Pamper your skin with the best Japanese moisturizer with skin-nourishing formulas that will keep your skin hydrated and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth all through the day!
Moisturizing your skin every day is an essential part of skincare to achieve flawless skin. And there’s nothing better to do than add Japanese skincare producers to your skincare regimen.
Which is the best Japanese moisturiser?
My team and I tested 25+ Japanese moisturisers based on ingredients, skin type, as well as reviews and rated them on a scale of 1-5. We found Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel to be the best Japanese moisturiser.
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel is a multi-purpose skin conditioning gel and it’s main ingredient is Job’s Tears aka Hatomugi that intensely hydrates your skin. It has a lightweight, non-sticky formula. Naturie gel feels refreshing and will quickly dissolve into the skin. Your skin will feel softer and soothed after application. It's available for sale on Amazon.
Best Moisturizer from Japan: Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Moisturizer | Best For |
| Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel | Acne-prone Skin |
| Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk | Sensitive Skin |
| DHC Super Collagen | Combination Skin |
| KOSE Sekkisei Cream Excellent | Mature Skin |
| Tatcha The Water Cream | Oily Skin |
| Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream | Sensitive Skin |
| Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel | Acne-prone Skin |
| DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture | Dry Skin |
| Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream | Dry Skin |
| Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream | Dry Skin |
| Shiseido SPF 18 Benefiance Wrinkle-Resist 24 Day Cream | Mature Skin |
| DHC Rich Moisturizer | Dry Skin |
| Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Premium Lotion | Dry Skin |
| Nameraka Honpo Sana Isoflavone Facial Cream | Mature Skin |
| Kikumasamune Japanese Sake Skin Care Cream | Normal Skin |
Best Japanese Moisturizer
Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel - Voted Overall Best Japanese Moisturiser
Best Japanese Moisturizer For Acne-prone Skin
This is a multi-purpose skin conditioning gel and it’s main ingredient is Job’s Tears aka Hatomugi that intensely hydrates your skin. It has a lightweight, non-sticky formula.
Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel feels refreshing and will quickly dissolve into your skin. Your skin will feel softer and soothed after application.
This Japanese face cream has suited my skin like no other skincare product. I love how my skin is soft and non-greasy throughout the day. I use it twice a day for best results.
The best part is that it is free of toxic chemicals like parabens, sulfate and alcohol that dry out the skin and damage the deeper skin layer. However, if you have a combination skin type, try to avoid this product.
It might look expensive but honestly the quantity is great and will go on for at least about a month and a half. It won't clog your pores as it's non-comedogenic and is also great for anyone having acne issues.
Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel feels water-light and refreshing even when it's super hot and muggy.
— Ratzilla (@ratzillacosme) March 3, 2017
Key Features
- Contains Hatomugi (Job’s tears) that deeply hydrates the skin
- Lightweight formula
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrant-free
- Colorant-free
- Recommended for acne-prone skin
Pros
- Non-sticky formula
- Locks in moisture to keep your skin hydrated through the day
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Soothing effect on skin
Cons
- Not recommended for combination skin
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9/10
- Texture: 9/10
- Efficacy: 9.5/10
- Value for money: 8/10
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk
Best For Sensitive Skin
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk is infused with nine amino acids to soothe, hydrate and to improve skin elasticity. Minon Japanese moisturiser is hypoallergenic so don't worry if you have a sensitive skin, this is a safe bet!
It’s also a hypoallergenic Japanese skin care product so it’s suitable for sensitive skin. It has a rich creamy formula infused with glycerin and butylene glycol to deeply moisturise your skin. Minon moisturiser gets absorbed so quickly and deeply hydrates the skin.
My fellow testers loved Minon cream for it's rich creamy texture that works so well with dry skin types. I also liked the dispenser that it comes in which makes it super easy to use and mess free.
This moisturiser in Japan is also free of toxic chemicals like parabens, phthalates, etc. It's also free of fragrance and colour which makes it perfect for sensitive skin.
Key Features:
- Infused with nine amino acids essential for healthy skin
- Rich, creamy formula
- Infused with glycerin and butylene glycol
- Improves skin elasticity
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Colorant-free
- Suitable for sensitive and dry skin
Pros
- Deeply hydrating formula
- Non-irritating formula
- Gets absorbed quickly
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9/10
- Texture: 9.5/10
- Efficacy: 9/10
- Value for money: 8.5/10
DHC Super Collagen Cream
Best Japanese Moisturizer For Combination Skin
DHC Super Collagen cream is infused with Dipeptide-8 that has skin-firming properties and provides your skin’s top layer with collagen. This is one of the most recommended Japanese moisturizer with collagen-boosting properties.
