15 Best Japanese Moisturizers For All Skin Types & Budgets – 2023
Pamper your skin with these amazing moisturizers for nourished, plump skin.
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
The effectiveness and nourishing ingredients of Japanese skin care products are well-known. And, when it comes to skin care, the best Japanese moisturizers are a must-have. These beauties nourish and brighten dull skin, turning it vibrant and healthy. However, while purchasing a Japanese moisturizer, you should look into its ingredients and formula. We have covered them in the buying guide at the bottom of this article to give you a headstart. But first, take a look at the best Japanese moisturizers on the market. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
15 Best Japanese Moisturizers
1. Best Overall: Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream
Image: Curel Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream is an affordable moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin. It is enriched with eucalyptus, ceramide, and allantonin that hydrate and soothe your skin. This lightweight moisturizer is formulated with Ceramide Care Technology that improves the skin’s natural barrier function. It gets absorbed instantly and leaves your skin with a luminous and healthy glow. Eucalyptus is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties that reduce redness. Ceramide keeps your skin hydrated, and allantonin protects and soothes your dry and sensitive skin. Check out this video to learn more.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Gets absorbed instantly
- Hypoallergenic
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for dry, sensitive skin
Cons
- Not suitable for combination skin
2. Best Antioxidant Properties: DHC Super Collagen Cream
DHC Super Collagen Cream is a collagen-boosting moisturizer for all skin types. It is a deeply nourishing face moisturizer that is formulated with Dipeptide-8, a skin-firming collagen that delivers a high concentration of collagen to your skin’s top layer. This collagen-rich cream is also enriched with olive oil, rapeseed oil, and jojoba oil that deeply moisturize your skin, and vitamin C and E derivatives that brighten and protect your skin with their antioxidant properties. It prevents the free radical damage that accelerates the signs of aging.
Pros
- Brightens the complexion
- Prevents skin damage
- Anti-aging formula
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Colorant-free
- No mineral oil
Cons
- Greasy formula
- Not suitable for combination skin
Did You Know?3. Best Long-Lasting Results: d Program Moist Care Emulsion R
d Program Moist Care Emulsion R is a medicated lotion for rough and flaky skin. This lightweight cream is infused with plant oils and extracts that get absorbed quickly without leaving a greasy residue on your skin. It penetrates and moisturizes every corner of your skin. This emulsion is suitable for sensitive skin as it effectively reduces redness and irritation and accelerates skin recovery. The medicated formula of this milky emulsion fights acne and skin inflammation. It defends your skin from reoccurring roughness and treats the skin barrier.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Prevents dryness and flaking
- Reduces irritation and redness
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Preservative-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May dry out your skin
4. Best Fragrance-Free: Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk is a hypoallergenic skin care product. This moisturizing emulsion is enriched with nine amino acids that hydrate, soothe, and tighten your skin. These amino acids are essential for healthy skin. This rich and creamy lotion strengthens and fills your skin with moisture. It gives a radiant look to your skin and improves its elasticity. Its hypoallergenic formula is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Ingredients like glycerin and butylene glycol help in moisturizing and penetrating deep into the skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Gets absorbed quickly
- No color additives
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
Cons
None
Fun Fact5. Best Lightweight Moisturizer: Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Hydrating Milky
Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun Hyaluronic Hydrating Milk is a lightweight moisturizer. This unique facial moisturizer is enriched with hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin. It is a good antibacterial agent that heals skin burns. This hydrating milk moisturizes deeply and offers nourishing hydration. It hydrates your skin and imparts a natural, healthy-looking glow to it. It also improves its elasticity and makes it appear healthy and soft.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Lightweight
- Deep hydration
- Imparts a healthy-looking glow
- Improves elasticity
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- No mineral oil
- Colorant-free
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
6. Best Anti Aging Benefits: Tatcha The Water Cream
Tatcha The Water Cream is an oil-free anti-aging moisturizer. This moisturizer is infused with skin-improving Japanese nutrients and powerful botanicals that provide optimal hydration to your skin. Ingredients like Japanese leopard lily and wild rose extracts help control excess oil and visibly tighten the pores. This moisturizer refines, clarifies, and smoothens the skin texture. The anti-aging formula of this cream imparts a shine-free and subtle glow to your skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Smoothens the skin
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- No synthetic fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
7. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel is a multifunctional moisturizer. This 3-in-1 facial moisturizer is enriched with ceramides to infuse moisture and collagen into your skin and restore its elasticity and firmness. It contains three types of hyaluronic acid to improve the moisture-retention abilities of your skin. It works as a hydrating and nourishing sleeping mask. This hyaluronic acid-based gel hydrates your skin deeply without making it feel sticky. The other moisturizing ingredients like vitamin A and collagen helps improve skin elasticity and smoothen out wrinkles and fine lines.
