Top 12 Best Japanese Moisturizers Perfect For Your Skin in 2024
There is no doubt about the greatness of Japanese skincare products, as we have already established by now, Japanese skincare focus largely on hydration, radiant and glowing skin. It is known that Japanese women are given a lucky charm of having smooth and beautiful skin. The look that every woman is desire for. However, to be fair, a lot of the credit goes towards amazing Japanese skincare options that feature carefully selected ingredients, aiming to correct all your skin issues.
Having a beautiful skin is not an easy job, however good news is that, it is not hard either! It all comes down to the afford and time you care for your skin. Ensuring that it receives the proper nutrients it requires is not easy, but if you are reading this blog, you already on your way there! Japanese moisturisers are quite in high demand around the world, its greatness goes beyond just delivering moisture to your skin. Today, we will be introducing the best Japanese moisturisers of 2020!
How to Choose a Japanese Moisturiser
Study the Hydrating Ingredients
When choosing a Japanese moisturiser, you should study their hydrating ingredients. Japanese moisturisers focus largely on providing extreme hydration for the function of your skin. For this reason, you will be able to spot hydrating ingredients easily when reading the ingredient list. It might be difficult at first but reading the ingredient list gives you a good indication of the moisturising power it holds. The following ingredients are considered extremely effective in Japan.
- BG: Also known as Butylene Glycol or 1,3-Butanediol. Slightly thick and sticky in texture. Can also be used as a preservative. So popular as a moisturising ingredient that we’ve experienced supply shortages. This ingredient is a good indication of its hydrating power.
- DPG: Also known as Dipropylene Glycol. It has similar properties to BG. A humectant often used as a substitute.
- Glycerin: Quite thick and sticky in texture. Extremely moisturising and feels wet upon application.
Look at the Ingredient Combination
It is not just 1 ingredient that makes a moisturiser great, it is the overall combination. The effectiveness depends on how the ingredients are combined. Generally, the following combinations are said to be the most hydrating.
- Glycerin and BG
- Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate
- Concentrated Glycerin and Trehalose
What is the Difference Between Different Texture Types?
Well, different textures serve different purposes. However, the biggest difference between lotion and cream is the oil content. Both are largely made up of water and oil, but cream contains more oil, while lotion contains more water. Therefore, for the night time routine, you should use a heavier moisturiser, as it can slowly absorb into your skin while you are sleeping. While on busy mornings, you can use a lotion which will absorb quickly into the skin and will not leave a sticky residue.
1. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Emulsion
It would not be a complete list without mentioning the famously loved Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Emulsion. Thanks to Hada Labo, a famous Japanese skincare brand that has produced many amazing products targeting towards repairing your skin at an affordable price. When it comes to moisture balance, the Hada Labo lotion got you covered in all directions, it is packed with several types of hyaluronic acid which is the number one agent that provides hydration to your skin.
For people who love simplicity, this is one of the best options you may want to try. This milky lotion acts as a moisturiser, lotion, essence and can even be used as a facial mask in time of need. The ingredient list promises to give you nothing, but hydration and such hydration is much needed during times like winter. Hence, this milky lotion from Hada Labo is a total game-changer to your skincare routine! If you want a none problematic, affordable yet effective moisturizer, this product will be super worth to buy!
- Contains several kinds of hyaluronic acids
- Deep moisturising power
- Acts as moisturiser, lotion, essence, and face mask
- Suitable for all skin types
2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Premium Lotion
Another one of our favourites from the brand Hada Labo, this premium lotion contains five types of premium hyaluronic acid that promise to deliver the simplest form of moisture to your skin. It is great for people with extremely dry skin and sensitive skin, the lotion does not strip away natural moisture but provides hydration to where it is required.
When you apply it onto your face, you will instantly notice its lightweight texture that absorbs into your skin super-fast. It will help you achieve that bouncy and plumped “glass skin”. With regular use, you will see a reduction in your fine lines and wrinkles, your skin will glow like it has never been before!
