Whenever I open Instagram, someone I know is in Japan; and each time, I have to stop myself from swiping up to ask them to bring me back one a Japanese sunscreen or two. I quickly remember that as J-beauty becomes increasingly accessible stateside, you no longer need to book a flight to Tokyo to get your hands on the good stuff.
Understanding Japanse sun protection culture makes it easy see why these SPFs so good. In Japan, sun protection is treated as a daily ritual. It’s not uncommon to see people shielding themselves from UV exposure with wide-brim hats, gloves, and even parasols. To wit, brands have created dozens of options that make sunscreen something anyone would want to wear—often with an optimized sensorial experience to those formulated in the West.
Vogue’s Favorite Japanese Sunscreens
And because much of the year in Japan is hot and humid, these formulas are often exceptionally lightweight, melting seamlessly into skin without leaving behind the tackiness or chalkiness associated with traditional SPF. Similar to Korean sunscreens, many also incorporate skincare-forward ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. “These additives bolster sun protection and contribute to overall skin health, providing hydration and combating signs of aging,” Superegg founder and licensed esthetician Erica Choi says.
Japan also has strict sunscreen regulations to ensure high standards and qualities for safety and effectiveness. “Many brands in Japan use advanced UV filters and innovative technology to make sunscreen hypoallergenic and multifunctional, meaning it can nourish your skin, moisturize, protect your skin from pollution, and even work like a primer,” licensed esthetician Kyoko Getz explains. Ahead, our favorite Japanese sunscreens available in the U.S. that are lightweight, hydrating, and an easy addition to any routine.
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