Here’s how to choose the right Japanese BB cream for your skin tone and skin type. And along with that we also recommend you the best Japanese BB creams amongst the ones we tried and tested.
A BB cream is like your makeup and skincare merged into one. BB Cream stands for ‘Blemish Balm’ and is quite a magical product that multitasks for your skin. It works as a primer, foundation, concealer, and as sun protection.
With all of these properties packed into one, the BB cream is my go-to product for everyday makeup. BB cream helps you achieve flawless skin without going through a lot of steps on those busy mornings, which is why it is one of my preferred Japanese skincare products.
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How To Choose The Right Japanese BB Cream For Sensitive Skin?
Choosing the right Japanese BB cream for sensitive skin involves considering various factors to ensure that the product you select doesn’t irritate or worsen your skin’s condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:
Read the Ingredients List
Carefully examine the list of ingredients on the packaging. Avoid common irritants such as parabens, sulfates, artificial dyes, and alcohol.
Ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile extract, green tea extract, and niacinamide are often gentle on sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid helps with hydration without causing irritation.
Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic
Hypoallergenic products are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Non-comedogenic products won’t clog your pores, which can lead to breakouts and irritation. Look for these terms on the packaging as indicators of skin-friendly products.
Fragrance-Free
Fragrances, even from natural sources, can trigger sensitivity in some individuals. Opt for products labeled as fragrance-free or those that use natural essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.
Patch Test
Before applying the BB cream to your face, apply a small amount on a small area of skin, such as your inner wrist or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours to see if any redness, itching, or irritation occurs. If your skin reacts negatively, it’s best to avoid using the product on your face.
SPF Protection
If you’re considering a BB cream with SPF, choose one that uses physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens. Ensure the SPF level meets your daily sun protection needs.
Coverage and Finish
Japanese BB creams often offer light to medium coverage with a natural, radiant finish. Consider your skin’s needs – if you have redness or blemishes to cover, you might prefer a slightly higher coverage BB cream.
Hydration
Sensitive skin benefits from hydration. Look for BB creams that contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and natural oils. These ingredients help maintain your skin’s moisture balance.
Reviews and Recommendations
Search for online reviews and recommendations from people with sensitive skin who have used the BB cream you’re interested in. Their experiences can provide insights into how the product behaves on sensitive skin.
Dermatologist Recommendations
If you have a history of skin issues, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can suggest suitable BB creams based on your skin’s specific needs and sensitivities.
Product Testing
If possible, swatch the BB cream on your forearm or jawline in-store. This allows you to observe how the product feels, blends, and reacts with your skin’s undertones before purchasing.
Check for Allergens
Be aware of allergens that your skin might react to. Common allergens include fragrances, certain essential oils, and botanical extracts. Avoid products containing ingredients that have caused reactions in the past.
Pay Attention to Claims
Look for BB creams that explicitly state they are designed for sensitive skin or have undergone dermatological testing. These claims suggest that the product has been formulated with sensitivities in mind.
Remember that the process of finding the right BB cream for sensitive skin might involve some trial and error.
Every individual’s skin is unique, so be patient and attentive to how your skin reacts to different products. If you notice any signs of irritation, discontinue use and seek alternatives.
Opt For Non-comedogenic Japanese BB Cream
Look for your bb cream to have non-comedogenic properties as it will reduce pore blocking that can lead to breakouts etc. Avoid fragrated bb creams or mica.
Coverage: Get a bb cream according to your coverage preference of light, medium and full. Most of the bb creams are medium coverage which are decent for daily use.
Skin type: This is an essential thing to keep in mind while buying a bb cream because if you don’t buy it according to your skin type, you might fail its purpose of use.
- Related: Best Japanese Powder Foundation
- Related: Best Japanese Foundation
- Related: 10 Best Japanese Moisturizer
Difference between BB creams and CC creams
BB cream is a tinted moisturizer that has hydrating properties. It also brightens the skin and gives some amount of sun protection. CC creams, on the other hand, have slightly more coverage than BB cream. When compared to BB creams, CC creams are lighter and have a matte finish. BB creams are perfect for dry skin because of its hydrating properties and CC creams are a better option for oily and acne-prone skin as the formula is lighter.
