Best Japanese Acne Products 2026: Treatments That Actually Work
By Dr. Aiko Tanaka · Tokyo Cosmetic Chemist & Senior Editor, J-Beauty Decoded
Updated Aug 2026Japanese acne care takes a fundamentally different approach than what you'll find at CVS or Sephora. Where Western brands lean hard on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — often at concentrations that nuke your skin — Japanese formulations prioritize barrier repair alongside treatment.
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Last updated: August 2026 Quick Answer: Japan's best acne products in 2026 combine pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients with gentle, hydrating formulas that treat breakouts without destroying your moisture barrier. Top picks include Orbis ClearFul for daily prevention, Rohto Melano CC for post-acne marks, and Pair Acne Cream W for targeted spot treatment. Most are available at Japanese drugstores for under ¥2,000 (~$13 USD) and carry the coveted "non-comedogenic tested" (ノンコメドジェニックテスト済み) certification. (translated from Japanese)
Why Japanese Acne Products Work Differently Than Western Ones
Japanese acne care takes a fundamentally different approach than what you'll find at CVS or Sephora. Where Western brands lean hard on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — often at concentrations that nuke your skin — Japanese formulations prioritize barrier repair alongside treatment.
The logic is straightforward. In Japan's dermatological philosophy, acne isn't just a "kill the bacteria" problem. It's a skin balance problem. Dehydrated skin overproduces sebum. Damaged barriers let bacteria in. Irritated skin develops post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that lasts months. So Japanese products treat all three simultaneously.
@cosme, Japan's largest beauty review platform, passed 10 million registered members in December 2024 — a 25-year milestone for operator istyle Inc. — with roughly 16-18 million monthly visitors. Japanese consumers are obsessive about logging what works, which means the products that rise to the top have been reviewed by millions of real users, not just marketed at them.
The "quasi-drug" (医薬部外品 / iyakubugaihin) classification matters here too. Products with this label contain government-approved active ingredients at regulated concentrations — more potent than regular cosmetics, but available without prescription. It's a middle ground that doesn't really exist in the American system, and it's where many of the best Japanese acne products live.
Key ingredients you'll see across the top Japanese acne lines:
- Glycyrrhizic acid dipotassium (グリチルリチン酸ジカリウム) — derived from licorice root, anti-inflammatory
- Salicylic acid (サリチル酸) — at 0.5% or lower, gentler than the 2% standard in the US
- Tranexamic acid (トラネキサム酸) — for post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
- Niacinamide (ナイアシンアミド) — sebum regulation and brightening
- Isopropylmethylphenol (イソプロピルメチルフェノール / IPMP) — antibacterial active in quasi-drug formulas
Best Japanese Acne Cleansers: Start With a Clean Slate
Getting the cleanser right is non-negotiable. In Japanese acne care, the cleanser does two jobs: remove pore-clogging sebum and debris without stripping the acid mantle. Over-cleansing is considered a major acne trigger in Japanese dermatology — a message Western skincare is only starting to catch up with.
1. Hadabisei (肌美精) Otona no Nikibi Taisaku Medicated Clear Cleanser
Price: ¥832-1,265 depending on retailer (~$6-9 USD) | Size: 110g | Classification: Quasi-drug
Kracie reformulated this cleanser specifically for adult acne (大人ニキビ), which Japanese brands treat as a distinct condition from teenage acne. The key difference: adult acne is driven by dehydration and hormonal fluctuation rather than excess oil. This cleanser contains isopropylmethylphenol as its active antibacterial ingredient and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (グリチルリチン酸2K) for inflammation, and creates a transparent, foaming gel texture that lifts debris without that tight, squeaky feeling.
Available at virtually every drugstore in Japan — Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, Welcia, Yodobashi. (translated from Japanese)
Source: kracie.co.jp
2. Orbis ClearFul Wash
Price: ¥1,430 (~$10 USD) | Size: 120g | Classification: Quasi-drug
Orbis's ClearFul line is built around glycyrrhizic acid dipotassium (甘草由来) as its hero anti-inflammatory active. The wash pairs this with amino acid-based surfactants that are far gentler than the SLS found in most Western cleansers. Orbis uses a direct-to-consumer model in Japan, which keeps prices low for a quasi-drug product.
