Welcome to my 7thย ย annual comparative guide to the top 20ยน SPF50+ PA++++ Japanese sunscreens of 2023. This year, I have over 50 new J-beauty sunscreen releases and reformulations featured on my site, including some with lower SPF and PA ratings.
To explore previous yearsโ releases, check out my 2022 and 2021 Japanese sunscreen guides. Please note that some of the products featured may have been discontinued due to Japanโs short product life cycle.
My Japanese sunscreen guide uses icons and UV filter abbreviations, such as โDHHBโ for diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, also known as Uvinul A Plus.
ยน Based on this websiteโs statistics.
JAPANESE MILK SUNCREENS
Ultra-fluid, milk-like texture โ characterised by their long-wearing, stay-put formula. Remember to shake well before use.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRODUCT | Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Highlight Lotion ยป | Pigeon UV Baby Milk Waterproof ยป | SEKKISEI Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Milk ยป | SKIN AQUA UV Super Moisture Milk ยป | TRANSINO UV Protector ยป |
| PRICE / SIZE | ยฅ830 / 70ml | ยฅ1,200 / 50g | ยฅ2,420 / 50ml | ยฅ900 / 40ml | ยฅ2,600 / 30ml |
| UV FILTERS | OMC, TiO2, EHT, DHHB & BEMT | ZnO & TiO2 | ZnO, OMC, DHHB & BEMT | ZnO, OMC & DHHB | TiO2 & ZnO |
| USAGE | ย | ||||
| RESISTANCE | ย | ย | ย ย | ||
| KEY POINTS | โฃ Soft-focus glow โฃ Water-like texture โฃ Encapsulated UV filters | โฃ For sensitive skin โฃ Baby-safe | โฃ Marine-safe โฃ Anti-pollution | โฃ Moisture-rich โฃ Anti-pollution | โฃ With tranexamic acid โฃ Light-diffusing glow โฃ Anti-pollution |
| โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โธบ | โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โธบ | โฃ Alcohol |
JAPANESE GEL SUNCREENS
Refreshing watery gel texture.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRODUCT | Hare Bare Protection UV Serum C ยป | MENTURM the SUN Perfect UV Gel ยป | SEKKISEI Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Essence Gel ยป | SKIN AQUA UV Super Moisture Gel ยป | SKIN AQUA UV Super Moisture Gel GOLD ยป |
| PRICE / SIZE | ยฅ1,500 / 60g | ยฅ650 / 100g | ยฅ2,420 / 70g | ยฅ759 / 110g; ยฅ946 / 140g | ยฅ1,100 / 110g |
| UV FILTERS | OMC, DHHB & BEMT | OMC, EHT & DHHB | ZnO, OMC, BEMT, DHHB & PS15 | OMC, BEMT, DHHB & EHT | OMC, BEMT, PS15 & DHHB |
| USAGE | ย ย | ||||
| RESISTANCE | โธบ | ||||
| KEY POINTS | โฃ With vitamin C โฃ Anti-pollution | โฃ Water-light texture | โฃ Marine-safe โฃ Anti-pollution | โฃ Anti-pollution โฃ Encapsulated UV filters | โฃ Humidity-resistant โฃ Anti-pollution |
| โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol | โฃ Alcohol |
JAPANESE ESSENCE SUNSCREENS
Characterised by their essence (aka serum)-like texture. They are theย most moisturising in a sunscreen line-up (unless a cream formula is also available).
 |  |  |  |  |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRODUCT | Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence ยป | Melano CC Deep Day Care UV Milk ยป | NIVEA UV DEEP PROTECT & Care Tone Up Essence ยป | SKIN AQUA NEXTA Tone Up Serum UV Essence ยป | SKIN AQUA UV Super Moisture Essence ยป |
| PRICE / SIZE | ยฅ768 / 70g; ยฅ1,317 / 120g | ยฅ1,210 / 50g | ยฅ980 / 50g | ยฅ1,760 / 70g | ยฅ1,100 / 80g |
| UV FILTERS | OMC, EHT, DHHB & BEMT | OMC, TiO2, DHHB, MBBT & BEMT | OMC, DHHB, TiO2, BEMT, EHT & PS15 | ZnO & TiO2 | OMC, EHT, BEMT, MBBT & DHHB |
| USAGE | ย | ||||
| RESISTANCE | |||||
| KEY POINTS | โฃ Anti-pollution โฃ Encapsulated UV filters | โฃ Soft-focus glow โฃ Pore-blurring โฃ With vitamin C โฃ Anti-polution | โฃ For women over 30 โฃ Rose corrector โฃ Luminous effect | โฃ Rose corrector โฃ Luminous effect โฃ Anti-pollution | โฃ Moisture-rich โฃ Anti-pollution โฃ Encapsulated UV filters |
| โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol |
JAPANESE MULTITASKERS
Products with SPF50+ PA++++ that arenโt dedicated sunscreens.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRODUCT | ALLIE Chrono Beauty Color On UV ยป | For the F Medicated Wrinkle White UV Base ยป | MAQuillAGE Dramatic Skin Sensor Base NEO ยป | SANA Keana Pate Shokunin The Block Base ยป | SUNCUT PRODEFENSE All In One UV Mousse Light Up ยป |
| PRICE / SIZE | ยฅ1,980 / 15g | ยฅ1,540 / 30ml | ยฅ1,078 / 25ml | ยฅ1,500 / 25ml | ยฅ2,000 / 60g |
| UV FILTERS | ZnO, TiO2, Mexoryl XL, EHT, DHHB & BEMT | ZnO & TiO2 | ZnO, OMC, OCR, TiO2 & DHHB | OMC, ZnO, PBSA, DHHB & BEMT | ZnO, OMC, Ti02, BEMTย & DHHB |
| USAGE | |||||
