Japanese skincare in UK retail stores

As Japanese maniac, we’re always keen to buy cosmetics, skincare, hair-care and beauty products from Japanese brands. However, it’s not easy to find Japanese products in UK stores and supermarkets, especially skincare and beauty items. When we need them, we have to buy online from overseas websites.

But actually, some Japanese-brand skincare products can be found in UK retailers like Boots, Superdrug, supermarkets and Amazon UK. Here are some Japanese products found in UK retailers and supermarkets so far.

Professional skincare brand from Japan’s Kao Group – Curél

Curél is a familiar brand to Asians, designed specifically for dry and sensitive skin, making it ideal for use in the dry climate of the UK. Its products, including moisturizing cleansers, toners, lotions, and creams, are almost the same in design as those sold in Japan, except for the product names are in English, which feels very familiar! And they’re conveniently available in supermarkets.

retailer store: Boots、Superdrug、Sainsbury’s

Western version of Hada Labo – HADA LABO TOKYO

Hada Labo Tokyo is different from the Hada Labo we buy in Japan and Asian countries. Hada Labo Tokyo is produced by Mentholatum (a subsidiary of Rohto) and was the first Japanese skin care line to be launched at mass retailers in the United States. Because it is mainly for the European and American markets, the products and formulas are different from the versions sold in Asia. Although this is the overseas version, “Super Hyaluronic Acid for multi-level, long-term skin hydration” is still as its main selling point, and it’s great to have more Japanese brands to choose in Euro-US region!

retailer store: Superdrug

HADA LABO TOKYO
https://hadalabotokyo.com/
https://www.mentholatum.co.uk/brands/hada-labo-tokyo/

Famous Japanese Skincare brand with 150 years of history – SHISEIDO

SHISEIDO is a traditional Japanese cosmetics and skincare brand. Its products are distributed in markets across Asia and Europe, so it is not surprising to see SHISEIDO products in the UK. There are more than 80 SHISEIDO products available at Boots, including skincare and moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup, and anti-aging products. Surprisingly, products from Japan’s discontinued WASO series can still be found in the UK.

retailer store: Boots、Superdrug、Tesco Marketplace(online)、John Lewis、Harrods

Bioré UV Aqua Rich sunscreen product line

Let us introduce Bioré UV Aqua Rich Water Essence, a product originating from Japan. It is famous for its light, hydrating texture and invisible sun protection. It is easy to apply and absorbs instantly, effectively hydrating the skin while protecting it from ultraviolet rays. It can also be used as a makeup base to help subsequent makeup last longer.

retailer store: Boots、Superdrug、Sainsbury’s、Tesco、Morrisons、Waitrose

Other Bioré skincare products are also available in the UK, such as nose strips and cleansing foam; however, their formulations and packaging are generally designed for European and American markets. These products are more readily available at retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Superdrug.

Branches all around the world – MUJI

It is really nice to have MUJI products available in the UK, as MUJI is my favourite skincare brand—particularly its popular Sensitive Skin Toning Water (High Moisture), which is highly effective at hydrating the skin. However, prices in the UK are higher, similar to those at Uniqlo, and the range of skincare products is more limited than in Japan and Hong Kong. Most of the 6 branches are concentrated in central London and the surrounding areas. If these locations are inconvenient, customers can place orders for delivery through MUJI’s official website.

MUJI UK website: https://uk.muji.eu/beauty/skincare
MUJI Store Locator：https://uk.muji.eu/pages/store-locator.html

In addition to the Japanese brands mentioned above, products from brands such as Rohto and Mentholatum are also available in the UK, typically through Amazon UK.
Rohto eye drops – https://www.amazon.co.uk/rohto/s?k=rohto
megrhythm Steam Heat Relief Patch – https://www.megrhythm.com/en-gb/
Mentholatum Deep Heat Ointment Series –
Boots or https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/DeepHeat/page/26A53AFB-88AC-4C4F-A36F-E43E8E316846