10 Best Japanese Sunscreens to Buy in Japan | Local Picks
Published: June 11, 2025Last updated: June 4, 2026
Japanese sunscreens are extremely popular among international travelers because they offer strong UV protection while still feeling lightweight and comfortable on the skin.
In fact, it’s very common to see tourists buying multiple sunscreen products at Japanese drugstores.
However, Japan has such a huge variety of sunscreen products that many visitors end up wondering, “Which one should I choose?”
In this article, we’ve carefully selected sunscreens that are highly recommended from the perspective of Japanese locals who actually live in Japan and use these products regularly.
This article was updated in May 2026 with the latest product lineup and features some of the most popular sunscreens currently available in Japan.
From non-sticky formulas and products suitable for sensitive skin to travel-friendly options that are easy to carry around, we focus on sunscreens that are especially convenient for travelers visiting Japan.
If you found this article helpful, we’d be very happy if you shared it on social media.
Author
Koma
Drawing on her past experience at LINE Yahoo Corporation, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the information media platform "Life Stories." Her motto is to stand by women and support them through their concerns, and she handles writing as well as editing. She also holds many qualifications, including the Japan Cosmetics Certification and Nissho Bookkeeping Level 2. She is currently a mother of two, juggling work and raising her children.…Read more
Recent updates
June 4, 2026UpdatedContent reviewed and revised.
June 11, 2025PublishedArticle first posted.
10 Recommended Sunscreens to Buy in Japan
How to use this list
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Prices are approximate and may vary by store.
L'Oréal Japan
La Roche-Posay | UVIDEA XL Protection Tone Up Rose
ラ ロッシュ ポゼ UVイデア XL プロテクショントーンアップ ローズ
Price (approx.)
¥3,960
Type
Tone-up UV / Makeup base
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
La Roche-Posay's UVIDEA XL Protection Tone Up Rose is a tone-up UV that's very popular in Japan. The first thing you notice when you use it is that it makes your skin look remarkably natural and clear.
With its subtle pink tint, there's little white cast, so it's easy to achieve a natural glow and healthy-looking color. It feels moisturizing yet not too heavy, so it's relatively easy to wear even in Japan's hot summer.
Since it isn't sticky, it's easy to use while sightseeing and is also popular as a makeup base. With SPF50+／PA++++ it's perfect for anyone who wants solid UV protection, which is reassuring when you walk outdoors for hours while traveling in Japan.
It's also easy to remove with soap and is formulated with sensitive skin in mind, and being fragrance-free it suits people who dislike strongly scented cosmetics. Easy to find at drugstores, PLAZA and Loft, it's a great pick if you want to try a sunscreen that's popular in Japan.
Features
Natural tone-upNo white castGentle on sensitive skin
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SHISEIDO
ANESSA | Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel
ANESSA パーフェクトUVスキンケアジェル
Price (approx.)
¥2,508 (90g) / ¥1,496 (40g)
Type
UV gel / Makeup base
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
ANESSA's Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel is one of the most famous and consistently popular sunscreens in Japan. When you actually use it, it has such a light feel and spreads so well that you'd wonder, 'Is this really SPF50+?' Being a gel type, it glides on smoothly and barely leaves a white cast, so it's relatively comfortable to wear even in Japan's hot summer.
You often walk outdoors for long hours while traveling in Japan, and ANESSA's super-waterproof formula stands up to sweat and water, so it's quite reassuring while sightseeing. It also works well as a makeup base and removes with regular facial cleanser, which adds to its appeal.
Lately it has even won over people who usually find the heaviness of sunscreens hard to deal with.
Features
Lightweight feelSweat & water resistantDoubles as makeup base
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Kanebo
ALLIE | Chrono Beauty Gel UV
ALLIE クロノビューティージェルUV
Price (approx.)
¥2,310 (90g) / ¥1,155 (40g)
Type
UV gel / Makeup base
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
ALLIE's Chrono Beauty Gel UV is a long-standing, very popular high-performance UV in Japan. When you use it, the first thing you notice is how easily it spreads.
