The Japanese do sun protection better than most.

Not only do they make great sunscreens, their product information game is right up there with the best.

You get products that feature an SPF rating for UVB protection against sunburn and you get a PA rating for UVA protection against skin aging UVA.

When you know what your skin needs most, you have a head start on getting the best sun protection when you get great product information like this.

J-beauty has long been known for excellent sun protection products. In Japanese culture, a light flawless skin is highly desirable.

Women in Japan go to great lengths to avoid sun damage to their skins. This includes using a UV filtering umbrella on sunny days.

Why Japanese sunscreens are superior

Unlike American sunscreens, which are considered over the counter drugs, Japanese sunscreens are considered cosmetics.

This makes a big difference to the range of available ingredients since the ingredients don’t have to be USDA certified.

If you are concerned that this results in an inferior product, don’t be.

Japanese sunscreens are made to strict safety standards.

Even the chemical sunscreens are tested to be both skin and environment friendly.

When avoiding sun damage to skin (and skin cancer) is as important as it is in Japan, you can bet that a lot of thought goes into producing the best sunscreens.

Sunscreens are made not just to keep skin light and free of UV damage, they are made to enhance the health and natural beauty of the skin.

Sunscreens are made to be beauty powerhouses.

They contain all the skin-enhancing ingredients we know and love and some we’ve never heard of to ensure youthful looking, dewy skin.

You don’t have to take our word for this though.

A quick internet search of Japanese beauty will lead you to a world of amazing information about the importance of sun protection in the J-Beauty scene.

Because of its importance to the J-Beauty routine, you end up with a truly massive range of sun protection products in any form you can think of. You will be spoilt for choice.

These range from lotions and creams to waters and powders.

Best Japanese Sunscreens in 2022

To see what the buzz is about and give you an introduction to some of the best Japanese sunscreens available, check out our review.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++

This high SPF and high PA sunscreen gives maximum protection to your skin.

Formulated as a watery essence, it applies easily to your skin.

The best thing about this highly rated watery essence is that it can be used for both face and body.

Due to the formulation, it will not leave your skin feeling greasy and when applied to your face, it won’t pull your delicate facial skin.

Moisturizing ingredients Hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract and citrus extract, care for your skin and keep it hydrated.

Wrinkles and fine lines don’t stand a chance even when you can’t avoid sun exposure.

This is a chemical sunscreen so you may want to try a sample product to be sure that none of the ingredients cause irritation to your skin.

ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++

For those with sensitive skins or known skin conditions, a physical or mineral sunscreen is always the best option.

Physical sunscreens rely on mineral particles to deflect the rays of the sun.

The only problem is that many of these sunscreens leave a white residue on your skin.

This can be a real drag since it can affect your makeup.

This highly rated physical sunscreen, however, applies to your skin as a light, oil-free milk.

It doesn’t leave that pesky white residue, so it’s suitable for all skin tones too.

As if that is not enough reason to get your hands on a bottle of this sunscreen, it has 20 plant ingredients to soothe, nourish and hydrate your skin.

Acai berry is one of the 20 ingredients in this sunscreen that will give your skin a boost of vitality making it stronger and more resilient.

Besides the mineral sun blockers, this sunscreen also has organic ingredients that absorb UV rays so any that manage to pass the physical barrier is turned into harmless heat energy.

Highly rated by thousands of users, the only caution sounded was that although the manufacturers say it will not leave a white cast, it does.

This is a fantastic product overall, in terms of sun protection and skincare, you may just want to check that your skin tone is not too dark for this one.

SHISEIDO ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk A SPF50+ PA++++ 60ml (2020 New Version)

High SPF and high PA means you get the best sun protection.

This sunscreen goes the extra mile by being both water proof and mild enough to use on your delicate facial skin.

It does leave a light white cast to the skin but users report that it works as a primer underneath makeup too.

50% skincare ingredients in this sunscreen give this milky formula a smooth non-sticky feel.

Advanced technology ensures that the sun protection becomes stronger with exposure to heat and moisture.

The sunscreen milk is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Users confirm that this is their go to for water sports and not even the slight white residue can dampen their enthusiasm for this product.

The product is hypoallergenic but one user reported that her rosacea did not react well to the sunscreen.

Another user had an entirely different experience. She called it the best sunscreen she had ever used for her rosacea.

Kanebo ALLIE Extra UV Facial Gel Sunscreen – SPF50+ PA++++

A high SPF and high PA seems to be standard for Japanese sunscreens and this facial gel formula is no exception.

Kanebo is a leading cosmetics manufacturer in Japan.

As a market leader, they put a lot of thought and effort into developing innovative products.

This sunscreen is the flagship product of their sun protection range.

It continues in the tradition of the previous Kanebo sunscreens, which use the patented Advan technology to give you the best sun protection.

Made especially for delicate facial skin, this light creamy gel sunscreen is made to be friction proof so that it retains its power even after rubbing.

Hyaluronic acid and collagen boost moisture and elasticity in the skin keeping the skin smooth and wrinkle free.

This product does contain alcohol and this is known to dry skin out. Be cautious if you know that your skin is sensitive to alcohol or tends to be dry.