Japanese BB cream Vs Japanese Foundation
BB creams have lighter coverage than a foundation. A BB cream is not meant to completely cover up blemishes like how a foundation does. BB creams are tinted moisturizers so it will hide scars, blemishes, dark spots to an extent but not completely. BB creams are great to use for when you want a more natural everyday look whereas a foundation is used when you want full coverage and a full makeup look.
Why are Japanese BB creams better For Sensitive Skin?
Japanese BB creams are often considered better for sensitive skin due to their formulation, focus on skin health, and the use of gentle ingredients. Here are some reasons why Japanese BB creams are often recommended for sensitive skin:
- Milder Formulations: Japanese beauty products, including BB creams, tend to have milder and more gentle formulations. They often avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and aggressive preservatives that can trigger sensitivity or irritation in the skin.
- Emphasis on Skin Health: Japanese skincare philosophy places a strong emphasis on maintaining healthy and balanced skin. Many Japanese BB creams are formulated with ingredients that not only provide coverage but also work to improve the overall health of the skin, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
- Natural and Soothing Ingredients: Japanese BB creams commonly contain natural ingredients known for their soothing and calming properties. Ingredients like green tea extract, rice bran extract, and licorice root extract are often included to reduce redness and irritation.
- Hydration: Sensitive skin tends to be more prone to dryness and irritation. Japanese BB creams often contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent dryness.
- Lightweight Texture: Japanese BB creams typically have a lightweight texture that feels comfortable on the skin. This can reduce the likelihood of clogging pores or causing irritation, which is important for those with sensitive skin.
- SPF Protection: Many Japanese BB creams come with added SPF protection. The use of physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is common in these products, providing broad-spectrum protection without the risk of chemical sunscreen irritation.
- Research and Development: Japanese skincare brands often invest significant resources in research and development to create products suitable for various skin types, including sensitive skin. This commitment to innovation helps produce effective and gentle products.
- Dermatological Testing: Some Japanese BB creams undergo dermatological testing to ensure their safety and suitability for sensitive skin. Look for products that explicitly mention such testing on the packaging.
- Cultural Emphasis on Gentle Beauty: The Japanese beauty culture values gentle and natural-looking makeup. This cultural preference aligns with the needs of sensitive skin, as Japanese BB creams aim to provide a soft, natural finish without causing irritation.
- Variety of Options: Japanese beauty market offers a wide range of BB creams with different textures, finishes, and coverage levels. This variety allows individuals with sensitive skin to choose products that best suit their preferences and needs.
While Japanese BB creams are often a good option for sensitive skin, it’s important to note that individual reactions to products can vary.
Always perform a patch test and pay attention to your skin’s response when trying a new BB cream or any skincare product.
If you have severe skin sensitivities or allergies, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist before introducing new products into your routine.
How we tested the Japanese BB Creams?
We collected the top 20 Japanese BB Creams and put them to the test for coverage, finish, moisture retention, and smudge resistance.
- Coverage: It’s critical that a BB cream you choose has enough pore coverage. We evaluated the coverage after applying the BB creams. Depending on how well the BB creams managed to cover the pores, the BB creams were rated between 1 – 5. The BB creams were also judged based on how well it covered the blemishes on the skin.
- Finish: When judging the finish of the Japanese BB creams, we checked for two things – how well the BB cream blends in with the skin (without making the face look pale) and if the BB has a cake-y finish or a smooth finish (the latter of course wins).
- Smudge Resistance: To test this, we applied the BB cream and let it stay on for a full working day. In between the day, at different intervals, we did a dab test to see if the BB cream had smudged.
