Japan is a beautiful country offering beauty to please all of your senses. The Japanese take pride in the four distinct seasons that define their climate. Japan has a beautiful fall, winter, spring, and summer, which all offer different weather experiences.
It is easy to assume that sun protection can be forsaken apart from the summertime in Japan, but this is not so! It is imperative to protect your skin against the sun’s UV rays all year round.
You can learn this from locals who use both products and accessories to protect themselves from the sun!
While you may not feel compelled to follow the Skin Cancer Foundation’s guidelines by wearing UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade all year long, you must not forgo the sunscreen at any moment during the year.
Wearing sunscreen with broad spectrum protection throughout the year in Japan will ensure that you provide your skin with the vital sun protection it needs.
SimplySunSafe wants to help you find sunscreens that you can easily add to your daily routine so that your skin will be protected from the sun throughout all four seasons.
After extensive research, SimplySunSafe recommends EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 47 as the best sunscreen for Japan. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for Japan.
Buyer’s Guide
To be sure that you are choosing the most sufficient sun protection for Japan, there are a few must-have features to search for in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
The single most important thing to keep in mind when you are searching for a sunscreen for any purpose, is that you want it to provide broad spectrum protection.
This means that you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is essential because each type of ray works differently:
- UVB rays damage your outer skin and cause you to tan or burn
- UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging
Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of getting skin cancer, which is why you need to be sure that you’re sufficiently protected!
Now you may be thinking that in Japan, a country with four distinct seasons, you only need to wear sunscreen during the hot summers. This is not true!
Just because it isn’t hot and humid in winter does not mean that the sun’s rays aren’t reaching your skin! Broad spectrum protection is necessary throughout all seasons!
Don’t worry about struggling to find sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection. They are plentiful and easy to identify!
Just take a look at the sunscreen’s label for words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’ indicating the protection you’re looking for.
You can also search the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against the full spectrum of UVA/B rays and are an excellent option for Japan!
Best SPF for Japan
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is something that you often base your choice of sunscreen on. But are you really clear on what is means and how it works? Better understanding the SPF rating will make your search for sunscreen for Japan more effective.
The SPF rating tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied the product.
So if you are wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. Now you understand why you can stay longer in the sun when you wear sunscreen, but don’t get carried away!
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that you can stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF. Some of these are:
- time of day
- the amount of properly applied sunscreen
- reflections from surfaces like sand and water
Check out this table that will help you understand the protection you get from different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Are you surprised by what you see?
The truth is that there really is little difference between sunscreens with an SPF rating of 30 and ones with 100. So how do you know which to choose when searching for the best Japanese sunscreen?
Good question. SimplySunSafe stays in line with recommendations set out of by the FDA and suggests that you choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no greater than 50.
And no matter what rating you choose, be sure to reapply at least every 2 hours in Japan!
Physical is better than chemical
It’s important to know that sunscreens can be divided into two main groups – chemical and physical. The differences between these two (found in the active ingredients and in the way the sunscreens work to protect your skin) are distinct and important.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
Honestly, there are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
The most important reason is that physical sunscreens stop more light across a broader spectrum. Put simply, they are better sunscreens.
Physical sunscreens also:
- work immediately upon application
- last longer on the skin
- are less likely to cause irritation
- have a longer shelf life
If those reasons don’t convince you, then this will:
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones.
Scary, right? The worst of these chemicals is called oxybenzone, and is still legal despite concerns from the FDA. I advise that you avoid this ingredient in any sunscreen you use.
Your best choice for all the seasons in Japan will be a physical sunscreen!
Suitable for daily use
It is important to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, and especially during the spring and summer seasons in Japan when the sun is out more and stronger.
In order to be properly protected, you will need to wear sunscreen every day. So there are a few things you should think about before you start your search for an everyday sunscreen.
- Do you want a sunscreen that you can wear on both your face and body every day?
- Will you wear makeup over the sunscreen?
- Do you have any skin sensitivities or conditions to account for?
If you have these questions answered for yourself, your search will be streamlined and easier!
When you add a new product, such as sunscreen, to your daily skin routine, you need to be sure that it will be gentle and won’t cause you any irritation.
SimplySunSafe has recommended products that will provide sufficient protection on a daily basis in Japan without creating any issues for your skin!
Specifically designed for use on face
Sun protection is essential for all of the skin on your body. In Japan’s hot summer, it is easier to remember to apply sunscreen everywhere.
However, during the rest of the year, you may feel that since your clothes are covering you up, you don’t need sunscreen. But don’t forget about your face!
The skin on your face is some of the most sensitive on your body and is very vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays throughout the year. Just as you use cleanser and moisturizer in order to take care of the skin on your face, you also need to use sunscreen.
Depending on your preferences and skin conditions, you may search for sunscreens with a specific formula design. For example, maybe you’re searching for the best Japanese sunscreen for dry skin.
You’ll want to search for features specific to your skin type. This will ensure that it is gentle yet effective enough to protect your face against the sun.
