Looking for the best serum for your skincare routine? Check out this list of best Japanese serums for beautiful skin!
Nurture your delicate complexion with our selection of Japanese serums for sensitive skin. These gentle yet potent formulations are tailored to soothe, protect, and strengthen, minimizing irritation while delivering targeted benefits.
Dive into our top choices, celebrated for their calming properties and skin-loving ingredients, to find your ideal serum.
Which Is The Best Japanese Serum For Sensitive Skin?
Using the right serum for your skin is extremely important as they concentrated solutions that are formulated to penetrate deep into your skin. I found the Pola wrinkle shot medical serum to be the best Japanese serum of the lot, after having reviewed several Japanese serums. And here's why:
Pola wrinkle shot medical serum is a clinically-formulated serum that contains the company’s patented ingredient called NEI-L1 that was a result of 15 years of research in anti-aging solutions. The serum visibly reduces signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. The product claims to show visible results within 2-3 weeks of consistent use.
Here's the summary of the best Japanese serums. Choose one based on your skin type or concern:
| Best Japanese Serum | Best For | Shop for best Japanese Serum |
| Haba White Lady Vitamin C Serum | All Skin Types | Shop on Amazon |
| Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum | Dry Skin | Shop on Amazon |
| Kikumasamune Sake Rich Moisture Lotion Toner | Combination Skin | Shop on Amazon |
| Shiseido HAKU Melano Focus Whitening Beauty Serum | Dark Spots | Shop on Amazon Japan |
| UNO Skin Serum For Men | Men | Shop on Amazon Japan |
| SK-II RNA New Age Essence | Anti-aging | Shop on Amazon |
| POLA Wrinkle Shot Medical Serum | Mature Skin | Shop on Amazon |
| Elixir Enriched Serum | Skin Elasticity | - |
| SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N | Wrinkles | Shop on Amazon |
| Dr. Ci: Labo Super White 377VC | Skin Brightening | Shop on Amazon |
Best Japanese Serum For Sensitive Skin
Haba White Lady Vitamin C Serum
Best Japanese Serum Suitable For All Skin Types
The Haba Vitamin C Serum is all the rage in Japan and is one of the best Japanese serum. It is a part of the brand’s healthy skincare product line, and so contains no parabens, flavors, mineral oils, synthesized tar, colorings, or petrochemical surfactants.
Thanks to the healthy ingredients used in the serum, it does not irritate the skin. It works towards ridding your skin of dryness, dullness, fine lines, age spots, and acne.
The serum contains bamboo water, clear and natural moisturizer, as well as hyaluronate that helps lock in moisture in the skin. With these ingredients, you will notice a visible difference in your face. Your face will get smoother and softer after regular use. It will improve overall skin tone as well.
Pros:
- Does not irritate the skin
- Perfect for dry skin
- Delivers Hydration
- Leaves smooth and glowing skin
Cons:
- Not for oily skin
Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum
Best Japanese Serum For Dry Skin
Hada Labo is one of the most popular skincare brands in Japan that has a strong foothold all over the world. It brings to us a range of skincare products that work wonders and help us with our skin woes.
The Goku-jun Hyaluronic Serum by the brand is yet another product that helps lock in moisture and provide you with that glowing, radiant skin that is soft and smooth. To get the best results, you have to use the product regularly.
The one thing you need to note is that the serum makes your face very sticky. You will almost feel like your skin has glue on it; it will stick to your fingers.
Pros:
- Great moisturizing components
- Does not irritate the skin
- Great for sensitive skin
- Right amount of Vitamin C
Cons:
- Low quantity
Related: Check out the best Japanese skincare brands to get the best Japanese skincare products!
Kikumasamune Sake Rich Moisture Lotion Toner
Best Japanese Serum For Combination Skin
Sake is extremely popular in Japan, and we do see a lot of products with sake added. The Kiku Masamune serum is made from sake, which helps moisturize and tone your skin.
The sake used in the serum is brewed from the finest rice to make sure you only get the best quality. The serum is rich in texture and it spreads evenly on your face. Thanks to the consistency, it penetrates deeper into the skin to make sure you get effective results.
