aback by the amount and variety of products they have to offer. Looking for a face wash? You’ll have to find a way to choose between 30 different ones.

Beauty and skincare are not just important for women! The range of men's skincare products is a whole lot larger in Japan compared to most countries. The majority of the biggest, well-known Japanese beauty and skincare brands all seem to have multiple products targeted for men. From Shiseido to Gatsby, there are Japanese men’s grooming products for everybody.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, or the time has come to upgrade your skincare products, here are our recommendations for the best Japanese facial wash, face lotion, shaving gel, and hair wax that you can buy online right now.

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.

Japanese Facial Wash for Men

1. Facial Wash Moisture Foam by Gatsby

One of the most popular men’s skincare brands in Japan, Gatsby’s facial wash is a standard choice for men. Although they offer a variety to choose from, the Facial Wash Moisture Foam in particular is a favorite and suited for those with acne-prone, oily skin. Effectively removes sebum and dirt and moisturizes your skin to keep it looking fresh.

Facial Wash Moisture Foam – Available at Amazon

2. Whip Wash Black by Uno Shiseido

Shiseido, a well-known Japanese skincare brand, can always be trusted to do the job. Another facial wash that targets oily and combination skin, this cream wash is formulated with Charcoal and Methyl Hydroxide which are ingredients that absorb oil plus removes blackheads. If you’re after a gentle facial wash, you’ll love this one.

Whip Wash Black – Available at Amazon

3. Men’s Double Scrub Face Wash by Biore Kao

Keep your skin in its best condition with this overall great face wash. Suitable for daily use, this double scrub with black and white beads effectively unclogs deep pores and cleanses well, leaving you with smoother skin. Plus, the added menthol will make you feel cool and refreshed.

Men’s Double Scrub Face Wash – Available at Amazon

4. The Face Wash by Bulk Homme

No. 1 in Japanese men’s skincare sales … and we can understand why! A luxurious foaming daily cleanser recommended for all skin types, this raw soap gently cleanses and nourishes the skin and removes only unnecessary dirt and excess sebum. Be amazed at how this face wash can transform your skin to give you a fresh, healthy complexion.

The Face Wash – Available at Amazon

5. Baking Soda Scrub Face Wash for Men by Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko

Not your regular foam, cream or gel cleanser. This unique powder cleanser is made of sodium bicarbonate of soda and gently removes dirt and dead cells without harming the top layer of the skin. Great for all skin types, it targets both white heads and black pores. The skin also remains hydrated thanks to the added amino acid cleansing ingredient!

Baking Soda Scrub Face Wash – Available at Amazon

Japanese Face Lotion/Cream/Gel for Men

6. Q10 Aging Care Lotion by Lucido

What exactly is Q10? Well, this coenzyme is an anti-aging component that helps slow down the aging process and supports the skin to maintain its healthy, youthful appearance. Targeting men over 40+, this light texture lotion is also perfect for soothing and disinfecting the skin after shaving.

Q10 Aging Care Lotion – Available at Amazon

7. UV Perfection Gel for Men by Uno

An all-in-one moisturizer lotion for men with acne prone, oily skin. This gel functions as a UV sunblock (SPF30 PA+++), serum, and a moisturizer. Containing oil control powder that prevents oiliness, hyaluronic acid that targets skin dryness, and tranexamic acid for spot prevention. This really is an all-in-one men’s grooming product!

UV Perfection Gel – Available at Amazon

8. Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate for Men by Shiseido

An aloe-scented serum specifically for men, it contains tsubaki extract that strengthens skin’s defenses and minimizes signs of aging and fatigue. This product guarantees 32-hour hydration for healthy and vibrant skin. If that’s not enough, this moisturizer also reduces redness and irritation from shaving.

Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate – Available at Amazon

9. Total Revitalizer Eye Cream for Men by Shiseido

Did you know that the eye area is the first area that betrays our age? Exactly why it’s important to invest in a good eye cream! The high quality, powerful Total Revitalizer Eye Cream improves signs of aging including wrinkles, sagging, dullness, and a loss of firmness. It also promises to remove puffiness and dark circles under your tired eyes.

