3 Must-Buy Popular Sunscreens in Japan! Reviews & Discount Coupons Included
Sunscreens are becoming increasingly popular as must-buy items for travelers to Japan. Japanese UV care products are known for their high quality and are highly rated by people from around the world.
In this article, we’ll review three top sunscreen series that we highly recommend as must-buys. We’ll also share coupon information to help you shop smart during your trip, so be sure to check it out!
Seriously Recommended! Reviews of Popular Sunscreens in Japan
Among the many sunscreens available in Japan, here are three series that I truly believe are must-buys. Check out the lineup below:
BioreUV AQUQ Rich series
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BioreUV AQUA Rich WATERY ESSENCE
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BioreUV AQUA Rich LIGHT UP ESSENCE
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BioreUV AQUA Rich WATERY HOLD CREAM
SKIN AQUA series
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SKIN AQUA TONE UP UV Essence~lavender~
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SKIN AQUA TONE UP UV Essence~blue~
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SKIN AQUA Serum UV
ANESSA series
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ANESSA PERFECT UV SUNSCREEN SKINCARE MILK NA
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ANESSA PERFECT UV SUNSCREEN SKINCARE SPRAY NA
BioreUV AQUA Rich series
The Biore UV AQUA Rich series is the classic Japanese sunscreen!
All of the products in this series are known for their light, water-like texture, and I’ve personally used them several times. They’re sold in many places and come at a reasonable price, making them easy to try.
Another great feature is the integrated cap! You don’t have to worry about removing or misplacing it, which makes the product super convenient to use.
Each item has a slightly different tint, but all have a fresh, watery texture that blends smoothly into the skin.
Let me introduce each one’s texture and feel!
BioreUV AQUA Rich WATERY ESSENCE
Features
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Ultra-light, watery texture
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Strong protection with SPF50+ PA++++
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Contains hyaluronic acid for hydration
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Washes off easily with soap
Recommended for:
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Those who dislike sticky sunscreens
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People who want to use sunscreen daily without stress
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Anyone looking to try a classic Japanese product
BioreUV AQUA Rich WATERY ESSENCE into the skin so well, you’ll forget you’re even wearing sunscreen!
With a water-based formula, it feels smooth and light like water, instantly absorbing into the skin. After application, it leaves a dry, non-sticky finish. Among the Biore series I tested, this one felt the most refreshing and watery.
How well a sunscreen blends is key to avoiding uneven application — and with this one, you won’t have to worry about patchiness.
Volume: 70g
Price (incl. tax): ¥968
Click here for more product details
BioreUV AQUA Rich LIGHT UP ESSENCE
Features
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Natural tone-up effect
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Diffuses light for a radiant glow
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Works great as a makeup base
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Washes off with soap
Recommended for:
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Those who want their skin to look clearer and brighter
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Anyone looking to simplify their makeup routine
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People who love translucent, glowing skin
Biore UV AQUA Rich LIGHT UP ESSENCE instantly brightens your skin the moment you apply it.
It creates a fine, uneven film on the skin’s surface that diffuses light — instead of using tint to correct skin tone, it uses light to naturally brighten the skin. The result is a fresh, radiant look!
Since it provides both UV protection and a brightening effect, it’s perfect not just for your body, but also for your face. You can use it as a primer or for quick outings without makeup.
Volume: 70g
Price (incl. tax): ¥1,078
Click here for more product details
Features
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Moisturizing yet lightweight
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High hydration power to combat dryness
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SPF50+ PA++++
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Washes off with soap
Recommended for:
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People with dry or combination skin
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Those who want both UV protection and hydration
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Anyone who prefers a light cream texture
If you want more than just a lightweight feel and are also seeking deep hydration, Biore UV AQUA Rich WATERY HOLD CREAM is for you.
It’s designed to form a moisture-holding barrier on the skin that lasts for hours.
While all products in the AQUA Rich series are refreshing, this one seemed to provide the most moisture retention throughout the day.
