13 Popular Japanese Facial Moisturizers Recommended by Beauty Bloggers

When it comes to cosmetics, Japanese cosmetics are among the most popular brands among women, thanks to the wide variety available. There are many affordable facial moisturizers that work well, as well as top products that have won various awards. Let's look at some of the most popular picks recommended by beauty bloggers and shoppers alike.

Reference: 23 Japanese Souvenirs｜Latest Update

13 Popular Japanese Facial Moisturizers

▌1. Taiyou No Aloe Hyaluronic Acid Serum

A highly concentrated hyaluronic acid serum that targets enlarged pores, wrinkles, acne marks, and dark spots, while providing up to 16 times more hydration than collagen. It won a Best Cosme Award in 2007. It can be combined with other cosmetics, toner, lotion, lip products, and masks for even better results.

Price: 10 ml for ¥500

▌2. ONE BY KOSE : Hydration Boosting Serum

A serum that eliminates dryness and wrinkles, leaving skin plump and dewy. It boosts the skin's ability to retain moisture, giving it a more youthful appearance. It is KOSE's best-selling product of all time and won 2nd place for Best Serum at the Cosme Awards in 2017.

Price: ¥5,000

▌3. Attenir Midnight Moisturizer

This product is designed to restore damaged skin at the cellular level, making it firm and healthy again. It tightens pores, keeps skin hydrated, and leaves it as smooth and supple as a teenager's skin. It also has a light, natural essential-oil scent that is subtle and relaxing.

Price: ¥3,250

▌4. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel

Perfect for those with dry, sun-damaged, or acne-prone skin, this gel has a light, non-sticky texture. Its main ingredient is Job's tears (adlay) extract, combined with other gentle natural extracts, making it suitable even for sensitive skin. It contains no coloring, fragrance, or alcohol that could irritate the skin, and it ranked No. 1 at the Best Cosme Awards in 2017.

Price: 180 ml for ¥972

▌5. Pure 5 Essence Mask

This facial mask has sold over 3 million sheets. Made in Japan, with quality controlled at every stage of production. The sheet is made of cotton that won't irritate the skin, and it absorbs nourishing ingredients very effectively. It also comes in several formulas to suit different skin conditions.

Price: 1 pack of 30 sheets for ¥1,000

▌6. Keana Rice Mask

This outstanding mask won the Best Sheet Mask prize at the Best Cosme Awards in 2016. It's rich in genuine Japanese rice extract, known for making skin soft and smooth. It works well no matter how large the pores or uneven the skin texture.

Price: 1 pack of 10 sheets for ¥650

▌7. Lululun Precious Red

This is an improved version of the facial mask, absorbing into the skin faster for quicker, plumper and brighter results. Its main ingredients are rice grains and various vitamins, leaving skin firmer and smoother than before.

Price: 1 pack of 32 sheets for ¥1,500

▌8. Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk

This lotion is ideal for sensitive skin, as it contains no fragrance, coloring, ethyl alcohol, or other potential irritants, making it extremely gentle. Packed with as many as 11 types of amino acids, it focuses on giving skin a smooth, bright, healthy glow. The lotion has a watery texture that absorbs quickly and doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It ranked No. 1 in the emulsion category on Cosme in 2015.

Price: 100 g for ¥1,980

▌9. Miccosmo White Label Premium Placenta Eye Cream

One of the best eye creams, made with 100% Japanese placenta extract, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. Say goodbye to dark circles with this product. It's gentle for all skin types, as it contains no allergy-causing ingredients.

Price: 30 g for ¥1,080

▌10. LuLuLun Cream Mask

This no-rinse cream mask is a favorite among Japanese women and has been praised by top beauty magazines. It's highly concentrated with nourishing ingredients that quickly restore skin. Even skin that looks dry and neglected will feel noticeably softer after just one use.

Price: 100 g for ¥1,500

▌11. Hada Labo Perfect Gel

This is a well-known brand for those dealing with dry skin who want plump, dewy results without a heavy cream texture. It has a light gel formula that spreads easily and contains no ingredients known to cause allergies, making it safe for sensitive skin. It also contains three types of hyaluronic acid that firm the skin, reduce pore size, and give a smooth, bouncy look. Using this one product is like using an essence, moisturizer, and sleeping mask all in one — a true 3-in-1.

Price: ¥1,200

▌12. Shiseido Elixir Superieur Sleeping Gel Pack W

This light, clear gel serum stands out for its anti-aging properties. It's a mask you apply before bed, so you wake up with visibly refreshed skin. Don't miss this one if you want fast results — it also ranked 2nd place among facial care products at the Best Cosme Awards in 2017.

Price: ¥2,800

▌13. Meishoku Placenta Whitening Eye Cream

This eye cream reduces wrinkles around the eyes and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It helps with sagging and dark spots. The rich cream contains placenta extract, collagen, pearl barley extract, and many other ingredients, yet doesn't feel sticky when applied. Its popularity among Japanese women is proven by its back-to-back 1st-place wins at the Best Cosme Awards in 2014 and 2015.

Price: ¥940