For international visitors to Japan, drugstores are an absolute must-visit shopping destination.
They’re as convenient and common as convenience stores, with locations found throughout cities and towns.
According to recent surveys, an impressive 97.4% of tourists visit drugstores during their stay in Japan, demonstrating their immense popularity.
What makes Japanese drugstores special is their wide range of products—not just medications, but also daily necessities, food items, and high-quality beauty products.
Japan is renowned as a beauty powerhouse, and its drugstore skincare and makeup items attract attention from all over the world.
Don’t forget your coupons when shopping at drugstores!
Our website offers special coupons for international visitors that you can use at drugstores. Get additional discounts on top of tax-free prices, so be sure to take advantage of them!
Why You Should Buy Beauty Products at Japanese Drugstores
1. High Quality at Reasonable Prices
Japanese drugstore beauty products offer quality comparable to department store luxury brands, but at much more affordable prices. You’ll find a wide selection of products from skincare to makeup, all offering excellent value for money.
2. Drugstore-Exclusive Products
In Japan, drugstores are recognized as a major market for beauty products, with many items developed specifically for drugstore sales. These products are typically designed to be user-friendly and effective.
3. Tax-Free Shopping and Discounts
International tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping at many stores, making your purchases even more affordable. Additionally, many drugstore chains offer special coupons for foreign visitors, providing extra discounts.
Let’s explore some outstanding beauty products you can find in Japanese drugstores, organized by category.
Skincare Lotions
IHADA Medicated Clear Lotion
Photo from https://www.shiseido.co.jp/ihada/
This is a brightening lotion especially recommended for sensitive skin. It helps prevent dark spots and blemishes while gently moisturizing the skin. Free from fragrance, color additives, and alcohol, it’s gentle enough for delicate skin. It contains medically effective ingredients developed with Shiseido’s technology that prevent skin irritation while promoting clear, radiant skin.
Nameraka Honpo Medicated White Lotion
Photo from https://noevirgroup.jp/sana/
This popular medicated lotion contains fermented soy milk extract from Hokkaido’s “Yukipirika” soybeans. It offers skin-brightening effects along with blemish prevention and pore care benefits. Its slightly thick texture provides rich moisture when applied to the skin. The combination of high performance at an affordable price makes it popular with both Japanese and international customers.
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
Image from https://www.naturie-net.jp/
This lotion is packed with job’s tears (hatomugi) extract, delivering moisture deep into the skin’s layers. It’s a versatile product that can be used not only on the face but also on the neck and body. Despite its light feel, it provides excellent hydration and has become a staple product in Japan due to its great value. Its large volume at an affordable price means you can use it generously without worry.
Makeup
CANMAKE Highlighter
Image from https://www.canmake.com/
This is an affordable highlighter that provides an elegant glow. It creates a natural luminosity that isn’t too intense, making it easy to use even for beginners. Simply apply a light layer to the high points of your face for a dimensional, healthy-looking complexion. Its compact size makes it convenient for travel, and its color range works well with various skin tones.
Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation
Image from https://www.maybelline.co.jp/
With up to 16 different shades available, you can find the perfect match for your skin tone. It has a lightweight feel yet provides good coverage and stays in place throughout the day. The foundation creates a natural finish and is formulated to resist transferring to masks. Although it’s an international brand, this product has been developed specifically for the Japanese market.
ELIXIR Tsuya-tama Mist
Image from https://www.shiseido.co.jp/elixir/index.html
This moisturizing mist from Shiseido’s ELIXIR line can be used even over makeup. Just spray it on for an instant dewy complexion, making it perfect for emergency hydration when your skin feels dry. The fine mist won’t disturb your makeup while providing additional moisture. It also has a subtle floral scent that provides a soothing effect.
Dark Spot Treatment
Melano CC Medicinal Spots Treatment Essence
Image from https://jp.rohto.com
This medicinal essence contains a high concentration of vitamin C derivatives to inhibit melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles. It has a refreshing texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. With continued use, skin becomes more radiant and dullness improves. Its affordable price makes it a repeat purchase for many Japanese customers.
HAKU Melanofocus EV
Image from https://www.shiseido.co.jp
This is a signature brightening serum from Shiseido’s specialized brightening brand “HAKU.” It contains the uniquely developed brightening ingredient “4MSK” that effectively suppresses melanin production. In addition to preventing dark spots and freckles, it contains abundant moisturizing ingredients, making it suitable for dry skin. The texture is lightweight and non-sticky, working well with other skincare products.
Maihada Skin Conditioning Brightening Essence
Image from https://maihada.jp/
This brightening essence from Kosé’s “Maihada” brand contains Rice Power® No.7 to promote clear, translucent skin. It not only prevents dullness and dark spots but also deeply moisturizes with rice-derived ingredients. Created from Japanese rice research, it’s perfect for those interested in traditional Japanese beauty ingredients. Its rich, hydrating texture makes it popular with those who have dry skin.
Acne Treatment
Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Anti-Acne Cream
Image from https://jp.rohto.com/acnes/m-acne/
This is an effective treatment for red, inflamed, and painful acne. The sulfur component absorbs impurities in pimples and pores while killing acne bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, making it ideal for early acne care. It has a clinging texture with a cooling sensation after application. The transparent formula means it can be used before applying makeup.
Annazalbe Ace
Image from https://www.ssp.co.jp/product/detail/anna/
This is an affordable treatment especially recommended for red acne. It has a good spreadability and skin compatibility, making it highly rated for ease of use. Its subtle fragrance makes it comfortable for daily use. The small tube format is convenient to carry around, making it ideal for acne care while traveling.
Apostick Cream
Image from https://sundrug-online.com/
This cream-type medicinal product is suitable for treating acne not only on the face but also on the back. It effectively reduces inflammation, promising faster improvement of acne. Initially white in color, it becomes transparent when spread, making it unnoticeable for daytime use. Its moisturizing, soft texture is a notable feature, making it effective for acne caused by dry skin.
Conclusion
Japanese drugstores offer a wealth of attractive beauty products that international visitors should consider purchasing. High-quality yet reasonably priced products that utilize Japan’s unique technologies and ingredients make perfect souvenirs or personal treats.
Additionally, many drugstores now have packaging with English labels and multilingual instructions, making it easier for international visitors to shop with confidence. Take advantage of tax-free services and special discounts to get these excellent beauty items during your stay in Japan.
Shopping at Japanese drugstores will surely be a special experience during your trip. Use this article as a guide to find the perfect Japanese beauty products for your needs.