Japanese BB Creams: Quick Glance
| Best Japanese BB Creams | Best For |
| Ci: Labo BB Perfect Enrich Lift Cream | Dry Skin |
| CANMAKE Perfect Serum BB Cream | Dull Skin |
| Moist Labo BB Essence Cream | Oily Skin |
| Freshel Kanebo Skin Care EX BB Cream | Mature Skin |
| Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Base BB Cream | Uneven Skin Tone |
| Kiss Me Heroine Make Mineral BB Cream | Sensitive Skin |
| Kose Sekkisei White BB Cream | Coverage |
| Kanebo KATE Water in Oil BB Cream | Dry Skin |
| Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream | Dry Skin |
| Cezanne Makeup BB Cream | Sensitive Skin |
There are tons of best Japanese BB creams that you can choose to ace your makeup game. In this article, I have brought to you the 10 best Japanese BB creams that you will fall in love with!
Which is the best Japanese BB Cream?
I’ve tried and tested several Japanese BB creams based on coverage, ingredients, hydration, sun protection, ingredients, etc. Of all BB creams I tested, Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Base BB Cream is the best Japanese BB cream. And here’s why:
Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Base BB Cream has a non-greasy formula and spreads evenly. It has good coverage and makes a great base for foundation. This BB cream covers up fine lines and minimizes the appearance of pores. Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Base BB Cream also has hydrating properties and makes the skin soft and plump. Formulated with SPF30 and PA++, it also provides sun protection.
Kiss Me Heroine Make Mineral BB Cream
The Coco Shop Kiss Me Heroine Make Mineral BB Cream can be the best choice if you have sensitive skin. It protects the skin from UV rays with an SPF of 50 PA+++. When you first apply it, it could seem a little horrifying if you have olive skin. However, it quickly adjusts to the skin’s natural hue.
This BB cream provides excellent coverage and works to hide blemishes, acne scars, and pigmentation. With a smooth finish, the BB cream feels light on the skin. Moreover, it makes the skin more radiant and removes dryness and dullness.
A little goes a long way with this Japanese hair tonic. After cleaning your skin, apply it all over your face and neck. All day long, you’ll have a radiant appearance that looks natural.
Pros:
- SPF 50 PA+++
- Suits for sensitive skin
- Lightweight
Cons
- Darker skin shades not available
- expensive
Fasio BB Cream Waterproof
The Fasio BB Cream Waterproof is generally considered to be safe for sensitive skin. It is formulated with a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients, and it does not contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the skin. Additionally, it has a lightweight formula that is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.
This is a thin, water-resistant BB cream that provides you with natural coverage without looking caked on.
Three different hues are available, and they will oxidise to match your skin tone. It contains hydrating elements that work together to keep the skin moisturised and beautiful at the same time.
I love this Japanese BB cream fro its smooth finish and it doesn’t feel sticky.
Pros
- Natural, smooth finish
- Water resistant
- Lightweight
- Hydrates skin
Ci: Labo BB Perfect Enrich Lift BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Dry Skin
The Ci: Labo BB Perfect Enrich Lift BB Cream is generally considered to be safe for sensitive skin. It is formulated with a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients, and it does not contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate the skin. Additionally, it has a lightweight formula that is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores.
This is an all-in-one best Japanese BB creams that works towards several concerns; it helps reduce pores, conceal spots, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, and also hydrates the skin. The BB cream contains SPF40 PA++++, which acts as a great barrier against harmful UV rays.
It has a smooth texture that is easy to apply and blend. It gets absorbed into the skin and leaves you with a fresh and glowy flush. It has a sleek packaging with a golden cap that screams luxury. This portable BB cream is perfect to give you a no-makeup makeup look.
Key Features:
- Is not heavy or cakey
- SPF40 PA++++ protects your skin against the harmful UV rays
- Helps conceal spots and other skin concerns
- It adds hydration to skin to make it more supple and plump
- Contains Vitamin C derivatives, which works as antioxidants against harmful free radicals
- Helps reduce pores and fine lines
- Smooth texture that is easy to blend
- Portable packaging
Related: Keep the pH levels of your skin balanced with these amazing Korean toners. Check it out!
CANMAKE Perfect Serum BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Dull Skin
The CANMAKE Perfect Serum BB Cream is considered to be a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
We love this BB cream because it is easy on the pockets and works wonders on your skin. The CANMAKE Perfect Serum BB cream comes with 21 beautifying ingredients; it acts as a primer, serum, sunscreen, concealer, and foundation.
