3 Trending Beauty Must-Buys to Pick Up on Your Trip to Japan!
One of the best parts of traveling in Japan is picking up high-quality beauty finds, right? Japanese beauty products are loved worldwide, and skincare and haircare in particular have a strong reputation among international travelers for being “noticeably effective” and “great value for the price.”
In this article, we’ll introduce three beauty items that make perfect souvenirs for your Japan trip.
We’ll break down why these trending picks are getting so much buzz, along with real-world usage impressions and reviews. We’ll also share tips on how to buy them for a better deal, so be sure to read to the end.
Japanese Beauty Products Have a Stellar Reputation
Among all the souvenirs you can bring home from Japan, beauty products consistently rank near the top. From skincare to haircare, these items are known for their gentle formulas while still delivering visible results—something that keeps both locals and international visitors coming back for more.
Japan’s beauty industry is constantly researching new technologies and ingredients, developing products that truly respond to consumers’ needs. The result? High-quality items at surprisingly affordable prices. It’s no wonder they’re such a hit with travelers from around the world.
This time, we’ve narrowed it down to three beauty products that have been gaining serious popularity in recent years. If you’re looking for the classic, long-loved staples, we’ve covered those in a separate article—so be sure to check that out as well.
① Derma Laser (Sheet Mask)
Target your specific skin concerns with high-concentration beauty ingredients. A hugely popular sheet mask in Japan.
② Gomenne Suhada (Sheet Mask)
A sheet mask you’ll instantly recognize by its cute illustrated packaging!
③ Melano CC Series
A vitamin C-infused skincare line that helps brighten skin and prevent breakouts.
④ Fino
A nourishing hair mask that helps you achieve smooth, glossy, manageable hair by replenishing nutrients deep inside each strand.
⑤ Lululun
Japan’s No.1 best-selling face mask brand.
3 Beauty Items That Are Rapidly Gaining Popularity
In recent years, the following products have been creating a buzz among international visitors to Japan.
Whether you already know the classic best-sellers or you’re on the hunt for the latest trending finds, these are definitely worth checking out.
Koisuru Oshiri Hip Care Soap
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Product Name |
Koisuru Oshiri Hip Care Soap |
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Key Ingredients |
Peach kernel scrub, mannan (konjac-derived ingredient), and Gluconobacter/honey ferment extract |
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Net Weight |
80g |
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Approx. Price |
¥660 |
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Recommended For |
•Those concerned about darkened or rough skin •Those experiencing dryness |
With its adorable heart shape and practical benefits, this soap strikes the perfect balance between cute and effective. It’s popular not only among Japanese women, but also as a fun souvenir for international visitors who want to experience a bit of Japan’s “kawaii” culture.
As soon as you open the package, a fresh, juicy peach scent gently spreads out—instantly lifting your mood.
What surprised me first was how well it lathers. Simply wet the soap, glide it directly onto your skin in circular motions, and it quickly creates a rich, fine foam. The soft peach fragrance lingers as you use it, making the whole experience feel relaxing.
As for the scrub effect, it contains finely crushed peach kernels and mannan (a key component of konjac), which help gently remove dead skin cells. It doesn’t feel harsh or overly gritty—instead, it glides smoothly over the skin, almost like you’re softly polishing it.
After rinsing, my skin felt noticeably soft and hydrated.
Even areas that usually feel dry stayed comfortably moisturized. Although it’s designed specifically for hip care, I found myself thinking it would work just as well on elbows, knees, or other areas prone to darkening or roughness. Being able to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time is definitely a plus.
I also liked the unique way you use it—holding the heart-shaped soap and gliding it directly over your skin. It’s simple, mess-free, and easy to fit into a busy routine.
One thing to note: since it’s just the soap on its own, you’ll need a soap case for storage after use. You can easily pick one up at a 100-yen shop like Daiso, so it might be a good idea to grab one while you’re at it.
＜Reviews＞
・Before using this, I was prone to sweating and breakouts, but after I started using it, my skin became incredibly smooth! I’ll definitely repurchase.（Source : @cosme）
・I’ve repurchased this so many times I’ve lost count. I don’t just use it on my elbows and knees—I use it all over my body.（Source : @cosme）
・With continued use, the roughness on my hips improved, and my skin feels softer.（Source : LIPS）
Matomage: Hair Styling Stick Series
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Product Name |
Matomage • Regular • Super Hold • Arrange Water |
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Care Benefits |
Cuticle care, humidity protection, damage repair, and heat-styling protection (Arrange Water only) |
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Net Weight |
Regular: 13g Super Hold: 13g Arrange Water: 100ml |
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Approx. Price |
Regular: ¥693 Super Hold: ¥693 Arrange Water: ¥825 |
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Recommended For |
・Those struggling with frizzy or puffy hair ・Those who find it difficult to style their hair neatly ・Those bothered by short flyaways at the crown Regular: Super Hold: Arrange Water: |
The Matomage series is an innovative stick-type hair wax that keeps your hands clean while styling. It’s highly rated not only by Japanese women, but also by international travelers who love how it offers “quick, easy styling” and “strong hold with a natural finish.”
