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The right moisturizer can completely change your skin. Japanese moisturizers have earned their reputation for being gentle, effective, and packed with ingredients your skin actually loves. In this article, we’ve ranked and reviewed the Best Japanese Moisturizers of 2025 for Every Skin Type — whether your skin is dry, oily, or sensitive to help you quickly find exactly what your skin needs.
We believe that using a facial moisturizing cream and body creams is an essential step in any skincare routine. It’s the perfect way to lock in hydration, improve skin texture, and maintain that fresh, healthy glow we all want. In Japan, you can find moisturizers at all price points.
And let’s not forget the incredible range of Korean cosmetics that have made their way into the Japanese market!
With so many options available, choosing the best moisturizer for your skin can be tricky. That’s why we decided to test and compare the most popular Japanese moisturizers ourselves, right here at Dandi Japan.
Let’s jump right in.
1. Our Japanese Moisturizers Top Picks
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream
Lightweight, serious glow-up results.
Obagi ELASTIderm Lift Up & Sculpt Facial Moisturizer
Simple, clean, and deeply moisturizing.
Clé de Peau BeautéLa Crème
Intense hydration that feels like luxury.
| Product | Click to Purchase | Review | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎖️4.SK-II SKINPOWER Face Moisturizer | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.25 |
| 5.SEKKISEI Herbal Gel – Liquid Facial Moisturizer | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.10 |
| 6.Koh Gen Do All In One Moisture Gel | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.00 |
| 7. Shiseido Vital Perfection – Cream Supreme Concentrate | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.00 |
2. How Do We Choose the Best Japanese Moisturizers?
We selected 18 of the most popular and best moisturizing creams from Japan, and choose 7 as the BEST ones for you to buy and use, Including recent releases and well-loved classics.
We didn’t just rely on popularity—we personally tested each product to ensure they’re truly effective and worth recommending.
2.1 How We Reviewed the Best Japanese Moisturizers
In our testing, we focused on these eight key factors:
- Moisturizing Power: How well did the cream keep our skin hydrated throughout the day?
- Texture & Feel: Was it sticky, heavy, or comfortably lightweight?
- Ingredients & Formulation: Did it contain beneficial ingredients tailored to specific skin concerns (like dryness, acne, or sensitivity)?
- Absorption & Application: How quickly and smoothly did it absorb into our skin?
- Compatibility with Makeup: Could we easily apply makeup afterward without pilling or greasiness?
- Sensitivity & Skin Reaction: Did it cause irritation or soothe our skin?
- Value for Money: Was the product reasonably priced considering its effectiveness?
- User Reviews & Popularity in Japan: How popular is it among Japanese skincare users?
In our experience, the best moisturizers weren’t just those that ranked well on paper, but ones we genuinely enjoyed using every day.
2.3 Our Methodology
We spent weeks thoroughly testing each moisturizer.
We paid close attention to how each product felt on our skin throughout the day, whether it was a humid summer morning in Tokyo or a dry winter evening. Additionally, we also exchanged feedback within our team, sharing our personal experiences to gain a clearer picture of each moisturizer’s real-world performance.
For example, we noticed creams containing ceramides performed exceptionally well during the colder months, helping our skin stay smooth and protected even on chilly days.
On the other hand, lightweight gels and creams with silicone oil felt better during warmer days, especially for those of us dealing with oily skin.
After extensive hands-on testing, we’ve confidently selected what we believe are the best Japanese moisturizers available this year. Our choices are practical, reliable, and suitable for a variety of skin types and concerns. We hope our recommendations make your skincare journey easier and more enjoyable!
3. The 7 Best Japanese Moisturizers of 2025 – Tested and Reviewed
Choosing the perfect moisturizer can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ve personally tested and ranked the 7 best Japanese moisturizers of 2025 for every skin type to simplify your skincare routine.
Discover which creams stood out and why we loved them!
No.1. Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream is a luxurious daytime moisturizer designed to smooth fine lines, visibly plump wrinkles, and deliver lasting hydration. Its silky texture effortlessly blends into the skin, offering immediate softness and noticeable radiance.
What truly sets it apart is its unique Reneura Technology+ and KOMBU-Bounce Complex, ingredients crafted specifically to enhance skin responsiveness and elasticity.
This moisturizer also comes with added UV protection, making it an excellent daily option.
Size: 1.7oz ml | Best for: normal, dry, combination, mature skin | Key ingredients: Reneura Technology+, KOMBU-Bounce Complex, Ashitaba Complex, Natsume Extract
No.2. Obagi ELASTIderm Lift Up & Sculpt Facial Moisturizer
Obagi ELASTIderm Lift Up & Sculpt Facial Moisturizer stands out as a powerful anti-aging cream, clinically proven to firm and sculpt facial contours visibly. Its unique Bi-Mineral Contour Complex specifically promotes healthy elastin production, effectively reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging in just a few weeks.
The texture is luxurious—rich yet surprisingly lightweight, absorbing quickly into the skin without a greasy feel. Polyglutamic Acid, another key ingredient, ensures long-lasting hydration and noticeably plumper skin. If your main concerns are aging and firmness, this moisturizer is exceptional.
Size: 1.7 oz. | Best for: normal, oily, dry, combination, mature skin | Key ingredients: Bi-Mineral Contour Complex, Polyglutamic Acid, Peptides
No.3. Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème
Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème is one of the most luxurious anti-aging night creams we have ever tested.
Designed to enhance your skin’s natural regeneration overnight, it combats wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, leaving your skin smoother, firmer, and visibly radiant by morning. Its powerful blend of Retinol ACE, Hyaluronic Acid, and Platinum Golden Silk make this cream truly unique in the luxury skincare market.