The formula is also infused with olive oil, rapeseed oil, and jojoba oil for its moisturizing properties. And ingredients like Vitamin E and Vitamin C derivatives take care of skin brightening.
This cream is nothing but my holy grail as it has helped me get rid of my dark circles, and brightened my skin complexion. It's free of toxic chemicals like parabens, mineral oils, fragrances, alcohol etc.
This Japanese moisturiser is great for ageging skin as well as it has really worked well on my wrinkles and fine lines. If you're looking for something that improves your skin apart from moisturising and hydrating it, this is perfect!
Key Features
- High concentration of collagen
- Improves skin elasticity
- Contains olive oil, rapeseed oil, and jojoba oil
- Contains Vitamin E and Vitamin C
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Pros
- Intensely hydrating formula
- Provides collagen to skin’s top layer
- Has skin brightening properties
- No irritants
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 10/10
- Texture: 9.5/10
- Efficacy: 9/10
- Value for money: 8/10
KOSE Sekkisei Cream Excellent
Best Japanese moisturiser For Mature Skin
This Kose moisturizer will keep your skin looking young and fresh - thanks to the Angelica extract and Korean ginseng infused in the formula. This non-greasy moisturizer gets absorbed in no time and makes your skin extremely plumpy. I love the packaging of this moisturizer and also the fact that it renders quick results.
The cream is formulated to brighten your skin and reduce dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. My team found this moisturiser to be extremely good for oily skin as it's aqua-based and is definitely the best for aging skin.
Key Features
- Water-based
- Light formula
- Contains Angelica extract
- Contains Korean ginseng
- Brightens skin
- Reduces signs of aging
- Suitable for all skin types
- Recommended for mature skin
Pros
- Works for all skin types
- Visibly reduces pigmentation
- Doesn’t feel sticky
- Absorbs quickly
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9.5/10
- Texture: 9/10
- Efficacy: 8.5/10
- Value for money: 8.5/10
Tatcha The Water Cream
Best Japanese Moisturizer For Oily Skin
The Tatcha water cream is infused with skin-improving ingredients to visibly reduce the signs of aging. Tatcha is one of the best skincare brands from Japan and this cream hasn't disappointed me either. I love the texture which suits my oily skin.
It’s am oil-free formula infused with Japanese botanicals like Japanese leopard lily and wild rose extracts to help remove excess oil and tighten your pores. Which is why this is best for oily skin.
It also works great as an anti-aging cream as it world to smoothen and improve your skin texture. It's dematologically tested so don't you worry, it's safe to use.
Key Features
- Water-based formula
- Contains Japanese leopard lily and wild rose extracts
- Hydrates skin while removing excess oil
- Tightens pore for smooths skin
- Visibly reduces signs of aging
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for oily skin
- Recommended for mature skin
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- No fragrances addes
- Non-irritating formula
- Improves skin texture
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9/10
- Texture: 8.5/10
- Efficacy: 9/10
- Value for money: 7/10
Curel Kao Intensive Moisture Cream
Recommended Japanese Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
The Curel Kao intensive moisture cream is infused with eucalyptus, ceramide, and allantonin that work together to hydrate your skin. The cream also has a soothing effect on your skin.
Oh my god, my sister is just obsessed with this Japanese moisturiser as she has sensitive skin. According to her, this has soothe and soften her skin to a great level. She also claimed that it's extremely affordable and the quantity is great.
The formula is infused with ceramide care technology to improve the skin’s natural barrier. It’s a lightweight formula that gets absorbed easily to the skin and leaves your skin glowing. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties to reduce the irritation and redness of the skin.
Key Features
- Lightweight formula
- Infused with eucalyptus, ceramide, and allantonin
- Hydrating formula
- Infused with Ceramide Care Technology
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Recommended for dry and sensitive skin
Pros
- Gets absorbed easily
- Improves skin’s natural barrier
- Anti-bacterial properties
- Anti-septic properties
- Hypoallergenic
- Gentle on the skin
- Affordable price
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 10/10
- Texture: 9.5/10
- Efficacy: 9/10
- Value for money: 9/10
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel
Recommended Japanese Moisturizer For Acne-prone Skin
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Perfect Gel is a multifunctional face moisturizer infused with ceramides to hydrate your skin.
It also infuses collagen into your skin while also improving your skin’s elasticity. It contains Hada Labo’s Super hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture in your skin. This cream is great for acne prone skin.