To use the stick wax, simply glide it directly over areas where flyaways or frizz bother you. That’s it. No mess, no sticky fingers—just precise application exactly where you need it.
The Regular version doesn’t harden your hair stiffly. Instead, it gives a soft, natural-looking finish. It’s especially handy for smoothing loose strands when tying your hair up or tidying fine hairs around your bangs.
The Super Hold version, on the other hand, provides stronger staying power without making your hair look greasy or heavy. The style lasts for hours, and it held up well even on humid days.
The one I tried for the first time was the ‘Arrange Water.’
Since it comes in a mist form, it’s easy to spray evenly throughout your hair, making it simple to smooth and shape tied-up styles. As it dries, it leaves your hair looking naturally put together while still maintaining softness, which I really liked.
It’s perfect for those moments when you want some hold but don’t quite need a full-on wax. I found it especially useful for light styling.
It also helps protect your hair from heat, so using it before a curling iron or flat iron could be a smart move.
＜Reviews＞Regular
・Tames flyaways without making the hair stiff, so the finish looks natural and nice. （Source : @cosme）
・I always use this when tying my hair. It keeps everything neatly in place and gives a clean, polished look. (Source : @cosme)
・Just a quick swipe calms my flyaways, and it keeps them under control for hours. I really rely on it. (Source : LIPS)
＜Reviews＞Super Hold
・I’ve repurchased this so many times I’ve lost count. I’ve tried the pink one too, but the green one is definitely the best.（Source : @cosme）
・It doesn’t get my hands dirty and applies just the right amount, which makes it perfect for busy mornings. (Source : @cosme)
・It doesn’t look greasy, yet the hold lasts for a long time, so even people with straight hair can use it easily.（Source : LIPS）
＜Reviews＞ Arrange Water
・It’s not sticky, so it’s easy to use in any season.（Source : @cosme）
・As it dries, it naturally brings the hair together while keeping it soft, which I love. (Source : @cosme)
・It not only makes tied-up styles easier to manage, but also protects hair from the heat of curling irons and flat irons while keeping the style in place. Since it’s a mist, it’s easy to spray evenly throughout the hair.（Source : LIPS）
Suppin Powder Series
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Product Name |
Suppin Powder • Pastel Rose Scent • White Floral Scent • Innocent Floral Scent |
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Beauty Ingredients |
Sodium hyaluronate, water-soluble collagen, and more |
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Net Weight |
26g |
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Approx. Price |
¥1,760 |
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Recommended For |
• Those who want their bare skin to look naturally beautiful • Those who want light care for sleepovers or quick outings • Those concerned about uneven skin tone or visible pores |
Suppin Powder is a face powder built around the unique concept of being “comfortable enough to wear to bed.”
It also helps protect your skin from PM2.5 and dust, making it feel even gentler than going completely bare-faced. It’s a versatile powder you can use in all kinds of situations.
The packaging and puff are both adorable, and the moment you open it, a soft fragrance spreads out, instantly lifting your mood. The thick, fluffy puff feels incredibly soft against the skin, which makes application even more pleasant.
Pastel Rose has an elegant, feminine scent. White Floral gives off a fresh, clean-soap vibe. Innocent Floral feels lighter and more refreshing.
Even when applied, it doesn’t leave a chalky white cast. Instead, it gives a subtle, natural tone-up effect. As someone who worries about visible pores, I liked how it softly blurred them without looking heavy.
I tried all three scents, and while the fragrances differ, the finish itself feels equally natural across the range.
After applying it, a soft fragrance lingers gently on your skin, making even your relaxed, makeup-free time at home feel a little more special. Since I don’t like the stickiness that sometimes follows skincare, I like to use it right before going to bed.
It’s also a great option for sleepovers or your first overnight stay somewhere—you can keep your bare skin looking fresh and polished without feeling heavily made up.
<Reviews>
・I’ve been using this for about five years now. It’s affordable, comes in a generous amount, and is very easy to use.（Source : @cosme）
・I tried it on my forehead, which tends to get oily, and it instantly felt smooth and matte—I was impressed! （Source : @cosme）
・The matte finish looks beautiful, and it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth. I really like how it feels. （Source : LIPS）
Product details：White Floral Bouquet
Product details：Innocent Floral
You Can Find Japanese Beauty Favorites at Drugstores and Donki!
All the products introduced here—and many other popular Japanese beauty items—are widely available at drugstores and Don Quijote stores across Japan.
In particular, Don Quijote is a great place to shop thanks to its wide selection. You might even come across limited-edition packaging, special seasonal scents, or Don Quijote-exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else. If you can’t locate a product you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member for help.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we highlighted three Japanese beauty products that have been attracting attention in recent years.
From skincare and haircare to light makeup, each item reflects Japan’s thoughtful approach to beauty—featuring gentle, carefully selected ingredients designed with your skin and hair in mind. Not only do they deliver beautiful results, but they also feel great to use. If you’re traveling in Japan, these are definitely worth trying for yourself.
Payke also offers coupons that can be used at drugstores and Don Quijote. If you’re looking to buy souvenirs at a better price, be sure to take advantage of them.