We found the best Japanese sunscreens for oily acne prone skin. Check it out!
Struggling with oily, acne-prone skin and live in Japan?Sunscreen is crucial, but finding one that won't clog pores can be tough.
This guide explores top Japanese sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection without causing breakouts, leaving you shine-free and sun-safe.
Which is the best Japanese Sunscreen for Oily Acne Prone Skin?
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++ is the best Japanese sunscreen for oily acne prone skin.
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++ ticks many boxes for oily, acne-prone skin. It's an elegant, lightweight gel that absorbs excess oil, controls shine, and leaves a refreshing matte finish without clogging pores. Bonus: hyaluronic acid keeps it hydrating.
Best Japanese Sunscreens -- Quick Summary
| Best Japanese Sunscreens | Best for | SPF / PA |
| Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel pump | Best Japanese Sunscreens For All Skin Types | SPF50 + PA ++++ |
| Anessa Perfect UV Aqua Booster | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | SPF50 + PA ++++ |
| Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Skin | SPF50+ PA ++++ |
| Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Acne-prone Skin | SPF 42 |
| Kanebo ALLIE Extra UV Gel Sunscreen | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Outdoor Activities | SPF50+ PA++++ |
| Curel UV Milk | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | SPF30 Pa++ |
| ANESSA Essence UV Sunscreen Mild Milk | Top Japanese Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | SPF35 PA+++ |
| Shiseido/Ultimate SPF50 Sun Protection Lotion | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Children | SPF 50+ |
| Biore UV Sarasara Bright Milk | Best Japanese Water-proof Sunscreens | SPF50+ PA++++ |
| Nivea Sun Water Gel | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Skin | SPF35 PA+++ |
| KOSE SUNCUT Ultra UV Perfect Gel Waterproof | Best Japanese Sunscreens For Dark Skin | SPF50+ PA ++++ |
Applying sunscreen every day is of utmost importance to protect yourself from skin damage like sunburn, tanning, and signs of aging. When applying sunscreen make sure to cover all areas of skin exposed to the sun.
Here are the best Japanese sunscreens for you to check out! Pick out the best Japanese sunscreen that suits your skin!
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Acne Prone Skin
Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++
The Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV is a popular sunscreen from the Japanese brand Canmake.
It's marketed as a sunscreen that not only protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays but also provides a dewy, glowing finish. The sunscreen comes in a sleek and compact 40g tube that is easy to carry around in your bag or purse.
One of the standout features of this sunscreen is its high level of protection. It has a broad spectrum SPF 50+ which protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Additionally, it has a PA++++ rating, which is the highest level of UVA protection you can get in Japanese sunscreens.
This makes it an ideal sunscreen for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or have sensitive skin.
Another great feature of this sunscreen is its texture. It has a lightweight and watery consistency that feels refreshing and cooling on the skin.
It spreads easily and absorbs quickly, leaving behind no white cast or greasy residue. The formula is also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
As for the "mermaid skin" claim, the sunscreen does give a subtle glow to the skin, but it's not overwhelming or glittery.
It just provides a healthy and natural-looking sheen, which is perfect for those no-makeup makeup days.
Overall, I highly recommend the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen. It provides excellent sun protection, has a lightweight and comfortable texture, and gives a beautiful glow to the skin.
It's also affordable and easily accessible online or in Japanese drugstores.
Key Features
- High-level sun protection: With a broad spectrum SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating, it provides superior protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Lightweight texture: The watery consistency spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves behind no white cast or greasy residue.
- Suitable for all skin types: The non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
- Gives a subtle glow: The sunscreen provides a natural-looking sheen to the skin, perfect for those no-makeup makeup days.
- Affordable and easily accessible: The sunscreen is affordable and can be easily purchased online or in Japanese drugstores.
Pros:
- Provides high-level sun protection with broad spectrum SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating
- Lightweight and watery texture absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast or greasy residue
- Suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin
- Gives a subtle glow to the skin for a natural-looking finish
- Affordable and easily accessible online or in Japanese drugstores
Cons:
- The subtle glow may not be suitable for those who prefer a completely matte finish
- The watery texture may not be ideal for those who prefer thicker, creamier sunscreens
- May not be available in certain countries or regions, which could limit accessibility for some consumers
Kao Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
Kao Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ is a popular Japanese sunscreen that is known for its lightweight texture and high sun protection.
The sunscreen comes in a sleek and compact 40ml bottle, making it easy to carry around in your purse or bag.