Total Revitalizer Eye Cream – Available at Amazon

10. Moist Cream Mask Pro by BB Laboratories

This high-efficiency moisturizing cream mask belongs in everyone’s bathroom cabinet. Suitable for all skin-types, prepare to be shocked by how much softer and clearer your skin becomes after using this product. By using it religiously once or twice a week, it will nourish your skin, remove dullness, and leave your skin glowing.

Moist Cream Mask Pro – Available at Amazon

Japanese Shaving Gel

11. Refreshing Shaving Gel by Success Kao

Your shave is only as good as the cream you use. It’s true. In Japan, men favor shaving gels rather than shaving foams. Not only does a gel consistency make the razor move more smoothly, but it’s also better than foam because you can actually see what you’re doing. This one has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for even the most sensitive of skins.

Refreshing Shaving Gel – Available at Amazon

12. Medicated Shaving Gel by Success Kao

Shaving just became a more enjoyable ritual thanks to this medicated shaving gel from Japan! This gel contains hypoallergenic components making it an ideal option for daily use as it does not irritate or cause discomfort to the skin. It’s highly effective at reducing redness and soothing sensitive skin.

Medicated Shaving Gel – Available at Amazon

13. Moist Shaving Gel by Gatsby

Enjoy the fresh scent of aqua-citrus as you shave. This moisturizing shaving gel contains hyaluronic acid that will smooth, protect, and help the skin from drying. The gel texture reduces abrasion between blades. And for those with a mustache, this gel will help you further with being able to shape it easily.

Moist Shaving Gel – Available at Amazon

14. Shave J Shaving Gel by Yanagiya

The secret to Yanagiya’s men’s grooming products is their ability to take it a step further in delivering high-quality and effective products through maximizing the use of botanical ingredients. And their shaving gel is no exception. It softens the hair and allows for a smooth, clean shave. This product is also highly recommended for those with thick beards.

Shave J Shaving Gel – Available at Amazon

15. Men Face Cleanser by Shiseido

You might be wondering what a face cleanser is doing under the shaving cream category. Actually, this fantastic face cleanser doubles as shaving cream. Very convenient and a godsend for busy (or lazy) people. Works for all skin types and effectively removes dirt, oil and debris to achieve clean, healthy skin.

Men Face Cleanser – Available at Amazon

Japanese Hair Styler/Wax/Cream for Men

16. Moving Rubber Grunge Mat by Gatsby

A basic criteria for hair wax: it should provide a good hold without causing any damage and be easy to wash off. And this hair wax certainly ticks all the boxes. This popular Japanese hair wax is best for very short to medium short hair. It has excellent holding power and will provide your hair with volume and moisture. Enjoy the matte texture and finish.

Moving Rubber Grunge Mat – Available at Amazon

17. Moist Hair Cream Oil by Lucido Gatsby

Don’t be put off by the name! Although it states that it’s a hair cream oil, it is water-based and the oil composition is balanced and blended well. This means that the styling cream is non-sticky and non-greasy and gives dry or damaged hair a bit of luster and fresh shine. It holds hair well and is fragrance-free if you prefer something unscented.

Moist Hair Cream Oil – Available at Amazon

18. Hair Wax for Gray Hair (Gloss & Hard) by Lucido Mandom

If you’re in your 40s+ and gray hair is a concern of yours, this hair wax is highly recommended. The citrus-scented, glossy gel works to make your gray hair less noticeable. The non-greasy formula gives a light, natural shine finish and even holds off stray hairs. Plus, it comes off easily in the shower!

Hair Wax for Gray Hair (Gloss & Hard) – Available at Amazon

19. Uno Matt Effector by Shiseido

Are you after a styling wax with a powerful setting powder? One that will lift your hair up from the root to help you create cool hairstyles? Look no further! The Uno Matte Effector is designed to solidify but still makes it easy for you to style your hair. It also contains a humidity control ingredient meaning you can rely on this wax even in hot and humid weather.

Uno Matt Effector – Available at Amazon

20. Uno Hybrid Hard Wax by Shiseido

Another hair wax by Shiseido that doesn’t disappoint. As it’s formulated with style powder it provides a lasting hold but also allows the hair to remain flexible to give you a natural finish. All you need to do is finger-comb a small amount of the product to arrange your hair flow and volume.

Uno Hybrid Hard Wax– Available at Amazon