5 Of The Best Japanese Drugstore Sunscreens.

5 of the best Japanese drugstore sunscreen. This is a big one.

This category is so HUGE in Japan that when I started to write this post, I was struck by how difficult (almost impossible!) it is to try and edit down to just 5 products!

I will definitely write another more detailed post about the Japanese sunscreen category for next week.

Japanese women are so diligent in the prevention of UV damage to their skin, that UV cut or protection products are used every single day. For beauty companies this translates to big money, and as a result there are literally thousands of different variations of sunscreen available in varying UV protection levels, gels, milks, creams, sprays, shine, no-shine…the list goes on.

So ,the good news is there are so many amazing Japanese sunscreens that you can purchase at the local drugstore. You just need to know where to start!

I decided to keep this post really simple, with 5 great high protection sunscreens (SPF 50+, PA++++) that you can find at the Japanese drugstore.

 

NOV UV Shield (SPF 50, PA++++) ¥2,700

Best for dry and sensitive skin. 

NOV are personally, my favourite Japanese drugstore sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, and react to alcohol in skin care products then NOV sunscreens are the safest bet. The moisturising formula leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, and easily washes away with  your cleanser, preventing break outs.

 

Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence (SPF 50, PA++++) ¥798

Everyday wear under makeup.

A hugely popular daily use sunscreen, that is loved for its quickly absorbed watery texture, that is extremely comfortable on the skin, but doesn’t leave the skin sticky or looking ghostly. This product is perfect for everyday wear, once you try this texture it will be so hard to go back to using a western style daily sunscreen. Important to note, that this sunscreen contains a high amount of alcohol, this is not a problem for most skin types, except if you have dry/ sensitive skin.

 

Skin Aqua Sara Fit (SPF 50+, PA++++) ¥800

Ideal for oily skin or humid weather.

Sunscreen that leaves your skin feeling like an oil slick definitely gets the thumbs down. So if you have oily skin you will love the dry touch Japanese sunscreen like Skin Aqua Sara Fit. This daily wear sunscreen is designed to resist sebum and sweat, leaving then skin with a slightly powdery “bare skin” feeling.

 

Dr. Ci Labo UV & White Moisture Milk (SPF 50+, PA++++) ¥3,780

Sun protection and skin treatment in one! 

If you are looking for a hard-working sunscreen that multi-tasks as a skin treatment as well as a high protection sunscreen. Then Dr Ci Labo UV & White Moisture Milk is for you. Don’t be deceived by the lightweight texture, this formula contains moisturising ingredients, antioxidants and even doubles as a makeup softening the appearance of imperfections.

 

Anessa Perfect Aqua Booster (SPF 50+, PA++++) ¥3,000

Perfect to wear while exercising or at the beach.

So many waterproof sunscreens can be thick, greasy, leave an unattractive white cast on the skin and are difficult to remove. But this is definitely not the case with Anessa Perfect UV sunscreen Aqua Booster. Designed to wear during water activities like swimming, Anessa Aqua Booster provides long-lasting sun protection even when you spend you day in and out of the water at the beach. It leaves the skin comfortably moisturised and protected.

 

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Where can you buy these products in Tokyo?

 

NOV– All big Japanese drugstores like Matusmoto Kiyoshi and Tomod’s

Biore UV Aqua Rich– You can find this product easily at all Japanese drugstores, beauty stores like Ainz & Tulpe, Bic Camera, Don Quijote, supermarkets and even convenience stores.

Skin Aqua Sara Fit- All Japanese drugstores, Bic Camera, Don Quijote and beauty stores like Ainz & Tulpe .

Dr. Ci Labo- Tomod’s, Ainz & Tulpe, Tokyo Hands and Loft.

Anessa– All Japanese drugstores, Bic Camera, Don Quijote and beauty stores like Ainz & Tulpe .