The Japanese yen has been dropping, which makes now the perfect time to travel to Japan. But aside from experiencing the culture, visiting shrines, and enjoying ramen or sushi, there’s one thing you simply can’t miss: shopping for Japanese skincare and beauty products! Some people might think Japanese products aren’t suitable for us because Japan is colder, but the truth is, summers there can be really hot due to climate change. Plus, Japanese women always maintain flawless makeup when they go out. That’s why J-beauty is trusted for its high quality, and browsing the endless shelves of drugstores in Japan has become a must-do activity for beauty lovers.
This time, we’re introducing some must-have products that are hard to find in the Philippines—and even if you can find them in Manila, they’re often way more expensive. So get ready to take notes and see which ones you’ll want to bring home!
1. Rohto Z
Rohto Z is one of the most popular and trusted eye drops in Japan, often chosen by people who truly care about eye health. Known for its strong cooling sensation, it quickly refreshes tired eyes after long hours of computer work, driving, or sports.
It also works effectively when your eyes feel dry or irritated due to sunlight, dust, or polluted air. The bottle is designed for easy use from any angle, and the liquid itself is clear and colorless. With a bottle of Rohto Z in your bag, you can instantly give your eyes a boost of refreshing energy anytime, anywhere.
Product Info
■Product Name: Rohto Z／ロートジーb
■Content: 12mL
■ OFFICIAL SITE
2. ROHTO Lycee Eyedrops
ROHTO Lycee Eyedrops are eye drops that offer not only practicality but also a design filled with uniquely Japanese ingenuity. They are loved as the standard cute eye drops for Japanese women, with their adorable pink bottle and compact size that fit easily into a pouch without being bulky, making you feel uplifted just by carrying them.
They reduce redness and keep your eyes looking clear, while also soothing discomfort caused by sunlight or allergies. With a refreshing cooling sensation and a faint rose fragrance, ROHTO Lycee Eyedrops make eye care an enjoyable daily habit. This is a popular item not to be missed in Japan, also loved by many international tourists.
Product Info
■Product Name: ROHTO Lycee Eyedrops／リセ
■Content: 8mL
■OFFICIAL SITE
3.Melano CC Brightining Gel
Melano CC Brightening Gel is a refreshing, lightweight gel that has become a favorite among beauty-conscious women and influencers. Infused with Vitamin C, it helps keep your skin radiant while preventing dark spots and freckles. Its texture is light and non-sticky, making it easy to use after toner or serum—working as a substitute for lotion or cream to lock in hydration.
It also soothes dryness caused by UV exposure and can even be applied to areas like your arms or neck that need extra care. With its fresh citrus scent, it avoids the overly strong fragrance that many whitening products tend to have. This item is a must-buy in Japan, often recommended by beauty professionals and travelers alike—it’s definitely one to stock up on.
Product Info
■ Product Name: Melano CC Brightening Gel／メラノCC 薬用しみ対策美白ジェル
■ Content: 100g
■ OFFICIAL SITE
4.Melano CC Deep Day Care UV Milk Lotion
Melano CC Deep Day Care UV Milk Lotion is a morning-use sunscreen lotion that’s very popular among women in Japan. Combining skincare and sun protection, it not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays and prevents dark spots but also keeps it hydrated and glowing throughout the day.
Its texture is smooth and lightweight, spreading easily without stickiness. It even gives a natural brightening effect, making it perfect as a makeup base. After application, your skin looks more even-toned with reduced shine and less visible pores. In the hot Philippine climate, this product is especially practical—it protects your skin outdoors while keeping it fresh. The citrusy fragrance makes daily sun care feel light and enjoyable.
