Even if you’re new to J-beauty, you probably recognize this iconic glass bottle at first glance. The brand’s popular hydrating essence (sometimes also referred to as a lotion toner in Japan) is famous for its key ingredient, PITERA™. Also known as galactomyces ferment filtrate, it’s a yeast-derived ingredient that has barrier-supporting, hydrating, and antioxidant benefits. It’s also known to help brighten and smooth, ideal for targeting dark spots, fine lines, and overall skin tone. The texture is fast-absorbing and lightweight, leaving your face dewy and prepped for makeup. I usually like to splash a few drops all over my face for an instant refresh. Or, for gentle exfoliation, I’ll wet a cotton pad to sweep away dead skin cells.
4. Best Serum: Albion Excia Double Key Advance Serum
Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Albion Excia Double Key Advance Serum
Fast facts: Two-in-one water- and oil-based serum; lightweight and fast-absorbing texture; visible brightening and firming effects with regular use; recommended for anti-aging and mature skin
A beauty colleague recently recommended this anti-aging serum to me, and it only took one try for me to add it to my daily routine. While it’s made for mature skin, I’d recommend it to anyone except for those who can’t tolerate fragrance in skin care. The dual-chamber bottle contains separate water- and oil-based sides; you simply pump once to combine and activate them. Both are packed with antioxidant-rich plant extracts with known hydrating and glow-boosting benefits: Japanese beautyberry, green tea leaf, rice lees (a byproduct of fermentation), and more.
I personally love the refreshing, lightweight texture and visible results. I’ve been using this serum daily and have noticed that my complexion looks glowier and bouncier. It works well with both my morning and evening skin-care routines, since it layers well with any moisturizer or makeup.
5. Best Emulsion: Shiseido D Program Moist Care Emulsion
Courtesy of brand
Shiseido D Program Moist Care Emulsion
Fast facts: Lightweight emulsion; gentle on all skin types; hydrating and plumping effect; recommended for makeup prep
This skin-conditioning emulsion (a classic J-beauty category typically applied after serums) is an on-set favorite for photoshoots. “Emulsion is an essential step in Japanese skincare,” says Ishida. “This one is gentle enough for sensitive skin and has a creamy texture that’s easily absorbed. With continued use, my skin becomes supple. I always carry it with me when I travel and models visiting Japan will ask me, ‘What is this? Where is it from?’ as soon as they try it.”
To use your emulsion effectively, apply it after your toner and serum, before your moisturizer. If you have oily skin, you can also use this in place of your moisturizer. The formula is infused with hydrating, brightening ingredients like vitamin E, tranexamic acid, and sodium hyaluronate. Yet just as Ishida says, it’s lightweight and ideal for makeup prep.
6. Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Tatcha The Water Cream
Courtesy of brand
Fast facts: Oil-free gel cream; recommended for oily and combination skin; refreshing feel; helps balance excess sebum without dryness
Japan’s hot, humid summers have influenced J-beauty brands to formulate moisturizers that provide just enough hydration while remaining light and refreshing. This oil-free gel cream feels amazing during the warmer months, or year-round if your skin falls under the oily and combination categories. It’s formulated with antioxidant-rich and barrier-friendly plant extracts like Japanese wild rose, green tea, rice, and algae. I’ve used this formula for years and love how it feels like a splash of cooling water on application. It absorbs quickly and layers well under makeup, so I especially love it for my morning skin-care routine. It also helps keep my T-zone from getting too greasy while still leaving my midface sufficiently hydrated.
7. Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Curél Japanese Skin Care Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Curél Japanese Skin Care Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Fast facts: Intensely hydrating moisturizer; on the richer side but still fast-absorbing; barrier-friendly; recommended for dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin
If your skin is feeling dehydrated, this is one of the richest Japanese moisturizers I own. While it’s intensely hydrating, it still doesn’t feel overly heavy or greasy. A small scoop goes a long way in softening dry patches in a single application. It’s packed with hydrating, soothing, and barrier-supporting ingredients like vitamin E, glycerin, squalane, and allantoin.