Being a fresh gel type, it glides smoothly over the skin and is relatively easy to use even for those who dislike heavy sunscreens. Despite being SPF50+／PA++++, it isn't sticky and barely leaves a white cast, so it pairs well with Japan's humid, hot summer.
It also has a super-waterproof formula that resists water, sweat and rubbing, so it's quite reassuring during travel when you walk outdoors for hours. It suits scenes where you sweat easily, like the beach or theme parks.
Another reason for its popularity is that it removes easily with facial cleanser or body soap. While some people assume 'strong UV means hard to remove,' ALLIE strikes a relatively easy-to-use balance.
Features
Smooth applicationSweat, water & rub resistantSoap-off
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SHISEIDO
IHADA | Medicated Face Protect UV Milk
IHADA 薬用フェイスプロテクトUVミルク
Price (approx.)
¥1,980
Type
UV milk / Makeup base
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
IHADA's Medicated Face Protect UV Milk is especially popular with people looking for a sunscreen for sensitive skin. When you use it, the first thing you feel is that it's clearly made with gentleness to the skin in mind.
It's fragrance-free, alcohol(ethanol)-free and paraben-free, so it's relatively easy to use during dry seasons or when your skin is unsettled. UV protection is quite high at SPF50+／PA++++, yet there's little tightness and it stays moisturized, making it a nicely balanced option for sensitive skin.
It also has a slightly beige tone, so it naturally covers pores and redness and works well as a makeup base too.
Features
Designed for sensitive skinLow irritation (fragrance-free)Natural pore cover
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KOSÉ
SUNCUT | Perfect UV Milk
SUNCUT パーフェクトUVミルク
Price (approx.)
¥878
Type
UV milk / Waterproof
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
SUNCUT's Perfect UV Milk is popular with people who want solid UV protection at a great price. It's relatively affordable, yet it's SPF50+／PA++++ and a high-durability formula that resists sweat, water and rubbing.
When you use it, it has the close-fitting feel of a milk type while being surprisingly light to wear, giving the impression that it isn't heavy. With its super-waterproof formula it pairs well with long hours outdoors, such as the beach, the pool, theme parks and outdoor sightseeing.
It also barely leaves a white cast and is relatively low on stickiness, so it's easy to use even for those who think milk types seem heavy.
Features
Great valueSweat, water & rub resistantLight & non-sticky
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Kao
Curél | Intensive Moisture Care Skin Repair UV Serum
Curél 潤浸保湿 スキンリペアUVセラム
Price (approx.)
¥2,200
Type
UV serum / For sensitive skin
SPF/PA
SPF50／PA+++
Curél's Moisture Care UV Serum is a popular UV serum in Japan, made for dry, sensitive skin. The first thing you feel when using it is that it's quite moisturizing.
Rather than a sunscreen, it feels closer to skincare and is easy to use, giving the impression that your skin is relatively less prone to tightness even during dry spells. As a serum it spreads well and feels light, yet at SPF50／PA+++ it still provides solid UV protection, which is part of its appeal.
It's also formulated with ceramide care in mind, so it stays comfortable for people with dry skin or when skin is unsettled. On top of that it has a low-irritation design (no UV absorbers, fragrance-free, alcohol-free), which is why it's popular with sensitive-skin users in Japan too.
Features
High moisture (ceramide care)For sensitive skinSkincare-like feel
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Nivea Kao
NIVEA | UV Deep Protect & Care Gel
NIVEA UV ディーププロテクト＆ケアジェル
Price (approx.)
¥1,000
Type
UV gel / Makeup base
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
NIVEA's UV Deep Protect & Care Gel is a popular UV gel with a very good balance of price and ease of use. When you use it, the first thing you notice is how well it spreads.
Being a gel type, it glides on smoothly and is easy to apply not only to the face but also to the arms and neck, which is quite convenient for everyday use while traveling in Japan. It provides solid UV protection at SPF50+／PA++++ yet isn't too heavy and is relatively low on stickiness.