SimplySunSafe has recommended products that are designed for use on the face and provide protection and nourishment for your skin!
Best Sunscreen for Japan Comparison
| EltaMD UV Pure |
 BADGER Sport Sunscreen |
 Vanicream Sunscreen |
 Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen |
 DHC White Sunscreen |
|
| SPF | 47 | 35 | 30 | 30 | 25 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (6%) & Titanium Dioxide (3.4%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 40 minutes | None |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Sunscreens for Japan
After extensive research into what is necessary for sun protection in Japan which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has determined the 5 best sunscreens for Japan.
All of these sunscreens provide physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They are all suitable for daily use in Japan and the list includes products ideal for your face!
1. EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 47
- Gentle and lightweight
- Water-resistant (80 minutes)
- 10.0% transparent zinc oxide, 5.5% titanium dioxide
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
EltaMD UV Pure is SimplySunSafe’s choice for the best sunscreen for your face in Japan.
Not only will this formula provide you with the best sun protection for your face in Japan, but it will also provide the rest of your body with sufficient protection. Broad spectrum protection is provided through its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%).
EltaMD’s UV Pure formula is ideal for daily use on all skin types as its formula is lightweight and will not leave your skin feeling greasy. The formula will leave a slight white cast on your skin after multiple reapplications or when heavily sweating, which should only be an issue during the summers in Japan.
However, its lightweight formula makes it ideal to use as a base under makeup to cover up the white cast!
EltaMD UV Pure is an option that you will be able to use throughout all the seasons in Japan.
It will not leaving your skin feeling weighed down with an extra product in the colder seasons, yet it will be strong enough to protect you during the hotter months of the year.
EltaMD UV Pure even provides you with 80 minutes of water resistance which you may find useful for extra protection during water activities or from sweating during the summer!
But it’s not just great for Japan! EltaMD UV Pure is also one of the best Asian skin sunscreens and sunscreens for Thailand.
- Ideal for year round, daily use
- Lightweight formula suitable under makeup
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- May leave slight white cast after multiple reapplications
2. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
- SIMPLY THE SAFEST SPORT SUNSCREEN - Badger sets the standard for simple safe sunscreens that protect you and your family. This broad spectrum mineral sunscreen has only 5 simple ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil, & sunflower vitamin E. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic & fragrance-free this all natural sports sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin and all skin types.
- PROTECTS WITH THE MINERAL ZINC OXIDE - Badger’s SPF 35 Unscented Sport Sunscreen Cream uses non-nano, large particle zinc oxide which stays on top of your skin, scattering and absorbing UVA & UVB rays, and won’t absorb into your bloodstream. Naturally water and sweat resistant for at least 80 minutes, perfect for swimming, surfing, skiing, and other sports.
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN - Safe for coral means safe for you too! Badger sunscreens are made without oxybenzone or any chemicals shown to harm coral or humans. All Badger sunscreen lotions and creams are top rated for safety and efficacy by the EWG sunscreen guide. This eco-friendly biodegradable sunscreen protects you without endangering marine life.
- 98% ORGANIC INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - The certified organic sunscreen base ingredients are antioxidant rich, ultra-moisturizing, and great for your skin. Non-GMO, fragrance free, and contains no dyes, parabens, or other artificial ingredients. Healthy botanical ingredients promote healthy skin.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST - Badger is a family owned, women run B Corporation (Benefit Corp) making mineral sport sunscreens and other organic skin care products that we use on our own families in rural New Hampshire since 1995. We are the leaders in safe natural sunscreens. Don't just take our word for it, read our ingredients, see what others say about Badger sunscreens, and try them for yourself.
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BADGER is another great, reliable choice of sunscreen for Japan that can be used throughout the whole year. Broad spectrum protection is provided with a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%).
Although the product is marketed towards sport use, BADGER’s formula is deceivingly simple and gentle. With only 5 total ingredients (yes, just 5!), you will be able to use this sunscreen daily on your face and body without experiencing any irritation.
One thing to keep in mind is that the formula is rather thick, and you will want to rub it in well to minimize the white cast it leaves.
BADGER provides you 80 durable minutes of water resistance for the sweaty summer months of swimming in Japan!
Another plus about BADGER is that you can use it to protect your whole family. Check out BADGER Kids and BADGER Baby for your little ones. Quality sun protection throughout the year in Japan for everyone!
- Gentle enough for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Available for kids and babies
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
3. Vanicream Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30
- Dermatologist Recommended
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- No Sensitizing Chemical Sunscreen
- Non-Comedogenic
Last update on 2021-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vanicream Sunscreen is another option that SimplySunSafe highly recommends for your use in Japan. It is a sunscreen that is designed to be used on the face and body, even if you have sensitive skin!
It provides broad spectrum protection through the active ingredients zinc oxide (6%) and titanium dioxide (3.4%).
Vanicream is made for use on sensitive skin so irritation will not be something that you need to worry about.
