The Best Japanese Skincare Products, According To The Experts

By Twiggy Jalloh

From rice bran to sake, the best Japanese skincare products typically contain natural ingredients, with a particular focus on hydration. “According to Japanese beauty philosophy, skincare products should work in harmony with the skin,” says Dr Catherine Hood, an advisor at leading Japanese skincare brand, Hada Labo Tokyo. Natural ingredients are often combined with naturally occurring compounds such as hyaluronic acid to help transform the skin. “There’s science to prove that when applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid can help to reduce wrinkles, enhance hydration, improve firmness and elasticity, and even help to manage eczema, a common skin condition,” says Hood.

In contrast to Western beauty’s more solutions-based approach, Eastern, and more specifically Japanese beauty, is rooted in minimalism, quality and innovation. Outstanding performance and attention to detail is of the utmost importance. “It is composed of time-tested ingredients and rituals that have been perfected over centuries,” says Vicky Tsai, the founder of Tatcha. “As the formulas are so spare, it means the quality and precision of each ingredient is paramount. Only a few ingredients are needed and can be really beautiful when done right.”

There’s a lot of crossover between the primary ingredients in Japanese skincare and core foods in the nation’s diet. Think rice, green tea and seaweed. “In Japan, women understand that their skin is a reflection of their health and that the same ingredients that keep their bodies healthy also keep their skin healthy,” Tsai adds. “Japanese women have some of the longest average life spans in the developed world, which scientists often credit to their antioxidant-rich diet, also known as the Okinawa Diet.

“In Japan, they recognise that the skin is a brilliant organ and takes good care of itself, with a little bit of help,” Tsai continues. “A simple routine of purifying, polishing, plumping and nourishing helps to work with the skin.”

Japanese skincare rituals are usually rather simple. “There is a bit of a misconception in the Western world that the Japanese skincare ritual is a complicated process with a dozen steps required each day,” Tsai says. “While modern Japanese and Korean brands have evolved to include many steps [in their routines], the classical approach to skincare was elegant in its simplicity – there are only three to four steps, and you swap in any treatments or heavier moisturisers where needed, according to your skin’s needs.” says Tsai. The four basic steps are to purify, polish, plump and nourish the skin.

“The first step is usually a cleansing oil (purifying), followed by a very gentle exfoliation – historically with rice enzymes (polishing), then an essence (plumping), and finally sealing in all the goodness with a moisturiser or oil (nourishing). Protecting the skin from UV damage with sunscreen and protective accessories, like a hat or parasol, is essential as well,” Tsai explains.

“Essences and face masks are staples in Japan,” says Tsai. “An essence, often confused with an alcohol-based toner, is a deeply hydrating treatment to plump the skin with moisture and make all the treatments that follow even more effective. Face masks are a deeply intensive treatment, whether for hydrating or brightening, and are used as a regular part of the [skincare] ritual – not as a one-off.”

Below, we round up some of the best Japanese skincare products according to skin concern.

Best Japanese skincare products at a glance:

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