Must-Buy Skincare Items in Japan: 2024-2025 Winter Edition!

If you’re planning a trip to Japan this winter, don’t leave without checking out these skincare gems! Japan is renowned for its innovative beauty products, and this guide will introduce you to must-have toners, serums, creams, and masks that cater to various skin types and concerns. Plus, you’ll find tips for navigating the beauty aisles like a pro!


How to Shop for Skincare in Japan

  • Where to Buy:
    – Drugstores : Great for affordable and popular skincare like Hada Labo and Curel. Try Don Quijote, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, or Ainz & Tulpe.
    – Department Stores: Perfect for luxury brands like Shiseido, Decorté, and Clé de Peau Beauté. Isetan, Takashimaya, and Daimaru have excellent beauty counters.
  • Tax-Free Shopping: Spend over ¥5,000 at participating stores to enjoy tax-free deals. Don’t forget your passport!
  • Tips: Use Google Translate to read Japanese labels and bring a reusable shopping bag to avoid extra fees.

1. Toners

1. Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence

A Luxurious Lotion That Feels Like a Rich Serum !

Key Benefits
Deep Hydration, Improved Radiance

Size & Price
145ml・¥9,680

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “The thick, rich texture feels like a high-quality serum.”  
– “Spreads smoothly across the skin and absorbs effortlessly.”  
– “Hydrating without any stickiness—perfect for day and night use.”  
– “A lifesaver for dry, parched skin.”  

Where to Buy
Shiseido counters at Department stores

Find it on eBay


2. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Unlock the Power of Pitera for Radiant, Hydrated Skin !

Key Benefits
Skin texture improvement, Radiance boost

Size & Price
75ml・¥12,650 / 160ml・¥23,100 / 230ml・¥29,150

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Leaves my skin glowing and deeply moisturized.”  
– “Woke up the next morning with plump, hydrated skin—so impressive!”  
– “Feels like the hydration boost you get after using a face mask.”  
– “Works beautifully even on oily skin.”  

Where to Buy
SK-II counters at Department stores

Find it on eBay / Shop now on Amazon


3. Kanebo Skin Harmonizer

The Perfect Oil-Infused Hydration with a Lightweight Feel!

Key Benefits
Enhanced smoothness, even texture

Size & Price
¥5,500 ・ 180ml

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Prevents makeup from sliding off when used in the morning.”  
– “Hydrates deeply, quickly soaking into the skin.”  
– “Despite containing oil, it leaves a smooth, non-greasy finish.”  

Where to Buy
KANEBO counters at Department stores


4. SOFINA iP Base Essence

Long-Lasting, Plump Hydration All Day Long !

Key Benefits
Boosts Hydration, Enhances Next Skincare

Size & Price
160ml・¥2,420 / 300ml・¥3,630 / 320ml・¥3,960

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “The soft, slightly thick texture feels gentle and hydrating.”  
– “Absorbs quickly yet leaves a richly moisturized finish.”  
– “Keeps skin hydrated from within without any surface stickiness.”  
– “Highly effective for combating winter dryness.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores


5. Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion

The High-Moisture All-Star That Lasts All Day !

Key Benefits
Intense Hydration, Barrier Support

Size & Price
170ml・¥990

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Provides enough hydration on its own, even without additional products.”  
– “The moisturized feeling lasts for hours.”  
– “Boosts skin hydration by an average of 85% two hours after application.”  
– “A must-have for those prone to dryness by the afternoon.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores


2. Serums

6. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

Exceptional Hydration to Protect Your Skin’s Future !

Key Benefits
Strengthens Skin Defense, Maintains Moisture

Size & Price
30ml・¥8,800 / 50ml・¥13,200/ 75ml・¥17,600

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Leaves my skin softer and deeply hydrated.”  
– “Skin moisture increased by an impressive 110.8% after two hours.”  
– “Highly effective for dry or dehydrated skin.”  
– “Packed with plant extracts, making it gentle on the skin.”  

Where to Buy
Shiseido counters at Department stores

Find it on eBay / Shop now on Amazon


7. Decorté Liposome Advanced Serum

Award-Winning Formula for Noticeable Overnight Results !

Key Benefits
Long-lasting Hydration, Skin Flexibility

Size & Price
30ml・¥8,250 / 50ml・¥12,100 / 75ml・¥16,500

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Absorbs quickly and enhances the effectiveness of my toner.”  
– “My skin felt plump and soft the next morning.”  
– “Spreads smoothly and penetrates deeply.”  
– “Improves skin texture and leaves it well-hydrated.”  

Where to Buy
Decorté counters at Department stores

Find it on eBay / Shop now on Amazon


8. SK-II Genoptics Aura Essence

Your Brightening Booster for Radiant, Luminous Skin !

Key Benefits
Enhances Brightness, Targets Dark Spots

Size & Price
30ml・¥22,000 / 50ml・¥33,000 / 75ml・¥45,430

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Quickly improves dullness and uneven skin tone.”  
– “Boosts skin’s natural clarity from within.”  
– “Provides hydration while improving transparency.”  
– “Immediate results in brighter, glowing skin.”  

Where to Buy
SK-II counters at Department stores


9. Clé de Peau Beauté Le Serum II

Discover Radiance and a Youthful Glow !

Key Benefits
Supports Glow and Firmness

Size & Price
30ml・¥19,800  / 50ml・¥29,700 /  75ml・¥40,150

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Leaves my skin looking dewy and luminous.”  
– “Restores elasticity and brightness while reducing fine lines.”  
– “Transforms my skin’s overall condition for the better.”  
– “Provides noticeable plumpness and a radiant glow.”  