The serum contains sake, but other than this major ingredient, it also contains 12 kinds of amino acid. It helps keep your face moist and hydrated.
It also contains three kinds of ceramides, two kinds of Vitamin C derivatives, as well as moisturizing ingredients.
Pros:
- Hydrated the skin thoroughly
- Great for all types of skin
- No Alcohol included
- Good quantity
Cons:
- Not ideal for acne prone skin
Related: Here are some affordable and awesome Japanese drugstore products for you!
Shiseido HAKU Melano Focus Whitening Beauty Serum
Best Japanese Serum For Dark Spots
Shiseido is one of the top Japanese beauty brands and for a good reason. Shiseido's skincare range is all the rage not only in Japan but all over the world.
If you have dark spots and pigmentation then Shiseido Haku melano foucs whitening beauty serum is the best Japanese serum for you!
This Japanese serum was developed after over 100 years of skin research in pigmented spot prevention. It works to suppress the melanin production under the skin to promote dewy and clear skin!
Pros:
- Reduces pigmentation
- Gives dewy skin
- Reduces dark spots
Cons:
- No cons
Related: Keep those fine lines and wrinkles at bay with these anti-aging products from top Japanese skin care brands!
Shiseido Elixir Superieur Design Time Serum
The Shiseido Elixir Superieur Design Time Serum is a luxurious anti-aging serum that is designed to help improve the firmness, elasticity, and radiance of the skin.
It is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including iris root extract, cornflower flower extract, watercress, glycerin, and collagen.
These ingredients work together to help strengthen the skin's support network, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and leave the skin looking plump and hydrated.
The serum has a lightweight, non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It has a pleasant, floral fragrance that is not overpowering. I have been using the serum for a few weeks now, and I have noticed a significant improvement in the firmness and elasticity of my skin.
My wrinkles have also been reduced, and my skin looks more radiant and healthy.
Pros:
- Lightweight, non-sticky texture
- Quickly absorbs into the skin
- Pleasant, floral fragrance
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
- Improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin
- Leaves the skin looking plump and hydrated
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not suitable for all skin types
Kose Sekkisei Medicated Recovery Essence Excellent Spot Treatment Skin Brightening Serum
Kose Sekkisei Medicated Recovery Essence Excellent Spot Treatment Skin Brightening Serum is a Japanese serum that is said to help improve the appearance of age spots and other skin blemishes.
It is made with a blend of ingredients, including kojic acid, arbutin, and licorice extract, which are said to be effective for brightening the skin.
The serum is also free of fragrance, artificial colors, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
The serum has a clear, lightweight consistency and absorbs quickly into the skin. It does not leave a greasy or oily residue. I have been using the serum for about two weeks now, and I have noticed a slight improvement in the overall brightness of my skin.
My age spots are not as dark as they used to be, and my skin overall looks more even-toned.
Pros:
- Contains a blend of ingredients that are said to be effective for brightening the skin.
- Free of fragrance, artificial colors, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
- Absorbs quickly into the skin and does not leave a greasy or oily residue.
- Has been shown to improve the appearance of age spots and other skin blemishes.
Cons:
- Can be expensive.
- Not all users have seen significant results.
- Some users have reported experiencing mild side effects such as redness or irritation.
SK-II RNA New Age Essence
Best Japanese Serum For Antiaging
SK-II is one of the most luxurious skincare brands and this serum is priced accordingly as well. A bit on the expensive side, this RNA serum by SK-II is worth every dollar!
It’s lightweight and works towards improving your skin texture to make it smooth and plump. It adds moisture to the skin and also reduces wrinkles.
POLA Wrinkle Shot Medical Serum
Best Japanese Serum For Mature Skin
Wrinkle shot medical serum by Pola is a clinically-formulated serum that effectively reduces wrinkles and fine lines within 2-3 weeks of regular use.
The company uses its patent ingredient NEI-L1, which was developed after 15 years of research in anti-aging ingredients.
