The 10 Best Japanese Face Creams That Are Worth the Investment

Tanja Warwick
by Tanja Warwick

Discover why Japanese facial moisturizers work so well. Learn benefits, ingredients, and the best Japanese face creams to hydrate, brighten, and improve skin.

8 min read
The 10 Best Japanese Face Creams That Are Worth the Investment-Japanese Taste
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    Why You Should Invest in a Good Quality Japanese Facial Moisturizer

    Japanese facial moisturizers are famous for their high-quality ingredients combined with cutting-edge technology. They also provide a sense of peace, relaxation, and comfort because they contain ingredients that will help your skin feel refreshed and hydrated.

    This includes things like rice water extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties and will help to calm the skin after a long day. These unique moisturizing creams and gels can also help to eliminate any signs of stress on your face.

    Japanese Facial Moisturizer

    The Benefits of Using a Japanese Face Cream for Your Skin

    Japanese face creams are a type of skin care product that is designed to hydrate the skin and are made with natural ingredients such as rice, soybeans, and green tea extract as well as unique plant extracts native to Japan. These ingredients have been shown to have many benefits for the skin including reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity.

    How to Choose the Right Japanese Moisturizer or Facial Cream for You?

    Moisturizers and facial creams are as varied as people's skin types. There are many different formulas and ingredients that make up these products, so it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

    In this article, we will explore the features of some of the best-selling Japanese facial creams to help you decide which one is best for you. We will also explore the various benefits of using these products, such as reducing wrinkles, evening out skin tone, or simply making your skin feel softer.

    How we decided
    • Skin TypeChoose based on your main concern: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, or aging skin
    • Key ingredientsLook for ceramides for barrier repair, hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, or collagen for firmness
    • Texture & FinishGels suit oily or humid climates, while creams work better for dry skin or night care
    • Skin Concerns & GoalsDecide if you want hydration, brightening, anti-aging, barrier repair, or acne prevention before choosing

    10 of the Best Japanese Face Creams You Can Buy Online

    Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk Sensitive Skin Moisturizer

    Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk is a highly moisturizing Japanese facial serum featuring 9 amino acids and other components to prevent dry and sensitive skin. This product is one of the most popular Japanese face creams, having won awards four years in a row from Cosme, Japan’s most trusted beauty blog and product rankings.

    The smooth and rich milky serum replenishes and locks in moisture to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It boasts a rich non-sticky texture and is easily absorbed onto the skin. The hypoallergenic formula is also free from mineral oils, parabens, alcohol, and perfume making it suitable for sensitive skin.

    Best for Sensitive Skin
    Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk Sensitive Skin Moisturizer 100g

    Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk Sensitive Skin Moisturizer 100g

    Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk is a luxurious Japanese facial serum designed to deeply hydrate and soothe dry, sensitive skin. Enriched with nine essential amino acids and other nourishing components, this rich, milky serum replenishes moisture and forms a protective barrier to lock in hydration. Experience beautifully softened and well-moisturized skin with every use.
    €36,18
    Pros
    • Gentle formula
    • Strengthens barrier
    • Non-sticky
    Cons
    • Not rich enough for dry climate
    • No anti-aging

    Rohto Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun Perfect Gel

    This multi-functional face cream is another best-seller and acts a powerful all-in-one lotion, milk, cream, serum, and mask. The formula includes plenty of moisturizing ingredients including four kinds of hyaluronic acid, ceramide, squalene, and sacran.  These ingredients work to provide hydration deep into the stratum corneum, the skin’s outer layer that serves as the main barrier between your body and the environment.

    Consumers of this product love the lightweight, non-greasy texture that becomes invisible after application, leaving skin feeling plump and hydrated.


    Best for All-In-One Hydration
    Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun Perfect Gel All-in-One Moisturizer 100g

    Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun Perfect Gel All-in-One Moisturizer 100g

    Hada Labo Koi Gokujyun Perfect Gel provides hydration deep into the stratum corneum and locks in moisture.
    €20,51
    Pros
    • Deep hydration
    • Lightweight
    • Replaces multiple products
    Cons
    • Can feel sticky
    • No brightening

    Another face cream from skincare experts Hada Labo, the Super Hyaluronic Face Cream has a high concentration of super hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturize your skin, leaving it dewy, soft, and supple.

    The cream’s texture is luxurious and thick, making it ideal for night-time use, but it can also be applied during the day for when your skin needs an extra boost of hydration against dry and harsh conditions.

    The cream’s formula includes a form of ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid that helps skin to retain double the amount of moisture than regular hyaluronic acid. The lightweight non-greasy formula easily penetrates the skin’s outer layer and is absorbed quickly to prevent moisture loss.