The BB cream is perfect to conceal dark spots, blemishes, acne scars, and uneven skin tone. If you are tired of your skin being dehydrated and dry all the time, you will love this BB cream. It brightens dull skin and replenishes it with hydration and moisture. It also protects against the harmful UV rays of the sun with its SPF50 PA+++.
The super-powerful ingredients include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen, aloe vera extract, witch hazel extract, and royal jelly extract among numerous other skin-loving ingredients.
Key Features:
- Contains 21 beautifying ingredients that are great for the skin
- SPF50 PA+++ protects against harmful UV rays
- Brightens and provides a glow to dull skin
- Hydrates dehydrated skin
- Helps conceal skin imperfections such as acne scars and uneven skin tone
- Lightweight formula that blends perfectly
- Semi-matte finish with a dewy effect
- Phthalate, Paraben, Fragrance, and Mineral-0il free
Related: Here are nourishing eye creams from the best J-beauty brands!
Moist Labo BB Essence Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Oily Skin
Do you have oily skin? Here’s your answer. The Moist Labo BB cream is a holy grail for people with oily skin and sensitive skin. It has a mattifying formula that is lightweight. The BB cream contains SPF50 PA++++ that helps deflect UV rays and protect the skin against sunburn and hyperpigmentation.
The lightweight BB cream helps conceal all your skin imperfections. The magical ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and ceramide work wonders for your skin. These ingredients work together to reduce fine lines and pores, repair skin, and make it supple and soft.
Key Features:
- Gives good coverage
- Conceals all skin imperfections
- SPF50 PA++++ acts as a protective shield against the harmful UV rays of the sun
- Contains physical sunscreens like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
- Contains magical ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and ceramide
- Blends easily
- Gives a matte finish without taking away the glow
Freshel Kanebo Skincare EX BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Mature Skin
Freshel Kanebo BB Cream is more than just a BB cream; it also has amazing anti-aging benefits. The cream is like your makeup in one package – it works as a serum, face cream, sunscreen, and makeup base.
This is one of the best Japanese BB creams that helps brighten the skin and conceal all imperfections like blemishes and dark spots.
The smooth cream blends perfectly and does not look cakey. It also does not exaggerate fine lines. It contains SPF32 PA++ that is a great shield against the harmful rays of the sun.
Key Features:
- Anti-aging BB cream
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Contains SPF32 PA++, which acts as an additional layer of shield against the UV rays
- Works as the replacement to your tedious regular makeup routine
- Helps brighten up dull and dehydrated skin
- Reduces pores and conceals skin imperfections
- Makes skin radiant and soft
Related: Follow it up with one of these best Japanese foundations for a seamless look!
Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Base BB Cream
Best Japanese BB cream for Uneven Skin Tone
If you are looking for a product that preps your skin and makes it ready for foundation, this is it. The Shiseido Maquillage Perfect Multi Base BB Cream contains SPF30 PA++ along with a physical sunscreen – titanium dioxide. Together, they help protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays, such as hyperpigmentation and sunburn.
The BB cream brightens your skin and reduces pores, giving you a porcelain look. It also hydrates your skin and gives you a luscious and glossy finish. The packaging of the BB cream looks super luxurious. The matte-gold body and blingy cap add a touch of oomph to the product.
Key Features:
- Reduces fine lines and minimizes the appearance of pores
- Evens out skin tone
- Adds hydration to the skin and makes it look plump and supple
- Contains SPF30 PA++ along with a physical sunscreen, titanium dioxide to give you the ultimate protection against UV rays
- Acts as a great base for foundation
- Non-greasy formula that spreads evenly
Related: Deep cleanse your skin with these nourishing Japanese cleansing oils!
Kiss Me Heroine Make Mineral BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Sensitive Skin
The Kiss Me Heroine Make Mineral BB cream is ideal for those with sensitive skin. It has a high SPF50 PA+++, protecting you against the harmful rays of the sun.
It offers excellent coverage, and so can be used instead of your regular foundation. It is light on the skin; it gilded and blends smoothly.
