You've heard of K-beauty, but these 9 Japanese beauty buys are a must-try for mature skin
We need to talk about J-beauty: the sophisticated older sister to K-beauty
If you've had your eye on the beauty industry recently, you'll know that Korean K-beauty has grown tenfold in popularity thanks to its gentle yet effective glass-skin formulas. However, Japanese J-beauty's scientific technology beauty buys are not to be overlooked – here's why.
Making home to the likes of the best face moisturisers and some of the best facial sunscreens, Japanese skincare prioritises minimalist routines of science-backed formulas that focus on the long-term health of your skin. Much like Korean skincare buys, J-beauty is the definition of innovation with its use of advanced technologies - but in contrast to the 'more is more' K-beauty ethos, J-Beauty is centred around simple regimens and calming ingredients, making it an ideal choice for mature skin that's experiencing hormonal changes.
If you want to incorporate some Japanese beauty buys into your daily routine, you've come to the right place. Fortunately for you, we don't like to gatekeep beauty information around here. In fact, we've put together a list of 9 J-beauty products that we think are worth knowing about...
9 Japanese beauty buys to add to your shopping basket
From some familiar brands to others that you'll be introduced to for the very first time, we've curated a one-stop-shop guide to shopping J-beauty. Whether you're seeking out one of the best cleansers for hydrating the skin or luxurious serums that target visible signs of ageing, these are the formulas that we think are worth knowing about.
RRP: £35
Earning the title of Japan's number one bestselling prestige serum, Takami's Daily Renewing Soft Peel has recently made its debut on UK soil. This serum is powered by seven enzymatic extracts that refine the surface of the skin and support the barrier for a clearer, smoother complexion. It helps to improve the likes of visible pores, roughness, uneven texture and dullness, while being gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use.
RRP: £14.49
Equipped with hyaluronic acid, this gentle cleanser works to remove dirt, oil and impurities, while simultaneously retaining the skin's moisture. Rinsing away this soft lather will reveal a soft, balanced and comfortable complexion – without any dryness.
RRP: £120
The Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is one of Shiseido's most recognisable products. Backed by 30 years of research, this potent serum uses advanced technologies to minimise the visible signs of ageing, such as loss of elasticity and firmness. Plus, it also supports the skin's natural moisture barrier.
RRP: £19.50
There's a reason why Curel's Deep Moisture Spray has earned cult status in the world of beauty editors and beyond. This ultra-fine mist is equipped with ceramides and eucalyptus extract to instantly soothe and quench the skin with a burst of hydration. Plus, it works to nourish and protect the skin barrier too. Spritz onto bare skin or layer over makeup for an immediate pick-me-up.
RRP: £165
Infused with radiant lily concentrate, lemon myrtle extract and a triple-marine botanical complex, Clé de Peau Beauté's The Serum is a powerful face serum that aims to reduce fine lines, dullness and loss of firmness. It works alongside the skin's natural renewal process to strengthen, smooth and boost the radiance of the complexion.
RRP: £27
Melt away makeup and impurities with DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil, which uses a 100% organic olive oil-based formula to break down sunscreen, stubborn makeup products and dirt – all without clogging the pores. Hello supple, clarified and nourished skin!
RRP: £14.99
Dubbed as Japan's number 1 bestselling SPF brand, Bioré unsurprisingly offers a plethora of sunscreens – one of of which includes the Aqua Rich UV Weightless Moisturiser SPF 30. This weightless and fast-absorbing formula offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection to prevent sun damage. Not to mention, it also uses hyaluronic acid for all-day hydration and to give the skin a radiant glow.
RRP: £123
Tatcha's entire product lineup is made at their lab in Tokyo, using Japanese botanicals to 'innovative within tradition'. Speaking of which, their Silk Cream boasts a gel-cream formula that toes the line between rich and weightless. Enriched with hydrating silk and the brand's Hadasei-3™ (a trio of Japanese superfoods), this moisturiser works to hydrate the complexion, whilst promoting softer, smoother and firmer-looking skin.
RRP: £80
This award-winning serum from Decorté boasts a vegan formula with Liposome capsule technology that works to repair and regenerate the skin's Lamellar structure – the outermost layer of skin that ensures the complexion is deeply moisturised. The formula encourages collagen production so the skin appears supple, firmer and glowing from the inside out.
What is J-beauty?
If you haven't already heard of J-beauty, this term is used to describe Japanese beauty. "J-beauty is built around a preventative, proactive, and holistic approach to skincare. Rather than focusing on correcting problems once they appear, it aims to prepare and maintain healthy, balanced skin over the long term," says Nathalie Broussard, Scientific Communication Director at Shiseido.
As further explained by Dr Catharine Denning, skin expert and aesthetician for Curél: "J beauty tends to be centred around intentional, ritualistic, uncomplicated but effective skincare. It generally maintains the idea that skin isn't there to be fixed but maintained day to day with kindness and care."
How do J-beauty formulas typically differ to K-beauty formulas?
While J-beauty refers to beauty buys from Japan, you might be able to already guess that K-beauty involves formulas straight from Korea. However, other than location, there are a few key aspects that differentiate the products from each other.
As Denning explains: "J beauty focuses on minimalism, 'less but better, ' simple, barrier-respecting ingredients with a focus on the long-term, ritualistic, slow beauty. Whereas K beauty is driven by maximalism, multi-step layering (the famous 10-step routine), uses more trend-driven, novel ingredients (actives, snail mucin, Centella), it's fast-moving with new ingredients and packaging appearing every day and is innovation-heavy by comparison."
In agreement, Broussard adds: "J-Beauty stands out more for its commitment to delivering effectiveness without excess, with a more limited number of steps using products that can be multifunctional and based on thorough scientific and dermatological research. Thoughtful products are developed with a sustainable approach to provide a more fundamental and long-lasting effect on the skin’s condition, not just an artificial one."
What are popular J-beauty ingredients?
There are a few notable ingredients that are popularly used within J-beauty formulas and are worth keeping an eye out for. Broussard says: "J-beauty often combines traditional Japanese ingredients with advanced scientific innovation. The use of ingredients inspired by ancestral traditions with proven quality can be perfectly combined with more contemporary and high-tech ingredients to ensure maximum effectiveness."
As for the specific ingredients worth noting down, Denning advises: "J beauty tends to be centred around barrier protection and function, and so use ceramides, glycerine and anti-inflammatory ingredients that protect the skin's microbiome, such as fermented rice (also high in ceramides) or natural anti-inflammatory ingredients."
Is J-beauty good for mature skin?
Making home to innovative, science-backed formulas, it's fairly common for those with mature skin to incorporate J-beauty products into their skincare routine. Denning notes: "Mature skin tends to need more hydration and lipids, and with age, increased inflammation needs addressing. J-beauty's focus on barrier protection with ceramides and repair as well as gentle calming ingredients means that all of these concerns are addressed as standard."
Broussard adds: "J-beauty's emphasis on prevention, rather than correction, as well as long-term skin health, makes it particularly relevant for mature skin concerns."