Pros
- Improves skin elasticity
- Non-irritating
- Non-sticky
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
8. Best For Sensitive Skin: Kikumasamune Sake Milk Skin Care Emulsion
Kikumasamune Sake Milk Skin Care Emulsion is formulated with kojic acid that hydrates, brightens, and soothes your skin. This acidic sake emulsion moisturizes and nourishes your skin. The mineral oil in it is a great emollient. Glycerin moisturizes severely dry skin. This emulsion also contains arbutin, placenta extract, and amino acids to protect your skin against moisture loss.
Pros
- Brightens your skin
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
9. Best Non-Greasy: Yu-Be Tube Moisturizing Skin Cream
Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream is a glycerin-based moisturizer. This cream is enriched with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor. Glycerin is known for its skin-replenishing qualities; vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and acts as a natural anti-aging ingredient; vitamin B2 enhances the collagen levels; and camphor imparts a fresh scent and smooth finish to your skin. This non-greasy moisturized gets absorbed quickly and retains moisture.
Pros
- Intense hydration
- Gets absorbed quickly
- Instant results
- Non-greasy
- Non-comedogenic
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial colors
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
10. Best Hydrating Formula: NAMERAKA Sana Isoflavone Moisturizer
Keep your skin hydrated with the NAMERAKA Sana Isoflavone Moisturizer. It is packed with carrot extract and plant collagen that boosts the skin’s collagen. In addition, this moisturizer is enriched with soya that helps keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and soft. The non-greasy formula ensures easy application with no mess.
Pros
- Softer
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Blends well
Cons
- Unusual odor
11. Elixir Of Seal Balancing Oshiroi Milk
Elixir Of Seal Balancing Oshiroi Milk is a great morning moisturizer and makeup base. The setting powder effect of this balancing lotion leaves your skin free from visible pores. Its anti-aging formula helps diminish the signs of aging. It helps in balancing the skin’s water and oil content, giving you a smooth, moisturized, and poreless complexion. Also, it is formulated with SPF 50+ sunburn protection.
Pros
- Anti-aging formula
- SPF 50+
- Smoothens the skin
- Minimizes pores
Cons
None
12. Naturie I-Mju Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel
Naturie I-Mju Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel is a multipurpose non-sticky moisturizer. It is formulated with Job’s Tears (Hatomugi), a plant ingredient that helps in deeply hydrating your skin while locking in moisture. This lightweight and refreshing gel dissolves quickly into the skin. It improves the skin condition and is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-sticky
- Non-comedogenic
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
- Not suitable for combination skin
13. AQUALABEL White-Up Emulsion II
AQUALABEL White-Up Emulsion II is a Japanese brightening skin moisturizer. It is infused with tranexamic acid as an active ingredient for skin brightening and preventing roughness. It also moisturizes your skin and prevents hyperpigmentation. The active ingredients in this cream suppress the production of melanin to prevent freckles and blemishes. It gets absorbed within seconds with zero stickiness.