Pros:
- Gives whitening effect
- Good ingredients
- Does not cause allergy
Cons:
- Not worth the price
Elixir Enriched Serum
Best Japanese Serum To Improve Skin Elasticity
This Japanese serum is lightweight and formulated with Satsuma Mandarin Peel Extract, Mangosteen Bark Extract, Inositol, Soapberry Extract, Turmeric Extract.
It doesn’t feel sticky on application. It intensely hydrates your skin and leaves a subtle refreshing fragrance. The serum works to improve skin elasticity and texture.
Pros:
- Has Non-sticky texture
- Great transparent texture
- Holds the skin to have firmness and moisture
SHISEIDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate N
Best Japanese Serum For Wrinkles
The serum is packed with skin hydrating and moisturizing ingredients. It deeply moisturizes skin and leaves you feeling fresh. The formula is a bit thicker than most serums but doesn’t feel too sticky after application. The serum helps your skin retain moisture all day. It has a subtle refreshing fragrance.
Pros:
- Get reduces signs of aging
- Gives hydration
- Enhances radiance in 3 days
- Lightweight serum
Dr. Ci: Labo Super White 377VC
Best Japanese Serum For Skin Brightening
This Japanese serum does a pretty good job of hydrating your skin. The texture is more cream like so it’s easy to apply on specific areas that need to be taken care of. The bottle has a small window where you can see how much of the product you still have left!
Pros:
- Lightens sun damage marks
- Serum is very moisturizing.
- Very gentle on the skin.
- Gives whitening effect
Cons:
- Takes a long time to show effects
- Related: Best Japanese Moisturiser
- Related: Best Japanese Nighttime Moisturiser
How to choose the best Japanese serum?
Choosing the best Japanese serum can be a daunting task, given the vast array of options available. However, by considering the following factors, you can make an informed decision and select a serum that suits your specific skincare needs:
- Identify Your Skin Concerns
Determine the primary issues you want to address with the serum. Japanese serums often cater to various concerns such as hydration, brightening, anti-aging, acne control, or improving skin texture. Understanding your specific needs will help narrow down your choices.
- Check the Ingredients
Look for serums that contain high-quality and effective ingredients. Japanese skincare products are known for their meticulous formulation and attention to detail.
Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, niacinamide, arbutin, and botanical extracts are commonly found in Japanese serums, targeting specific skin concerns. Consider ingredients that are suitable for your skin type and concerns.
- Research Brands
Research reputable Japanese skincare brands known for their expertise and commitment to quality. Brands like Shiseido, SK-II, Hada Labo, COSRX, and Kanebo have gained international recognition for their innovative and effective skincare products. Explore reviews and testimonials to gauge the brand's reputation and customer satisfaction.
- Assess Product Reviews
Read reviews from customers and skincare enthusiasts who have tried the serums you're interested in. Feedback from others with similar skin concerns and types can provide valuable insights into the efficacy and results of the product. Look for reviews that discuss the specific benefits and potential drawbacks of the serum.
- Consider Texture and Absorption
Serums come in various textures, such as lightweight liquids, gels, or creamy consistencies. Choose a texture that suits your preferences and works well with your skin type. Additionally, consider how quickly the serum absorbs into the skin, as a fast-absorbing formula is convenient for daily use.
- Seek Recommendations
Consult with skincare professionals or experts who are knowledgeable about Japanese skincare. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type, concerns, and preferences.
Additionally, online skincare communities, forums, and social media platforms can be excellent resources to seek recommendations and advice from fellow skincare enthusiasts.
- Sample Products
If possible, try to obtain samples or travel-sized versions of the serums you're interested in. Sampling the product allows you to assess its compatibility with your skin, how it feels, and how your skin responds to it before committing to a full-sized purchase.
What Is The Difference Between a Japanese Serum, Essence, and Ampoule?
Japanese skincare often incorporates a multi-step routine that includes various products designed to target specific skin concerns. While there may be some overlap and variations in terminology, here's a general breakdown of the differences between Japanese serums, essences, and ampoules:
- Serum
A serum is a lightweight and concentrated skincare product that contains a high concentration of active ingredients. Serums are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as hydration, brightening, anti-aging, or acne.