The entire ClearFul line — cleanser, toner, moisturizer — carries non-comedogenic certification and has undergone patch testing and allergy testing. (translated from Japanese)
Source: orbis.co.jp
3. Rosette Cleansing Paste (Acne Clear)
Price: ¥550-726 depending on retailer (~$4-5 USD) | Size: 120g | Classification: Quasi-drug
At around ¥550-726, this is one of the cheapest effective acne cleansers you can buy anywhere. Rosette has been making cleansing pastes since 1929 — the brand's Sengan Pasta line was Japan's first cream-type facial cleanser. The Acne Clear variant contains a dual-clay base (marine clay and ghassoul) plus glycyrrhetic acid stearyl, a licorice-derived anti-inflammatory. The texture is unique — a thick paste that foams into a dense lather.
The green (acne) version is a longtime bestseller in the affordable acne-cleanser category on comparison sites like My Best (マイベスト), Japan's equivalent of Wirecutter. (translated from Japanese)
Best Japanese Acne Toners and Lotions: The Hydration Layer
In the Japanese skincare routine, "lotion" (化粧水 / keshoumizu) means a watery toner — not a thick cream. This is the hydration step, and it's considered critical for acne-prone skin. The idea: if your skin is properly hydrated, it won't overproduce the sebum that feeds acne.
4. Orbis ClearFul Lotion M (Moist Type)
Price: ¥1,650 (~$11 USD) | Size: 180mL (2-month supply) | Classification: Quasi-drug
This is the lotion that pairs with the ClearFul cleanser above. At ¥28 per day for a two-month supply, it's one of the best value acne toners on the market. The formula includes nano-sized vitamin C derivatives and five types of Japanese botanical extracts (和漢植物由来成分 / wakan shokubutsu yurai seibun), including shikon (紫根 / lithospermum root), mugwort, and Job's tears.
The lotion comes in two variants: L (さっぱり / light) for oily skin, and M (しっとり / moist) for combination-to-dry acne-prone skin. Reviewers on @cosme and ONEcosme consistently praise the texture — hydrating but not sticky, absorbs in seconds. (translated from Japanese)
Source: onecosme.jp
5. Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
Price: ¥698 ($5 USD) | Size: 500mL | Classification: Cosmetic
This isn't specifically an acne product, but it shows up on virtually every Japanese acne-care recommendation list. Why? Because it's a massive 500mL bottle of lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration for under $5. The hero ingredient is Job's tears extract (ハトムギエキス / hatomugi ekisu), a traditional Japanese botanical used for skin conditioning since the Edo period.
The product has won Best Cosmetics awards on @cosme multiple times and remains one of the most reviewed toners on the platform. Japanese beauty bloggers use it for "lotion masks" — soaking cotton pads and pressing them onto acne-prone areas for 3-5 minutes. The theory: flooding dehydrated skin with moisture reduces sebum production and calms inflammation. (translated from Japanese)
6. Hadato-Recommended: ONEcosme Top 10 Acne Toners
ONEcosme's acne-toner ranking also features MINON Amino Moist (ミノン アミノモイスト), Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare's sensitive-skin line built around amino acid moisturizing factors for barrier repair, and Muji Sensitive Skin Lotion (無印良品 敏感肌用化粧水), a stripped-back formula with minimal ingredients that suits reactive, acne-prone skin. Both are non-comedogenic tested. (translated from Japanese)
Source: onecosme.jp
Best Japanese Acne Serums and Treatments: Targeted Attack
This is where the heavy hitters live. Japanese acne serums tend to be multi-functional — they don't just treat active breakouts, they also fade post-acne marks (ニキビ跡 / nikibi ato) and prevent future ones.
7. Rohto Melano CC Premium Essence
Price: ¥1,628 (~$11 USD) | Size: 20mL | Classification: Quasi-drug
Melano CC is arguably the most famous Japanese acne/brightening product internationally. The Premium version uses active vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E derivatives to tackle post-acne hyperpigmentation. It also contains vitamin B6 and isopropylmethylphenol to prevent new breakouts.