- Contains five types of premium hyaluronic acids
- Lightweight texture
- Fast absorption
- Helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines
- Suitable for normal to dry skin
3. Curel Moisture Lotion III Enrich
For those with sensitive skin, Kao is a leading Japanese skincare brand that has created a successful line targeted towards sensitive skin called “Curel”. This skincare line is especially designed for those experiencing inflamed, irritated and sensitive skin. It is fomulated with ceramide and eucalyptus that effectively hydrate and soothes your skin.
Curel Moisture Lotion III Enrich is targeted towards those with sensitive skin, this alcohol-free toner is mild yet refreshing to the skin. It contains eucalypt extract which slowly penetrates deep into the stratum corneum and delivers moisture. It keeps the skin smooth, moist and looking fresh throughout the day. It incorporates anti-inflammatory agents to prevent irritate to the skin. The cream is lightweight and spreadable without leaving a sticky texture on your skin.
- Helps calm irritation and inflammation
- Contains ceramide and eucalyptus
- Soothes the skin
- Alcohol-free
- Lightweight texture
- Suitable for sensitive skin
4. Hada Labo Gokujyun a Lotion Moist Type
This Hada Labo Gokujyun Lotion contains low molecular weight elastin that provides firmness to the skin while offering intense moisture of the 3 hyaluronic acids. Focusing on the mechanism that works at the cellular level (keratinocytes), which supports the foundation of your skin.
This line is designed to fight against anti-aging, with ingredients like retinol. For those whose struggle with wrinkles and fine lines, with regular use of this Hada Labo lotion, you will see improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an increase in the level of hyaluronic acid in your skin. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to skip this product as the retinol can make your skin peel and cause irritations.
- Contains low molecular weight elastin
- Provides skin firmness
- 3 kinds of hyaluronic acids
- Contains retinol to combat anti-aging
- Suitable for anti-aging concerns
5. Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel
One of an amazing Japanese conditioning gel that has been in the market for many years. The key ingredient in Naturie’s Skin Conditioning Gel is Job’s Tears, a natural grain believed to promote smoother, brighter skin.
This lightweight formula is great for all skin types and weather conditions. It is affordable and can be found at local Japanese drug stores. People love using this conditioning gel as a sleeping mask, lathering a thick layer of this gel onto your face overnight and you will wake up with glowing, plumbed and radiant skin. The appearance of this gel is simple and nothing special. But inside, it’s a storm of moisturising ether, eager to be absorbed as a magical essence of magnificent beauty.
- Contains job’s tears
- Lightweight formula
- Can be used as enriching sleeping mask
- Suitable for all skin types
6. Hada Labo Koi-Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel
As you already figured, Hada Labo produces some of the best Japanese moisturisers in the market right now. Which is why this list is filled with Hada Labo products! The next up in this list is the Hada Labo Perfect Gel, if you hate the greasy feeling from oily skin, this product is the best for you. This gel works as a moisturiser and a hydrating sleeping mask.
Like a smooth jelly being applied on to your skin, it penetrates deep into your skin and hydrates it on a deeper level. Your skin is not clogged with thick and unwanted particles. This gel ensures that your skin is able to breathe, and your pores are not blocked. You only need a very small amount to moisturise your entire face. It spreads easily and absorbs very fast. For optimal results, apply the gel onto your skin after it is slightly damp with toner.
- Works as a moisturiser and hydrating mask
- High penetration power
- Fast absorption
- Suitable for oily skin
7. Sana Nameraka Honpo Isoflavone Soymilk Cream
This product is a holy grail to skincare lovers! It has an ingredient of soymilk, which is known to preserve skin-firming collagen and elastin which helps with the process of anti-aging. It is also rich in vitamin E, which has an ability to renew dead skin cells and get rid of unwanted particles. It has a buttery texture with a slight thickness; however, it glides onto your skin quite nicely.
However, if you have extremely oily skin, you might want to reconsider this product as the thickness can be too much for your pores. After applying it, your skin will feel the instant moisture boost and you will notice a long-lasting hydration throughout the day!
