20 Popular Japanese Beauty Products You Must Buy at Drugstores (2025 Edition)

*Before purchasing or using any of the products below, please carefully review the ingredients and safety precautions on both the product packaging and official website. 

*All prices mentioned in this article include consumption tax.

*This article was sponsored by ROHTO Pharmaceutical.

Brightening Skin Care Products

1. Obagi C Series: C25 Serum Neo

The Obagi C series features "Pure Vitamin C," a form of vitamin C that instantly penetrates and works within the skin's stratum corneum. What makes this series unique is its proprietary formulation that stabilizes the typically unstable Pure Vitamin C. Among the series, Obagi C25 Serum Neo contains the highest concentration of this powerful ingredient. This serum deeply hydrates the skin, promoting a clear, firm complexion. Beyond targeting enlarged pores and dullness, it also addresses age-related concerns like fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

2. Hadalabo Shirojyun Series

This comprehensive skincare series combines powerful brightening ingredients to prevent dark spots while treating acne, skin irritation, and dehydration. The formulas help refine skin texture for a brighter, more translucent complexion. All the products in this lineup are thoughtfully formulated without fragrances, artificial colors, alcohol, parabens, or mineral oils, making them gentle enough for sensitive skin. They are also non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores or trigger breakouts. They come in two sizes: 170 mL bottles and large 400 mL pump bottles that are perfect for liberal application not just on your face, but also on the elbows, knees, feet, back, and wherever else on your body.

3. Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Mask Plus

Perfect for when your skin needs extra care after sun exposure or on hectic days! This luxurious face mask is saturated with potent ingredients that penetrate deep into the skin's outer layer, providing intense hydration without any sticky residue. This thick, perfectly fitting face mask contains both Vitamin C and Vitamin E derivatives that wrap your skin in nourishing goodness. The convenient 10-pack size is ideal for short-term intensive treatment and perfect for travel. It is especially helpful for combating the dry air typically found in hotel rooms.

4. The LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsules

The LYPO is currently one of Japan's most popular beauty supplements, featuring innovative liposomal vitamin C technology! The formula combines two types of vitamin C with hyaluronic acid. It's perfect for those seeking that coveted glass skin effect through vitamin C supplementation. What makes The LYPO special is its use of liposome technology: the ingredients are put into capsules formulated to be identical to cell membranes, allowing for slow release of active ingredients in the body which ensures longer-lasting effectiveness. Available in two convenient forms: tasteless capsules or refreshing lemon-lime flavored powder that can be taken without water.

Skin Care Products for Pores and Rough Skin

5. Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash

Part of the renowned Melano CC series known for melanin suppression and prevention of acne, dark spots, and freckles, this innovative enzyme cleanser offers advanced pore care. The formula works through a dual-action approach: active enzymes break down protein-based impurities in pores, while purifying clay absorbs and removes any other debris. Pure Vitamin C then conditions and hydrates the skin. Typically, enzyme cleansers come in powder form since enzymes lose effectiveness when exposed to water. However, through proprietary technology, Melano CC has achieved a breakthrough by creating a tube-type face cleanser that maintains active enzyme stability!

6. Mentholatum Acnes 25

Acnes 25 is specially formulated to address stubborn adult acne that's prone to scarring. This powerful formula contains three kinds of active ingredients: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tissue-repairing compounds that penetrate deep into the skin to treat acne at its source. It's particularly effective for adult acne that repeatedly appears in the same areas, such as the cheeks, around the mouth, and the chin. The formula becomes transparent upon application, making it perfect for use under makeup. Choose between the Mentholatum Acnes 25 Medical Cream EXa for red, inflamed acne, and Mentholatum Acnes 25 Medical Mist b, which you spray on. The mist type can even be used upside down, so you can also use it to treat back acne.

Mentholatum Acnes 25 Medical Cream EXa (16 grams)

Mentholatum Acnes 25 Medical Mist b (100 mL)

7. softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

Perfect for those seeking quick and efficient makeup removal. This innovative cleanser can be used with wet hands and requires no follow-up face wash, making it ideal for use even in the shower or bath. The formula combines 5 certified organic botanical oils and 3 botanical seed oils for superior moisturizing benefits. While many cleansing oils can weaken eyelash extension adhesives, this gentle formula is safe for use with lash extensions.

8. Keana NADESHIKO Rice Mask

This thick face mask features "rice serum" derived from 100% Japanese rice, specially formulated to minimize the appearance of pores. It combines four powerful rice-based ingredients: fermented rice extract to balance the skin's moisture, rice bran oil to enhance skin elasticity, rice ceramides to improve the skin's condition, and rice bran extract to refine skin texture. The soft face mask is saturated with essence and adheres perfectly to the skin, leaving it plump and bouncy to the touch. While gentle enough for daily use, it's particularly effective as a special treatment when the skin needs extra hydration.

Moisturizing Skin Care Products

9. CareCera High Moisture Advanced Barrier Emulsion

The CareCera Advance Barrier Emulsion is perfect for those with dry, sensitive skin that feels irritated even after applying toner! While emulsions are typically used after cleansing and toner, this innovative "pre-emulsion" is designed to be applied immediately after cleansing. The formula contains 8 types of natural ceramides to replenish moisture in the skin. Using this emulsion first helps prepare and calm the skin, making subsequent skincare products easier to apply and absorb without irritation.

