#10 Best Japanese Serums for Sensitive Skin 2023

To know the secrets of Japan's long-lasting, baby-faced, and unfading beauty, you need to unravel the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin listed on this page.

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Are you looking for the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin? It seems that Japanese beauty is on the rise, following the K-beauty standards. However, Japanese beauty seems strong with mild skincare, especially for sensitive skin. They are known for harmful chemical-free ingredient products with lightweight formulas that can easily absorb into sensitive skin.

Over time, J-Beauty shows that one does not need to sacrifice the skin barrier to get youthful, radiant, and healthy skin. This is, of course, the happiest news for sensitive skin owners! Also, the Japanese serums are mostly a formula combination of modern and traditional techniques where the legend of Japanese beauty has been rooted. To know the secrets of Japan's long-lasting, baby-faced, and unfading beauty, you need to unravel the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin listed on this page. Keep reading!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How to spot a sensitive skin-friendly serum?

The number one rule to spot serum for sensitive skin is by scanning its ingredients. As for the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin, they should be free of harmful chemicals, such as;

  • SLS
  • Paraben
  • Alcohol
  • Fragrance
  • Colorant
When you spot a serum that is FREE of those five ingredients, you know it’s a sensitive skin-friendly serum. However, despite the general sensitive skin-friendly ingredients, you may need to do a patch test first just in case your skin has a particular trigger out of the above list.

How many types of serum are listed?

In this list, we have gathered all the recommended serums for sensitive skin with different focuses as the following:
  • Anti-aging: highly moisturizing with hydrating molecule agents to fight wrinkles and fine lines
  • Brightening: equip the agent to replenish melatonin and evening the skin tone by removing dark spots
  • All skin types: either for oily, dry, or combination skin, we have compiled products that have a sensitive skin-friendly formula.

What are things to consider in the Japanese serum for sensitive skin?

  • Texture: Unlike western serum, which commonly has a watery and gel texture, Japanese serum also has a creamy texture serum. Thus, you have to pay attention to the serum texture so it will not disappoint you.
  • Focus: Each serum has its own target in solving skin conditions, either brightening, moisturizing or anti-aging.
  • Formula: Knowing the ingredients is the key to your sensitive skin. Even though it has a sensitive skin claim, you should check the ingredients in case you need to do a patch test.
  • Absorbency: Some serums take some time to absorb, while others can easily hydrate your skin in no time. Knowing the absorbency ability helps you to figure out when to slip the serum on your morning or night routine.

Thus, considering those four factors are the key to knowing before purchasing the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin.

How to do a patch test?

  1. Buy a sample from the brand. Then, try to put it on your skin without any other skincare. Leaving other skin care will help you see how the serum works on your skin. However, if you find that troublesome, you can just do it like your usual routine.
  2. Keep doing the patch test for 7-10 days.

If your turn out to have allergic reactions like itchy skin, a rash, hives, flaking or peeling skin, facial swelling, or irritation in some areas, then you should stop using the serum.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum Hada Labo Rohto
Hada Labo Rohto
Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum
#1 Amazon Keshoume.com eBay
HAKU Melano Focus Shiseido
Shiseido
HAKU Melano Focus
#2 Amazon Japan-spread.com eBay
White Lady Vitamin C Serum  Haba
Haba
White Lady Vitamin C Serum
#3 Amazon Takaski.com eBay
Genoptics Spot Essence Serum SK-II
SK-II
Genoptics Spot Essence Serum
#4 Amazon Sephora.com eBay
Japanese Sake Skin Care Essence  Kikumasamune
Kikumasamune
Japanese Sake Skin Care Essence
#5 Amazon Japanesetaste.com eBay
Professional C Serum 20% Obagi
Obagi
Professional C Serum 20%
#6 Amazon Obagi.com eBay
 Wrinkle Moisture Essence KaoCurél
KaoCurél
Wrinkle Moisture Essence
#7 Amazon Dokodemo.world eBay
Super White 377 VC Extra Deeper Formula Dr. Ci:Labo
Dr. Ci:Labo
Super White 377 VC Extra Deeper Formula
#8 Amazon Yamibuy.com eBay
Anti Wrinkle Serum Pola
Pola
Anti Wrinkle Serum
#9 Amazon Cosmebear.store eBay
Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk MUJI
MUJI
Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk
#10 Amazon Sears.com eBay