Product Info
■ Product Name: Melano CC Deep Day Care UV Milk Lotion／メラノCC ディープデイケアUV乳液
■ Content: 50g
■ OFFICIAL SITE
5.Gyutto Corset Hair Mask
Gyutto Crset Hair Mask is a hair mask designed to provide intensive care for damaged and dry hair, often referred to as a “savior of hair care.” It has become a hot topic in Japan for its salon-quality hair repair, working from within to restore damaged strands and leaving hair smoother, more manageable, and beautifully shiny. Rich in moisturizing and repairing ingredients, it helps reduce frizz and unruliness while supporting overall hair health .
With a refreshing fragrance of green tea and yuzu that feels distinctly Japanese, it also brings a relaxing effect each time you use it. Gyutto Crset Hair Mask is a best-seller in Japan and especially popular among tourists from Southeast Asia. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to quickly bring back beautiful, healthy-looking hair.
Product Info
■Product Name: Gyutto Corset Hair Mask／ギュット
■ Content: 200g
■ OFFICIAL SITE
6.Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Brightning Lotion
Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Brightening Lotion is a whitening lotion that hydrates the skin like a beauty serum. It helps prevent dark spots and dullness, replenishes moisture while maintaining a radiant, clear look even after sun exposure, and smooths the skin’s texture. In Japan, it has gained attention for having similar ingredients and a comparable feel to high-end department store lotions, offering a luxurious skincare experience at an affordable price.
With its refreshing, non-sticky texture, fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula, it can be used comfortably every morning and evening—even in the hot climate of the Philippines. Loved by beauty-conscious women, it has become a must-buy item in Japan, making everyday skincare feel more complete with just one bottle.
Product Info
■Product Name: Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Brightening Lotion／肌ラボ 白潤プレミアム 薬用浸透美白化粧水
■ Content: 170mL
■ OFFICIAL SITE
7.Hada Labo Gokujun Aging Care Aging Care Lotion
Hada Labo Gokujun Aging Care Lotion is specially designed for mature skin. Unlike the Shirojyun series that focuses on brightening, this one emphasizes anti-aging and repair. It contains niacinamide and multiple types of hyaluronic acid to target fine lines and dark spots while deeply moisturizing the skin, keeping it plump and supple.
The gentle formula is free of fragrance and alcohol, making it safe even for sensitive skin. It’s highly recommended for those starting to notice early signs of aging, worrying about dryness, or wanting more elasticity in their skin. For anyone in the Philippines exposed to long hours of sun, this lotion helps restore hydration and leaves your skin soft and refreshed.
Product Info
■ Product Name: Hada Labo Gokujun Aging Care Lotion／肌ラボ 極潤 薬用ハリ化粧水
■ Content: 170mL
■ OFFICIAL SITE
8. Deoko Medicated Deodorant Roll-on
Deoko Medicated Deodorant Roll-on is one of Japan’s most beloved deodorants, and it comes highly recommended by many international travelers.
Its roll-on design makes application easy—just glide it under your arms without messing up your hands. It not only controls odor effectively but also absorbs excess oil, keeping you fresh and dry even in hot and humid weather. With its subtle, sweet floral scent, you can feel confident all day long. Many visitors to Japan stock up on this product because it’s small, convenient, and works wonders—making it a must-have for summer and travel.
Product Info
■ Product Name: Deoko Medicated Deodorant Roll-on／デオコ 薬用デオドラントロールオン
■ Content: 30mL
■ OFFICIAL SITE
Don’t Leave Japan Without These J-Beauty Must-Haves
Feeling excited after seeing this shopping list? Don’t worry—shopping in Japan is not as intimidating as it sounds. Drugstores are everywhere, and in busier tourist areas, you’ll often find staff who can speak English. The best tip is to save product photos on your phone—just show them to the staff, and they’ll guide you directly to what you need without the hassle of explaining.
And here’s a bonus: if you use Japaholic’s exclusive coupons, you can enjoy even more savings. When your purchase totals over 5,000 yen, you not only get tax-free prices but also additional discounts. So before flying back, don’t forget to add these Japanese beauty and skincare items to your luggage!
