In partnership with Harper’s BAZAAR SG
9 best Japanese sunscreens you can buy in Singapore
J-beauty picks for SPF protection, as sorted by skin type and budget
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PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Arissa Ha
If you’ve ever wondered why everyone online is obsessed with Japanese sunscreens, here’s the tea: they feel nothing like the heavy, greasy formulas you grew up hating. Instead, they’re water-light, fast-absorbing, and sit under makeup like they were made for it.
Think skincare and sun care in one step - hydrating, brightening and protecting your skin without that sticky “I’m wearing sunscreen” feeling.
From luxe brands to drugstore favourites, these Japanese sunscreens stand out for their lightweight textures, high protection and skincare benefits.
In this article
Why choose Japanese sunscreens?
Best drugstore Japanese sunscreens
Best Japanese sunscreens with skincare benefits
Best Japanese sunscreen for sensitive skin
Best luxury Japanese sunscreens
Why choose Japanese sunscreens?
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Japanese sunscreens stand out because they approach sun care with a skincare-first philosophy. Formulas are created to be featherlight, comfortable, and invisible, even at the highest protection levels.
This means no greasy residue or dreaded white cast, which are still common complaints with many Western sunscreens.
The difference also lies in UV filter technology. While Western formulas often rely on older filters such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, Japan has approved a wider range of advanced filters like Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb, and Uvasorb HEB.
These next-generation filters provide more stable and longer-lasting UVA protection (the rays responsible for skin ageing) without compromising on texture.
Beyond protection, Japanese sunscreens often double as skincare hybrids. Packed with hydrating essences, brightening botanicals, and pollution-defense complexes, they slot easily into a daily beauty routine.
Instead of feeling like a sticky chore, Japanese sunscreens act as moisturisers, primers, or even brightening treatments, making consistent sunscreen use far easier.
Best drugstore Japanese sunscreens
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++, 60ml, $39.95
Original price: $47 (15 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: ANESSA
This milk-textured formula clings through sweat and oil without ever feeling suffocating. It’s basically built for Singapore’s humidity and long outdoor days.
Strong, dependable, and still somehow comfy. It’s no wonder the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk is called the OG cult classic.
SENKA Perfect UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++, $11.90
Original price: $18.90 (37 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SENKA
This watery essence glides on like a serum, sinks in instantly and keeps your skin plump and protected all day. It doubles as a makeup base, which means one less step in the morning.
Affordable, reliable, and so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re even wearing SPF when you have applied SENKA’s Perfect UV Essence.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++, $14.76
Original price: $20.30 (27 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: BIORE
Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is TikTok’s SPF poster child. The texture is like a splash of cold water - refreshing, hydrating, and gone in seconds.
It leaves zero white cast and zero greasiness, just that invisible veil of protection. If you’ve always hated sunscreen, this is the one that’ll finally make you reapply.
Best Japanese sunscreens with skincare benefits
Allie Chrono Beauty Gel UV EX SPF 50+ PA++++, $22.80
Original price: $30.50 (25 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: ALLIE
Meet the “doesn’t move” sunscreen, Allie Chrono Beauty Gel UV EX. Its friction-proof formula means it won’t rub off from sweat, masks, or even clothing.
The gel consistency feels weightless, making it easy to wear under makeup or on bare skin. Perfect for hot days where you know you’re going to be out and about.
Kose Sekkisei UV Defense Essence Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, $26.30
Original price: $33 (20 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: KOSE
This one’s giving sunscreen and skincare in a single pump. Packed with oriental herbal extracts, it brightens, hydrates, and smooths while protecting against UV damage.
The essence-gel texture feels cooling and leaves a juicy, dewy finish. The Kose Sekkisei UV Defense Essence Gel Sunscreen is a great pick if you want your SPF to work overtime for your skin.
Best Japanese sunscreen for sensitive skin
Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+, $29.90
PHOTO: SUNPLAY
The Sunplay Skin Aqua Physical Sunscreen is the sensitive skin’s bestie. This mineral sunscreen skips harsh chemical filters and relies on zinc + titanium dioxide for protection.
Its finish is soft-matte, so oily skin types will appreciate the shine control too. Gentle, effective, and non-irritating, it’s proof that sensitive-friendly SPF doesn’t have to be boring.
Best luxury Japanese sunscreens
Clé De Peau Beaute UV Protective Cream SPF 50+ PA++++, $86.24
Original price: $189.66 (55 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE
The Clé De Peau Beaute UV Protective Cream exudes bougie SPF energy. This cream feels more like a luxury moisturiser than sunscreen, wrapping your skin in hydration and antioxidants while keeping UV rays out.
The texture is smooth and velvety, leaving you with that expensive-looking glow. If you want sunscreen that feels like a treat instead of a chore, this is the one.
Shiseido Global Suncare Perfect Sun Protector Hydro Gel Cream SPF 50+ PA++++, $64.40
Original price: $70 (8 per cent off) Buy here
PHOTO: SHISEIDO
The high-tech SPF that gets stronger the hotter and sweatier you get (yes, for real). Shiseido’s HeatForce + WetForce tech makes this a gym-day, beach-day, all-day MVP.
It goes on like a cooling gel cream, no white cast, no stickiness and locks in protection that adapts to your environment. Consider the Shiseido Global Suncare Perfect Sun Protector Hydro Gel Cream to be one smart sunscreen.
SK-II Genoptics Airy UV Cream SPF 50+ PA++++, $98
PHOTO: SKI-II
This one’s all about the glow. Infused with Pitera, SK-II’s signature ingredient, it helps fight dullness and even out tone while guarding against sun damage.
The texture? So airy it melts into skin without a trace. The SK-II Genoptics Airy UV Cream is perfect if you want sun protection and glass-skin vibes in one step.
All prices and deals are correct at time of publication
FAQs: Best Japanese sunscreens in Singapore
Are Japanese sunscreens the best?
J-beauty sunscreens are great for daily wear as they tend to have non-greasy, lightweight formulas that blend easily while offering high levels of UV protection. Japanese sunscreens also tend to be hydrating.
Which is the top 3 best sunscreens?
The best sunscreens for you would depend on your preferences and what you are looking for in a sunscreen. For example, if you want a wallet-friendly sunscreen, you would turn to drugstore brands.
Some of the best Japanese sunscreens from drugstores like Watsons would be Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence and Anessa’s Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk.
Why is Shiseido sunscreen good?
Shiseido is one of the top brands for sunscreens. Aside from providing excellent UVA/UVB protection, Shiseido sunscreens become more effective when they come into contact with heat, water and sweat.
Additionally, Shiseido sunscreens have a lightweight texture and do not leave a white cast.
What is the 3 finger rule for sunscreen?
To figure out the right amount of sunscreen that should be applied to your face, neck and ears, apply three lines along the length of your index, middle and ring fingers.
This story was adapted from Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore
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