10 List of Best Japanese Serums for Sensitive Skin

  • Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #1

    Hada Labo Rohto Goku-jun New Hyaluronic Serum

    Inviting you to the Hyaluronic Acid cult ever

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Of course, Hada Labo Rohto should be the number one pick on this list. Most of their skincare products are alcohol-free, paraben-free, SLS-free, fragrance-free, and colorant-free. From the facial wash, and toner (lotion), to the moisturizer (milk lotion), Hadalabo products are the holy grail for beauty enthusiasts with sensitive skin issues. It is also the best Japanese sensitive skin serum (essence) you should try.

    Similarly, the key ingredient of this serum is Hyaluronic Acid, just like its other products. It is an agent that helps to give the perfect hydration to your skin. However, it has four types of acid to moisten your skin. Also, the serum is lightweight and has a decent consistency. Not too watery or too gelly. Just perfect. The absorbency is also easy. Once applying, you’ll notice how plumpy and radiant your skin will be.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Affordable
    Easy to apply
    Highly moisturizing the skin

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Do not have anti-aging properties

    What other experts liked

    This plumps up skin smooth over dehydrated parts of the face and keeps skin looking plump and glowy.
    My Women Stuff

    What other experts didn't like

    Unfortunately, the item is hard to find outside of Asia.
    Beauty and The Biome
  • Shiseido HAKU Melano Focus
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #2

    Shiseido HAKU Melano Focus

    Get your brightest skin with the lightweight serum

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Who doesn’t know Shiseido? Well, if you are into J-beauty, you know this brand is the top brand in Japan. The skin range is lovely and totally worth the hype every time the product launches—especially the Haku Melano serum. As the name shows, it focuses on brightening the skin.

    Suppose you need a Japanese sensitive skin serum to give your skin the inner glow. This is it. Grab this serum now if you want to brighten your face complexion. Skin issues like dark spots and acne scars can be eliminated and invite clear, dewy skin. Generally, it is safe for sensitive skin, but if you have any certain ingredients that can be an acne trigger, better read the ingredients carefully.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Brightening the skin
    Suppressing the melanin
    Targetting the dark spots

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    May have acne-trigger ingredients

    What other experts liked

    It is a scentless, light cream gel that is thicker than most serums but absorbs quickly into the skin.
    Banquet of Roses

    What other experts didn't like

    Though it is easily absorbed into the skin, it does leave a bit of stickiness on my face.
    Bafa Bifi
  • Haba White Lady Vitamin C Serum
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    with this product?
    #3

    Haba White Lady Vitamin C Serum

    A gentle vitamin C with bamboo water

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Oftentimes, vitamin C serums can be too acidic for sensitive skin. But Haba’s White Lady Vitamin C Serum is specifically made for sensitive skin. In fact, the brand focuses on a basic approach to skincare. This serum has minimal ingredients compared to other brands with high preservatives and harmful chemical lists.

    Indeed, this Vitamin C Japanese sensitive skin serum has a light consistency. It has 6% water-soluble vitamin C and 8% Sasa kurilensis water which gives the serum a stable and illuminating feel. Kurilensis water is derived from bamboo. So it has a gentle, anti-septic, and moisturizing effect on your skin. Covering your dull and dry skin is not difficult for White Lady serum.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Vitamin C serum for sensitive skin
    Ideal for fighting the dry and dull skin
    Moisturizing and brightening

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Has a sugary sweet scent

    What other experts liked

    It's effective in getting rid of newly formed acne marks and clearing up dullness all over.
    Citrine's Blog

    What other experts didn't like

    Unfortunately, the effects are hardly visible on my fair skin with slight pigmentation on the cheeks.
    Review Galore
  • SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence Serum
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    with this product?
    #4

    SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence Serum

    See how this massive-hydrating serum works for your skin

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Finally, a premium Japanese brand has come to the list! Welcome the SK-II Genoptics Spot Essence. It is one of the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin you should try if you are into the J-beauty world. You cannot leave this premium product with the premium results from your skincare regime.