It also has a super-waterproof formula while still being easy to remove with facial cleanser, a very user-friendly point. On top of that it contains beauty-serum ingredients, so it's resistant to drying out even over time, another plus.
Since it tends to give a glow, it's relatively well suited to people who dislike matte, powdery sunscreens.
Tap a place to buy to find one near you on Google Maps.
KOSÉ
SEKKISEI | CLEAR WELLNESS UV Mild Milk
雪肌精 CLEAR WELLNESS UVマイルドミルク
Price (approx.)
¥2,310
Type
UV milk / For sensitive skin
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA+++
SEKKISEI's CLEAR WELLNESS UV Mild Milk is a popular UV milk in Japan with a remarkably smooth feel for a sensitive-skin product. When you use it, the first thing you notice is that it's a non-chemical (mineral) type yet doesn't feel heavy.
Sensitive-skin sunscreens can sometimes leave a white cast or feel tight, but this one spreads relatively smoothly and blends into the skin easily. At SPF50+／PA+++ it provides solid UV protection and is easy to use on both the face and body.
It also has a thorough low-irritation design (UV-absorber-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, colorant-free), so it stays comfortable even when skin is unsettled. On top of that it's mindful of fine particles such as pollen, PM2.5 and dust, so it suits people who are concerned about environmental changes while traveling in Japan.
Tap a place to buy to find one near you on Google Maps.
KOSÉ
SUNCUT | Protect UV Spray
SUNCUT プロテクトUVスプレー
Price (approx.)
¥768 (60g) / ¥968 (90g)
Type
UV spray / Quick-dry
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
SUNCUT's Protect UV Spray is a popular UV spray that's very handy for reapplying while traveling. When you use it, the first thing you feel is that it's incredibly easy.
Being a spray type, it's easy to use without getting your hands dirty, and you can quickly top up UV protection even while out and about, which is very convenient. It's SPF50+／PA++++, so as a reapplication item it still gives quite solid UV protection.
Being quick-drying, it's low on stickiness and easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas such as the hair, scalp and the back of the neck. It can also be used over makeup, so it pairs very well with long days of sightseeing in Japan.
Tap a place to buy to find one near you on Google Maps.
Nivea Kao
NIVEA | UV Deep Protect & Care Milk Mist
NIVEA UV ディーププロテクト＆ケアミルクミスト
Price (approx.)
¥1,000–¥1,300
Type
UV milk mist
SPF/PA
SPF50+／PA++++
NIVEA's UV Deep Protect & Care Milk Mist is very popular with people who find reapplying a hassle. When you use it, compared with an ordinary spray type it feels more moisturizing while still being low on stickiness, which makes it quite easy to use.
A milky-white UV milk comes out as a fine mist, so it gives the feeling of close, even coverage despite being a spray. What's especially handy is that it's easy to use even over makeup.
While sightseeing you often sweat or walk outdoors for hours, but with this mist you can quickly top up without getting your hands dirty. It can also be used on the hair and scalp, so it pairs very well with summer travel in Japan.
Tap a place to buy to find one near you on Google Maps.
My List
How to Choose the Best Japanese Sunscreen for Travelers
For Summer Travel, SPF50+ Is Recommended
Japan’s summer sun can be much stronger than many travelers expect, especially in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where both temperatures and humidity can get extremely high.
If you plan to spend long hours outdoors during summer sightseeing, choosing a sunscreen with SPF50+ and PA++++ is highly recommended.
This is especially important if you plan to visit theme parks, shrines, beaches, festivals, or other outdoor attractions where you’ll be exposed to strong sunlight for long periods of time.
On the other hand, for short outings or trips during spring and autumn, lighter sunscreen formulas may be more than enough.
Waterproof Types Are More Convenient in Hot Weather
Japan’s summers are very humid, and even a short walk outside can make you sweat quickly.
