Top 7 must-buy Japanese drugstore items that are travel shopping favorites

By MOOK Scenic Family / Compiled and reported

Every time you travel to Japan, make sure to bring an empty suitcase—there are just too many things you’ll want to buy, from cosmetics and souvenirs to electronics. Aside from personal use, you’ll also need gifts for family and friends, not to mention all the items they ask you to pick up. Even though some of these products are available in Taiwan, shopping in Japan offers faster product updates and usually better prices. Here are seven popular drugstore items you shouldn’t miss when browsing Japanese pharmacies—be sure to grab them while you can!

1. CANMAKE Cheek Color Cream¥580

CANMAKE’s cheek color cream enjoys great reviews and high popularity. Once spread on the skin, it becomes smooth and refreshing, applying easily and comfortably. Applied after your base makeup, it creates rosy, fair cheeks effortlessly. The Clear Type can even double as a lip gloss—super practical.

2. AVANTBISE¥1,080

AVANTBISE is a toothpaste made with active lactic acid bacteria (WB2000 lactic acid bacteria) and cleansing agents. The active lactic acid bacteria help remove plaque that causes bad breath and periodontal disease, while also preventing these issues. It also contains four medicinal ingredients that help prevent cavities, gum inflammation, tartar buildup and discoloration, as well as remove tar residue from smoking, keeping your mouth feeling fresh.

3. BCL 0?aborino Morning-Use Mask¥43 (average per sheet)

This popular mask is designed to provide essential morning skincare in a single step, known for its outstanding moisturizing effects. Though it has a strong scent of mint and ethanol, the alcohol smell is quite noticeable. Thanks to its grapefruit peel oil content, users love its moisturizing power. The sachet packaging also adds to its convenience, making it one of the most sought-after masks recently.

4. Solid Senba Sugar - Cooling S¥940 / 50 tablets

Loved since 1926, “Solid Senba Sugar” is made from four types of traditional herbal medicine and is highly effective for relieving coughs, excessive phlegm, and sore throats. This lozenge-style cough and phlegm relief medicine melts in your mouth like candy, with a refreshing mint flavor spreading through your throat. The sugar-free version is also safe for those watching their sugar and calorie intake.