Size: 1 oz. | Best for: normal, mature skin | Key ingredients: Retinol ACE, Hyaluronic Acid, Platinum Golden Silk, Ceraferment Extract, 4MSK
No.4. SK-II SKINPOWER Face Moisturizer
SK-II SKINPOWER Face Moisturizer quickly became one of our favorites due to its powerful anti-aging effects and intense hydration.
The secret behind this cream is SK-II’s exclusive ingredient PITERA™, a unique fermented formula that nourishes the skin with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Combined with Kinren Extract and White Peony Extract, it visibly reduces fine lines, improves firmness, and leaves skin noticeably plump and youthful.
Size: 2.7 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination, oily, mature skin | Key ingredients: PITERA™, Kinren Extract, White Peony Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
No.5. SEKKISEI Herbal Gel – Liquid Facial Moisturizer
SEKKISEI Herbal Gel – Liquid Facial Moisturizer quickly stood out to us because of its multi-tasking formula.
It’s designed to offer 6-in-1 benefits: hydration, radiance boosting, smoothing, soothing, enhancing suppleness, and intense nourishment. The secret behind its effectiveness is a carefully curated blend of traditional Japanese herbs that penetrate deeply to deliver long-lasting moisture and luminosity.
Size: 2.8 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination, oily skin | Key ingredients: Angelica Root Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Melothria Root Extract, Coix Seed Extract
No.6. Koh Gen Do All In One Moisture Gel
The Koh Gen Do All In One Moisture Gel simplifies skincare by combining the benefits of essence, lotion, cream, and treatment mask into one lightweight gel. Its powerful formulation is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin, providing a noticeable moisture boost without a heavy or greasy feel.
It’s ideal for busy mornings or for simplifying nightly routines.
Size: 6.3 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination, and oily skin | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
No.7. Shiseido Vital Perfection – Cream Supreme Concentrate
Shiseido Vital Perfection – Cream Supreme Concentrate is truly a luxurious Japanese moisturizer known for its powerful anti-aging formula. Formulated with advanced ReNeura Technology+ and the KURENAI-TruLift Complex, it significantly improves skin firmness, reduces fine lines, and provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, which we appreciate as an essential daily defense against sun damage.
What sets this cream apart is its incredibly effective anti-agging and firming properties, visible in as little as one week. From our perspective, it’s the ideal choice if you want intense hydration and firming benefits combined into one luxurious product.
Size: 1.76 oz. | Best for: Normal to Dry skin | Key ingredients: ReNeura Technology+, KURENAI-TruLift Complex
4. How to Choose the Best Japanese Moisturizer For Your Skin Type
A moisturizer should always be used as the final step in your skincare routine. First cleanse, apply lotion (toner), follow with serum or essence, and then finish off with your moisturizer to seal in all the goodness.
Here’s how to choose the ideal Japanese moisturizer according to your skin type:
- Best Japanese Moisturizer for Oily skin: Go for lightweight, gel-like or silicone-based formulas that absorb fast and keep shine at bay. For instance, Koh Gen Do All In One Moisture Gel refreshes your skin without feeling heavy.
- Best Japanese Moisturizer for Dry skin: Rich, hydrating creams with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or nourishing oils are ideal. Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Day Cream locks in moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft.
- Best Japanese Moisturizer for Mature skin: Look for moisturizers loaded with anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, collagen, retinol, or vitamin C to smooth wrinkles and even skin tone. Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream is a solid option.
- Best Japanese Moisturizer for Sensitive skin: Choose gentle, fragrance-free formulas enriched with soothing elements like ceramides or calming plant extracts. SEKKISEI Lotion, Liquid Facial Moisturizer cares for delicate skin without irritation.
Still unsure about the details? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in our full-length guide:
Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Moisturizers (A Step-by-Step Guide)
5. FAQ
To wrap things up, here are some common questions we often hear about caring for your skin and choosing moisturizing creams:
Which cream should I use for extremely itchy, dry skin?
For very itchy skin, regular moisturizers might not be enough. We recommend over-the-counter creams containing anti-itch ingredients like diphenhydramine or crotamiton (often labeled as OTC medications).
What moisturizing creams can dermatologists prescribe?
If regular moisturizers aren’t helping your dry skin, dermatologists often prescribe medical-grade moisturizers like white petrolatum. In cases of severe inflammation, topical steroid creams may be used.
Prescription creams with heparinoids can help heal cracks and ease itching, but these are medicinal treatments—not daily cosmetic moisturizers. For routine hydration, medicated cosmetics from pharmacies are a better choice.
Can I use moisturizing cream without applying lotion first?
Absolutely! Lotions hydrate, but creams lock moisture in. If your lotion alone doesn’t feel moisturizing enough or leaves your skin feeling oily when combined with cream, using only cream is perfectly okay and can even reduce excess shine.
Can I apply body cream on my face?
Generally, it’s best to avoid using body cream on your face. Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, making body creams too heavy, potentially causing clogged pores or irritation.
If you prefer minimal skincare products, pick a cream formulated for both face and body to ensure it’s safe and gentle enough.
When is the best time to apply moisturizing cream?
We recommend applying moisturizing cream twice daily (morning and night) as the final step in your skincare routine. Always apply lighter, water-based products (like toner and serum) first, and finish with cream.
If applying cream twice a day feels too heavy or interferes with makeup, you can apply it only at night. Check the specific cream’s instructions from the manufacturer to be sure.