The product comes in a tube with a drip applicator — you apply it drop by drop directly onto acne marks. Japanese users report visible fading within 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Rohto reports Melano CC has been the top-selling product in its toner/essence category for two consecutive years, with brand-wide sales roughly tripling over the past five years — now a meaningful share of Rohto's skincare business. It's also a frequent pick on LIPS (AppBrew's beauty app, which passed 12 million cumulative downloads in 2024). (translated from Japanese)
8. d Program Acne Care Essence (Shiseido)
Price: ¥2,750 (~$18 USD) | Size: 15g | Classification: Quasi-drug
Shiseido's d Program line targets sensitive, acne-prone skin. This serum (launched 2024) uses two active pharmaceutical ingredients — tranexamic acid for mark prevention and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate for inflammation. It's paraben-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and specifically formulated to not trigger breakouts.
Shiseido markets d Program as its No. 1-selling sensitive-skin skincare brand in Japan, and this essence was developed as a dedicated acne-care addition to that line. (translated from Japanese)
Source: shiseido.co.jp
9. Takami Bright Spot B3+
Price: ¥11,000 (~$74 USD) | Size: 30mL | Classification: Quasi-drug
Takami is a Japanese clinical skincare brand founded in 1999 by Dr. Hiroshi Takami, a board-certified dermatologist at Takami Clinic in Tokyo, which has treated over 510,000 patients over more than two decades. Bright Spot B3+ (released nationwide February 2026) is Takami's first-ever quasi-drug product — a medicated whitening essence built around niacinamide (vitamin B3) as its hero active ingredient.
At ¥11,000, it's by far the most expensive serum on this list, but Takami products are positioned as the bridge between drugstore and clinic-grade treatment in Japan. (translated from Japanese)
Best Japanese Acne Moisturizers: Sealing Without Clogging
The Japanese approach to moisturizing acne-prone skin centers on lightweight "milks" (乳液 / nyuueki) rather than heavy creams. These emulsions deliver just enough moisture to prevent transepidermal water loss without creating an occlusive film that traps bacteria.
10. MINON Amino Moist Medicated Acne Care Milk
Price: ¥2,200 (~$15 USD) | Size: 100g | Classification: Quasi-drug
Made by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare (a pharmaceutical company, not a cosmetics company), MINON's Amino Moist line is built around amino acids that mimic the skin's natural moisturizing factor. The Acne Care Milk variant adds antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actives on top of that base formula. It's a regular pick in acne-care moisturizer comparisons on My Best (マイベスト). (translated from Japanese)
Source: my-best.com
11. BCL Kansou-san (乾燥さん) Medicated High-Moisture Milk
Price: ¥1,870 (~$13 USD) | Size: 180mL | Classification: Quasi-drug
The product name (乾燥さん / Kansou-san) loosely translates to "Ms. Dry Skin" — a nod to the Japanese understanding that adult acne often coexists with dehydration. This emulsion targets people whose skin is simultaneously breaking out and flaking. The formula pairs dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (for acne/inflammation) with heparinoid, human-type ceramides, amino acids, and Centella asiatica (CICA) extract for moisture — addressing both the dryness trigger and the inflammation response. It's free of mineral oil-derived surfactants, parabens, tar dyes, synthetic fragrance, alcohol, and silicones.
It's a recurring pick in acne-friendly moisturizer comparisons on My Best, praised for a rich texture that absorbs without leaving a greasy film. (translated from Japanese)
12. Muji Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk (Light)
Price: ¥980 (~$7 USD) | Size: 200mL | Classification: Cosmetic
Muji's approach to acne-prone skin is radical simplicity. The ingredient list is short — no fragrance, no colorants, no mineral oil, no alcohol. It uses squalane and grapefruit seed extract for lightweight moisture. While it's not a "treatment" product, it's the go-to daily moisturizer for Japanese users who've found that most acne-targeted moisturizers contain too many active ingredients and irritate their already-reactive skin.
Best Japanese Acne Spot Treatments: Emergency Response
13. Lion Pair Acne Cream W
Price: ¥1,450 suggested retail, often discounted ($10 USD) | Size: 24g | Classification: OTC Drug (第2類医薬品)
This is an actual over-the-counter drug — not a cosmetic or quasi-drug. It contains ibuprofenpiconol (anti-inflammatory) and isopropylmethylphenol (antibacterial) as dual active pharmaceutical ingredients. You apply it directly on active pimples, and the white cream absorbs into a matte finish that can be worn under makeup.