Privacy UV Face Powder SPF50 ++++

Mineral face powders are the perfect sunscreens for daily use since they act in much the same way as a regular pressed powder except that they block the harmful rays of the sun.

Privacy UV face powder can be used over makeup for touch ups and that dreaded afternoon shine to disappear.

High SPF and PA give your skin optimal sun protection and you can rock that make-up look, all day.

This is a brilliant option for oily skin, since it acts as sun protection and blotting powder.

Because this face powder is mineral based, it is suitable for sensitive skin.

The powder is transparent and can be used for all skin tones and won’t change the color of your makeup.

Users suggest using a brush to apply rather than the puff that comes with this powder since the puff tends to make the powder cake, especially if you have oily skin.

Privacy UV Face Mist SPF50 ++++

Yes, we know, another product by Privacy. We just can’t help it. You don’t get more skin friendly, anti-friction than a light facial mist.

The application of this product is just amazing if you are concerned with not stretching your delicate facial skin.

This high SPF, high PA sunscreen is a little miracle in a bottle. It can be applied both under and over makeup.

It is not just sunscreen though, the reason we love this is that it contains a host of moisturizing ingredients.

Your skin will love collagen, hyaluronic acid and the botanicals in this light mist. Nourishment and sun protection meet in this skin-loving product.

While the majority of users love this product, a few complained of it leaving an oily residue. If oily skin is an issue then you may want to give this one a miss.

If on the other hand, your skin needs a dose of moisture and nourishment, this is made for you.

Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30

Keeping with the theme of spray on sunscreens, here is a continuous spray waterproof sunscreen that ticks just about every box there is.

This sheer, mineral, waterproof, reef-friendly, cruelty free sunscreen is even suitable for babies and sensitive skins.

Your whole family will love this SPF30 sunscreen and the earth will love you for using it.

A range of botanicals like moisturizing avocado, soothing organic watercress and sunflower seed oil moisturise and soothe your skin.

As this product contains oils, some users found that it felt heavy on their skins.

Rohto SKIN AQUA UV Super Moisture Gel

A sunscreen gel that is water based, this product is loved by users for the soft and gentle application.

It can be used as a makeup base or skin primer and is waterproof.

Moisturising ingredients like super hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid and collagen give your skin an extra boost while you enjoy great sun protection.

The high SPF and high PA that you have by now come to expect from Japanese sunscreens is right here.

Suitable for daily use and for that beach day, users warn that people with sensitive skins should be careful when using this product.

M# NARUKO Tea Tree Anti-Acne Sunscreen 30ml SPF50 PA+++

Here is a special tea tree sunscreen made especially for acne prone skin.

Anyone who has suffered with acne knows that some sunscreens block pores and cause breakouts.

If you have ever had your summer ruined by a breakout but you can’t go without sunscreen, Naruko have made this anti-acne sunscreen just for you.

Not only does this sunscreen contain tea tree oil, it also has salicylic acid to unblock pores and keep them clear.

Tea tree oil is well known for its ability to neutralize pimple-causing bacteria. It also controls oil production.

Add acne fighting champions salicylic acid and tea tree oil to an effective sunscreen and say goodbye to breakouts.

While no user reviews are available for this sunscreen, we think that it’s such an amazing product that it’s worth checking out.

Don’t forget to leave a review.

Curel UV Essence SPF30 PA+++

It’s always good to find an allergy-tested product that is suitable for sensitive skins.

This fragrance free sunscreen provides excellent protection even though it only has an SPF30 and a slightly lower PA.

However, don’t let that put you off. Users report that they enjoyed excellent protection from the sun using this sunscreen.

Users love the feel of this cream which is somewhere between a lotion and milk.

Because this is a physical sunscreen, users did point out that it leaves a strong white residue on the skin.

We think that this is a minor drawback since this is such a mild and gentle formula that provides the right amount of sun protection.

Ohui Perfect Sun Powder SPF50++/PA+++

For oily skin, powders are a wonderful option.

You get the power of a physical sunscreen and a face powder to blot excess oiliness in one great product.

If keeping your makeup looking fresh all day is important but keeping your skin protected is a priority, this product balances those needs perfectly.

If you need to be shine free, need your makeup to stay in place and are looking for a skin tone matching powder, you should try this powder sunscreen.

Users rave about everything about this product from the packaging to the contents.

One user however reports that she suffered a breakout because of using this sunscreen.

HADALABO GOKUJYUN Perfect UV Gel

A 5-in-1 wonder gel that moisturizes, acts as a makeup primer, nourishes your skin and provides protection from the sun.

Containing hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plumped and glowing, this clear gel is fragrance, colorant and mineral oil-free.

Made for sensitive skin, this sunscreen gets nothing but great reviews.

You will love how this glides onto your skin and keeps it looking great all day long.

It dries to a clear finish and is not sticky to the touch.

Conclusion

If you have been searching for the fountain of eternal youth, you may just find it in a Japanese sunscreen.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the one that is right for you.

The secret is out, J-Beauty begins and ends with the best sunscreens.