    Most importantly, the brand is best known for its hydrating pump role in the skin. You can apply this serum in a moderate amount and notice a massive boost of moisture your skin needs. Even better, locking it with a moisturizer will deliver a soft dewy glow look to your skin. However, you need to re-check if you have an irritative reaction to certain ingredients. Nevertheless, this serum is generally safe.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Lightweight and easy-to-absorb formula
    Give the skin massive-hydration
    Serve a good base for pre-makeup

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A bit pricey

    What other experts liked

    This serum from SK-II’s whitening series harnesses the power of Pitera and niacinamide to give you crystal clear, radiant skin.
    Her World

    What other experts didn't like

    However, at a price of $245, the real question is whether your wallet can wait months of application to see these results.
    Skincare Weeklies
  • Kikumasamune Japanese Sake Skin Care Essence
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #5

    Kikumasamune Japanese Sake Skin Care Essence

    A par sake-contained serum with a humble price

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    One of the most hyped in the worldwide beauty forum is the sake serum formula to regain the skin’s best hydration and brightness. That’s true. And suppose you are looking for a come-in-par product with a competitive price, have a look at Kikumasamune Sake Skin Care Essence. It is J-beauty serum made of real Japanese sake.

    Surprisingly, sake has a lot of beneficial moisturizing agents to give your skin the nutrients it needs, from 12 types of amino acids, vitamin c, ceramide, arbutin, and much more. This serum also passes as a Japanese-sensitive skin serum since it has low pH and is free of colorants. You can easily slip this serum on your am or pm skincare regime and see the lovely results!

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Low pH and colorant-free
    Moisturizing and brightening
    Come on par with high-end toner product

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Sitting-heavy for oily and combination skin

    What other experts liked

    It feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. Pretty much like you applied nothing at all but still made the skin feel smooth.
    Sleepyy Panda

    What other experts didn't like

    This can be quite a worry for people with oily or combination skin since the product sits heavily.
    Ratzilla Cosme
  • Obagi Professional C Serum 20%
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #6

    Obagi Professional C Serum 20%

    An elixir for a young, fresh, and radiant face

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    What comes to your mind hearing the combination of vitamin C serum with anti-aging properties? A beauty elixir. Or, we simply call it the Professional C Serum 20% by Obagi. Yup, if the previous serums focus on vitamin c and anti-aging properties separately, that is not the case with this blue-bottled Japanese sensitive skin serum.

    Vitamin C – L-ascorbic acid is the key ingredient of this serum. The substance has the role of strengthening your skin barrier against anti-oxidants and oxidative stressors. Eventually, your skin will look brighter and younger. Not only does your skin appear smoother, but the fine wrinkles are also gone with the wind.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Contain vitamin C – L-ascorbic acid
    Has anti-aging properties
    Instantly absorbs

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Prone to oxidation

    What other experts liked

    I felt like it absorbed nicely, and it worked well under makeup.
    Goals to Get Glowing

    What other experts didn't like

    After application, there is always a slightly shiny residue on my hands, but zero shines on my face.
    Unfading Beauty
  • KaoCurél  Wrinkle Moisture Essence
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    with this product?
    #7

    KaoCurél Wrinkle Moisture Essence

    A Eucalyptus extract to prevent the not-so-fine lines

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    KaoCurél Wrinkle Moisture Essence may not be a familiar name if you only search the Japanese sensitive skin serum in English. But, if you are familiar with the Japan beauty forum, it is one of the Japanese sensitive skin serums often mentioned.

    The unique thing about this serum is it has Eucalyptus as its key ingredient. The leaf green has the work to be a moisturizing ceramide to protect your skin from drying out. Do you know what comes next after dry skin? Yup. Fine lines. Also, this product can prevent wrinkles. Before applying, make sure to use your favorite toner to see the best results!

