If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
We’ve already sung the praises of Korean sunscreens on this site – and we stand by every word. But it would be remiss of us not to talk about Japanese sunscreens, which have their own very devoted following, and for good reason.
Japan has been making serious SPF for decades. Long before K-beauty SPFs went viral on TikTok, Japanese sunscreens were quietly being passed around by dermatologists and skincare obsessives as the gold standard for UV protection. They’re not as trendy. They don’t have the same social media moment. But many of them are genuinely exceptional.
Here’s our honest rundown of the best Japanese sunscreens you can actually buy in the UK right now.
What Makes Japanese Sunscreens Different?
Japanese sunscreens are formulated to Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Law standards, which are among the strictest in the world. A few things set them apart:
The PA rating system – Japan uses PA+ to PA++++ to indicate UVA protection. PA++++ is the highest rating available and is now standard on most quality Japanese SPFs. Always look for this.
Uvinul filters – Japanese SPFs often use UV filters like Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S, which offer excellent broad-spectrum protection and tend to feel elegant on skin.
Water resistance – Japanese sunscreens have long been particularly strong here, making them a favourite for beach and sport use.
Texture – traditionally slightly richer than Korean SPFs, though newer Japanese formulas have become much lighter. Not quite as weightless as the best Korean options, but very wearable.
The Best Japanese Sunscreens Available in the UK
1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Best overall Japanese sunscreen
If you’ve spent time in skincare forums, you’ll have seen Biore’s Aqua Rich mentioned approximately one thousand times. That’s not hype – it genuinely deserves its reputation. The Watery Essence has a gel-like, almost watery texture that absorbs almost instantly and leaves absolutely no residue. It sits beautifully under makeup and doesn’t pill.
It’s also one of the most affordable Japanese SPFs on the market, which makes it an excellent entry point if you’ve never tried J-beauty sun care before.
- SPF: 50+ PA++++
- Finish: Weightless, invisible
- Best for: All skin types, especially oily and combination skin
- Where to buy: Amazon UK | Stylevana | BuyMeJapan
2. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+ PA++++
Best for outdoor and active use
Anessa is Shiseido’s SPF line and it is, frankly, iconic. The Perfect UV Milk uses their Auto Booster technology, which means the formula actually strengthens when it comes into contact with sweat or water – rather than breaking down like most sunscreens. If you’re spending time outdoors, at the beach, or just sweating through a London summer, this is the one.
It has a slightly more traditional sunscreen feel than the Biore – a touch creamier, slightly more visible – but the protection is exceptional and it lasts.
- SPF: 50+ PA++++
- Finish: Light cream, slight sheen
- Best for: Outdoor use, sports, beach, humid weather
- Where to buy: Amazon UK | Stylevana | BuyMeJapan
3. Hada Labo UV White Gel SPF50+ PA++++
Best for dry and dehydrated skin
Hada Labo – the brand that essentially mainstreamed hyaluronic acid in skincare – makes a sunscreen, and of course it’s packed with hydrating ingredients. The Koi-Gokujyun UV White Gel combines SPF50+ protection with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, making it genuinely moisturising as well as protective. The “White” in the name refers to brightening, not a white cast – there isn’t one.
What makes this one stand out is the texture: it goes on slightly oily but absorbs within minutes, leaving a semi-matte finish with no heaviness and no residue. Hydrating enough to skip a separate moisturiser, which we appreciate. People tend to come back to this one repeatedly after trying other formulas which tells you something.
- SPF: 50+ PA++++
- Finish: Semi-matte, no white cast, absorbs fully within minutes
- Best for: Dry, dehydrated and oily skin
- Where to buy: BuyMeJapan
4. Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Best for brightening and colour correction
Skin Aqua’s Tone Up UV Essence is a clever one – it combines SPF50+ protection with a light lavender tint that neutralises sallowness and gives skin an immediate brightness boost. It’s not a foundation or tinted SPF in the traditional sense – it’s more subtle than that. But it does make a visible difference to how skin looks, particularly if you’re going bare-faced or minimal with makeup.
We like this one for days when you want to look a bit more alive without actually doing your makeup. Very much a real product rather than a gimmick.
- SPF: 50+ PA++++
- Finish: Light lavender tint, brightening
- Best for: All skin types, especially those wanting a natural glow
- Where to buy: BuyMeJapan
5. Nivea Japan UV Deep Protect & Care Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Best budget option
Yes, Nivea. But the Japanese Nivea UV line is genuinely different from anything you’ll find in a UK Boots – it’s formulated specifically for the Japanese market and uses Japanese UV filter technology. The Deep Protect & Care Serum has a lightweight serum texture, offers excellent broad-spectrum protection, and costs very little.
Worth noting: this is the Japanese version specifically. Don’t confuse it with standard European Nivea sun products, which are quite different in formula and texture.
- SPF: 50+ PA++++
- Finish: Lightweight serum
- Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, all skin types
- Where to buy: Amazon UK | BuyMeJapan
Japanese vs Korean Sunscreens: A Quick Note
We get asked this a lot, and we’ve written a full comparison here – but the short version is: Korean SPFs tend to win on texture and everyday wearability, while Japanese SPFs tend to win on water resistance and longevity. Neither is objectively better. They’re different tools for different situations.
If you want one SPF for daily life under makeup, Korean wins. If you’re heading to the beach or doing sport, Japanese wins.
Most of us use both. We’re not embarrassed about it.
How to Choose the Right Japanese Sunscreen for You
| Skin Type | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Oily / Combination | Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence |
| Dry / Dehydrated | Hada Labo UV White Gel |
| Outdoor / Active | Anessa Perfect UV Milk |
| All skin types (brightening) | Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence |
| Budget pick | Nivea Japan UV Essence |
Where to Buy Japanese Sunscreens in the UK
Japanese SPFs are increasingly available in the UK, though the range is still more limited than Korean options:
- Amazon UK – good range of the popular options
- Stylevana – stocks some Japanese brands alongside Korean
- BuyMeJapan – the best dedicated source for Japanese beauty in the UK, with a range that Amazon and Stylevana can’t match.
Final Thoughts
Japanese sunscreens don’t get the viral moment they deserve – partly because they’re less photogenic than some of their Korean counterparts, and partly because the J-beauty world is generally less loud about itself. But the quality is there, the protection is real, and several of these formulas are genuinely among the best SPFs we’ve tried from anywhere in the world.
Start with the Biore UV Aqua Rich if you’re new to Japanese sun care – it’s the most accessible, the most affordable, and consistently one of the best-reviewed SPFs on the market. You’ll understand the hype immediately.
Also worth reading: Best Korean Sunscreens Available in the UK and our Korean vs Japanese Skincare guide.
Last updated: June 2026
Pingback: Korean vs Japanese Sunscreen: Which Should You Use? |