Because of this, waterproof sunscreen is usually the most convenient choice for travelers.
If you’re visiting outdoor attractions, summer festivals, beaches, Universal Studios Japan, or Tokyo Disney Resort, a sweat-resistant and water-resistant sunscreen will usually stay on much better.
Recently, many waterproof Japanese sunscreens have become much lighter and less sticky than before, making them easier to use even for people who dislike heavy sunscreen textures.
Gel and Milk Types Are Popular for Sensitive Skin
For people with sensitive skin, gel-type and milk-type sunscreens are especially popular in Japan.
Many Japanese products are designed with skin comfort in mind, including formulas with lower alcohol content and products that can be washed off easily with regular soap.
People with dry skin or those who dislike thick textures often find that lightweight gel formulas are especially comfortable and easy to use.
Japanese drugstores also make it relatively easy to find products labeled “for sensitive skin,” which can be helpful during your trip.
Stick and Mist Types Are Great for Reapplying
When traveling, choosing a sunscreen that’s easy to reapply throughout the day can make a big difference.
Among travelers, stick-type and mist-type sunscreens are especially popular.
Stick sunscreens are easy to apply without getting your hands messy, and they’re also convenient to carry around.
Mist types are also popular because they can often be sprayed over makeup, making them useful for touch-ups while sightseeing.
Many products come in compact travel-friendly sizes, so carrying one in your bag can be very convenient.
If You’re Bringing It on a Plane, Choose Under 100mL
If you plan to bring sunscreen onto an airplane, choosing a product under 100mL is recommended.
International flights have restrictions on carrying liquids onboard, so larger bottles may not be allowed in your carry-on luggage.
Japanese sunscreens are available in many compact travel-friendly sizes, including products around 30mL to 60mL.
Stick types and small tube-style products are especially easy to carry and very useful while traveling around Japan.
Why Is Japanese Sunscreen So Popular Among International Travelers?
Lightweight and Non-Sticky Texture
Japanese sunscreens are popular among international travelers because they feel light and comfortable on the skin.
Japan’s summers are known for being hot and humid, so many sunscreens are designed to feel smooth and non-sticky even in sweaty weather. There are also plenty of lightweight formulas that leave a fresh, silky finish.
Many travelers who find foreign sunscreens too heavy or oily are often surprised by how easy Japanese sunscreens are to wear.
Gel and essence-type sunscreens are especially popular because of their light texture, making them perfect for sightseeing during the summer.
Blends Well With Makeup Without Leaving a White Cast
Another reason Japanese sunscreens are so popular is that many of them do not leave a noticeable white cast on the skin.
In the past, some sunscreens could make the skin look pale or chalky, but modern Japanese sunscreens tend to blend much more naturally into the skin.
In Japan, sunscreens that can also be used as makeup primers are especially popular, and many products are designed to work well under makeup.
Because of this, Japanese sunscreens are commonly used not only for daily wear during travel, but also by people looking for mist or powder types that can easily be applied over makeup.
High UV Protection Without Feeling Heavy
Many Japanese sunscreens offer strong UV protection such as SPF50+ and PA++++ while still focusing on comfort and wearability.
Recently, more products have included moisturizing ingredients, easy-to-wash formulas, and options for sensitive skin. As a result, they are popular among people who want strong sun protection without the thick or heavy feeling often associated with sunscreen.
Since travelers in Japan often spend long hours walking outdoors, comfortable sunscreens that are easy to reapply can be extremely useful.
Easy to Buy at Convenience Stores and Drugstores
One of the biggest advantages in Japan is how easy it is to buy sunscreen almost anywhere.
Sunscreen is widely available and very convenient to purchase during your trip.
You can easily find sunscreen not only at drugstores, but also at convenience stores and variety shops, making it easy to buy even if you suddenly need it while traveling.
Popular stores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote are common in tourist areas, and some locations even have sections specifically designed for international visitors.
Mini-sized and travel-friendly products are also widely available, making them especially convenient for sightseeing.
