Japan offers a wide variety of face creams, ranging from highly moisturizing formulas to those specialized in whitening and anti-aging care. They are easily available at drugstores and variety shops, many of which offer tax-free shopping, making them perfect souvenirs. In this article, we introduce 10 recommended face creams carefully selected by Japanese skincare experts. Whether you’re looking for skincare during your trip or the perfect gift for a loved one, this guide will help you make the best choice.
Where to Buy Face Creams in Japan?
For Affordable Prices and Souvenirs, Try Drugstores
If you want to buy face creams easily in Japan, drugstores are the best option. Japanese drugstores offer a wide range of skincare products, including highly moisturizing creams, formulas with whitening ingredients, and high-quality options for anti-aging care. A diverse lineup is available, from budget-friendly choices to luxury brands, making them ideal as souvenirs.
Additionally, drugstores often sell limited-edition seasonal skincare products, allowing you to discover unique Japanese beauty items. Most drugstores offer tax-free shopping, so you can conveniently stop by while sightseeing.
For More Variety, Visit Tokyu Hands and LOFT
If you’re looking for a wider selection of face creams, Tokyu Hands and LOFT are highly recommended. These stores offer an extensive collection of skincare brands, covering everything from hydration-focused creams to whitening and anti-aging treatments.
Tokyu Hands specializes in high-quality skincare products and cosmetics with natural ingredients, while LOFT is known for trendy cosmetics and cute packaging, making them great for gifts. Many stores provide testers, allowing you to try different face creams before making a purchase.
For Bulk Purchases, Shop at Don Quijote
If you want to buy face creams in bulk, Don Quijote is the place to go. This store offers a wide range of skincare products, from well-known Japanese and international brands to affordable cosmetic items. You can find special set deals and discounted prices, making it a great place to shop for souvenirs for family and friends.
Additionally, many stores are open 24 hours, allowing you to shop at your convenience, even late at night. Tax-free shopping is available for purchases exceeding a certain amount, helping you save even more. If you’re looking to stock up on Japanese skincare products like sheet masks and high-moisturizing creams, be sure to check out Don Quijote.
Recommended Face Creams
Curel Face Cream
Curel Intensive Moisture Face Cream is an ideal skincare item for those with dry and sensitive skin. Developed by Kao Japan, this cream contains ceramide-functional ingredients and eucalyptus extract to support the skin barrier while providing deep hydration.
It has a smooth texture that spreads easily and absorbs well into the skin. It is non-greasy and leaves the skin feeling moisturized for hours, making it perfect for dry seasons. It is also fragrance-free, colorant-free, and alcohol-free, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Available in a convenient travel-friendly size, this cream makes a great souvenir. You can easily find it at drugstores and Don Quijote, so be sure to check it out when visiting Japan.
Aqua Label Special Gel Cream EX Brightening
Aqua Label Special Gel Cream EX Brightening is an all-in-one cream that provides both whitening care and deep hydration. The rich gel formula absorbs into the skin, locking in moisture while enhancing transparency and radiance.
Since it functions as a complete skincare product after cleansing, it is perfect for quick skincare routines while traveling. For areas of concern, such as dark spots or freckles, applying additional layers can provide intensive care. The lightweight texture spreads easily and does not feel sticky. The herbal rose scent also makes the skincare routine more relaxing.
This cream is widely available at Japanese drugstores and variety shops, making it a great souvenir. Take home a piece of Japan with you and achieve glowing, hydrated skin.
Kanebo Cream in Day
Kanebo Cream in Day is a multifunctional cream perfect for morning skincare. It protects the skin from dryness and UV rays while maintaining hydration and enhancing the skin’s natural radiance. When used as a makeup base, it improves foundation adhesion and ensures smoother application. It can also be applied over makeup to refresh dry skin throughout the day.
