5 Best Japanese Sunscreens for Summer 2024 and Beyond

Why are Japanese sunscreens so popular, and why are they better?

It’s 2024, and everyone from Instagram influencers to TikTok Dermatologists talks about SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN!

You know how important sunscreen is for anti-aging. “But sunscreen feels so greasy!” You complain. “And it leaves a white cast!”

You’ve probably never had the pleasure of wearing a Japanese sunscreen. While Korea may rule the market of trendy skincare with the newest ingredients and cute face packs, Japan still reigns supreme when it comes to sunscreen.

With tried-and-true formulations crafted with the latest technology, and a keen eye for detail on texture and wearability, Japanese sunscreens are some of the best and most affordable choices on the market—and let’s face it, not everyone can afford the Western dermatologist-formulated sunscreens at $50 a pop when it’s something you use daily. (Looking at you, Elta MD!)

You may also like our article on Japanese Skin care.

Let’s take a detailed look at 5 reasons Japanese sunscreens are superior, and 5 amazing broad-spectrum Japanese sunscreens under $20, each with SPF 50 and at least PA+++!

4 Reasons Why Japanese Sunscreens Do it Better

1. Texture: lightweight & non-greasy

I hated wearing sunscreen as a kid mainly because of its smell and greasy texture. My favorite Japanese sunscreens feel like applying moisturizer and don’t leave a film or white cast at all—and they have very little scent. 

Japanese sunscreen also comes in a great variety of textures, such as gel, lotion, milk, stick, or spray. My favorite two are gel and spray. Gel sunscreens glide on like silk and sink into the skin flawlessly, while sprays are extremely convenient. The sprays are divided between regular spritz sprays and aerosol cans, both of which help with quick application without getting your hands sticky!

In our best 5 sunscreen section below, we’ll introduce one sunscreen from each category.

2. Affordability: Between $8 – $20 USD.

As I previously mentioned, Japanese sunscreen is extremely affordable. Coming from a high-tech and consumer-centric country obsessed with skincare and anti-aging, the market for sunscreen is fierce. Competitive pricing means that you can buy high quality Japanese sunscreen for around $10 USD in Japan.

And luckily, my top picks are available from Amazon US.

3. Waterproof & Sweat-resistant

If you’ve ever visited Japan in summer, you’ll understand why this is necessary for Japanese sunscreens. The Japanese summer sometimes gets up to 90% humidity, so it’s essentially walking around in a sauna. 

Most everyday sunscreens have some level of sweat resistance, but check out the outdoor usage sunscreens with extreme waterproofing in this article! 

4. Great Protection: High SPF & PA ratings

All of the sunscreens recommended in this article have SPF 50 or higher and at least PA+++ for all-around protection. These measure the protection factor against both UVA and UVB rays and guard against sunburn, premature wrinkles, and skin aging.

My Top 5 Japanese Sunscreens

1. Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel 50 PA+++

This is hands down my favorite day-to-day Japanese sunscreen. With a watery lotion-like consistency, it is unscented and feels cooling and light on the skin. The protection factor is a little weaker than some of the other ones here, and it is not waterproof, so I would use this for everyday commutes in the morning, but not for outdoor activities.

2. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

This is a crowd favorite, and for good reason. Biore’s sunscreen is incredibly lightweight and offers a refreshing, watery texture that instantly penetrates the skin. It feels hydrating and provides protection against UV rays with a high SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating to ensure all-around protection. Its water-resistant formula makes it suitable for daily wear, even in humid conditions.

3. Kose SUNCUT Perfect Spray SPF 50+ PA++++

4. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Mild Milk SPF 50+ PA++++

Shiseido’s Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen has been a long-time best seller in Japan. Known for its superior sun protection and skincare benefits, this sunscreen is marketed for the beauty queens and those who do not want sunburns or sun tans. Its advanced formula is extremely resistant to sweat and friction, making it an excellent choice for going outdoors.

The milky texture blends well into the skin to leave a satiny finish; as a ‘milk’ type sunscreen, it has a slightly heavier feel than gel sunscreens but offers more sweat resistance and protection against friction.

5. ALLIE UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Kanebo’s ALLIE UV Gel is a versatile sunscreen that offers a lotion-like texture with a high SPF rating. It provides broad-spectrum protection and is waterproof and coral-reef friendly.

This beach-ready gel formula is lightweight, non-sticky, and does not pill. ALLIE’s UV gel is perfect for daily use OR beach outings! Its water-resistant properties ensure that it stays effective even during physical activities, and the coral-safe ingredients give our environmentalists peace of mind when swimming.

Honorable Mentions:

These honorable mentions are great, but they didn’t make the top 5 list. For the most part, they can only be found in Japan or on Amazon Japan.

With some of the links below, we earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

• Biore Aqua Rich Aqua Mist Spray: a spritz version of the Aqua Rich and is feels refreshing to use. Find it on Amazon Japan.
• Melano CC Deep Care Sunscreen: this powdery vitamin C sunscreen claims to brighten the skin tone. On Amazon Japan.
• Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence: this lotion has cute packaging, a nice scent, and decent coverage; though it’s rated at SPF 50+ and PA++++, it feels slightly lacking in terms of protection compared to the same grade of sunscreen in the top 5 list. On Amazon Japan.

If you can visit Japan, definitely load up on these beauties! If not, you can find the top 5 I’ve mentioned on the US Amazon site as well.

Side note: How I chose my top 5

There have been some trending videos on Japan’s side of Instagram that show popular beauty influencers using their own bodies to test sunscreen efficacy. In one video I watched, the influencer divided his back into different sections and applied different sunscreens to each patch, with a control patch of bare skin, comparing how sunburnt he got with each sunscreen.

Though this experiment is conducted by an amateur and therefore is not 100% reliable, I find it still gives a decent reference point of where to start with picking your Japanese sunscreens. I’ve kept in mind and used both these videos and my own experience as a picky sunscreen wearer to pick the top 5 Japanese sunscreens in this article.

Conclusion

Japanese sunscreens are highly regarded for their advanced technology, lightweight textures, and high levels of protection. With innovative ingredients and consumer-centric design for wearability, the Japanese have set a high standard in sun care.

Whether you’re looking for a hydrating essence, or a convenient spray can option, Japanese sunscreens offer a huge variety of products at every price to suit various needs and preferences. Incorporating one of these top recommendations into your skincare routine can help ensure your skin stays protected and young under the sun.

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