Lion is a pharmaceutical giant in Japan (makers of Bufferin painkillers, among other things), and Pair Acne Cream has been a pharmacy staple for decades. (translated from Japanese)
14. Ihada Acne Cure Cream (Shiseido)
Price: ¥880-1,210 depending on retailer ($6-8 USD) | Size: 16g | Classification: OTC Drug (第2類医薬品)
Another pharmaceutical-grade option from Shiseido's Ihada line (イハダ アクネキュアクリーム), which is positioned as a pharmacy-counter skincare brand for sensitive, reactive skin. The cream contains ibuprofen piconol and isopropylmethylphenol and targets red, inflamed acne. It's alcohol- and steroid-free, turns transparent on application, and is designed to layer under sunscreen and makeup.
How to Build a Japanese Acne Routine: Step-by-Step
Building an effective Japanese acne routine isn't complicated, but the order matters. Here's the standard protocol used by Japanese dermatologists and beauty advisors:
Morning:
- Gentle cleanser (泡洗顔 / foam wash) — Orbis ClearFul or Rosette
- Hydrating toner (化粧水) — Orbis ClearFul Lotion or Naturie Hatomugi
- Acne serum (美容液) — Melano CC on marks, or d Program on active breakouts
- Lightweight moisturizer (乳液) — MINON Acne Care Milk
- Sunscreen (日焼け止め) — SPF50+ non-comedogenic (Biore UV Aqua Rich or Skin Aqua)
Evening:
- Oil cleanser or micellar water to remove sunscreen
- Gentle foam cleanser (double cleanse)
- Hydrating toner — can do a "lotion mask" 2-3x per week
- Treatment serum
- Spot treatment on active pimples — Pair Acne Cream W
- Lightweight moisturizer or sleeping mask
The cardinal rule in Japanese acne care: never skip moisturizer, even when you're breaking out. Dehydrated skin produces more sebum, and the cycle perpetuates. Japanese dermatologists call this "dry-type acne" (乾燥型ニキビ / kansougata nikibi) and consider it the primary driver of adult acne in women over 25.
What Does "Non-Comedogenic Tested" Mean in Japan?
You'll see "ノンコメドジェニックテスト済み" on many Japanese acne products. This isn't just marketing. The test follows a specific protocol established by the Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association: the product is applied to human skin (usually the back) for 2-4 weeks, and biopsied to check for comedone formation.
LIPS runs a recurring non-comedogenic-tested product roundup covering dozens of wash-off items alone. For reference, key brands that consistently test their acne-focused lines include:
- Orbis — ClearFul entire line
- NOV — AC Active entire line
- MINON — Amino Moist entire line
- d Program (Shiseido) — entire line
- Curel (Kao) — Sebum Trouble Care (皮脂トラブルケア) line
Having this certification doesn't guarantee the product won't cause breakouts for every individual. But it does mean the formulation was specifically designed and tested to minimize pore-clogging risk — which is more than most Western acne products can claim.
Source: lipscosme.com
What About Prescription Acne Treatments in Japan?
If OTC products aren't cutting it, Japanese dermatologists (皮膚科 / hifuka) have a different prescription toolkit than their American counterparts. Oral antibiotics like minocycline are commonly prescribed for moderate acne alongside the topicals below.
Interestingly, isotretinoin (Accutane) is not approved as a pharmaceutical in Japan — oral treatment for severe acne relies on other options. Japanese dermatologists instead rely more heavily on topical retinoids and combination therapy. This is one reason the OTC and quasi-drug market is so developed — there's a stronger culture of managing acne with daily skincare rather than nuclear pharmaceutical options.
The prescription toolkit Japanese dermatologists reach for most often includes:
- Adapalene gel (ディフェリンゲル / Differin) — first-line topical retinoid, approved in Japan since the late 2000s
- Benzoyl peroxide gel (ベピオゲル / Bepio) — antibacterial, introduced in Japan around 2015 — decades after its widespread US use
- Combination adapalene + BPO (エピデュオゲル / Epiduo) — the more aggressive topical option, combining both mechanisms
- Azelaic acid — used by some clinics for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, though availability is more limited than in the US and it's often a self-pay clinic treatment rather than an insurance-covered prescription
Source: hadato.jp
Japanese Acne Products vs. Western Acne Products: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between Japanese and Western approaches to acne treatment helps explain why so many people switch to J-beauty for breakout management.