One of the standout features of this sunscreen is its high level of sun protection. With a broad spectrum SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating, it provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
This makes it a great option for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or have sensitive skin.
Another great feature of this sunscreen is its texture. It has a lightweight, milky texture that spreads easily and absorbs quickly.
It leaves behind no white cast or greasy residue, making it an ideal sunscreen for daily use under makeup. The formula is also water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities or swimming.
One thing to note is that the sunscreen does have a matte finish, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a dewy or glowing look.
However, this makes it an excellent option for those with oily or combination skin, as it helps to control excess shine throughout the day.
Overall, I highly recommend Kao Biore UV Perfect Milk SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen.
It provides excellent sun protection, has a lightweight and comfortable texture, and is suitable for all skin types. It's also affordable and easily accessible online or in Japanese drugstores.
Key Features
- High-level sun protection: With a broad spectrum SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating, it provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Lightweight and milky texture: The sunscreen spreads easily and absorbs quickly, leaving behind no white cast or greasy residue.
- Water-resistant: The formula is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities or swimming.
- Matte finish: The sunscreen has a matte finish, making it an excellent option for those with oily or combination skin.
- Suitable for all skin types: The formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Affordable and easily accessible: The sunscreen is affordable and can be easily purchased online or in Japanese drugstores.
Pros:
- Provides high-level sun protection with broad spectrum SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating
- Lightweight and milky texture absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast or greasy residue
- Water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor activities or swimming
- Matte finish makes it an excellent option for those with oily or combination skin
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Affordable and easily accessible online or in Japanese drugstores
Cons:
- The matte finish may not be suitable for those who prefer a dewy or glowing look
- May not be ideal for those with very dry skin, as the formula is not very hydrating
- May not be easily accessible outside of Japan, which could limit accessibility for some consumers
Biore UV Nobi-Nobi Kids Milk
Best Japanese Sunscreens for Kids and Sensitive skin
Biore is one of the best sunscreen brands in Japan. Skincare from Biore is very affordable and easily available which makes it a popular choice in Japan!
The Biore UV Nobi-Nobi Kids Milk Sunscreen is formulated for kids and is also suitable for those with sensitive skin. Even though it's mild, it provides high sun protection with SPF50+ and PA++++. It's free of artificial color, fragrance, and alcohol. It has a smooth finish and is resistant to water and sweat.
Key Features
- suitable for kids and sensitive skin type
- Mild formula with high sun protection
- Free of articial colors, alcol, and fragrance
- SPF50+ and PA++++
Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Dark Complexion
This Japanese sunscreen by Skin Aqua has a gel-like formula. It quickly absorbs into the skin and gives you skin a matte-like finish. It comes in a pump-bottle and is easy to apply. The sunscreen can be applied on the body as well as the face. It has SPF50+ and PA ++++.
Key Features
- Gel-like formula
- Comes in a pump bottle
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- For body and face
- SPF50+
- PA++++
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen - Best Japanese Sunscreens
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
This Japanese sunscreen by Shiseido released under Anessa is specially formulated for sensitive skin. The formula is so gentle that it can be used on a baby's skin as well.
It’s formulated with Shiseido’s proprietary ingredient Anessa Aqua Booster Technology that increases UV protection by 20%. It’s free of parabens, alcohol, and artificial fragrance. It has SPF50+ and PA ++++.
Key Features:
- Mild formula
- Formulated with Anessa’s Aqua Booster Technology
- Boosts UV protection by 20%
- Paraben-
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Recommended for sensitive skin
- Suitable for baby skin
- SPF50+
- PA++++
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Skin
This Japanese sunscreen has a light, milky formula that’s perfect for oily skin. The sunscreen has high water content which makes it very hydrating for your skin.
It has a light, smooth finish and doesn’t make your skin feel sticky after application. You can use it as a makeup primer as well! It has SPF50+ and PA++++.
Key Features:
- Light, milky formula
- High water content
- Moisturising formula
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Can use it as a makeup primer
- Colourless
- SPF50+
- PA++++
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-free UV Protector
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Acne-prone Skin
This Japanese sunscreen has a light formula and is oil free which makes it best for oily and acne-prone skin.
