While acne affects everyone, some people are more prone to developing acne than others. If you suffer from breakouts on a regular basis, you may have acne-prone skin!
But fret not, because this is a common skin type that is completely manageable with the right skincare.
Many Japanese products have stood the test of time, so it’s no surprise that their skincare products were lauded as some of the best in the world.
If you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine with new and effective additions, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of the nine most popular Japanese products for acne-prone skin that have been making waves on TikTok!
Signs that you have acne-prone skin
Credits: @freepik/FreePik
If you have acne-prone skin, one of the most obvious signs is that you have frequent breakouts. If you frequently experience pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts, your skin may be prone to acne.
Similarly, having oily skin makes you more prone to clogged pores and acne formation, so if your face becomes shiny and greasy in a matter of hours, particularly on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), you may have acne-prone skin.
Acne-prone skin types typically have enlarged pores due to excessive oil production in these areas. These enlarged pores are also prone to clogging with dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells, resulting in acne breakouts.
If your skin is constantly red and inflamed, even when there are no breakouts, there may be acne-causing bacteria on your skin, which is an indication that you have acne-prone skin.
Acne-prone skin is also more prone to scarring and post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation as a result of breakouts. After a pimple heals, you may notice that your dark spots linger longer than normal people’s.
If you check more than two of the above signs, you may have acne-prone skin and should look for some of these skincare ingredients in your skincare to help!
Ingredients to look out for if you have acne-prone skin
Credits: @keisyawimela/TikTok, @heynatalee/TikTok
Having acne-prone skin means that you need to consider the skincare products you’re using carefully, as the wrong ones can worsen your inflammation and trigger more breakouts.
Two key ingredients to look out for in your skincare products are salicylic acid and cica (centella asiatica extract).
Salicylic acid, a potent beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is renowned for its deep-penetrating ability, exfoliating the skin’s surface and unclogging pores. By dissolving excess sebum and dead skin cells, it effectively prevents acne formation and promotes smoother skin texture.
On the other hand, cica is a soothing and healing ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It effectively reduces redness and irritation, aiding in skin repair to diminish the appearance of acne scars.
With this newfound knowledge, let’s dive into TikTok’s top Japanese skincare recommendations for acne-prone skin!
Japanese cleansers for acne-prone skin
SENKA Perfect Whip Acne Medicated Face Wash Cleansing Foam
This Japanese medicated facial cleanser produces a dense microfoam that effectively removes dirt and dullness from your skin without drying it out.
It contains an active ingredient that combats acne and is infused with natural silk essence, hyaluronic acids, and amino acids to maintain and hydrate your skin barrier.
Not only is it very gentle on the skin, making it suitable for everyday use, but we also love the refreshing sensation you’ll get from this cleanser, thanks to its special hydration technology.
The herbal floral scent is an added bonus that makes your cleansing ritual even more relaxing, perfect for winding down after a long day!
Related reads: This bestselling Japanese cleanser leaves the skin smooth and hydrated after cleansing, according to 40 readers and an editor
SENKA Perfect Whip Acne Medicated Face Wash Cleansing Foam (100g) retails for S$19.29 and is available at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!
Cow Skin Life Medicated Facial Foam
With over 50 years of proven effectiveness, Skin Life Medicated Facial Foam has been Japan’s trusted choice for acne-prone skin.
This rich, creamy foam contains anti-inflammatory and sterilising ingredients like cica to combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, addressing the root causes of acne by removing excess sebum and impurities from the pores.
It also contains moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, fruit acid, and grapefruit extract to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Its oil-free formulation, non-comedogenic testing, and allergy testing makes it suitable for not just for acne-prone skin, but also those with sensitive skin.
Its refreshing pink grapefruit scent makes it a must-have in your morning cleansing routine as a perfect pick-me-up!
Cow Skin Life Medicated Facial Foam (130g) retails for S$5.50 and is available at Shopee.
Meishoku Acne Bigan Facial Wash
With salicylic acid and cica, this facial wash efficiently clears any excess sebum and impurities on your skin, preventing acne breakouts.
The rich foam, composed of fine bubbles, offers a gentle cleansing experience that doesn’t feel heavy on your skin, and is also enriched with natural plant extracts like algae, calendula officinalis flower, gentiana lutea root, and camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf.
These ingredients will keep your skin from drying out, keeping it moisturised while the active ingredients work to combat acne.
Meishoku Acne Bigan Facial Wash (80g) retails for S$15.90 and is available at Fairprice. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!