Excellent Balance Between Price and Quality
Japanese sunscreens are also highly rated for their excellent balance between affordability and quality.
Even products that cost around 1,000 yen often provide a comfortable texture and high UV protection like SPF50+ and PA++++, so many travelers are surprised by how high the quality is for the price.
Not only luxury brands, but also affordable drugstore sunscreens are extremely popular, and many visitors buy several products as souvenirs during their trip to Japan.
The combination of high performance and affordable pricing is one of the biggest reasons Japanese sunscreen stands out.
Where Should You Buy Sunscreen in Japan?
Drugstores Offer the Widest Selection
If you’re looking for sunscreen in Japan, drugstores should be your first stop.
In particular, major chains such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sugi Pharmacy, and Cocokara Fine are some of the most popular drugstores in Japan.
Japanese drugstores carry an enormous variety of sunscreens, and products like ANESSA, ALLIE, NIVEA, and SUNCUT featured in this article are usually easy to find.
Many stores also provide testers, making them a great option for travelers who want to try the texture and feel before buying.
If you want to carefully compare and choose Japanese sunscreens, drugstores are definitely the best place to start.
Don Quijote Is Convenient Even Late at Night
If you want to shop at night or stop by after sightseeing, Don Quijote is extremely convenient.
Some locations are even open 24 hours, making them very easy to visit during your trip.
Especially in tourist areas, Don Quijote stores often have sections aimed at international travelers, and the sunscreen selection can be surprisingly extensive.
They also carry many reasonably priced products that are great for bulk buying, making them especially popular with travelers looking for good value.
PLAZA and Loft Are Great for Trendy Products
If you want to explore popular Japanese cosmetics and trending beauty products, PLAZA and Loft are also highly recommended.
These stores often carry trendy UV products and items that are popular on social media, with many stylishly designed packages as well.
They are especially good places to look for newer products such as tone-up sunscreens and UV products designed for sensitive skin.
Because browsing these stores can feel a bit like souvenir shopping, they are also very popular among people who love Japanese cosmetics.
Convenience Stores Are Perfect for Emergency Purchases
If you suddenly need sunscreen right away, convenience stores can be incredibly helpful.
Many Japanese convenience stores carry mini-sized sunscreens and products from popular brands, making them convenient for quick purchases during your trip.
In particular, convenience stores near train stations and tourist areas often stock UV products, which can be a lifesaver when the sun suddenly becomes stronger than expected.
They also commonly carry compact products under 100mL, which makes them convenient before flights as well.
Airport Duty-Free Shops Are Great for Premium Brands
Airport duty-free shops are one of the easiest places to find premium Japanese sunscreen brands such as ANESSA, SEKKISEI, and La Roche-Posay.
Many international travelers buy multiple products before heading home, and some airports even offer Japan-exclusive sets or limited-edition packaging.
Drugstores can sometimes be cheaper, but airport duty-free shops are very convenient if you want to buy everything at the end of your trip.
Sunscreen Reapplication & Storage Tips While Traveling in Japan
Reapply Every 3 Hours as a General Rule
Summer in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka can be extremely hot and humid, often reaching around 35°C (95°F) with humidity levels above 80%.
When you sweat heavily during sightseeing, sunscreen can wear off much faster than you might expect.
On days when you’ll be walking outdoors for long periods or waiting in lines under direct sunlight, reapplying sunscreen at least once every 3 hours is ideal.
Be sure to pay extra attention to areas that sweat easily, such as around the nose, forehead, back of the neck, and upper chest area.
Mist and Stick Types Are Great Over Makeup
If you need to reapply sunscreen while wearing makeup during the day, spray mist types and stick types are especially convenient.
Mist sprays can be lightly applied over the entire face for quick and even touch-ups, and many Japanese products are designed to help prevent makeup smudging and excess shine.
Stick types are also very convenient because they don’t require touching the product with your hands, making them perfect for smaller areas such as around the nose, ears, and neck.