Key Features
- Non-greasy formula
- Infused with super hyaluronic acid
- Infused with ceramides
- Infused with Collagen
- Contains Vitamin A
Pros
- Intensely hydrating formula
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces signs of aging
- Improves skin elasticity
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- No value for money
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9.5/10
- Texture: 8.5/10
- Efficacy: 9/10
- Value for money: 7/10
DHC Extra Nighttime Moisture
Best Japanese Moisturizer For Sensitive Skin
DHC extra nighttime moisture cream that will work towards replenishing and revitalizing your skin as you get your beauty sleep. This nighttime moisturizer intensely hydrates your skin and improves your skin’s texture as it contains olive oil, squalene and other essential emollients.
The nighttime cream works in sync with your skins natural regeneration cycle overnight. This cream also boosts collagen production and improves skin elasticity.
It has a non-irritating formula and is suitable for all skin types which is why I used it and found it to be working great on my skin as well!
Key Features
- Infused with olive oil, squalene and other essential emollients
- Boosts collagen
- Works with skin’s natural regeneration cycle overnight
- Suitable for all skin types
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Improves skin elasticity
- Improves skin texture
- Non-irritating formula
Cons
- slow results
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 8.5/10
- Texture: 8/10
- Efficacy: 7.5/10
- Value for money: 8/10
Yu-Be Tube Moisturizing Skin Cream
Top Japanese Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Yu-Be moisturizing cream is infused with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor - each of these are known to have skin-nourishing properties.
Vitamin E is a natural anti-aging ingredient that’s also a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin B2, on the other hand, is known to boost collagen levels while the camphor gives your skin a smooth finish.
It has a glycerin-based, non-greasy formula that gets absorbed quickly into the skin while retaining moisture for long hours. I bought the package of Yu-Be as many people recommended it to be. It doesn't block my pores and is non-comedogenic which is why it's one of my personal favourites.
Key Features
- Glycerin-based formula
- Contains Vitamin E, B2 and camphor
- Anti-aging properties
- Boosts collagen production
- Recommended for dry skin
Pros
- Intensely hydrates the skin ntense hydration
- The lightweight formula gets absorbed easily and quickly
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Non-comedogenic formula
- No artificial colors or fragrances added
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Texture: 8/10
- Efficacy: 9/10
- Value for money: 8.5/10
Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Plumping Gel Cream
Recommended Japanese Moisturizer For Dry Skin
Hada Labo Tokyo’s skin plumping gel cream is a deeply hydrating gel moisturizer that is infused with Hada Labo Tokyo’s proprietary ingredient called super Hyaluronic acid.
This ingredient is a blend of three types of Hyaluronic acid that works to deeply hydrate your skin. This gel cream also contains ingredients that are known to have skin healing and restoring properties.
The formula contains collagen that visibly reduces signs of aging and arginine amino acid that makes your skin smooth and supple.
The ceramide content in the formula helps protect your skin against moisture-loss and pollutants. This is my go-to Japanese moisturiser before applying makeup.
Key Features
- Lightweight formula
- Hydrating formula
- Contains super Hyaluronic acid
- Contain collagen, arginine, and ceramide
- Anti-aging properties
- Recommended for dry skin
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Visibly reduces signs of aging
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Suitable for all skin types
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9/10
- Texture: 9.5/10
- Efficacy: 9.5/10
- Value for money: 8/10
DHC Rich Moisturizer
Best Japanese Moisturizer For Dry Skin
This Japanese moisturizer is great for people with normal to dry skin. If you have dull skin, this moisturizer will help your skin regain its lost softness and glow.
The moisturizer is formulated with a blend of botanicals, moisturizing olive oil, and squalene. This Spray moisturiser is awesome for dry skin because of it's ingredients.
These ingredients together will intensely hydrate your skin. And the olive oil protects the skin's moisture barrier.
It also prevents clogging of pores as it is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin against free radicals.
The Vitamin E content in the moisturizer reduces signs of aging, while the royal jelly extracts improves skin elasticity.
Key Features
- Rich formula
- Formulated with botanical extracts, olive oil, squalene
- Intensely hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Protects skin’s moisture barrier
- Protects skin against free radicals
- Prevents clogging of pores
- Rice in Vitamin E
- Improves skin’s elasticity
Pros
- Even though the moisturizer has a rich formula it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky after application
Ratings:
- Ingredients: 9.5/10
- Texture: 9/10
- Efficacy: 9.5/10
- Value for money: 8/10
How To Choose The Best Japanese Moisturizer For You
There are three things you should consider when choosing a Japanese moisturizer for yourself
- Skin Type
When choosing a moisturizer it’s wise to ensure that it suits your skin type.