Where to Buy
Clé de Peau Beauté counters at Department stores

Find it on eBay / Shop now on Amazon


10. One by KOSÉ Serum Veil Deep Repair

Hydration That Feels Like Magic !

Key Benefits
Enhances Hydration, Refines texture

Size & Price
14ml・¥1,320 / 60ml・¥5,280 / 60ml・¥5,500 / 120ml・¥9,350

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Reduces redness and tightness caused by dryness in just days.”  
– “Preps skin to absorb toner like a sponge soaking up water.”  
– “Softens skin texture and boosts hydration after just one use.”  
– “Gentle enough for sensitive skin, even during flare-ups.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores

Find it on eBay


11. Obagi Deep Advanced Lift Serum

The Savior for Firm, Youthful-Looking Skin !

Key Benefits
Lifting, Firmness Improvement

Size & Price
45g・¥8,800

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Gives my skin a lifted, revitalized look.”  
– “Noticeable firmness the very next day.”  
– “Targets elasticity with a blend of ingredients and massage techniques.”  
– “Delightful aroma adds to the nightly skincare ritual.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores


12. Elixir The Serum aa

Affordable Luxury That Delivers Visible Results !

Key Benefits
Hydration and Elasticity

Size & Price
50mL・¥8,910

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Fine lines around my mouth are less noticeable.”  
– “Blackheads on my nose have disappeared.”  
– “Leaves my skin smooth and refined with improved texture.”  
– “Absorbs well and leaves a hydrated, plump feeling by morning.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores


3. Creams

13. SHISEIDO Vital Perfection Supreme Cream

Firm, Radiant Skin: A New Age-Defying Essential!

Key Benefits
Lifting care, Intense Hydration

Size & Price
50g・¥19,800

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Delivers a luxurious dose of hydration, leaving skin looking sharp and luminous.”  
– “Non-greasy and makes my skin feel firmer with regular use.”  
– “Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness.”  

Where to Buy
Shiseido counters at Department stores

Buy it on eBay


14. Decorté AQ Absolute Emulsion Bright

Bright, Bouncy, and Radiant: The Key to Translucent Skin!

Key Benefits
Brightening, hydration absorption

Size & Price
200ml・¥11,000

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “My skin feels dewy and visibly brighter with enhanced clarity.”  
– “Highly moisturizing with a texture that melts into the skin.”  
– “Prevents melanin production and deeply hydrates dull, dry skin.”  

Where to Buy
Decorté counters at Department stores

Buy it on eBay


15. Clé de Peau Beauté Intensive Fortifying Cream n

Your Luxurious All-in-One Solution for Special Days!

Key Benefits
Intensive hydration, anti-aging

Size & Price
50g・¥15,950

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Minimizes fine lines and delivers deep hydration for a supple feel.”  
– “Non-greasy, even in summer, with an elegant look and feel.”  
– “Perfect for dry skin, leaving it radiant and firm.”  

Where to Buy
Clé de Peau Beauté counters at Department stores


16. SOFINA iP Night Cream

Overnight Repair for Plump and Radiant Morning Skin!

Key Benefits
Overnight Hydration, Improves Elasticity

Size & Price
55g・¥2,970

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Rich yet non-sticky texture leaves skin smooth and hydrated.”  
– “Deeply nourishes down to the skin barrier for improved elasticity.”  
– “Relaxing floral energy fragrance enhances the nighttime routine.” 

Where to Buy
Drugstores


17. Curel Intensive Moisturizing face Cream

Gentle Hydration for Sensitive, Dry Skin!

Key Benefits
Supports Sensitive skin Barrier

Size & Price
40g・¥2,970

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Softens dry patches, leaving skin smooth and hydrated.”  
– “Cream feels slightly sticky at first but absorbs well over time.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores


4. Sheet Masks

18. Lululun Face Mask Series

Everyday Hydration at an Affordable Price !

Key Benefits
Daily hydration, Affordable pick-me-up.

Size & Price
7sheets / ¥528~・32sheets / ¥1,870~

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “The sheets are soft, stretchable, and fit comfortably on the face.”  
– “Provides long-lasting hydration without stickiness.”  
– “Unscented, making it easy to pair with other skincare products.”  
– “Feels refreshing and offers great tightening benefits.”  
– “Highly affordable, costing less than 100 yen per mask, even for daily use.” 

Where to Buy
Drugstores and Convenience stores

Find it on eBay / Shop now on Amazon


19. Derma Laser Quality 1st Series

3-Minute Miracle: The Power of Vitamin C!

Key Benefits
Targets specific skin concerns, Provides Intense Hydration.

Size & Price
7sheets / ¥770~・30sheets / ¥1,815~

Reviews ☆☆☆☆☆
– “Generously soaked sheets feel thick and luxurious.”  
– “Leaves my skin feeling plump with minimized pores.”  
– “Perfect for sensitive skin—no stinging or irritation.”  
– “Delivers noticeable results in just 3 minutes.”  

Where to Buy
Drugstores

Find it on eBay / Shop now on Amazon


Conclusion

Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, Japan offers a wide array of skincare products tailored to every need. Don’t miss out on these must-have items during your visit this winter!

Pro Tip: Many stores offer trial sizes or limited-edition holiday sets—perfect for gifts or trying something new.

Ready to upgrade your skincare game? Make sure to check out these gems and experience the magic of J-Beauty!

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