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#Q&A Should I buy Japanese cosmetics at a… Answer ↓

Should I buy Japanese cosmetics at a drugstore or a department store counter? How do I get the best deal?

Updated 3 sources

It depends on the brand. As of October 2026, drugstore brands such as Hada Labo, Curel, Anessa, Biore, and Melano CC are sold at drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and at Don Quijote, with prices that vary by store, so it pays to compare; SK-II, DECORTÉ, Clé de Peau Beauté, and Shiseido's premium lines are sold mainly at department store counters and brand boutiques at roughly the official price, so the difference comes down to tax refunds and points. From November 1, 2026, tax-free shopping changes to “pay the tax first, get it refunded after departure,” available when you spend 5,000 yen or more (excluding tax) at the same store on the same day.

First, know the two kinds of brands

Drugstore brands Counter brands
Examples Hada Labo, Curel, Minon, Anessa, Biore, Melano CC, CANMAKE, KATE SK-II, DECORTÉ, Clé de Peau Beauté, ALBION, Shiseido Ultimune
Where to buy Drugstores, Don Quijote, cosmetics sections of some electronics stores Department store counters, brand boutiques, multi-brand shops such as @cosme
Price Many are “オープン価格” (open price, no list price), so prices vary by store Roughly the official suggested price; little difference between stores
How to save Compare a few stores and look for in-store coupons Mainly through tax refunds and loyalty points

Our Japanese prices use the brand's official price or the tax-included price listed by @cosme where available. Actual drugstore prices may be lower; the store's price prevails.

What is a “quasi-drug”?

If the package says “医薬部外品” (quasi-drug) or “薬用” (medicated), Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved it as containing specific active ingredients, and it may claim effects such as whitening*, preventing acne, or preventing rough skin. It is not a medicine, it acts more gently than drugs, and results vary from person to person. (*“Whitening” here is the approved quasi-drug claim, meaning it suppresses melanin production to prevent spots and freckles. It does not lighten your skin or remove existing spots.)

Before you buy

  • Check the Japanese name and size: the same product may go by a different name in your country, and Japanese products are often reformulated (for example, Sekkisei in 2024 and Shiseido Ultimune in 2025). Our product pages list the current Japanese names, which you can show to store staff.
  • Big bottles aren't always a better deal: large bottles of liquid have to go in checked baggage, so if your baggage allowance is tight, extra baggage fees can cancel out the savings. See Can I take cosmetics on a plane?.
  • Tax refund: from November 1, 2026, Japan switches to a refund system, and anything used up in Japan isn't refunded. See the new tax-free rules.
  • Your home country's allowance: a few bottles of a premium line can add up fast. Check your own country's customs rules; for mainland China, see Do I need to declare cosmetics when entering China?.

For where to shop, see Where to buy in Tokyo and the store map. Prices and reviews of specific products are on the cosmetics and skincare category page.

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Updated 2026-10-23Prices are for reference only; check in store.Markdown