10 Japanese Drugstore Products That Are Actually Worth the Hype
Updated April 2026 · 12 min read
Emma Sutherland
Osaka → Tokyo · 7 years
Seven years in Japan. I was wrong about Japanese drugstores for years — I thought the products were overhyped, that tourists were paying for novelty and packaging. Then I actually started using them. The Biore sunscreen alone was enough to make me question every SPF product I’d ever bought in the UK.
These ten picks I’d recommend to anyone visiting Japan for the first time. I’ve also listed what I’d skip — because not everything in a Japanese drugstore is magic, despite what the beauty internet would have you believe.
1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
The one that started the entire Japanese sunscreen obsession. And honestly? It deserves it.
This goes on like a lightweight moisturizer. No white cast. No greasy film. You forget you're wearing sunscreen, which is the whole point. SPF 50+ PA++++, about ¥800 at any Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
The downside:It's not waterproof. If you're hiking in July heat or sweating at a summer festival, you need to reapply every 2 hours. For beach days, grab the Anessa instead.
Pro Tip
Buy sunscreen at the drugstore, not the airport. Narita charges almost double. Matsukiyo near Shibuya station has the best selection.
2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion
“Lotion” in Japan means toner. This confused me for weeks.
This is basically a hydration bomb. Pat it into damp skin and it pulls moisture in like a sponge. Five types of hyaluronic acid for about ¥700. The ingredient list is ridiculously short — no fragrance, no alcohol, no nonsense.
Real talk:If you have oily skin, the “Light” version (light blue bottle) works better. The original (white bottle) can feel sticky in humid weather.
3. Senka Perfect Whip
This face wash is everywhere. Every drugstore, every recommendation list. And for good reason.
A tiny squeeze creates the densest, creamiest foam you've ever seen. It's genuinely satisfying to use. Cleans well without that stripped-tight feeling. About ¥500. You'll go through a tube every 2 months.
Heads up:Some people find it slightly drying. If your skin leans dry, follow up with the Hada Labo above and you're golden.
4. Tsubaki Premium Moist Shampoo
Japanese hotel shampoo ruined me. I spent a month trying to find what they all use. It's this.
Camellia oil-based, smells incredible (floral but not perfumey), and leaves your hair genuinely silky. About ¥900 for the set. The conditioner is just as good.
The catch: If you have fine, thin hair, this might weigh it down. Go for the Tsubaki Volume line instead (pink bottle).
5. LuLuLun Face Mask (32-pack)
Forget those ¥500-per-sheet masks. LuLuLun figured out that people actually want to use face masks daily — so they made them cheap enough to do it.
About ¥1,800 for 32 sheets. That's roughly ¥56 per mask. The fit is solid, they're drenched in serum, and the pink version (balanced moisture) works for almost everyone.
Honest take:These aren't luxury. They're the “daily driver” of face masks. Think Honda Civic, not Ferrari. But that's exactly what you want.
Pro Tip
LuLuLun makes region-exclusive versions — Hokkaido (lavender), Okinawa (citrus), Kyoto (matcha). They're only sold locally and make killer souvenirs for anyone into skincare.
6. DHC Medicated Lip Cream
Japan's #1 selling lip balm for like 20 years straight. There's a reason.
Olive oil-based, no weird taste, actually heals cracked lips instead of just sitting on top. About ¥400. The packaging looks cheap but don't let that fool you.
I've tried Burt's Bees, Aquaphor, La Mer — I keep coming back to this ¥400 tube. Stock up. Buy five.
7. CANMAKE Cream Cheek
CANMAKE is Japan's answer to “what if high-end makeup was ¥600?”
This cream blush blends like a dream. Tap it on with your fingers, blend for five seconds, done. The color payoff is surprisingly good for the price. Color #CL05 (clear happiness) is the universally flattering one.
The downside:It doesn't last all day in humid weather. You'll need a setting spray. But at ¥600, who cares? Buy two shades.
8. Koji Curving Eyelash Curler
Here's the thing about eyelash curlers: the curve matters more than the brand.
Koji's curve fits most Asian and medium eye shapes perfectly. If the Shu Uemura (below) doesn't fit you, this one probably will. About ¥800. It grabs every lash without pinching.
Pro move:Buy both the Koji and Shu Uemura, try them side by side, return the one that doesn't fit. Your eye shape determines everything here.
9. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
The legend. Makeup artists worldwide swear by this thing.
The curve is wider and flatter than most curlers, which works great for rounder, wider-set eyes. One squeeze and your lashes hold the curl all day. About ¥2,000 — pricey for a curler, but it lasts years.
Spoiler alert:It's cheaper in Japan than literally anywhere else. Duty-free at Narita sells it for about ¥1,870. Same curler goes for $25+ overseas.
Heads Up
Eyelash curler fit is personal. A curler that works perfectly for your friend might pinch you. Eye shape, not brand loyalty, should decide which one you buy.
10. KAI Nail Clipper
“A nail clipper? Really?” Yes. Really.
KAI is a 116-year-old blade company. Same people who make surgical scalpels. This ¥800 nail clipper cuts so clean you barely need to file afterward. Once you use a Japanese nail clipper, every other one feels like you're tearing your nails with pliers.
Tiny, weighs nothing, fits in any bag. The most unexpectedly great Japan souvenir. r/BuyItForLife mentions this one all the time.
Not worth it unless you're buying three or more of the Hada Labo moisturizers.
Pro Tip
KAI nail clippers are at every drugstore, but the premium stainless steel version (silver body, around ¥1,200) is worth the upgrade. Look for it at Tokyu Hands or Loft.
And What I'd Tell You to Skip
Honestly, the hype around Japanese drugstores has gotten a bit out of hand. Some things are genuinely excellent. Others are just well-packaged with good marketing. Here are the ones I'd walk past:
- ×Dolly Wink Eyeliner— Smudges within 2 hours unless your lids are bone-dry. The Dejavu eyeliner holds up way better for the same price.
- ×Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner— It's just water with a tiny bit of extract. The giant bottle looks impressive but does almost nothing. Hada Labo is cheaper per use and 10x more effective.
- ×Most “collagen” drinks— The science is more promising than it used to be, but most konbini brands are underdosed and overpriced relative to proper drugstore options. If you want to try collagen drinks, buy Shiseido The Collagen at a proper drugstore, not whatever’s in the FamilyMart chiller.
- ×Random face masks in flashy packaging— Half the sheet masks at Don Quijote are tourist traps with fun packaging and mediocre ingredients. Stick with LuLuLun or Kose Clear Turn.
Where to Actually Buy This Stuff
Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Matsukiyo) has the widest selection and tax-free for tourists spending over ¥5,000. The one near Shibuya 109 is massive.
Sundrug and Cocokara Fine are often cheaper by ¥50-100 per item. Less crowded too.
Don Quijote is open late (some 24/7) but prices are hit-or-miss. Good for last-minute grabs before your flight.
Pro Tip
Download the Matsukiyo app before you go. It has a digital coupon for 10% off that stacks with tax-free. That's roughly 20% off everything. You're welcome.
Disclosure
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Every pick is an honest recommendation.