Active Ingredient Philosophy
Western acne products tend to use high concentrations of a single active ingredient. Think 10% benzoyl peroxide, 2% salicylic acid, or prescription-strength tretinoin. The strategy is aggressive: kill bacteria, force cell turnover, dry out excess oil. It works, but the side effects — peeling, redness, dryness, sun sensitivity — are considered acceptable collateral damage.
Japanese acne products use lower concentrations of multiple active ingredients working synergistically. Instead of 10% benzoyl peroxide, you'll get 0.5% salicylic acid plus glycyrrhizic acid plus botanical anti-inflammatory compounds. The strategy is balanced: treat the breakout while protecting the skin's overall health. The results come slower, but the side effects are minimal.
The Moisture Question
Ask an American dermatologist about acne, and they'll often recommend oil-free everything. Mattifying moisturizer. Gel cleanser. No oils. The underlying assumption: acne is an oil problem, so eliminate oil.
Ask a Japanese dermatologist about acne, and they'll likely recommend keeping skin well-hydrated. Lightweight but moisturizing lotion. Ceramide-rich milk. The underlying assumption: acne is a barrier problem, and dehydration makes it worse.
Research increasingly supports the Japanese approach. A 2024 randomized, double-blinded, split-face trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Tempark et al., PMID 38299457) found that patients using a ceramide- and niacinamide-containing moisturizer alongside standard topical acne treatment (benzoyl peroxide/adapalene) had significantly greater improvement in non-inflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts after 8 weeks — plus better hydration and less irritation — than patients using a basic hydrophilic cream with the same treatment.
Product Texture and Experience
Japanese acne products feel pleasant to use. The lotions are light and absorb instantly. The cleansers foam into rich, cushiony lather. The serums have elegant, non-sticky textures. This isn't superficial — in Japan, the user experience is considered essential to compliance. If a product feels terrible, people stop using it, and inconsistent use is the #1 reason acne treatment fails.
Western acne products often prioritize efficacy over experience. Drying gels, stinging toners, thick chalky creams. The implicit message: if it doesn't burn a little, it's not working. Japanese brands reject this entirely. (translated from Japanese)
Price Comparison
| Category | Japanese Average | Western Average (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Acne cleanser | ¥550-1,300 ($4-9) | $8-20 |
| Acne toner | ¥700-1,800 ($5-12) | $10-25 |
| Acne serum | ¥1,600-11,000 ($11-74; drugstore to clinic-brand) | $15-45 |
| Spot treatment | ¥900-1,650 ($6-11) | $8-20 |
| Acne moisturizer | ¥1,000-2,200 ($7-15) | $12-30 |
Japanese acne products are consistently cheaper, especially at the drugstore level. A complete 4-step acne routine with quasi-drug products (cleanser + toner + serum + moisturizer) can be assembled for under ¥5,000 (~$33 USD) — a fraction of what an equivalent Western routine would cost.
Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid) in Japanese Acne Products
Green Light Ingredients
Glycyrrhizic Acid Dipotassium (グリチルリチン酸ジカリウム): The most common anti-inflammatory active in Japanese acne products. Derived from licorice root (甘草 / kanzo). Calms redness, reduces swelling of active breakouts, and is gentle enough for daily use. Found in Orbis ClearFul, MINON, and d Program lines.
Tranexamic Acid (トラネキサム酸): Originally a blood-clotting medication, repurposed in Japanese skincare for its ability to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Stops acne marks from forming in the first place, rather than trying to fade them after the fact. Found in d Program, Hada Labo Shirojyun, and prescription formulas.
Succinic Acid (コハク酸): An underrated ingredient in Western skincare circles that Japanese brands use extensively. It's a gentle exfoliant that also has antibacterial properties — two functions in one ingredient. Less irritating than salicylic acid while addressing similar concerns.
Allantoin (アラントイン): A soothing, healing ingredient that promotes cell regeneration. Found in many Japanese acne products as a supporting ingredient alongside the primary actives. Helps repair skin damaged by active breakouts.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate: The technical name for the same licorice-derived compound. You'll see this on English-language ingredient lists of Japanese products.
Red Flag Ingredients
High-concentration alcohol (エタノール): Some older Japanese acne toners use high concentrations of ethanol as a "refreshing" (さっぱり) element. While it feels clean, high-alcohol formulas strip the barrier and worsen acne long-term. Modern formulations are moving away from this, but check ingredient lists on budget products.