The formula absorbs into the skin. Unlike most other sunscreens, this one doesn’t leave a white tint behind nor does make your skin feel sticky. It has a matte finish and is resistant to water for about 40 minutes. It’s an SPF 42 Broad Spectrum sunscreen with PA+++
Key Features:
- Light formula
- Oil-free formula
- Absorbs deep into the skin
- Matte finish
- Doesn’t feel sticky after application
- Water-resistant for upto 40 minutes
- SPF 42 Broad Spectrum
- PA+++
ALLIE Extra UV Gel
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Outdoor Activities
This sunscreen has a gentle formula and is infused with Hyaluronic acid and collagen which have skin nourishing and moisturising properties. It’s waterproof and sweatproof so it’s perfect for outdoor activities. The formula is also friction-proof, that is it won’t rub off on clothing, bags, etc. It has SPF50+ and PA++++
Key Features:
- Gentle formula
- Infused with Hyluronic acid and collagen
- Moisturising
- Water-proof, sweat-proof, friction-proof
- Suitable to wear for outdoor activities
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Recommended for dry skin
- SPF50+
- PA++++
Kao Curel UV Protection Lotion
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
This Japanese sunscreen is specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin. It soothes dry and irritated skin. It’s formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like eucalyptus and ceramide extracts. The formula is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and alcohol-free as well. It has an SPF30 with PA++.
Key Features:
- Gentle formula
- Formulated with eucalyptus and ceramide extracts
- Soothes dry, irritated skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- SPF30
- PA++
ANESSA Essence UV Sunscreen Mild Milk
Top Japanese Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
Another sunscreen from Asia’s best-selling sunscreen lines - Shiseido Anessa. This sunscreen is formulated with the brand’s proprietary ingredient Aqua Booster Technology that makes it 20% more effective at blocking UV rays than most other sunscreen. It also contains skin-moisturising ingredients that help nourish dry skin. The sunscreen absorbs well into the skin and doesn’t leave it feeling sticky. It has SPF35 and PA+++
Key Features:
- Formulated with Anessa’s Aqua Booster Technology
- 20% improved UV protection
- Contains skin-moisturizing ingredients
- Nourishes dry skin
- Doesn’t feel sticky
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- SPF35
- PA+++
Shiseido/Ultimate SPF50 Sun Protection Lotion
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Children
This Japanese sunscreen by Shiseido can be used for face and body. It has a light formula yet effectively protects your skin from UV rays. It’s resistant to water and has a smooth finish. It’s formulated with the company’s proprietary ingredient - WetForce technology, that makes it even more effective when exposed to water or sweat. It has an SPF30 and PA+++.
Key Features:
- Light, gentle formula
- Smooth finish
- Formulated with WetForce technology
- Water-proof
- Superior mineral-based formula
- Low-irritant formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin and children’s skin
- SPF30
- PA+++
Biore UV Sarasara Bright Milk
Best Japanese Water-proof Sunscreens
This Japanese sunscreen by Biore is formulated with Sarasara powder, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to moisturize your skin. It blocks UV rays effectively and also prevents freckles and spots.
It’s also formulated with light correction powder to cover any existing spots, pores on your skin. It has a light pink tint that will brighten your skin tone. The formula is water-proof and sweat-resistant. It’s fragrance-free and can also be used as a makeup base. It has an SPF50+ and PA+++
Key Features:
- Formulated with Sarasara powder, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin
- Moisturizes your skin
- Prevents freckles and spots
- Formulated with light correction powder
- Covers any existing spots, pores
- Light pink tint brightens skin
- Water-proof and sweat-resistant
- Fragrance-free
- Can be used as a makeup base
- SPF50+
- PA+++
Nivea Sun Super Water Gel
Best Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Skin
This Japanese sunscreen by Nivea has watery consistency that turns into a gel-like lotion once it settles on the skin. It gets absorbed quickly and doesn’t feel sticky after application. It can be used for both face and body. This sunscreen can also be used as a makeup base. It’s fragrant-free. It’s an SPF35 sunscreen with PA+++.
Key Features:
- Watery- like consistency
- Gel just like lotion
- Not sticky
- For face and body
- Fragrant-free
- Absorbs quickly
- Can be used as makeup base
- SPF35
- PA+++
KOSE SUN CUT Ultra UV Spray
Best Japanese Sunscreen For Dark Skin
This is a spray type sunscreen so it’s really easy to apply on the go. And you can apply it all over your body including the face. There’s no white cast after application. It has SPF50+ and PA++++.
Key Features:
- Spray type
- Can apply on body and face
- No white cast
- SPF50+
- PA++++
Types of Japanese Sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreens - Chemical and Physical. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.
Physical sunblock stays on top of the skin and reflect the sun's rays back to the sun.
Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body.
