Must-Buy Japanese Pharmacy Products for 2025 | 22 Essential Makeup, Skincare, and Masks

Welcome to your ultimate guide to Japanese pharmacy beauty products for 2025! We've rounded up the hottest skincare and makeup items of the year, including trendy face masks, exclusive skincare gems, essential medications, and beauty tools. This curated list ensures that your Japanese pharmacy shopping spree is both convenient and enjoyable. Last year, we delved into the 2024 Must-Buy List for Japanese Pharmacy Products (Internal and External Use), and now we're back with a fresh collection of must-have beauty and skincare products, some of which you can only get in Japan. Dive in and discover your new favorites!

Let's talk about Kosé Clear Turn face masks – they're not just cute, they're a steal! These masks are a hit among Japanese women, thanks to their quick and effective 8-minute treatment. The range has something for everyone, with different masks targeting various skin needs. The pink one is perfect if your skin's feeling a bit off-balance, providing deep hydration and calming effects – a lifesaver during those tricky seasonal changes. On the other hand, the yellow mask is your go-to for oily skin, helping to keep acne at bay and reduce inflammation. Plus, they're super gentle with no added fragrances, colorants, mineral oils, alcohol, or preservatives. Your skin will thank you!

Widely adored in Japan, this mask offers a range of benefits tailored to different skin needs. The pink variant is loaded with the buzzworthy anti-aging ingredient NMN, which works wonders for boosting skin elasticity and clarity. On the other hand, the gold variant is all about brightening, packed with a hefty dose of Vitamin C to tackle dullness and even out your complexion, making it a fantastic value. And if you ever stumble upon the limited edition silver version, VC 100 White, be sure to snag it!

When the LuLuLun Hydra V Mask hit the market, it skyrocketed to the top of the @cosme rankings, and it's easy to see why! This mask is packed with seven different vitamins and a blend of herbal extracts, making it perfect for tightening pores and smoothing out rough skin. What really sets it apart is the unique lifting design of the mask sheet, which gives you a noticeable firming effect right after you use it. It's definitely a must-have for those skincare emergencies!

If you're a fan of face masks, the Suiko Centella Asiatica Mask is one you won't want to miss! This gem, which boasts an A-grade rating from LDK magazine, is perfect for anyone looking to pamper their skin. The green version of this mask is all about soothing and moisturizing, thanks to its star ingredient, Centella Asiatica. Plus, it’s packed with jellyfish collagen for that extra hydration boost. Say goodbye to redness and dryness, and wake up with skin that feels plump and hydrated.

Have you heard about the "Vitamin C in the morning, Retinol at night" skincare trend that's all the rage in Japan? If not, let me introduce you to a fantastic product that fits right into this routine. The Unlabel LAB Vitamin C Pore Minimizing Serum is a budget-friendly option that you can snag for about HKD $100, and it comes in a generous 50ml bottle. This serum is perfect for those new to Vitamin C treatments. You should apply it right after cleansing but before your toner. It works wonders on reducing pore size and brightening up dull skin. Plus, it's free of fragrances, alcohol, and preservatives, so it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.

Orbis, a brand under the POLA Group, caters specifically to mature skin needs. This lotion, priced at around HKD $155 for a 180ml bottle, offers great value. The U series is a long-time favorite in the @cosme Awards, earning accolades year after year. The lotion itself has a slightly thick texture that turns into a hydrating formula as soon as it touches your skin, ensuring quick absorption. Your skin will feel refreshed and non-greasy afterward. Plus, it's free from pigments and fragrances, relying on natural ingredients, which makes it a beloved choice among Japanese women.

Crafted by expert Japanese dermatologists, the "Takami Blue Bottle Beauty Serum" is a gentle exfoliating treatment designed to boost your skin's health from the inside out! This unique formula softly eliminates dead skin cells and tackles common issues like enlarged pores, acne, and closed comedones. Perfect for those with oily or combination skin, this professional-grade serum helps your complexion shine with a natural, healthy glow!

If you're on the lookout for a skin-brightening solution, Shiseido's HAKU Whitening Lotion might just be your new best friend. This lotion features Shiseido's exclusive patented ingredient, 4MSK, which is specifically designed to tackle skin whitening concerns. Its light and refreshing texture allows it to absorb deeply into your skin, working to inhibit melanin production and gently fade dark spots. With regular use, you'll notice a naturally radiant and more even complexion that shines with brightness!

Meet the Japanese Clayge Cleansing Balm, a true gem that has snagged the COSME Grand Prize! This balm is packed with natural clay ingredients that dive deep into your pores for an exceptional cleanse. Its luxuriously smooth texture effortlessly melts away makeup, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. Plus, its unique moisturizing formula keeps your skin hydrated and comfy even after you've washed up!