Menthol (メントール) in high amounts: Provides that "tingly clean" sensation but can irritate inflamed acne skin. Small amounts in cleansers are fine; avoid leave-on products with menthol high in the ingredient list.
Fragrance (香料): Japanese products are generally less fragranced than Western ones, but some still include synthetic fragrance. For acne-prone skin, look for "無香料" (fragrance-free) on the label.
Building a Budget Japanese Acne Routine (Under ¥3,000 Total)
You don't need to spend a lot to build an effective Japanese acne routine. Here's a complete 4-step system for under ¥3,000 (~$20 USD):
- Cleanser: Rosette Cleansing Paste Acne Clear — ~¥550-726
- Toner: Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner — ~¥698
- Treatment: Melano CC Premium Essence — ¥1,628
- Total: roughly ¥2,900-3,050 (~$19-20 USD)
This routine covers cleansing (antibacterial + clay), hydration (lightweight + non-comedogenic), and treatment (vitamin C + antibacterial). Skip the dedicated moisturizer if your skin is oily — the Hatomugi toner provides adequate hydration for oily-to-combination types.
For dry acne-prone skin, add Muji Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk (~¥980) for a total around ¥3,900-4,000 — still under $27 USD for a 5-step routine that includes two quasi-drug products.
This budget routine will last approximately 2 months (the Hatomugi at 500mL lasts 3-4 months), making the daily cost roughly ¥50 (~$0.33 per day). That's about the price of a vending machine drink in Japan.
FAQ
Q: Are Japanese acne products safe for sensitive skin? A: Most Japanese acne products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind. The quasi-drug classification requires clinical testing, and brands like d Program, MINON, and NOV specifically target sensitive-acne overlap. Look for "敏感肌用" (for sensitive skin) and "アルコールフリー" (alcohol-free) on labels. (translated from Japanese)
Q: Can I use Japanese acne products with tretinoin or retinol? A: Yes, but layer carefully. Japanese dermatologists recommend using gentle, hydrating Japanese toners and moisturizers as the "cushion" around prescription retinoids. Avoid combining active vitamin C serums (like Melano CC) with retinoids in the same routine — use one morning, one evening.
Q: How long do Japanese acne products take to work? A: Japanese beauty culture emphasizes patience — most products are designed for a 28-day skin cycle (肌のターンオーバー / hada no turn over). Expect to see initial changes in 2-4 weeks, with significant improvement by 8-12 weeks. Spot treatments like Pair Acne Cream W can show results overnight on individual pimples.
Q: Where can I buy Japanese acne products outside Japan? A: Amazon Japan ships internationally on many items. Specialty retailers like Dokodemo, Kokoro Japan, and YesStyle carry most of these products. Orbis ships directly from their global site. For in-person shopping, Japanese grocery stores and Asian beauty stores in major US cities often stock Naturie, Melano CC, and Rosette.
Q: What's the difference between "medicated" (薬用) and regular Japanese skincare? A: "Medicated" (薬用 / yakuyou) products are classified as quasi-drugs (医薬部外品) by Japan's Ministry of Health. They contain specific active ingredients at government-regulated concentrations and must pass efficacy testing. Regular cosmetics (化粧品) can only claim to "maintain" skin, while quasi-drugs can claim to "prevent" specific conditions like acne. (translated from Japanese)
Sources
- LIPS — 2026 Acne Skincare Feature
- My Best — Acne Care Toner Ranking 2026
- ONEcosme — Best Acne Toners 2026
- hadato — Acne Scar Treatments (Dermatologist Supervised)
- @cosme — Acne Product Rankings
- Orbis ClearFul Official
- Shiseido — Recommended Acne Serums 2026
- My Best — Acne Moisturizer Ranking 2026
- LIPS — Non-Comedogenic Cleansers 2026
- Kracie — Hadabisei Adult Acne Cleanser Official
- Shiseido d Program — Medicated Acne Care Essence Official
- Shiseido Ihada — Acne Cure Cream Official
- Takami — Bright Spot B3+ Official
- Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare — MINON Amino Moist Medicated Acne Care Milk
- BCL — Kansou-san Medicated High-Moisture Emulsion Official
- istyle Inc. — @cosme Reaches 10 Million Members (Dec 2024)
- Tempark et al., "Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer..." — Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 (PMID 38299457)
— The J-Beauty Decoded Team