Best Sunscreen for Beach in Japan: Expert Review 2025

Japan’s summer beaches are calling — from the crystal-clear waters of Okinawa to the vibrant coastal vibes of Enoshima. But while you’re soaking up the sun and diving into the waves, protecting your skin from intense UV rays is absolutely essential. The Japanese summer is known for its high humidity and powerful sunlight, which makes choosing the right sunscreen more than just a beauty decision — it’s a health necessity.

In this 2025 expert review, we’ve handpicked the best beach-friendly sunscreens available in Japan that are designed to withstand heat, sweat, and water while keeping your skin nourished and shielded. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, island hopping, swimming, surfing, or joining a beach BBQ, these sunscreens offer top-notch SPF and PA protection, long-lasting water resistance, and lightweight comfort you can count on. Let’s find your perfect sun shield for the summer!

The Best Sunscreens for Beach in Japan

1. ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care Milk
2. Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence
3. KOSE Suncut Perfect UV Gel Sunscreen
4. ALLIE Chrono Beauty Gel
5. Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel
6. Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel

Here are the details of each sunscreen listed above-

1. ANESSA Perfect UV Skin Care Milk

Brand: ANESSA
Manufacturer: Shiseido Japan
SPF: SPF50+PA+++
Scent Name: Fruity Floral Scent
Skin Type: All
Product Benefits: Tanning
Feeling of Use: Smooth Milk
Use for: Face and Body

A trusted Japanese sunscreen, ANESSA’s Perfect UV Milk offers powerful sun protection with SPF50+ and PA++++, ideal for beach days and outdoor activities. This lightweight, water- and sweat-resistant formula features auto-repair technology, which helps restore UV protection even after movement or rubbing. It doubles as a makeup base, is gentle on all skin types, and can be easily removed with soap. With a pleasant fruity floral scent, it’s great for both face and body, and comes in a portable 60ml size—perfect for your beach bag.

2. Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence

Brand: Bioré
Manufacturer: Kao
SPF:SPF50+/PA++++
Skin Type: Normal
Item Form: Lotion
Water Resistance: Yes
Use for: Face and Body

The Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence is known for its ultra-light texture, this water-based sunscreen provides strong SPF50+ and PA++++ protection while feeling like a refreshing essence on the skin. It spreads evenly with no white cast and forms a thin, skin-hugging UV barrier that resists sweat and water. Ideal for daily use and beach outings, this super waterproof formula is also makeup-friendly and rinses off easily with soap. Free from synthetic colorants, it helps prevent sun-induced spots and freckles, making it a favorite among those with normal skin types.

3. KOSE Suncut Perfect UV Gel Sunscreen

Brand: Suncut
Manufacturer: KOSE Cosmeport
SPF: SPF 50+ PA++++
Skin Type: All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal
Skin Tone: All
Item Form: Gel
Water Resistance: Yes
Use for: Head, Whole Body, Face, Hand, Foot

This high-performance gel sunscreen offers maximum UV protection with a light, refreshing texture that suits all skin types—including sensitive skin. It’s formulated to adhere smoothly and resist sweat, water, dust, and environmental stressors like PM2.5 and pollen. With a super water-resistant and reef-safe formula, it’s ideal for both daily wear and eco-conscious beachgoers. The generous big-size bottle ensures long-lasting use at great value.

4. ALLIE Chrono Beauty Gel

Brand: ALLIE
Manufacturer: Kanebo Cosmetics
SPF: SPF 50+ PA++++
Scent Name: Unscented
Skin Type: All
Skin Tone: All
Item Form: Gel
Water Resistance: Yes
Use for: Hands, Whole Body, Face

This ultra-protective UV gel combines super waterproof and friction-proof technology, making it ideal for active outdoor and beach use. It’s non-sticky, gentle on the skin, and forms a clean barrier that helps protect against PM2.5, pollen, and dust. The fragrance-free, unscented formula is suitable for all skin types and washes off easily with facial or body soap. Plus, it’s made with a reef-safe, beach-friendly formula, perfect for eco-conscious sun lovers.

5. Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel

Brand: Skin Aqua
Manufacturer: Rohto Pharmaceuticals
SPF: SPF 50+ PA++++
Scent Name: Unscented
Skin Type: All
Item Form: Gel
Water Resistance: Yes
Use for: Face

This lightweight, water-like UV gel offers full-body sun protection while keeping skin deeply moisturized with triple hyaluronic acid, including ultra-low molecular and skin-adsorbing forms. Ideal for sensitive skin, it’s unscented, colorless, and free from parabens, mineral oils, and artificial colors. The super waterproof formula is gentle enough for daily use on the face and body and can also serve as a makeup base.

6. Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel

Brand: NIVEA
Manufacturer: Kao
SPF: SPF 50+ PA++++
Scent Name: Unscented
Skin Type: Normal
Item Form: Lotion
Use for: Whole Body, Face

This gentle, lotion-like UV gel offers broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF50 and PA+++, ideal for daily outdoor use. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture makes it suitable for both face and body, and it can also double as a makeup base. Infused with hyaluronic acid and natural plant extracts like Kihada Bark, it hydrates while shielding your skin. Fragrance-free, colorant-free, and easy to wash off with soap, it’s a solid everyday sunscreen for normal skin types.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Beach Use in Japan

Choosing the right sunscreen for your beach days in Japan involves more than just picking the highest SPF. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Broad-Spectrum Protection (SPF & PA Ratings)

Look for sunscreens with SPF50+ and PA++++ to ensure strong protection against both UVB (sunburn) and UVA (aging) rays. These are especially important under intense beach sunlight.

2. Water and Sweat Resistance

At the beach, your sunscreen must hold up against water and sweat. Choose a waterproof or “super waterproof” sunscreen with at least 80 minutes of resistance.

3. Skin-Friendly Formula

If you have sensitive skin, go for fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free formulas. Mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are also great for gentle protection.

4. Texture and Finish

A lightweight gel or milk-type sunscreen spreads easily and feels breathable on the skin, ideal for hot and humid beach days. Many Japanese sunscreens offer a non-sticky, quick-drying finish.

5. Environmental Considerations

For ocean lovers, opt for reef-safe and eco-friendly formulas that are less harmful to marine life.

6. Ease of Removal

After a long day, the last thing you want is a difficult-to-remove sunscreen. Many Japanese sunscreens are soap-removable, making cleansing simple and skin-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What does PA++++ mean in sunscreen?
A: PA++++ indicates the highest level of UVA protection. The more plus signs, the stronger the shield against UVA rays that cause skin aging and pigmentation.

Q2. Is SPF50 enough for the beach?
A: Yes, SPF50 provides excellent protection by blocking about 98% of UVB rays. Combined with PA++++, it’s ideal for prolonged sun exposure like at the beach.

Q3. Can I use beach sunscreen on my face?
A: Absolutely. Many Japanese sunscreens are multi-use for both face and body. Just ensure it suits your skin type (especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin).

Q4. How often should I reapply sunscreen at the beach?
A: Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or towel-drying to maintain protection.

Q5. What does “super waterproof” mean in Japanese sunscreens?
A: “Super waterproof” means the product has been tested and proven to maintain its sun protection efficacy even after 80 minutes in water.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays—whether you’re spending time outdoors, commuting, or enjoying a sunny day on the beach. Japanese sunscreens are well known for their advanced formulas that offer powerful sun protection (SPF50+, PA++++), lightweight textures, and skin-friendly ingredients. Many options are also water-resistant, non-sticky, and suitable for use on both the face and body. From hydrating gels to long-lasting milks, the sunscreens reviewed above combine effective UV defense with comfort and ease of use. By selecting a product that suits your skin type, lifestyle, and daily environment, you can maintain healthy, protected skin all year round. Stay protected and confident—wherever your day takes you.

To read more reviews, you can go through our Beauty & Fashion, Electronics or Travel & Outdoor Products category articles on the Sakuron Japan website. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us.

-Our editorial team reviewed this article and approved it for publication according to our editorial policy.