IHADA, a brand under the well-known Shiseido umbrella, is tailored specifically for those with sensitive skin. This repair cream has clinched the top spot in Japan's @cosme medicated moisturizer rankings, thanks to its focus on soothing sensitivity and reducing redness. The star of the show here is its gentle, low-irritation formula, with petroleum jelly as the main ingredient. Although the cream has a relatively thick texture, it doesn't feel greasy at all. For the best results, warm the cream in your palms before gently pressing it onto your face. This method ensures excellent moisturizing effects, making it a perfect choice for dry, sensitive skin.

Looking for a body scrub that will leave your skin feeling like silk? The Utena Body Scrub is just what you need! This scrub features a gentle bath salt formula and is available in five delightful fragrances. Packed with moisturizing beauty essences and refreshing aromas, it works wonders in sloughing off dead skin cells, tackling roughness and dullness. After using it, your skin will feel incredibly smooth and radiant, with a firm, bouncy, and healthy glow that you’ll love to show off.

If you're wandering through Japanese drugstores, keep an eye out for Deonatulle's deodorant stone. The Soft Stone version is perfect for those with sensitive skin, providing a gentle and irritation-free experience. Made from natural mineral ingredients, this deodorant does a fantastic job of controlling sweat and odor, keeping you dry and comfy, even on the hottest summer days.

Have you tried the Saborino Morning Series yet? Besides their fantastic face masks, they also offer this super handy shampoo! It's perfect for those hectic mornings when you need a quick freshen-up right after waking. This shampoo not only cleans your hair but also nourishes it and leaves a lovely scent. It's a real time-saver and a great way to start your day feeling refreshed!

If you're heading to Japan, the Kao Steam Eye Mask should definitely be on your shopping list. This amazing eye mask emits a soothing steam at around 40°C, which works wonders for relieving tired eyes, boosting blood flow, and tackling those pesky dark circles and puffiness. The mask is designed to fit snugly around your eyes without adding any pressure, making it super comfortable to wear. It's perfect to use right before you hit the sack, helping you unwind and drift off into a deep, relaxing sleep.

If you're someone who spends a lot of time on your feet, these foot patches are a game-changer. Designed to soothe tired legs and ease soreness, they use a cooling gel that feels incredibly refreshing. Not only do they help relieve discomfort, but they also boost blood circulation, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle your next adventure.

When it comes to eyebrow products, KATE is a name that often comes up, and their 3D Shaping Eyebrow Powder is a must-have in the makeup kits of many Japanese women. This powder is known for its fine texture and natural color payoff. Each compact includes three different shades, making it easy to customize according to your hair color and desired makeup look. With this product, achieving natural, three-dimensional eyebrows is a breeze.

If you're on the hunt for an eyeshadow palette that's both versatile and easy to use, the Excel Four-Color Eyeshadow Palette is a must-have. Known for its smooth texture and thoughtfully curated shades, this palette offers a range of earthy tones that complement any skin tone. Whether you're aiming for a subtle daytime look or something more glamorous for a night out, this palette has got you covered.

If you're in Japan, you'll notice that OPERA lipsticks are all the rage, and their Sheer Color Lipstick is a fan favorite. Its moisturizing formula and subtle color make it perfect for achieving a radiant lip look with minimal effort, even if you're going makeup-free.

Canmake is a beloved Japanese drugstore brand famous for its cute packaging and great value. This contour palette is a hit among Japanese girls, thanks to its fine texture and natural finish. It blends seamlessly into the skin, giving you a beautifully sculpted look without feeling heavy. It's perfect for achieving that effortlessly natural makeup style.

Meet the WonJungyo Cheek and Eye Makeup Palette, a favorite among Japanese women, thanks to its endorsement by Momo of the wildly popular South Korean girl group TWICE. This palette features a stunning and practical seven-color combination that has taken the beauty scene by storm! With its silky-smooth powder and thoughtfully chosen shades, you can effortlessly layer and blend to achieve a flawless, professional look with natural gradients.

If you're on the hunt for an eyeliner that truly delivers, look no further than the D-UP eyeliner pencil from Japan. This gem is celebrated for its unique formula that ensures your eye makeup stays put all day long. The application is super smooth, making it a breeze to use. With a spectrum of shades from timeless black to gentle browns, there's something for every makeup style. Even if you're just starting out, you'll find it easy to draw precise lines and highlight your eyes beautifully!

Osaji's versatile lip and cheek balm, made with natural organic ingredients straight from Japan, is perfect for achieving a fresh and healthy makeup look! Its light and moisturizing formula effortlessly blends into both lips and cheeks, giving you an instant soft, radiant glow that exudes pure elegance!

Embarking on a shopping spree through Japan's drugstores is nothing short of thrilling. This carefully crafted guide is here to make your search for must-have items a breeze! Whether you're hunting for unique finds, trending new products, or timeless drugstore staples, you're bound to discover the perfect pick on your adventure. Don't forget to stay tuned for our latest deals and keep this guide close at hand to elevate your next shopping trip!