The BB cream gives you a glossy, radiant, glowy, and youthful skin. It also brightens your complexion and reduces dullness and dryness.
Key Features:
- Mineral BB cream
- It is perfect for people with sensitive skin
- Contains SPF50 PA+++ that protects your skin against the harmful UV rays
- Helps conceal pigmentation and dark spots
- Reduces fine lines and pores
- Adds life to dull and dehydrated skin
- Lightweight formula
Related: Here are amazing lip balms from Japan to keep your lips soft and supple!
Kose Sekkisei White BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Great Coverage
The Kose Sekkisei BB cream is an all-in-one product that can be used as a serum, cream, sunscreen, makeup base, and foundation. It contains high SPF40 PA+++ for the ultimate protection against UV rays and to slow down premature aging.
It also covers all skin imperfections perfectly. If you have dull and dry skin, this BB cream can add a new life to your skin by hydrating and nourishing it. You will get a natural, dewy, and glossy finish.
Key Features:
- Contains high SPF40 PA+++ to give your skin protection against harmful UV rays
- It is an all-in-one product that can replace your hectic makeup routine
- Covers up imperfections
- Gives your skin a glossy and dewy finish
- Hydrates parched skin
- Contains plant, root, and flower extracts
Kanebo KATE Water in Oil BB Cream
Best Japanese BB cream for Dry Skin
The hydrating BB cream from KATE contains hydrating and concealing properties. It glides effortlessly on the skin and gives you a natural and youthful glow.
It contains SPF20 PA++ and physical sunscreens like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to give you the ultimate shield against the harmful rays of the sun.
Key Features:
- Contains SPF20 PA++ along with physical sunscreens to give you the ultimate protection against the harmful UV rays
- Conceals dark spots, scars, and other skin concerns
- Evens out skin tone
- Hydrates dry skin
Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Dry Skin
Shiseido Perfect Hydrating BB cream is an all-in-one BB cream that can easily replace your makeup routine and make it simpler. It is an oil-free cream that has a light texture that glides smoothly on your skin.
The BB cream contains SPF30, which acts as a barrier against the harmful UV rays of the sun. It also helps conceal pores and other imperfections such as blemishes and scars. The BB cream also helps even out skin tone.
Key Features:
- Contains SPF30 that shields your skin against the harmful UV rays
- An all-in-one product that is perfect for everyday wear
- Light texture that glides smoothly on skin
- Conceals pores and skin imperfections
- Helps even out uneven skin tone
- Oil-free cream
Cezanne Make Up BB Cream
Best Japanese BB Cream for Sensitive Skin
The All-in-One BB cream from Cezanne contains amazing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, daisy flower extract, shea butter, acerola seed extract, tomato extract, and grape leaf extract. Apart from these skin-loving ingredients, this BB cream also comes with SPF23++ to protect against the harmful UV rays.
It helps improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and pores, and hydrate the skin. The lightweight texture of the cream is perfect as it does not block the pores and make skin look oily. It is perfect for people with sensitive skin. With just one layer of this BB cream, you can achieve a natural, glowing, and radiant finish.
Key Features:
- A great BB cream for sensitive skin
- Contains natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin
- Contains hyaluronic acid and collagen
- Does not make skin look oily
- Light texture that glides smoothly on skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Helps reduce pores and fine lines
Best Japanese BB creams to suit you perfectly!
If you are looking for the perfect everyday makeup routine, nothing is better than these best Japanese BB creams. The ones we have listed here suit your various needs. Check them out today!
Also Read:
- Wake up with moisturized, soft, and plump skin with these night moisturizers from top J-beauty brands!
- Give your skin the love and care it deserves with these best Japanese beauty products!
- Blend your makeup to perfection with these makeup sponges. Check it out!
Erika is the main author of the website. She is obsessed with Japanese products and always looks for an opportunity to share her love for Japanese products with everybody around her! She combined her love for writing, research and testing products to create Best Japanese Products. When she’s not reviewing latest Japanese products, you’ll find her pampering her cats. Erika is the definition of ‘The Crazy Cat Lady’.