Pros
- Prevents freckles
- Hypoallergenic
- Reduces pigmentation
- Alcohol-free
- Ammonia-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
None
14. FANCL Moist Refine Lotion II
FANCL Moist Refine Lotion II is a revitalizing lotion for normal to dry skin. It hydrates and calms the most sensitive skin while delivering multiple benefits. It is infused with active ceramides, tachibana citrus extract, and moisture-charging collagen. These ingredients help maintain moisture, minimize visible pores, and boost your skin’s natural hydration. It also protects the skin barrier function, which helps lock in moisture for healthier skin.
Pros
- Minimizes pores
- Deep hydration
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- No artificial colors
- Petrolatum-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
None
15. Arouge Moist Treatment Gel
Arouge Moist Treatment Gel is the best medicated moisturizer for sensitive, dry, and unstable skin. It is formulated with ceramides to moisturize your skin. Its ultra-fine nanoparticles penetrate deep into your skin for long-lasting moisture.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Additive-free
- No mineral oil
- Surfactant-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
Japanese moisturizers are the best skin care products to hydrate and brighten your skin. But, there are a few factors that you need to consider before you buy one. Check them out in the buying guide below!
How To Choose The Right Japanese Moisturizer
- Form: Japanese moisturizers are available in different forms like lotions, gels, emulsions, balms, and creams. Generally, emulsions and milky lotions are suitable to use on hot summer days and are ideal for sensitive, oily, and dehydrated skin types. Creams are perfect for mature and aging skin. Balms have a thicker texture and are used specifically for targeted areas. Gels are best for dehydrated and oily skin. So, pick the one that is appropriate for your skin type.
- Ingredients: Ingredients are another important point to consider when buying a Japanese moisturizer. Always look for organic and pure ingredients in the moisturizers. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins, glycerin, and plant extracts are good for your skin. Look out for potential aggressors in the ingredients list that might trigger allergic reactions and inflammation. Avoid moisturizers with harsh chemicals.
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- Reviews: With the number of options available in the market, you may have no clue which one is the best to buy. So, check out the reviews and learn from the experiences of previous users to get an idea about the products.
Infographic: Mistakes To Avoid When Applying Japanese Moisturizers
So, you got your hands on a Japanese moisturizer, but it did not meet your high expectations? You probably did not get the most out of it because of the wrong usage. Check out the infographic below to understand the most frequent mistakes people make when applying a moisturizer. Scroll down.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Japanese moisturizers are essential skincare products. These moisturizers have a high demand in the market since many people use them to nourish, moisturize, and hydrate their skin. Japanese moisturizers can make your skin look healthy while making it soft and luminous. These moisturizers also have antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help you soothe your skin, especially if it is way too sensitive. Overall, you should use Japanese moisturizers that have the ability to eliminate redness and inflammations.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is a certified skin care coach. She recognizes the nourishing benefits of Japanese beauty products and believes they are a must have in everyone’s beauty regimen. She has meticulously researched Japanese moisturizers and examined hundreds of online reviews by the customers to find the best ones for her readers. These moisturizers nourish, reduce hyperpigmentation, fade scars, and lessen signs of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you moisturize your face?
Cleanse and moisturize your face twice daily for healthy and glowing skin.
Can we use a face serum with a Japanese moisturizer?
Yes, serums and moisturizers are essential in the Japanese skincare routine. So, before applying moisturizer to hydrate your skin, use a serum to target your skin for problems like dark spots and wrinkles.
Do you also need to use a separate SPF product with a Japanese moisturizer?
No, Japanese moisturizers such as the Elixir Of Seal Balancing Oshiroi Milk already have the properties of SPF 50+ in them, making them a single solution for multiple skincare problems.
Is Japanese moisturizer natural/organic?
Yes, most Japanese moisturizers use natural ingredients in their formulas.
Can we use Japanese moisturizer daily?
Yes, you can use them daily to nourish and care for your skin.
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