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Prevent dry skin and fine lines
    Moisturizing

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A little bit pricey

    What other experts liked

    I like the feeling that it blends in quickly without being sticky.

    What other experts didn't like

    Moisturizing is very perfect, but I wonder if the price is a little high.
    にしかた
  • Dr. Ci:Labo Super White 377 VC Extra Deeper Formula
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #8

    Dr. Ci:Labo Super White 377 VC Extra Deeper Formula

    Removing the damaged spots due to sun exposure

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Most of the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin have a watery, milky, or gel consistency. However, the Dr. Ci: Labo Super White 377C has something out of the box. It has a creamy texture but is lightweight to apply.

    Even better, the serum focuses on alleviating the damaged spots due to sun exposure. Apply it twice a day, and your skin will show radiance. Thanks to the creamy texture, the drama of applying a Japanese sensitive skin serum will not happen with this J-beauty product. You can easily spread it on your face evenly without afraid of missing certain drops of your serum.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Targetting sunburn and dark spots
    A creamy, lightweight texture
    Easy to apply evenly

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Creamy texture may not be everyone's taste

    What other experts liked

    It's very good for sensitive skin. They say it can remove black spots and minimizes pores, too.
    Lingrui XU

    What other experts didn't like

    I felt this is more like an anti-aging essence than a brightening essence despite its ingredient list.
    Beauty Knot
  • Pola Anti Wrinkle Serum
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #9

    Pola Anti Wrinkle Serum

    Hiding your wrinkles like it's never there

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Hiding your wrinkles has never been this easy, light, and comfortable. Using the Pola Anti Wrinkle Serum, you’ll know why we say so. The orange tube serum has about 20 grams of chondroitin sulfate, which replaces the role of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Even better, this ingredient encourages the skin to regenerate three-dimensionally.

    Moreover, the Japanese sensitive skin serum focuses on improving the expression lines on several areas like the forehead, the corners of the mouth, the sides of the mouth, and the end of the eyes. Indeed, those four areas are the fastest to show signs of aging, right? Thus, you can apply this serum in the appropriate amount to the areas that are prone to wrinkles only.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Improving the fine lines
    Suitable for anti-aging
    Contains chondroitin sulfate

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Too small

    What other experts liked

    It seems wrinkles are fading away.
    lollipop

    What other experts didn't like

    I just used it less than 2 months, so I can't really tell any effectiveness yet.
  • MUJI Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #10

    MUJI Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk

    A basic and minimal brand for delicate skin

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Another Japanese sensitive skin serum gently treats your sensitive skin is the Moisturizing Milk from Muji. Looking at the bottle packaging alone, you can sense this brand’s minimal and pure concept. Indeed, it has ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin.

    Now, about the ingredients. The serum is free from fragrance, colorant, mineral oil, parabens, and alcohol. It has low irritation and works gently on delicate skin. However, it is mildly acidic, so you may want to make a patch test. Besides, it serves great hydration to skin that easily dries. All thanks to the purslane extract, grapefruit, and lipidure ingredients.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Low irritation
    Works well on delicate skin
    A basic and minimal brand

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    May feel a bit tacky

    What other experts liked

    My winter-parched skin absolutely loves this moisturizer. It absorbs quickly, it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated.
    A Certain Romance

    What other experts didn't like

    It could be tacky at first, but then again it's also depending on the amount of product applied to the skin.
    ieyra hm

Conclusion: Best Japanese Serums for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to sensitive skin, Japan has the most lovely range of skincare products to offer. You can easily delve into the haul and keep finding the holy grail of sensitive-skin-friendly skincare. But today, we have covered you up about the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin. At first, the terms of J-beauty products may confuse you. As a side note, Japanese brands often refer to the serum as essence. Likewise, they refer to the toner as lotion and moisturizer as milk lotion. Overall, all the product list you find on this page are about the best Japanese serums for sensitive skin.

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