| RESISTANCE | ย | ย ย | ย | ||
| KEY POINTS | โฃ For cheeks โฃ Blush colour โฃ Ocean-safe โฃ Encapsulated UV filters | โฃ For women over 40 โฃ Pink-beige colour โฃ With Niacinamide โฃ Oil-control | โฃ 3 colours available โฃ Humidity-resistant โฃ Pore-concealing โฃ Oil-control | โฃ Pink-beige colour โฃ Luminous effect โฃ Pore-concealing โฃ Oil-control | โฃ Mousse texture โฃ Luminous effect โฃ With Tiger grass โฃ Anti-pollution |
| โฃ Alcohol โฃ Fragrance | โฃ Alcohol | โฃ Alcohol | โฃ Alcohol | โฃ Alcohol |
Copyright: ยฉ 2023 RatzillaCosme
Other J-Beauty Guides
Iโm glad Japan has introduced new water resistance standard but disappointed that it isnโt as strict as Australiaโs or USAโs.
It follows ISO standards.
Would you ever consider posting a guide about your recommendations for ratzilla approved outdoor activities sunscreens?
After reading multiple reviews and comments, I feel like me and many other consumers have been mislead (by the companies) and assume that certain sunscreens are going to be automatically friction proof because it offers water/sweat resistant protection. Also you mentioned that to look for sunscreens that actually says โsports or outdoor activitiesโ but the ones you recommend the most for strongest protection (anessa & allie) donโt actually say its for those activitiesโฆ(?)
My point is that its certainly not easy for us to just simply know that a brand is or isnt going to offer the labled protection (not spf, but outdoor protection) even though it says that it does. How about a guide to pave the way for us to educate ourselves to think more before we buy? Because if it wasnโt for your site and knowledge, I simply would be a sheep-consumer and just buying whatever it says on the label or listening to some youtuber who raved about it. You owe us nothing & my request is really random, I know. But it drives me wild to think that so many of us might just be wasting our money on the wrong product expecting that it will do its job when it simply wonโt. Thank you!
Would you consider posting your own personal guide on what sunscreens you would personally use and recommend for outdoor and sports activities? Ive come across your suncut and omi verdio reviews where both is listed under the outdoor category but you donโt recommend any for that purpose. I think so many consumers including me are simply not that knowledgeable enough to know if a sunscreen is going to hold up/transfer or not. Also, japanese sunscreens donโt make it easier for consumers to know if its meant for outdoor activities, its not very clear cut. Its all thanks to you that I personally wonโt be purchasing those to use for sport activities. Thank you!
Hi G. Haruka,
I just discovered your site yesterday & after consuming alot of your content, I am still left with a question regarding everyday/incidental & outdoor sunscreens & protection. Lets say Ive been wearing & reapplying an everyday sunscreen all throughout the day, its 2 hours before the sun goes down and Iโm going on an evening walk. If the temp/humidy will not cause me to sweat; am I still able to wear that everyday sunscreen or do I need to switch to an outdoor sunscreen?
One last question, what makes a sunscreen friction proof or not? Thank you!
Unless you have a medical condition, there is really no need to reapply sunscreen for everyday incidental exposure.
Outdoor sunscreens are for outdoor activities where youโll be exposed to extended direct sun (e.g. hiking, gardening, going to the beach, etc). There is really no need to use a sunscreen (let alone an outdoor one) just for evening walks. Whatever you have on from earlier in the day will be more than enough.
Thanks for this comprehensive guide. Do you have any recommendations for a non aerosol spf spray with a high spf. I saw one from biore but itโs advertised for only body and hair but i was wondering if you think it would be okay for face? Itโs the Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist SPF 50
Majority of the sunscreen sprays in Japan are aerosol. Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist and the new Suncut Protect UV Mist are the only ones I can think of that arenโt aerosol โ and theyโre both for the body.
Iโd like your opinion for a sunscreen recommendation, you seem very very knowledgeable.
For oily-combination skin, prefer very lightweight like gel types, and a semi-matte/matte finish. I really hate sunscreens that make my face shine, it doesnโt look nice in humid and tropical countries.