Dry Skin
For dry skin, moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera extract would be ideal. As they deeply hydrate your skin and eliminate dead skin cells.
Oily Skin
For people who have oily and acne-prone skin, it’s best to go for water-based moisturizers that are free from any oily substances and artificial fragrances as they can cause breakouts.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin then the best type of moisturizers are hypoallergenic and those that are made of natural ingredients and contain Vitamin E. They improve the overall health of your skin and prevent any irritations and rashes.
Mature Skin
The best way to reduce aging effects on mature skin is to choose a moisturizer that contains Vitamin C and is infused with natural ingredients like ginseng. They help in preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and other aging effects and also improve the skin’s elasticity.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin and are confused on which moisturizer would suit you best then make sure to choose a moisturizer that is free from any harsh chemicals and that which is made out of hydrating ingredients.
- Ingredients:
Make sure the moisturizer you choose is formulated with pure and organic ingredients. Stay away from moisturizers that include harsh chemicals. Some good ingredients to look for in Japanese moisturizers are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant extracts, and vitamins. These ingredients are gentle on your skin and provide your skin with nourishment. Be sure to check the ingredients list to avoid Japanese moisturizers that may contain ingredients that don't suit your skin type.
- Type of Japanese moisturizer:
Choose the right type or form of Japanese moisturizer. Japanese moisturizers come in several forms like creams, balms, gels, lotions, and emulsions. Not all forms suit all skin types. If you have sensitive or dehydrated skin then emulsion and milky lotion type of Japanese moisturizer is the best choice for you.
Milky lotions are also good to use during summer. If you have mature skin type then opt for a cream-type Japanese moisturizer. If you want to target specific areas then go for balm-type Japanese moisturizer as they have thicker formulas. If you have oily skin type then gel-type Japanese moisturizer will work best for your skin as they are light and absorb quickly!
- Read the reviews:
There are probably a gazillion Japanese moisturizers in the market. So how will you know which is the best one. Read Japanese moisturizer reviews before you make your decision. The reviews will help you understand how the Japanese moisturizer affected other users. You can gauge the pros and cons of the different Japanese moisturizers available too.
How many times should you apply moisturizer?
I recommend applying a moisturizer twice a day. Once in the morning after cleaning your face. And the second time, the night before bed. This way the moisturizer will always keep your skin hydrated through the day and night.
How to apply Japanese moisturizer?
After you have cleansed, toned, and applied the serum to your face, you can apply a Japanese moisturizer. If you don’t include toner and serum in your skincare routine, that’s okay.
Apply the moisturizer after you’ve cleansed your face. Apply small dots of moisturizer all over your face. One dot on your cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose, and then massage it into your skin.
Can you use a serum with Japanese moisturizer?
You can apply your Japanese moisturizer after applying the serum to your face. The serum will penetrate deeper into the skin and the moisturizer will act as protection for the skin.
Are Japanese moisturizers organic/natural?
You’ll find lots of organic and natural Japanese moistruisers. The Japanese skincare industry is actually known for its advances in skincare technology using natural ingredients and Japan has a long history of natural ingredients used for healing and beauty rituals.
You can try the Kosé Sekkisei Cream which is packed with all natural ingredients.
Do Japanese moisturizers have SPF?
Yes, some Japanese moisturizers have SPF. This is because Japanese skin care is known for its focus on both hydration and sun protection.
Many Japanese moisturizers contain hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin, and sunscreen, which protects the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Some popular Japanese moisturizers with SPF include:
- Hada Labo Gokujyun UV White Gel
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
- Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk
- Curel Day Barrier UV Protection Milk
- Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV
When choosing a Japanese moisturizer with SPF, it is important to consider your skin type and the level of sun protection you need. Some moisturizers with SPF are designed for oily skin, while others are better suited for dry skin. It is also important to choose a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.
Are Japanese moisturizers natural/organic?
Some Japanese moisturizers are natural or organic, but not all of them. It is important to check the ingredient list of any moisturizer you are considering to see if it contains any synthetic or artificial ingredients.
Here are some of the most common natural ingredients found in Japanese moisturizers:
- Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps to hydrate the skin.
- Ceramide is a type of fatty acid that helps to protect the skin's barrier.
- Aloe vera is a plant that has soothing and moisturizing properties.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage.
- Olive oil is a natural emollient that helps to keep the skin soft and smooth.
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!