They’re compact and easy to carry, so keeping one in your bag during your trip is a great idea.
Avoid Storing Sunscreen in Hotel Bathrooms
Sunscreen is sensitive to heat and humidity, so places like hotel bathrooms or sunny windowsills can cause the formula to separate or deteriorate more easily.
Milk and gel-type sunscreens are especially prone to separation, so it’s best to store them in a cool, shaded place such as inside an air-conditioned hotel room or in a drawer.
If you notice leakage or separation, gently shake the product before use or test a small amount on a clean tissue to check the condition first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Sunscreens
Q. Can I Bring Japanese Sunscreen Back Home?
In most cases, yes — bringing Japanese sunscreen back home is usually not a problem.
In fact, it’s very common to see international travelers buying multiple sunscreen products at Japanese drugstores.
Japanese sunscreens are especially popular because they provide strong UV protection while still feeling lightweight and comfortable on the skin, so many travelers purchase them as souvenirs as well.
However, some countries may have different ingredient regulations or liquid restrictions, so checking your country’s rules before returning home is always a good idea.
Q. Can I Bring It Onto the Plane?
For carry-on luggage, liquids are generally limited to containers of 100mL or less, with a total limit of 1L per passenger.
However, products purchased at airport duty-free shops after passing security can usually be brought onboard even if they exceed 100mL.
Japanese sunscreens are also available in many compact travel-friendly sizes, making them especially convenient for trips.
Keep in mind that spray-type sunscreens may have different airline restrictions depending on the carrier, so it’s recommended to check before boarding.
During travel, compact sizes around 40g to 60g tend to be especially convenient and easy to carry.
Q. Are There Sunscreens That Are Only Available in Japan?
Yes, there are.
Brands such as ANESSA, ALLIE, and SEKKISEI often release Japan-exclusive product lines and limited-edition packaging.
Japan has one of the world’s largest sunscreen markets, so many products have evolved in uniquely Japanese ways — such as formulas that leave less white cast, feel less sticky, and work more like skincare products.
Some products are not sold overseas, which makes searching for them during your trip to Japan part of the fun.
Q. Which Sunscreens Are Good for Sensitive Skin?
For sensitive skin, brands like IHADA, Curél, and SEKKISEI CLEAR WELLNESS are especially popular.
Japanese sunscreen brands offer a wide range of products designed specifically for sensitive skin, including fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and low-irritation formulas.
After actually trying them, many people are surprised that even SPF50+ sunscreens can still feel lightweight and comfortable, showing how much Japanese products focus on usability as well as skin care.
Q. Can I Buy These at Don Quijote?
Yes — they are very easy to find there.
Especially in tourist areas, Don Quijote stores often have large sunscreen sections featuring many of Japan’s most popular products, making them extremely popular among international visitors.
Popular brands such as ANESSA, ALLIE, NIVEA, and SUNCUT are usually easy to find, and the fact that many Don Quijote stores stay open late at night is another major convenience.
If you want to explore not only Japanese sunscreen but also other Japanese products, visiting Don Quijote can be a lot of fun.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest features of Japanese sunscreen is that it focuses not only on strong UV protection, but also on overall comfort and usability.
After actually trying Japanese sunscreens, many people notice details that make them especially easy to use, such as:
Lightweight and non-sticky textures
Less noticeable white cast
Easy to wear with makeup
A wide range of options for sensitive skin
These kinds of thoughtful details are part of what makes Japanese cosmetics so popular.
Japanese sunscreens are also relatively easy to find at drugstores and Don Quijote stores, making them very convenient during your trip to Japan.
If you’re not sure which one to choose, starting with brands like ANESSA, NIVEA, or ALLIE is usually a safe and reliable option.
Japanese sunscreen is also highly recommended for people who want to try cosmetics that can only be found in Japan.
Many products are either unavailable overseas or sold in Japan-exclusive versions, which is one reason why more travelers are buying them as souvenirs during their visit.
If you find a product that interests you, be sure to check it out while traveling in Japan.