Plus, it features 9 skin-friendly benefits:
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Non-chemical formula (no UV absorbers)
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Alcohol-free
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Paraben-free
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Dye-free
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Washable with soap
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Contains moisturizing ingredients (shea butter, BG)
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Formulated to be non-comedogenic
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Allergy-tested
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Patch tested on sensitive skin
This is a great choice for people with sensitive skin or children who are sensitive to sunscreen ingredients. While it’s slightly more expensive, the high-quality formulation makes it worth it.
The unique paper-like texture of the package is also charming!
Volume: 50g
Price (incl. tax): ¥1,650
Click here for more product details
SKIN AQUA series
The SKIN AQUA series is perfect for anyone who wants their skin to look naturally beautiful.
With its subtle tone-up effect, this sunscreen gives your skin a fresh, healthy look that can instantly boost your mood—perfect for those “my skin looks amazing today!” moments.
You can choose from five colors based on your skin concerns and the tone you want to achieve:
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Lavender: Natural tone-up
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Hakanage Blue: Brightens the skin and reduces redness
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Mint Green: Covers redness for a clear look
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Rose: Enhances complexion for a healthy glow
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Latte Beige: Evens out tone and dullness
These sunscreens can be used on both the face and body, so they’re great as makeup bases that match your specific skin needs.
This time, we reviewed the most popular Lavender and the Blue for a fair, bright look. We also tried a newly released product designed to deeply hydrate your skin!
SKIN AQUA TONE UP UV Essence ~lavender~
Features
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Lavender color boosts your skin’s radiance
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Micro-pearls create a luminous, 3D glow
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SPF50+ PA++++
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Washes off with soap
Recommended for:
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Anyone seeking a brighter, more translucent complexion
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Those concerned about dull or yellow undertones
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People who want to look better in photos
This product uses lavender, a popular color for makeup bases that enhance transparency. By blending both blue (for brightness) and pink (for healthy color) tones, it naturally tones up your skin.
When applied, the cream appears slightly purple, but as you spread it out, it turns sheer white. Compared to untreated skin, you’ll notice a subtle tone-up effect.
In the photo: Lavender on the right, Blue on the left.
The difference is subtle, but the blue seems to give a slightly brighter tone.
The brightening effect is thanks to micro-pearls, which reflect light like a reflector board, giving your skin a fresh, dewy look—almost like a movie star!
It also has a refreshing, gentle soap-like fragrance, making it perfect for daily use.
Size: 80g
Price (tax included): ¥1,100
Click here for more product details
SKIN AQUA TONE UP UV Essence ~blue~
Features
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Blue tone corrects redness
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Creates a pale, cool-toned look
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SPF50+ PA++++
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Washes off with soap
Recommended for:
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Those concerned about redness
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People who want to look fairer
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Fans of cool-toned makeup
If you’re aiming for a cool, porcelain-like complexion, the blue version is your go-to.
While the lavender version provides a natural glow, this one emphasizes a fair and cool skin tone.
It combines blue tone-correcting pigments with a white base, helping to cancel out redness and achieve a more balanced, pale look.
It’s great not just as a makeup base, but also for evening out skin tone on the body, especially if you want to match your face and neck.
This tone also gives off a refreshing and calm impression, making it a good choice for those who tend to flush or sunburn easily.
Size: 80g
Price (tax included): ¥1,100
Click here for more product details
SKIN AQUA Serum UV
Features
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Serum-like hydration
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Contains high-concentration hyaluronic acid
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Alcohol-free and gentle on skin
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Refreshing gel texture
Recommended for:
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People with very dry skin
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Those who prioritize gentle skincare
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Anyone wanting a UV product that feels like skincare
SKIN AQUA Serum UV is perfect for those who value intensive hydration in their sun care.
It contains three types of hyaluronic acid, delivering deep moisture while providing SPF50 / PA++++ protection. Think of it as a moisturizing serum that also shields your skin from UV damage.