Inspired by vernix, the protective layer on a newborn’s skin, it features a baby-soft oil formulation that gently envelops the skin and keeps it hydrated for long hours. The fresh floral scent of Teaopia adds a luxurious touch to your morning skincare routine. With SPF20 and PA+++, it also provides sun protection, making it a great skincare option for travelers.
Muji Aging Care Medicated Wrinkle Care Cream
Muji Aging Care Medicated Wrinkle Care Cream is a budget-friendly skincare item that contains niacinamide, a well-known ingredient for improving wrinkles. This product has gained huge popularity in Japan, often selling out due to high demand.
It provides deep hydration to combat dryness and leaves the skin plump and firm. Simply apply it as the final step in your nighttime skincare routine, leave it for 3 to 5 minutes, and gently massage it in. With its fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, and alcohol-free formula, it is also suitable for sensitive skin.
Kikumasamune Sake Cream
Kikumasamune Sake Cream is a unique skincare product that offers a traditional Japanese beauty experience. Developed by the historic sake brewery Kikumasamune, which has been in business since the Edo period, this cream is enriched with premium junmai ginjo sake. It has a subtle sake aroma and provides deep hydration.
This cream contains four types of amino acids and three types of ceramides, helping to maintain long-lasting moisture. The rich, buttery texture absorbs smoothly into the skin, preventing dryness. It can be used not only on the face but also on the entire body, making it an excellent choice for winter skincare.
KeaNadeshiko Rice Cream
KeaNadeshiko Rice Cream is a popular skincare product inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals. It contains 100% domestically sourced rice-derived beauty ingredients, known as rice serum, which deeply hydrates dry skin and enhances elasticity.
The formula is fragrance-free, colorant-free, and mildly acidic, making it gentle on sensitive skin. With its ability to create a soft, plump texture similar to freshly cooked rice, this cream is also a great souvenir from Japan.
ONE BY KOSÉ Serum Shield
ONE BY KOSÉ Serum Shield is a medicated skincare balm that provides both hydration and wrinkle care. It is the first Japanese product to feature Rice Power No.11+, an active ingredient that enhances the skin’s moisture retention while addressing fine lines and wrinkles. Despite its rich balm texture, it is non-greasy and transforms into a lightweight, watery sensation upon application.
It is particularly effective for targeted care on dry areas such as the eyes and mouth. Ideal for those looking for a high-performance skincare solution that keeps the skin hydrated for long hours.
Soy Isoflavone Cream
The Soy Isoflavone Cream is a moisturizing cream developed by the Japanese skincare brand Nameraka Honpo. It contains high-purity soy isoflavones and fermented soy milk extract to deeply hydrate the skin. Despite its rich texture, it absorbs well without feeling greasy. It is fragrance-free, colorant-free, and free of mineral oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
IHADA Medicated Clear Balm
IHADA Medicated Clear Balm is a pharmaceutical-grade balm that prevents dryness and irritation while also providing brightening care. It contains highly purified petroleum jelly to create a moisture barrier and dipotassium glycyrrhizate to soothe skin irritation. The brightening active ingredient m-tranexamic acid helps prevent melanin production, reducing dark spots and freckles for a more even complexion.
With a lightweight, non-greasy texture, this balm is especially recommended for nighttime skincare, when the skin is more prone to dryness.
Gomenne Suhada Night Repair Cream
Gomenne Suhada Night Repair Cream is a night cream designed to provide intensive skin care while you sleep. It contains retinol derivatives, vitamin E, and human-type ceramides to combat dryness and loss of elasticity, leaving the skin firm and hydrated by morning.
Formulated for sensitive skin, it is fragrance-free and alcohol-free, making it a safe option for all skin types.
Conclusion
Japanese face creams are high in quality and come in a wide variety, making them perfect for skincare during travel or as souvenirs. Whether for hydration, brightening, or anti-aging, there are plenty of options available at drugstores and variety shops. Many stores also offer tax-free shopping, making these products even more affordable.
Find the perfect cream for your skin and experience the benefits of Japanese skincare.