Hi, thank you for your helpful guides! After using Japanese sunscreen for a long time Iโm still a bit confused about how to choose one thatโs appropriate for outdoor exercise. Iโm been using Kose โ Suncut UV Perfect Essence Super Water Proof for years for just daily use (https://www.yesstyle.com/en/kose-suncut-uv-perfect-essence-super-water-proof-spf-50-pa-110g-110g/info.html/pid.1089312149). Would this be appropriately formulated for outdoor running/other sweaty activities? Thank you.
Suncutโs labelling says itโs suitable for outdoors activities โย https://www.ratzillacosme.com/sun/suncut-perfect-uv-essence-2019/
With that said, Iโd personally never use it (and especially for such a purpose). Suncut sunscreens have a longstanding reputation in Japan for being terrible. Theyโre notorious for being very sticky, shiny, and more importantly, they donโt seem to set and just transfer everywhere.
Hmm, I guess that then leaves me confused about how to interpret Japanese sunscreen ratings. In the US, sun protection products that make SPF claims or water resistance claims have to pass regulator tests to back the claims up. That doesnโt mean there isnโt still variation in quality among brands of course, but I generally treat the SPF labels as more or less reliable or good enough. I recall reading a while ago that Japanese sun protection claims were more rigorously tested and regulated than ours but I canโt quite recall the specifics.
If Iโve been using a Japanese sunscreen rated SPF 50/PA++++ for years, and you say the brand has a reputation for being terrible, Iโm not sure how to interpret that โ does that mean I shouldnโt treat the SPF/PA ratings as very meaningful? FWIW, I personally have never had a problem with that particular Suncut product. Iโm not sure if the concerns you raise are mostly pertaining to cosmetic elegance (which is fine for me) or to whether the sunscreens provide the sun protection thatโs advertised. I hope that makes sense, thanks for all your guidance!
Terrible reputation for the reasons mentioned in my previous comment โ theyโre notorious for being very sticky, shiny, and more importantly, they donโt seem to set and just transfer everywhere. On Japanese review sites, their products tend to get pretty poor ratings. I mainly see teenage girls and tourists buying them.
It has absolutely nothing to do with SPF/PA ratings or testings.
Iโm just finding what youโre saying confusing to understanding whether the product is effect or not. I donโt care if teenage girls and tourists are buying it, nor do I care if itโs sticky and shiny โ that sounds like a cosmetic concern thatโs up to individual preference and skin type. I care if it provides effective sun protection, which an SPF/PA claim should be able to give a reasonable indication of.
Iโve noticed that a lot people online focus too much on finding sunscreens with the highest SPF or most UVA protection. While these are important factors to consider, itโs important to remember that sunscreen needs to physically bind to the skin and form a film to be effective.
In real life, factors like greasiness and heaviness will greatly impact how well a sunscreen performs. If the sunscreen is sliding around or transferring, itโs not going to provide adequate protection. So, itโs essential to consider how a sunscreen feels and performs in real-world situations, rather than solely relying on lab datas and numbers.
Sunscreens with a longstanding reputation for not staying put on the skin donโt inspire much confidence.
I just came here to say thank you SO MUCH for this yearly guide, and the time you take to research and share <3
Youโre very welcome!
Hi! Iโm looking for a sunscreen that will stop tanning as much as possible and is good in terms of uva AND uvb coverage. Do you have any recommendations? I heard Anessa, beauty of Joseon and La Roche Posay are good but I canโt decide, Thanks!
Any (photo-stable) UVA-protective sunscreen applied in the right amount and reapplied often enough (as needed) that is suitable for your skin type AND activity level will prevent tanning. Meaning that for oily skin, an oil-resistant sunscreen that is mattifying will be an important factor for keeping skin protected during the day โ but not so much for dry skin.
Itโs also important to keep in mind that Japanese sunscreens formulated for everyday wear (e.g. the ultra-popular Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence) are for incidental sun exposure only.
People online tend to get too hung up on finding the highest PPD/most UVA-protective sunscreen and lose sight of the bigger picture โ and that more likely than not, will be something unsuitable for use in real life outside of a lab-testing environment (heavy, greasy, not setting properly, etc). A sunscreen needs to stay put on the skin in order to be protective. If itโs sliding around or itโs transferring off, itโs not going to be protective.
Hi! Thank you for responding! That makes sense, I have dry skin (I donโt really sweat) and I live in Vancouver where itโs not too humid.
Would you say Itโs probably not worth it to go out of my way for the Anessa sunscreen then? I currently wear the Biore Watery UV gel but combined with my skin type, low activity and humidity, youโre saying it will be just as effective as Anessa, correct?
Thank you SO SO much for still putting these out! Youโre a legend in the AsianBeauty community.
Thank you! Iโm so glad to hear you found it helpful!
Which ones do you want to try?!
Thank you!
Hi,
thank you, as always, for this useful sunscreen guide for this year.
Looking at the releases, I can notice that the Skin Aqua Gel is now advertised as having encapsulated filters. Is the Gel Gold encapsulated too? The guide doesnโt mention it.
No, itโs just that one.