Stay Cool and Protected: Japanese UV & After-Sun Products You’ll Love

Sunblock for Every Situation: Milk, Gel, Stick, Mist & More

In Japan, sunscreen isn’t just SPF, it’s a whole category of beauty. There are different types tailored for specific uses, skin types, and even fashion preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the right one:

Milk Type

UV ALLIE Chrono Beauty Tone Up UV (アリィー クロノビューティー トーンアップ; 2,310 yen), ALLIE Chrono Beauty Color Tuning UV (アリィー クロノビューティ カラーチューニングUV; 1,980 yen)

Lightweight and fluid, milk-type sunscreens are easy to apply and spread evenly across the skin. They’re great for full-body use and ideal for humid climates since they don’t feel heavy. Staff at Don Quijote recommend Allie, a sustainable, beach-friendly brand with strong UV protection and a comfortable finish. They offer versions specifically for the face or body, including primers that double as makeup base. Prices start from 1,980 yen.

Gel Type

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ (ビオレ UV アクアリッチ ウォータリーエッセンス SPF50+; 765 yen)

Gel sunscreens absorb quickly and feel cool on application, perfect for those who dislike the sticky feeling of some creams. A favorite is Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (765 yen), known for its light texture, long-lasting coverage, and water resistance. Great for everyday use, and especially popular among locals and tourists alike.

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ (スキンアクア トーンアップUVエッセンス; 658 yen)

Looking for an affordable but reliable option? Skin Aqua is known for its great quality at budget prices, with bottles starting at just 658 yen. Their “Tone Up UV” series offers color-correcting tints in lavender or mint to help brighten your complexion while shielding it from UV rays.

Mist Type

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Mist SPF 50+ PA++++ (ビオレＵＶ アクアリッチ アクアプロテクトミスト; 1,078 yen)

Mist sunscreens are a lifesaver for on-the-go reapplication. Just spray and go, no sticky hands! Bioré leads the market here too with their UV mist versions (1,078 yen). The staff shared that these are ideal for travelers constantly out in the sun, as they’re portable, refreshing, and easy to apply without touching your face.

Stick Type

JMsolution V9 Vitamin Ampoule UV Stick CLEAR SPF 50+ PA++++ (JMソリューション V9 ビタミンアンプルUVスティックCLEAR（さらさらタイプ); 2,090 yen)

Compact, mess-free, and great for targeted application, stick sunscreens are perfect for reapplying on the go, especially on areas like your face, neck, or shoulders. These are particularly popular with tourists who want a no-fuss, no-leak solution that won’t stain bags or clothes. Try JMsolution’s UV Stick (2,090 yen), which is also waterproof — ideal for beach or pool days.

Bonus: Can You Drink Your Sunscreen?

Helio White Oral Tablets (ヘリオホワイト; 24 pack, 2,592 yen)

One unique category in Japan is the “drinking sunscreen” or UV protection supplements. A standout here is Helio White (2,592 yen for 24 tablets), a beauty supplement designed to reduce sun damage from within. These work as part of a daily skincare routine, but staff advised us to be mindful as using them over a longer period of time can cause side effects. Make sure to follow dosage instructions and use them in combination with topical sunblock, not as a replacement.

Not Just Sunscreen: UV Hats, Sleeves & Accessories

Beyond lotions and sprays, Japanese sun protection includes smart fashion solutions. Don Quijote carries UV-blocking hats, neck covers, and arm sleeves, with breathable materials perfect for sightseeing and travel.

Cool Face & Neck Guard (1,639)

UV hats start around 2,739 yen, and neck guards at 1,639 yen. Stylish, practical, and great for long days outdoors.

Cool Down with After-Sun Essentials

Japanese summers aren’t just hot — they’re hot and humid, so cooling down throughout the day is just as essential as sun protection. Luckily, there’s a whole category of after-sun and anti-heat items to help.

Sea Breeze Face & Body Sheet (シーブリーズ フェイス＆ボディシート; 438 yen)

Start with Sea Breeze’s body and face sheets (from 438 yen), which come in refreshing scents like soap, botanical, and verbena. They wipe away sweat and leave a cooling sensation on your skin.

Bioré Rei Cooling Sheet (ビオレ 冷シート; 435 yen)

Bioré Cooling Handy Mist (ビオレ 冷（ひや）ハンディミスト; 935 yen)

Bioré’s Rei series includes cooling face and body wipes (435 yen) and the Rei Handy Mist (935 yen), a pocket-sized cooling mist you can spray directly on your body while on the move.

Bub Extra Cool Shower Gel (バブ 爽快シャワー スーパーエクストラクールジェル; 713 yen), Bub Super Extra Cool Shower Gel (バブ 爽快シャワー スーパーエクストラクールジェル; 713 yen)

For deep refreshment, try Bub’s Extra & Super Extra Cool Shower Gel (each 713 yen); they cool you down in the shower after a long, sticky day.

Don Quijote Instant Cooling Pack (ドン・キホーテ 瞬間冷却パック; 164 yen)

Or stash an instant cooling pack from Don Quijote’s house brand (164 yen) in your bag, great for mid-day breaks or after outdoor sports.

Bioré Cooling Towel (ビオレ 冷タオル; 1 pack, 132 yen)

Don Quijote Instant Cooling Sheet (ドン・キホーテ 瞬間冷却シート; 384 yen), Atsusama Sheet (アツサマシート; 438 yen)

Also popular are cooling towels (132 yen), and the famous Atsusama Sheet (from 438 yen), a forehead patch that helps cool your body temperature—great for both kids and adults on sweltering days.

Kobayashi Super Cool Gel Eye Mask (熱さまシート ジェルでひんやりアイマスク 超COLD; 603 yen)

There are even eye mask versions to revive tired eyes after sightseeing.

Tips for Shopping Summer Essentials at Don Quijote

Whether you’re off to the beach, a summer matsuri (festival), or just exploring Tokyo’s streets, Don Quijote is a one-stop shop. The Shibuya MEGA Donki branch is tourist-friendly, offers tax-free shopping, and has plenty of travel-sized versions of your favorite products.
Need help? Don Quijote’s multilingual staff (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean) are happy to give personal recommendations based on your skin type, travel plans, and preferences.

Save Money with LIVE JAPAN Exclusive Coupons!

Don’t forget — LIVE JAPAN coupons are available when shopping for 10,000 yen or more!

Check the article below for more information on how to use our coupons in-store, and tips on how to get the most out of our coupons on your visit!

Don’t sweat your summer in Japan, literally. With the right mix of Japanese sunscreen and clever cooling items, you’ll be ready to take on the season in comfort and style.

*The information in this article is accurate as of July 2025. For the latest updates, please check the official website.
*All prices listed in this article include tax.

Written by:

With over 10 years of experience as a writer and marketer, Chehui writes extensively about travel, lifestyle, and food. Traveling is a part of her lifestyle, and she travels every chance she gets with the goal to explore all corners of Japan, no matter how difficult it is to get to. Graduated with a Masters of Anthropology from Waseda University and worked as a freelance journalist at Shanghai Daily for over 4 years, before branching out to travel journalism and contributing to Travel + Leisure and other renowned platforms. She holds certifications in Japanese Tea Ceremony, and Wine.