They typically have a watery or gel-like consistency and are designed to be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing.
Serums are meant to penetrate deep into the skin and deliver potent ingredients directly to the targeted areas.
- Essence
Essences are similar to serums in that they are also lightweight and contain active ingredients, but they tend to have a slightly more viscous or watery consistency.
Essences are formulated to provide hydration and nourishment to the skin, often improving skin texture and promoting a healthy complexion. They are typically applied after toning and before serums.
Essences are considered to be a crucial step in Korean skincare routines, but the term is also sometimes used in Japanese skincare.
- Ampoule
Ampoules are highly concentrated, targeted treatments that contain a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to serums or essences. They are designed to provide an intense boost to the skin and address specific skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or dullness.
Ampoules are often used as a short-term treatment for a specific period, such as a few weeks or a month, to achieve noticeable results.
They are usually applied after toning and before moisturizing. Ampoules are less commonly used in Japanese skincare compared to serums and essences, but they can still be found in certain product lines.
How To Use Japanese Serums?
The first step is cleansing. This helps remove all dirt and impurities from your face. Now, after cleansing, you must apply an alcohol-free toner. You should never skip on your toner.
When we usually apply our toners, we let it soak into the skin before applying our moisturizer. However, the truth is that wet skin is more permeable than dry skin.
So when you apply your toner, do not let it dry. When your skin is damp, apply a dime-size of serum. It will absorb better into your skin.
When to use face serum?
It’s recommended to apply serum twice a day. Serum is applied after toning and cleansing and before moisturizing. Apply a sunscreen if you’re stepping to protect the benefits the serum delivers to your skin.
How to apply serum?
Use 2 fingertips to apply the serum. Gently pat it on and smoothen it. You don’t have to massage it in too much, very lightly just enough to smoothen and spread it. Let the serum absorb into your skin on its own. Wait for 3-5 minutes and then apply a moisturizer according to your skin type.
Do you use serum or moisturizer first?
You first apply serum and then layer it on with a moisturizer. Serum is applied to deliver concentrated active ingredients deep into your skin. When you apply a moisturizer over it, the moisturizer ensures that it seals it in for maximum benefits!
When should I start using serum?
The best age to start using a serum is when you’re in your late 20s and early 30s. First signs of aging are usually observed during late 20s. It’s best to include a face serum according to your skin type when you hit 27 or 28 years of age. Face serum will slow down the aging process and give you beautiful, youthful, and radiant skin.
When to use a serum?
A serum can be used right after cleansing your face. It is best to apply serum regularly in the mornings and evenings.
Which is the best Japanese serum for oily skin?
With its unique water-soluble formula, the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil thoroughly cleanses your skin without leaving a film and can be washed off. It contains eight gentle ingredients that make your skin look and feel young. It nourishes and hydrates it, making it look and feel younger. Rosemary leaf oil soothes and tones the skin, while olive fruit oil reduces free radicals and prevents pores from clogging up. Vitamin E works on reducing premature aging signs. By dissolving makeup, removing excess oils, sunscreen, and other impurities, and hydrating dry skin, this cleansing oil effectively removes makeup and leaves no residue.
Which is the best Japanese serum for dry skin?
Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum truly provides Deep Hydration With A High Concentration Of Super Hyaluronic Acid. It Intensely Boosts And Optimizes Skin's Hydration Level. Skin Appears Visibly Smooth, Luminous And Healthy. Skin Ph Balanced And Low Irritation. Free Of Fragrances, Mineral Oil, Alcohol And Colorant.
Which is the best Japanese serum for sensitive skin?
Minon Amino Moist Charge Milk: When applied to the face, it feels halfway between a serum and lotion. It does not feel greasy or oily at all. Makes the face feel smooth and vibrant. This is slightly thicker than a lotion, but definitely not a cream--it spreads nicely and it's strong point for me is that it forms a barrier against moisture loss that you can tell is there, but it never makes my skin feel heavy or greasy-a real concern for me as I am rosacea prone, but this is lovely & gentle. Makeup goes on easily over this.
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