- Contains soy milk solution
- Preserve skin-firming collagen and elastin
- Buttery texture
- Suitable for dry skin
8. Nameraka Honpo Emulsion
Nameraka Honpo Emulsion is a lightweight lotion containing soymilk fermentation liquid which is known to preserve skin-firming collagen and elastin. Unlike the moisturiser above, this is an emulsion form that is lightweight and easily spreadable.
In addition to the smooth honpo soy milk fermentation liquid, the product also contains soybean seed extract and soybean protein, delivering a natural radiant and dewiness to your skin. It is an extremely gentle formula that is fragrance-free, mineral free, and colour-free formula. It is suitable for all skin types due to its extremely hydrating formula.
- Contains soy milk fermentation liquid
- Helps preserve skin-firming collagen and elastin
- Gentle on the skin
- Fragrance-free, mineral free and colour-free
- Suitable for all skin type
9. Curel Intensive Moisture Cream
Curel Intensive Moisture Cream is designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin. It is a lightweight moisturiser that is extremely nourishing and hydrating to the skin. Absorbs instantly and leaves the skin with a healthy and radiant glow. It is a combination of Curel’s new technology “Ceramide Care Technology” which helps the skin absorb moisture.
Curél Intensive Moisture Cream helps to fill up the ceramide reservoir, and to improve your skin´s natural barrier function. Soothing hydration helps protect skin from dryness and external stimuli. The Ceramide functioning ingredient and Eucalyptus extract penetrate deeply into the stratum corneum, so the skin stays soft, deeply moisturised, and resistant to external irritation.
- Ceramide Care Technology
- Soothing hydration
- Protects the skin from external stimuli
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
10. Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk is a popular item with numerous awards! It stretches well to your skin and locks in moisture. The moisturiser deeply penetrates dry and rough stratum layers resulting in a smooth soft skin. This skin milk spreads well on your face, and quickly absorbs into your skin and retains the moisture.
With a rich and slightly thick texture without any stickiness. In addition, it contains 9 types of amino acids to soothe, hydrate and firm skin. It also helps strengthen skin’s natural acid essential for retaining moisture. Feel your skin become instantly soft and hydrated in a second!
- Contains 9 types of amino acids
- Hydrating and firming skin
- Deeply penetrating
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
11. Kiku Masamune Japanese Sake Skincare Emulsion
Kiku Masamune Japanese Sake Skincare Emulsion helps to brighten and hydrate the skin. It is rich in Kojic Acid that helps to refine and moisturise the skin from within, in addition, it also contains Arbutin, Amino Acids and Placenta Extract to protect skin and help skin retain moisture.
Contains luxurious sake essence with plenty of beauty ingredients to keep the skin glowing and radiant. Lightweight formula which leaves a non-sticky finish and long-lasting moisture. Take 2-3 pumps and spread evenly across your entire body. It is not only suitable for normal skin care, but can also be used for body care on your neck, arms, legs, etc.
- Contains Japanese sake
- Beauty ingredients
- Keeps the skin glowing and radiant
- Lightweight formula
- Can be used for entire body
- Suitable for normal skin
12. Muji Moisturising Milk Moisture Type
This Muji Moisturising Emulsion uses natural water from Iwate Prefecture Kamaishilite. It has strong hydrating power, and it works well on sensitive skin. It is a moisturising milk made from natural water that will help restore the moisture back into your skin. The moisturising milk comes in 3 variations from lotion light, lotion moisture and lotion high moisture.
Each differs in terms of hydrating intensity. If you are facing extremely dry patches with troublesome skin, high moisture would be a great addition to your routine. For simple hydration, the light version will be enough. A great gentle moisturiser for sensitive skin, it is fragrance-free, colour-free, mineral oil-free, weakly acidic, alcohol-free, paraben-free.
- Strong hydrating power
- Comes in 3 variations
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Helps restore moisture
- Suitable for sensitive skin
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