While this product would work well throughout the year, keep in mind that it is very thick. This is something that will keep dry skin moisturized even during the winter months, but the formula’s thickness means that it leaves your skin feeling heavy if you wear it under makeup.
One thing that you won’t have to worry about is a white cast!
Vanicream will also support you during the summer, as it offers 80 minutes of water resistance. If you have especially pale skin, and want more UVB protection, Vanicream is also available with an SPF of 50.
Give this product a try to see if it works for your skin needs in Japan!
- Designed for sensitive and dry skin
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Available in SPF 50 formula
- Thick formula
- Not compatible with makeup
4. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- WE LOVE THE REEF – To help protect delicate coral reefs, our Sensitive sunscreen contains no Oxybenzone or Octinoxate
- MINERAL SUNSCREEN, NO CHEMICAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS – Protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body
- DERMATOLOGIST-RECOMMENDED BROAD SPECTRUM UVA/UVB SPF 30+ – Mineral active Zinc Oxide provides true broad spectrum protection
- PARABEN-FREE & FRAGRANCE-FREE – Contains no fragrances or parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin
- WATER RESISTANT– Up to 40 minutes water resistance, so you stay protected longer
Last update on 2021-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a natural mineral sunscreen with no dangerous chemical active ingredient which works by deflecting harmful UVA and UVB sun rays off your skin to keep you protected. The broad-spectrum SPF 30+ works to protect you from up to 97% of harmful sun rays. Its protection blocks the sun’s UVA and UVB rays by deflecting the harmful rays away from your body. It work perfectly on the face as well as on the body which makes it great for daily use in Japan. A great advantage of this product is that it doesn’t irritate or sting the eyes
The sunscreen is PABA and fragrance free which makes it suitable for sensitive skins and in addition, it contains Titanium dioxide which even all the better for you if your skin is sensitive. It guarantees no breakouts or zits and it comes in a smart bottle with technology that allows the container to turn blue whenever you are in an area of harmful UV lights or rays. This feature is a thoughtful and welcome invention from the producers as it reminds you to wear your sunscreen and stay protected even when the sun is overcast.
Made without Oxybenzone or octinoxate, this sunscreen is safe for the environment as it harms no coral. It is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes! However, a downside to this product is that it leaves a white film on your skin which may be a little hard to shake off. Otherwise, it is a recommended sunscreen if you are holidaying in Japan and you would like to stay protected throughout your stay.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t irritate the eyes
- good for both face and body
- Leaves white film on the skin
- only water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
5. DHC White Sunscreen SPF 25
- Nothing is as urgent as protecting your skin from the cumulative damage caused by the sun and its two types of UV rays: age-inducing UVA rays and UVB rays that tan and burn. DHC White Sunscreen is a broad-spectrum SPF 25 facial sunscreen that provides moderate sun protection from both UVA and UVB rays with powerful chemical-free physical blockers. Other megastar ingredients include brightening alpha-arbutin and antioxidant vitamin C to up the radiance quotient. You’ll also get the benefits of olive oil, aloe, and vitamin E. This sunscreen has a matte finish and feels non-greasy, making it a perfect base for makeup. Gentle enough for even sensitive and blemish-prone skin.
- Shake well. Apply evenly before sun exposure and as needed. Children under 6 months of age: consult a doctor. Reapply as needed, or after towel-drying, swimming or perspiring.
Last update on 2021-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DHC White Sunscreen is SimplySunSafe’s choice for best Japanese physical sunscreen for your face. This product is great for use throughout the year and provides broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5%).
DHC Sunscreen is ideal for daily use even on sensitive skin and will not cause irritation. It is fragrance free, removing that factor from the table.
Its lightweight formula makes it a great option as a base for makeup, and it even contains vitamins C and E which help fight free radicals in your skin.
DHC can certainly be used throughout the year in Japan on your face, but you must keep in mind that it does not provide water resistance.
This means that you will need to reapply it quite frequently during the warmer months in Japan due to sweating and any water activity you partake in.
This popular Japanese sunscreen has landed last on SimplySunSafe’s list mainly due to the fact that its SPF rating is under our usual minimum.
Also, it is less adaptable to all of the varying climates throughout the year in Japan due to its lack of water resistance.
- Ideal as a base for makeup
- Lightweight formula
- Contains vitamins C and E
- Very expensive
- Low SPF rating
Conclusion
This guide was written for those wondering what is the best sunscreen for Japan. I hope that by reading this guide, you gained more insight into what kind of sun protection is necessary in Japan, and found a product that fits your specific needs!
SimplySunSafe recommends EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 47 but all 5 of the listed products are excellent choices for sun protection in Japan!
Now that you have started the process of searching for your sunscreen for Japan, it is a good idea to begin testing different products. That will allow you to experience the way your skin reacts to different formulas. Then you will be able to make the most informed decision for sun protection for your unique skin!
I love learning new things and hearing about different products from the people around me. So if you use or know of another sunscreen that is great for Japan, please share it with me in the comments. I will research it and it might even make it to this list!
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