10. yuskin Aa

Four active ingredients in this cream work together to heal chapped skin, cracked skin, and chilblains, while two moisturizing ingredients provide deep hydration to the skin. The cream's distinctive yellow color comes from vitamin B2, a water-soluble vitamin, and its refreshing scent is derived from the active ingredient dl-camphor. While commonly used for the hands, this versatile cream can be applied anywhere on the body. Massage thoroughly into the skin after washing dishes, bathing, or before bedtime until the texture transforms from creamy to silky smooth.

11. Mentholatum Medical Lip nc (Tube Type)

A non-steroidal medicinal lip treatment that addresses various lip concerns including chapping, peeling, cracking, and angular cheilitis. The active ingredient cetylpyridinium chloride hydrate helps prevent bacterial growth in affected areas, while five additional healing ingredients promote repair. The convenient tube format allows for direct application to the lips and is perfect for on-the-go use. Also available as Mentholatum Medical Lip b (Jar Type), which features a refreshing menthol sensation.

Sunscreen

12. Skin Aqua Tone-Up UV Essence

This sunscreen offers sun protection while simultaneously enhancing the skin's natural tone and radiance. You can use it on your body as well as under makeup. There are four colors depending on how you want your skin to look: Lavender makes your skin look flush and bright, Mint Green reduces redness and keeps acne scars on the downlow, Rose adds a pop of color to the skin and reduces dullness, and Latte Beige gives your skin a natural and healthy glow while also evening out your skin tone. If you use it before makeup, it'll make your skin look even more radiant. Not only is it really easy to apply thanks to its smooth, watery texture, but it also comes off easily with soap.

13. Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist

This innovative sunscreen sprays on as an ultra-fine mist that transforms into a protective gel layer upon contact with the skin. The 360-degree spray nozzle allows application from any angle, making it easy to protect hard-to-reach areas like the feet and back. It's also perfect for protecting hair from sun damage, which is often overlooked in sun care routines. While the formula is super waterproof and sweat-resistant, it still removes easily with regular soap. The non-aerosol bottle provides quiet dispensing and requires no special disposal procedures.

Hair Care Products

14. TSUBAKI Premium Moist & Repair Shampoo

Features a powerful blend of camellia seed oil, squalane, plant-derived cholesterol-like compounds, and ceramide-mimicking ingredients that work together to repair hair both on the surface level and deep within. The formula intelligently targets damaged areas, concentrating its reparative effects on areas that need it the most. It transforms dry, frizzy, and unmanageable hair into smooth, moisturized locks with beautiful shine from the roots to the tips. Enhanced with an enchanting floral camellia fragrance. Complete your care routine with TSUBAKI Premium Moist & Repair Conditioner and Treatment, sold separately.

15. Fino Premium Touch Concentrated Beauty Essence Hair Mask

An intensive repair hair mask that targets even minor damage, creating smooth hair from root to tip. Use after shampooing during your bath routine. The formula combines six powerful ingredients that penetrate deeply to address various hair concerns, including royal jelly for deep moisturization, trehalose and sorbitol for lasting manageability, and glutamic acid to help preserve hair color. The mask's unique damage-seeking technology helps create a perfectly smooth hair surface by filling in rough, uneven areas.

16. 50 Megumi Organic Hair Colorant

A gentle color treatment that deeply penetrates resistant gray hair while nourishing both the hair and scalp. Perfect for those concerned about frequent salon visits being time-consuming and expensive, quick color fade-out, or hair damage from repeated dyeing. Application is simple: use once weekly by applying to the hair, leaving it on briefly, then rinsing and shampooing. Developed with Rohto Pharmaceutical's proprietary knowledge and technologies, it includes moisturizing ingredients specifically formulated for scalp care. Available in four shades: Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black, and Natural Black, with a refreshing floral fragrance.

Eye Care Products

17. Lycée Glow

A revolutionary product specially designed for those who worry about ruining their eye makeup when applying eye drops. The precision nozzle delivers an ultra-small drop, making it perfect for use at your desk without disturbing your eye makeup. The formula includes corneal treatment and metabolism-enhancing ingredients to refresh and relieve tired, dry eyes. Safe for use with both soft and hard contact lenses. The bottle features an attractive pink marble cap design and a slim profile that fits easily in any purse or pocket.

18. Rohto Artificial Tears

These eye drops are formulated to closely match natural tears, gently moisturizing eyes and relieving symptoms like dryness and general discomfort. The package contains five disposable 4 mL bottles to use over 14 days, ensuring maximum hygiene. With no preservatives, these drops are extremely gentle and non-irritating, making them suitable even for young children (ages 1 and up). Safe for use with all types of contact lenses (soft, hard, O2, and colored lenses) as well as without lenses.

19. MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask (Unscented) 5 Count

A self-warming eye mask that envelops tired eyes with soothing steam for deep relaxation. The mask expands with steam once you put it on, conforming perfectly to your eye area. Provides a comfortable warmth of 40°C that lasts approximately 20 minutes. Since it self-activates upon opening, it's perfect for use anywhere - while traveling, at the office, or during flights. Available in an unscented version and five aromatic varieties: Lavender, Rose, Chamomile, Ripe Yuzu, and Forest Bath.

20. KOSE Cosmeport Clear Turn Sorry Bare Skin Repair Eye Cream

An intensive eye cream formulated to address dark circles, fine lines caused by dryness, and dullness around the eye area. This rich cream provides comprehensive care for various eye area concerns. Versatile enough to use at night, before makeup, or even over makeup during the day when you need extra hydration. Contains light-reflecting pearls that naturally brighten the eye area, creating a plump, luminous effect around the eyes and tear trough area.

Did any products catch your interest? Since all these items are reasonably priced, why not try them during your stay in Japan and stock up on the ones you love! They also make perfect gifts - your friends and family are sure to be delighted with them.