    Best for Very Dry Skin
    Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Face Cream 50g

    Hada Labo Gokujyun Super Hyaluronic Face Cream 50g

    Rohto Hada Labo Gokujyun cream is a Japanese face cream featuring high concentrations of hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturize your face and neck skin, leaving it dewy and supple.
    €24,14 €20,51
    You save: 15% (€3,63)
    Pros
    • Intense moisture
    • Soft, plump finish
    • Quick absorption
    Cons
    • Too heavy for oily skin
    • Basic benefits

    Kao Curel Intensive Moisture Face Cream for Sensitive Skin

    This Japanese face cream by Curél is part of a unisex skincare series specially targeted for people with dry skin and sensitivity caused by external irritants and contains no allergens or skin-irritating ingredients.

    This face cream has an airy-light texture and is formulated with ceramide and eucalyptus extract to deeply moisturize dry and sensitive skin. The ceramide functioning ingredient and eucalyptus extract penetrate deep into the skin’s outer layer, repairing any damage, which can be the cause of sensitive skin.

    Curél’s skincare products are highly competent at retaining moisture by protecting and replenishing ceramides, boosting the skin’s natural barrier, and defending against external irritants.

    Best for Damaged Barrier
    Curél Intensive Moisture Face Cream for Sensitive Skin 40g

    Curél Intensive Moisture Face Cream for Sensitive Skin 40g

    Kao Curél Intensive Moisture Cream is a Japanese face cream formulated with ceramide and eucalyptus extract to deeply moisturize dry and sensitive skin.
    €35,09
    Pros
    • Deep ceramide care
    • Calms irritation
    • Lightweight
    Cons
    • No brightening
    • Not anti-aging

     

    DHC Coenzyme Q10 Quick Gel Brightening Moisture

    Part of DHC’s CoQ10 series, this premium gel-format face cream helps to improve your complexion’s overall appearance by increasing the skin’s brightness, smoothness, and elasticity. 

    This multifunctional product is packed full of high-quality ingredients to simplify your daily skincare regimen. For example. Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that promotes the skin's wellness and fights the unstable molecules known as free radicals that can accelerate signs of aging.

    Other ingredients include vitamin C and daisy extract to brighten the skin, as well as highly moisturizing ingredients such as olive oil, squalene, sodium hyaluronate, and collagen peptides.


    Best for Early Anti-Aging
    DHC Coenzyme Q10 Quick Gel Brightening Moisture 100g

    DHC Coenzyme Q10 Quick Gel Brightening Moisture 100g

    DHC Coenzyme Q10 Quick Gel Brightening Moisture promotes your complexion's brightness, smoothness and elasticity.
    €77,44
    Pros
    • Antioxidant protection
    • Brightens dullness
    • Multi-purpose
    Cons
    • Fragrance may irritate
    • Moderate hydration

    Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich Lift Ex

    This all-star Japanese anti-aging cream from Dr.Ci:Labo fights against signs of sagging and aging helping to keep skin firm, tight, and hydrated. It’s a multifunctional moisturizing gel that acts as a toner, moisturizer, serum, eye cream, cream, massage cream, mask, and makeup base.

    Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich Lift Ex works by tightening and lifting the skin affected by dryness and lack of firmness caused by age and other factors. The gel’s formula is rich in collagen to enhance skin elasticity, resilience, and firmness.

    The gel has a pleasant and refreshing floral scent and its non-sticky formula is completely invisible once absorbed into the skin. The manufacturer has taken years of original lab research and technology to create premium beauty ingredients that are unique to the brand such as “Gold Collagen EX”, which re-activates the cell’s ability to produce collagen naturally. 


    Best for Sagging Skin
    P-1-DCLB-AQCENR-Dr.jpg

    Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich Lift Ex

    Dr.Ci:Labo Aqua Collagen Gel Enrich Lift Ex is a Japanese anti-aging cream that fights against sagging and aging skin by keeping the skin firm, tight and hydrated.
    €59,29 €50,40
    You save: 72% (€129,89)
    Pros
    • Enhances firmness
    • All-in-one use
    • Hydrating
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Heavy for hot weather

    Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Moist

    This top-rated moisturizing gel-cream from Shiseido contains highly moisturizing ingredients such as high concentrations of collagen GL and baby amino acids to support and hydrate skin and fight signs of ageing.

    The multi-functional gel serves five purposes, acting as a toner, emulsion, cream, mask, and beauty essence. Applied after cleansing, it has a smooth, non-greasy texture that is absorbed quickly into skin and is also suitable for people with oily skin.

