KON'NICHIWA J-BEAUTY!

Move over K-Beauty; J-Beauty is slowly taking over our shelves.

- Karen Alfonso

The K-Beauty phenomenon changed our relationship with beauty – we’ve all applied a sheet mask to our faces, we’ve included multiple steps in our routines, and got familiar with ingredients such as snail mucin and cica. However, J-Beauty aka Japanese Beauty has always been omni-present and is slowly muscling its way onto our bathroom counters, and for good reason.

How Is K-Beauty Different From J-Beauty?

K-Beauty is all about achieving that chok-chok glow – aka moist, dewy skin. The multiple steps of serums, ampoules, etc help to achieve that. However, J-Beauty is more simplified, focusing on cleansing and hydration – which involves just four steps. The aim is also to get ‘mochi’ skin, which – like the Japanese sweet – is super soft and plump.

The Ingredient Focus

K-Beauty’s key ingredient list ranges from rice, green tea and volcanic ash and mud from Jeju Island. We’ve also seen some unconventional ingredients such as snail mucin, donkey milk and bee venom. J-Beauty, however, sticks to traditional, native ingredients but enhances them with cutting-edge formulations. Some of the key ingredients used are tsubaki oil, or Japanese camellia flower, rice bran, and Japanese wild rose.

What Does The J-Beauty Ritual Entail?

The J-Beauty routine is ideal for those who like minimalism and simplified skincare routines. It focuses on multipurpose and highly-functional products. The first step is cleansing, using an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based one. Next up is a hydrating toner or ampoule, followed by a moisturiser and then sunscreen.