If Korean skincare is all about achieving “glass skin,” Japanese skincare is all about“Mochi-hada.” Mochi-hada is the Japanese term for “rice-cake skin,” emulating the bouncy soft texture of the famous Japanese dessert mochi. What’s the secret to achieving mochi-hada? Through a strict skincare regime founded on a long history of beauty rituals backed by scientifically researched formulations. Moreover, the success Japanese brands such as Shiseido, KOSE, DHC, and SK-II also tell us J-Beauty has a lot to offer.
I had the pleasure of exploring one of Japan’s popular drugstores, Matsumoto Kiyoshi マツモトキヨシ, and saw all the bestseller Japanese drugstore products first hand! Here are the must-try Japanese skincare products of 2020 that I picked up.
DHC is a well established and trusted brand in Japan with a long history of providing top-notch products. Naturally, their bestseller DHC Deep Cleansing Oil was a must-buy! Double or triple cleansing is popular in Japan, and this cleansing oil is famous for its gentle formulation that doesn’t strip the skin. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has been a cult classic for years, and the popularity of this olive oil-based cleansing oil is still skyrocketing in 2020.
Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion is a Japanese toner that holds Holy Grail status among many Asian Beauty lovers. This is a thin creamy toner with three different types of hyaluronic acids. Hadalabo is a cult favorite brand that plumps and hydrates the skin for even the driest of skin types.
Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. is killing the game by producing quality skincare. Rohto’s Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence quickly rose to stardom in 2018 – 2019, and it will continue to impress skincare lovers in 2020. This best selling vitamin C serum is a stable vitamin C product that rapidly sinks into the skin. The lightweight oil-esque serum is formulated with vitamin C and vitamin E to produce brighter and softer skin.
Curel Intensive Moisture Cream is often raved about by skincare enthusiasts around the world. This is a heavy-duty moisture balm ideal for those with very dry and sensitive skin. It has no fragrances or colorants, and gentle enough for a baby. The hydrating formula derived from the allantoin, ceramide, and eucalyptus extract, softens the skin and prevents roughness.
If you love sheetmasking often, then Lululun Masks are for you! Lululun Balance Moisture Mask is great for nourishing dry and sensitive skin. It’s fragrance, color, and mineral oil-free. These come in a pack of seven to a larger tissue-like box of 36 sheets. Concerned with packaging waste of single sheet masks? All Lululun masks are contained in one package with no extra film or paper in between the masks.
Which J-beauty products can you not live without?