    Aqualabel by Shiseido is a brand designed for women who want an enjoyable and stress-free skincare routine by using highly effective products that creates dewy, clear, and resilient skin. Available only in Japan, Aqualabel focuses on lotions, emulsions, and all-in-one skincare products.

    Best for Combination/Oily Skin
    Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Moist 90g

    Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Moist 90g

    Shiseido Aqualabel Special Gel Cream Moist is an all-in-one moisturizing gel cream formulated with a high concentration of collagen GL to nourish and replenish your skin.
    €24,19 €19,35
    You save: 20% (€4,84)
    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Dewy finish
    • Quick absorption
    Cons
    • Mild anti-aging
    • Not for very sensitive skin

    Meiko Protect Premier Gel Cream All-in-One Moisturizer

    Meiko Protect Premier Gel Cream is a medicated all-in-one moisturizer created to help prevent rough skin and acne. It protects the skin from dryness and external irritants while keeping the complexion calm and balanced.

    The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. Three types of ceramides deeply hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier, and help improve firmness and smoothness.

    Free from fragrance, colorants, parabens, and mineral oils, this gentle formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It balances oil and moisture while reducing the appearance of pores for a refreshed, healthy look.

    Best for Rough, Ane Prone Skin
    Meiko Protect Premier Gel Cream All-in-One Moisturizer for Rough Skin 100g

    Meiko Protect Premier Gel Cream All-in-One Moisturizer for Rough Skin 100g

    A medicated all-in-one gel formulated to prevent rough skin and acne. Enriched with active ingredients that protect the skin from dryness and external irritants, while three types of ceramides provide deep hydration for smooth, refreshed skin. 
    €50,82
    Pros
    • Helps prevent rough skin and breakouts
    • Balances oil and moisture well
    • Gentle, fragrance-free formula
    Cons
    • Not rich enough for very dry skin
    • Limited anti-aging benefits

    Kosé Sekkisei Moisturizing Cream

    Kosé Sekkisei Moisturizing Cream is a water-based Japanese face cream that moisturizes and brightens skin. The cream’s formula suppresses melanin production to prevent age spots and freckles forming from sun exposure, as well as dryness and other skin problems.

    It has a rich and refreshing texture that works its way deeply into skin leaving it feeling silky and smooth. The cream is also packed with natural ingredients such as herbal extracts, and coix seed, which in Japan is believed to improve dry skin.

    Other ingredients include Japanese angelica root which helps to brighten skin, as well as Korean ginseng which helps skin to maintain its elasticity.

    Best for spot fading on sensitive skin
    Sekkisei Moisturizing Anti-Spot Face Cream 40g

    Sekkisei Moisturizing Anti-Spot Face Cream 40g

    Kosé Sekkisei Anti-Spot Cream is a water-based Japanese face cream that moisturizes and is thought to have a blemish-reduction effect on the skin.
    €55,66
    Pros
    • Oriental herbs suppress melanin spots
    • Water-based glides absorbs easily
    • Brightens natural glow
    Cons
    • Small 40g jar premium price
    • Results gradual consistent use

    Astalift Jelly Aquarysta

    This luxury product from Astalift is an impressively effective anti-aging gel cream which features a revolutionary skincare formula that effectively targets signs of premature aging such as dark spots, fine lines, and dull skin.

    The formula contains uniquely developed tiny nano-ceramides that perfectly match the ceramides in human skin to intensely rejuvenate skin, deliver long-lasting moisture, and reduce signs of aging.

    Astalift Jelly Aquarysta makes skin appear brighter and plumper, as the collagen ingredients work to promote cell regeneration, retain moisture, and increase skin elasticity. The cream’s formula also includes a powerful antioxidant called Astaxanthin, which reverses skin damage caused by free radicals and is 1,000 times more effective than CoQ10.

    Best for Advanced Anti-Aging
    Astalift Jelly Aquarysta Nano-Ceramide Pre-Serum Gel Cream 60g

    Astalift Jelly Aquarysta Nano-Ceramide Pre-Serum Gel Cream 60g

    Astalift Jelly Aquarysta is an anti-aging facial gel-cream featuring 20nm human-type nano ceramide, a Fujifilm's proprietary technology and the world's smallest ceramide ever produced.
    €169,40
    Pros
    • Strong antioxidants
    • Improves elasticity
    • Long-lasting hydration
    Cons
    • High price
    • Works best in full routine


    Where Can I Buy Japanese Face Creams Online? You’ll find all the products mentioned within this article via the Japanese Taste website who will deliver them straight from Japan to your door!