New to J-beauty but don’t know where to start and you don’t want to spend a fortune testing new products? I’ve got a shopping list for you! You’d be surprised to know that products in drugstores across Japan are cult holy grail items coveted by skincare addicts across the world. I’ve rounded up 10 best Japanese skincare products under 1000 yen that will make great additions to nearly any skincare routine.
10 Best Japanese Skincare Products Under 1000 yen
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1. Kose Softymo White Cleansing Oil
ソフティモ ホワイト クレンジングオイル
An oil cleanser is an important component of a double cleansing routine. DHC Deep Medicated Cleansing Oil is practically the holy grail of cleansing oils to the AB community.
But, Softymo White Cleansing Oil is a wonderful wallet-friendly alternative that’s just as effective. Not only does it remove dirt and makeup, it also clears the skin by preventing the build up of melanin which causes freckles and sunspots. (For more on “whitening” skincare products, please see this post: The Truth About Japanese Whitening Cosmetics)
Available on Amazon Japan
2. Rohto Hada Labo Japan Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser
肌ラボ 極潤 ふんわりヒアルロン泡洗顔 スーパーヒアルロン酸&吸着型ヒアルロン酸W配合
After using an oil to break up the impurities on the surface on the face, follow up with a foamy cleanser to rid your pores of the impurities trapped within. Hada Labo Japan Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Bubble Foaming Cleanser has a gentle formula with a low pH and it is also free of alcohol, coloronats, mineral oil, and fragrances.
Available on Amazon Japan
3. Meishoku DET Clear Bright & Peel Peeling Jelly
明色化粧品 DETクリア ブライト&ピール ピーリングジェリー
This is the fragrance-free version of my favorite peeling mask. DET Clear Bright & Peel Peeling Jelly uses both AHA and BHA to gently improve the texture and clarity of the skin and diminish the appearance of pores. I use this 2-3 times a week, after double cleansing and am very pleased with the results.
Available on Amazon Japan
4. Naturie Hatomugi (Coix Seed) Skin Conditioner
ナチュリエ スキンコンディショナー
An excellent starter product if you’re new to the world of Japanese “toners,” Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner uses coix seed to smoothen, moisturize, and balance the skin’s acidity. Use it as a wipe-off toner after cleaning or use it with cotton pads as a DIY face mask. You can also use this all over your body after a bath. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner is free of irritants, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors.
Available on Amazon Japan
5. Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask
毛穴撫子 お米のマスク
For smooth, hydrated skin with a diminished appearance of pores, you can’t go wrong with Keana Nadeshiko Rice Mask. Each resealable package comes with 10 individually folded masks and the essence is made from four different varieties of domestic rice to moisturize and tone supple skin that glows.
Available on Amazon Japan
6. Rohto Melano CC Serum
メラノCC 美容液
Melano CC Serum has made several guest spots on my summer beauty lists, because it actually works! This product has done wonders in reducing the appearance of dark spots on my face, as well as treating PMS breakouts! This tiny tube lasted me 3 months, even though I used it twice daily.
Available on Amazon Japan
7. DHC Medicated Lip Cream
DHC 薬用リップクリーム
One of the first DHC products I tried when I first navigated the world of J-beauty is DHC Medicated Lip Cream. It’s called a “cream,” but it’s so light-weight, it’s like a balm, yet it’s very nourishing. What I like most about DHC Medicated Lip Cream is that it’s also gentle enough for my daughter to use, and she carries her own stick in her backpack.
Available on Amazon Japan
8. Kikumasamune Skin Care Lotion Moist
菊正宗 日本酒の乳液
Did you know that sake, or Japanese rice wine, is a very hydrating skincare ingredient? KikuMasamune Sake Brewing Skin Care Lotion is a “must-have” among enthusiasts of Asian beauty products affeciandos. It’s an alcohol-free (er, ethanol-free!) toner that moisturizes and protects the skin barrier from moisture loss and free radical damage. It has a faint sake scent and be can used on the body after a shower or bath, as well.
Available on Amazon Japan
9. Sana Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Eye Cream
なめらか本舗 リンクルアイクリーム
I just introduced Sana Nameraka Wrinkle Eye Cream to my “aging care” nighttime routine and wish I’d started this earlier! Sana Nameraka Wrinkle Eye Cream is a rich, nourishing cream. It uses fermented soy milk, retinol and Vitamin E to brighten the under eye area, hydrate, and plump fine lines. While I haven’t noticed any significant brightening (yet), this stuff is amazing when applied to smile lines!
Available on Amazon Japan
10. Nivea Sun Super Water Gel SPF50/PA+++
ニベアサン プロテクトウォータージェル SPF50/PA+++
If you have sensitive skin, I can’t recommend this sunscreen enough! Nivea Sun Super Water Gel has honestly been a lifesaver this summer. My daughter has skin so extremely sensitive, even kids’ sunscreen messed up her skin. This has been the only thing to work after trying nearly every kids’ sunscreen in Japan for literally 3 years. As a bonus, Nivea Sun Super Water Gel is SPF50/PA+++, whereas most kids’ sunscreen is usually SPF 28.
FYI: The “super” doesn’t mean “waterproof,” but this rubs in with no whitecast and has no overpowering smell (or any smell that I can discern.)
Available on Amazon Japan
10 Best Japanese Skincare Products Under 1000 yen
If you’re ready to learn more about J-beauty, check out my post, How To Talk About Cosmetics and Skin Care Products in Japanese. See this post Where to Buy Skincare Products in Japan so you’ll know exactly where to start shopping!
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