Chemical sunscreens absorb rays like sponges using ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, however mineral/physical sunscreens cling to the skin and block rays at the surface with usage of ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate,homosalate and octinoxate.
While it protects the skin from the sun as soon as it's applied with the benefit of not waiting for it to take effect.
Physical sunblocks contain active mineral ingredients that sit on top of the skin to deflect UV rays away from it.
They're less irritating than chemical sunscreens and are better suited to sensitive skin. With more moisturizing which can be felt heavy on the skin. Resulting in the difficulty to fully blend into the skin.
Typically, a physical sunscreen is thicker and heavier than a chemical sunscreen of the same SPF.
Physical sunscreens might not be the ultimate choice for oily or acne-prone skin. In addition, mineral actives alone often offer less protection from UVA radiation than chemical filters.
Types of Japanese Sunscreen Textures
Water Resistant Sunscreens:
It is safe to wear these sunscreens even when swimming or cooling off in the pool or at the beach. They last for a long time and do not wash off easily, so you can feel confident about your protection even when you play in the water.
Gel Sunscreens
The light-weight texture of gel sunscreens actually gets absorbed into the skin easily and provides skin protection at a cellular level. This makes gel sunscreens ideal for people with oily skin. They can provide a cooling sensation in humid days and control sweat and oil
One must reapply these sunscreens every three hours to ensure proper coverage. You are not to use these products if you have oily or greasy skin. They control sweat and acne. They are non-greasy and do not leave behind any sheen or tinge.
Cream sunscreens
The most established sunscreens for the skin are cream sunscreens, as they are moisturizing. These products can easily absorb into the skin, but the residual sensation is that of having used a moisturizer. These are recommended for dry to sensitive skin.
Using a cream-textured oily sunscreen in humid weather can be a hassle due to the product's oiliness. It will make you sweat more than usual. The heavy texture may clog your pores and cause acne breakouts. Therefore, choosing the right texture can be challenging when choosing a cream sunscreen.
Spray sunscreen
The most common issue with spray sunscreen is not that it does not work as well as lotions, but that you have to spray a lot of it to get the same results. Spray sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage if you spray it on enough. The biggest advantage of spray sunscreen is that it is easy to apply and it can cover hard-to-reach areas like the back and shoulders.
How To Choose Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Acne Prone Skin?
There are three things you should consider when choosing a Japanese sunscreen or your skin type - SPF/PA rating, Textures, and Type (Blocking or Absorbing).
SPF/PA: It's best to choose a Japanese sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. The higher the SPF number the longer protection against the sun. While SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, PA indicates the level of protection from UVA rays. It's best to choose a Japanese sunscreen with PA +++ or higher rating.
Texture: When it comes to the texture of the sunscreen there are 5 types - Milk, Cream, Gel/Essence, Mist Spray, Powder. Milk type sunscreen is gentle on the skin so it's the best option for sensitive skin and sunscreen or face. Gel/essence type of Japanese sunscreen is light and easy to apply.
Use a mist spray type Japanese sunscreen on areas that are difficult to reach like hair and scalp. You can use the powder type Japanese sunscreen if you're going outside just for a short while. You can use it like a foundation.
Type (UV Blocking or Absorbing): There are two types of sunscreens - physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen reflect the UV rays from your skin and Chemical sunscreen block absorb the UV rays.
If you have a sensitive skin type then physical sunscreen that reflects the UV rays off your skin is your best option.
Japanese Chemical sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that absorb the UV rays and convert it to heat.
It's usually water-resistant and sweat-resistant so it's the best option for those who are regularly involved with outdoor activities like swimming, etc.
Japanese Sunscreens For Oily Acne Prone Skin: FAQs
Why are Japanese sunscreens so popular?
Japanese sunscreens are formulated with gentle formulas that moisturize and nourish your skin but also block the UV rays.
Japanese sunscreens are so popular today because of its high SPF rating and PA rating that help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is also popular for being lightweight.
Also, people love Japanese sunscreens for its versatility as most Japanese sunscreens can be used as primer as well.
Why are Japanese sunscreens better?
Japanese sunscreens have a lighter texture that is skin-friendly and many of the Japanese sunscreens have skin moisturizing and hydrating properties.
Also, the Japanese sunscreens protect your skin from both the UVA and UVB rays, unlike the western sunscreens that only provide protection from UVB rays. The PA+++ refers to the level of UVA protection the Japanese sunscreen has.
A higher number of +’s indicates that the sunscreen has a higher protection level against the UVA rays.
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