Japanese Skincare Must-Haves the Locals Don’t Want You to Know About! (2025)

Wanna Enhance Your Looks? Let me Help

May 18, 2025

Stop buying overrated Japanese skincare products—here’s what the locals actually use and keep to themselves. Whether you’re traveling to Japan or shopping online, this guide reveals the best-kept beauty secrets, featuring cult-favorite ingredients like Cica and fermented rice. Discover simple, effective routines and must-have products that deliver real, glowing results straight from the insiders.

ROUTINE + PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION

1. Double Cleansing — Cleanse Deeply, Start Fresh

The foundation of any Japanese skincare routine is double cleansing — using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping the skin. This is to removes all traces of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils, preventing breakouts and keeping your skin balanced and clean.

LOCAL FAVORITES :

• Double Cleansing
  • DHC Deep Cleansing Oil — a cult classic, lightweight and non-greasy
  • Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil — affordable and powerful for removing stubborn makeup

2. Hydrating Lotion (Softener) — Prep and Plump

Unlike typical toners, Japanese hydrating lotions (also called softeners) deeply hydrate and prep your skin to absorb the next steps. This step is so important as it hydrates and softens the skin, improving absorption of serums and moisturizers while giving your skin a smooth, plump texture that lasts.

LOCAL FAVORITES :

3. Serum or Essence — Target Your Skin Concerns

This step boosts your routine with active ingredients like fermented extracts or Cica to calm, brighten, and repair. Serum is an essential step in the routine because it delivers concentrated active ingredients to brighten, soothe, and repair the skin, helping reduce redness, dullness, and signs of aging. (be sure to understand your skin concern, below recommendations are general favorites)

LOCAL FAVORITES :

Serum

• SK-II Facial Treatment Essence — rich in Pitera, a fermented ingredient that’s legendary for skin texture and radiance
• I’m From Mugwort Essence — soothing and perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin

4. Moisturize — Double Moisturizing for Lasting Hydration

Japanese skincare often layers an emulsion (light moisturizer) followed by a cream for deep hydration without heaviness. This is to lock in moisture by layering a light emulsion and a richer cream, ensuring long-lasting hydration and protecting the skin barrier for a supple, healthy glow.

LOCAL FAVORITES :

Emulsion Picks:

• Shiseido Elixir Superieur Emulsion — lightweight and nourishing
• Curel Intensive Moisture Care Emulsion — great for sensitive skin

Cream Picks:

• Curel Intensive Moisture Cream — rich but non-greasy
• Kose Sekkisei Emulsion — brightening and hydrating

5. Sunscreen — The Non-Negotiable Step

Japanese sunscreens are famous for being lightweight, non-sticky, and high protection. Shields your skin from harmful UV rays to prevent premature aging, dark spots, and skin damage, while maintaining a lightweight, comfortable finish for everyday wear.

LOCAL FAVORITES :

Sunscreen :

• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ — sheer, cooling, perfect daily sunscreen
• Shiseido Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen — powerful protection for outdoor days
• Click here to find out more information about these lotions

Thanks for Reading💕

Now that you know the Japanese skincare must-haves locals secretly swear by, it’s time to level up your routine with products that actually deliver. Whether you’re shopping in Japan or stocking up online, these cult favorites and simple steps are your ticket to soft, radiant, J-beauty skin. Skip the hype, trust the glow—and don’t forget, real beauty starts with skincare that works.

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If you’ve got a favorite I didn’t mention, spill the tea in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for more beauty gems ✨
Stay glowing, stay soft, and I’ll see you in the next post 💋
With love & a pop of blush,

Your Glow Up Sister 💋