Unlike other creams, this one has a light, gel-like texture. It spreads smoothly, absorbs well, and leaves your skin feeling moisturized without any stickiness. Over time, it dries to a silky finish, making it ideal for those who dislike the tacky feel of typical sunscreens.
It’s also alcohol-free, making it a safe and gentle option for those with sensitive skin.
Size: 70g
Price (tax included): ¥1,320
Click here for more product details
ANESSA series
The ANESSA series gives off the vibe of a brand that’s ready to “battle the sun!”
Its cutting-edge technology is all about not getting burned. Compared to other sunscreens, it may be a bit pricier, but when it comes to serious sun protection—like during summer outdoor activities—ANESSA truly delivers peace of mind.
One of the most interesting features is the use of advanced technologies like “Auto Booster” and “Auto Repair.” These technologies react to moisture (such as sweat, water, or humidity) by strengthening the UV protection film, and even repair uneven application of the sunscreen naturally.
It’s a brand that tackles all the common sunscreen complaints—and solves them.
In this article, we’ll review two ANESSA products: a classic standard and a spray type that’s perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
ANESSA PERFECT UV SUNSCREEN SKINCARE MILK NA
Features
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Top-level UV protection
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Resistant to sweat, water, and humidity
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Smooth milk texture spreads evenly
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Contains skincare ingredients
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Washes off with soap
Recommended for:
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Those who absolutely don’t want to get tanned
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People with plans for beaches, pools, or outdoor sports
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Anyone looking for a sunscreen with proven trust and performance
This product won 1st place in the @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2024, one of Japan’s most popular beauty review platforms. It’s not only high in quality but also has a great reputation among users.
Even though it’s a “milk type”, the texture is light and fluid, spreading easily on the skin.
There are two types available: milk and gel.
From testing both, the gel feels cooler and more refreshing, while the milk type is slightly more resistant to water—ideal for outdoor activities and travel.
If you want ultimate protection, especially for active days out, the milk type is highly recommended.
Volume: 90g
Price (tax included): ¥3,058
Click here for more product details
ANESSA PERFECT UV SUNSCREEN SKINCARE SPRAY NA
Features
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Quick and easy spray-on UV care
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Safe for hair, back, and even over makeup
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Powerful ANESSA UV protection
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Lightweight and non-sticky finish
Recommended for:
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People who want easy reapplication while out
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Those who want full-body UV protection
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Anyone already using ANESSA Milk who wants to pair it
If you’re looking for the most convenient UV protection, this spray is a must-have.
It’s especially useful for hard-to-reach areas like your back, forgotten spots like hair, and for touch-ups over makeup—perfect for outdoor outings!
It doesn’t leave a white cast and has a very light, comfortable feel.
This spray also features ANESSA’s Auto Booster technology, meaning the UV-blocking layer strengthens when it comes in contact with water or sweat. It works great not just at the beach or pool but also on hot and humid days.
Another bonus is how evenly it applies in a single spray and its gentle floral scent, which helps mask body odor from sweat.
Volume: 60g
Price (tax included): ¥1,958
Click here for more product details
Where to Buy Japanese UV Care Products?
The UV care products introduced here, as well as many other Japanese UV care items, are easy to find almost anywhere. You can find them at Don Quijote stores, drugstores, convenience stores, supermarkets, and more.
Among these, Don Quijote stands out for having the largest selection and variety. From early spring through summer, special booths for popular UV care series are often set up, so you’ll easily find the product you want!
Aim for flawless white skin with high-quality sunscreens!
The sunscreens introduced here are popular and trusted in Japan. Whether it’s the watery feel of Biore UV, the tone-up effect of SKIN AQUA, or the powerful UV blocking technology of ANESSA, each has unique features to suit your needs.
When visiting Japan, be sure to check out Don Quijote and drugstores to find the perfect sunscreen for you.
Also, if you download various coupons prepared by Payke in advance, you can enjoy shopping with great deals. Get beautiful, fair skin and create wonderful memories in Japan!