Japanese toners for acne-prone skin
Meishoku Skin Lotion
Specially designed for acne-prone skin, this lotion contains salicylic acid, which works to reduce accumulated keratin and eliminate excess sebum and dirt from pores, while pionin prevents acne suppuration (when pus forms and discharge).
The lotion also tightens open pores, preventing sebum overproduction and stickiness, making it one of the most popular toners in Japan at the moment for acne-prone skin.
@Shermainecrystal on TikTok attests to its skin-saving properties, clearing her breakout by targeting dirt, excess sebum, and acne-causing bacteria with its salicylic acid content. However, she advises to follow up with a moisturiser to maintain a balanced skin barrier, as the lotion may cause skin dryness.
@shairmainecrystal Japanese skin care for acne prone skin 😌 #fypシ #skincare #acnetreatment #japaneseskincare #tiktokph
Meishoku Skin Lotion retails for S$15.90 at Fairprice, and S$11.45 at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!
Mentholatum Acnes Clear Lotion
This toner is particularly targeted at teens with oily skin by clearing clogged pores, blackheads, and pimples by removing dead skin cells.
Its medicated formula contains o-cymen-5-ol and dipotassium glycyrrhizate, which combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation, preventing acne breakouts.
The inclusion of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) helps to soften and gently break down dead skin cells, while vitamin C brightens up pigmentation and prevents dryness, making your skin not only smoother but also radiant-looking!
Mentholatum Acnes Clear Lotion (180ml) retails for S$25.92 and is available at Yesstyle. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!
Acnes 25 Medical Mist (For Acne Prone Skin & Back Acne)
This mist targets adult acne, including breakouts at the jawline, around the mouth, on the back, and during hormonal fluctuations or stress.
What makes it unique is the nozzle’s flexibility, which allows you to apply the mist easily, especially for back acne that can be hard to reach.
Isopropyl methylphenol is infused in the formula to disinfect and kills bacteria, preventing further acne development, while allantoin soothes inflamed, irritated areas. Salicylic acid is also included for exfoliation, so that your skin will remain soft and free of clogged pores.
@nekogirl on TikTok uses it after her toner, praises its ability to dry out active acne and eliminate bacteria responsible for the acne growth on her skin as seen in the video below!
@thatnekogirlasmr Say goodbey to acne and acne scars with these Japanese products. Japanese products for acne and acne scars #ベルメイク #japanesesummer #lifeintokyo #tokyolifestyle #westtokyo #osaka #yokosuka #chiba #narra
Acnes 25 Medical Mist (For Acne Prone Skin & Back Acne) (100ml) retails for S$20.90 and is available at Watsons and Shopee. Discounts are offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated prices!
Japanese spot treatments for acne-prone skin
LION PAIR Acne Cream W
Lion Pair Acne Cream W targets facial acne at the root, providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, while promoting healing and recovery.
Its mild nature, with a pH value close to that of the skin, ensures gentle yet potent care for acne outbreaks.
Because of its transparent and lightweight texture, the acne cream is suitable for daytime use, even under makeup, making it one of the most popular acne creams in Japan.
LION PAIR Acne Cream W (24g) retails for S$28.08 and is available at Shopee. A discount is offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price!
Attonon Acne Scar Care Gel
Attonon Acne Scar Gel is a potent formula that targets the reduction of post-acne marks by inhibiting excess melanin production, promoting cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and enhancing skin moisture content.
It fades the red or brown marks left behind after acne breakouts (post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation) while preventing new pimples from forming.
It is very popular in Japan because of its ease of application and quick absorption. Plus, it fades conspicuous post-acne marks without drying out acne-prone skin.
Attonon Acne Scar Care Gel (10g) retails for S$29.05 and is available at Shopee.
Melano CC Vitamin C Concentrated Brightening Essence
This essence is famous for its concentrated formula containing the active brightening ingredient, vitamin C, to brighten up hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring.
Not only is it highly moisturising, but it also includes antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients to minimise the development of acne, making it a must-have for acne-prone skin.
@cherriebelle, a TikTok creator, is one of many who attests to the product’s efficacy, claiming it is her favourite essence.
Her smooth and radiant skin, which she claims to be acne-prone, shows zero signs of hyperpigmentation, and has definitely sold us on the essence’s brightening properties!
@jmomtokselflove Japanese Skincare for Acne Prone Skin no one is asking though 😤#summer #skincareroutine #japaneseskincare #tiktokjapanphilippines #tiktokphilippines #acneproneskin #niacinamide #spf #sunblock #hatomugi #fypシ #fyp #zyxcba
Melano CC Vitamin C Concentrated Brightening Essence (20ml) retails for S$25.15 and is available at Watsons.
