Japanese Acne Cream Guide: Which One Is Right for Your Skin Type?
A complete comparison of the four most popular Japanese acne treatments, with full ingredient breakdowns and a skin type guide so you can choose the right one.
Japanese acne creams have earned a devoted following worldwide, and for good reason. Unlike most Western spot treatments that rely on benzoyl peroxide or high-concentration salicylic acid, the best Japanese acne treatments are formulated to treat breakouts without stripping or irritating the skin. But IHADA, Lion Pair Acne Cream, Makiron ACNEIGE, and Rohto Acnes Sealing Jell are not interchangeable. Each one targets acne differently, and matching the right product to your skin type makes a real difference in how fast you see results.
IHADA Acne Cure Cream: Best Japanese Acne Cream for Sensitive Skin
The IHADA Acne Cure Cream by Shiseido Pharmaceutical is one of the most popular Japanese acne treatments for adults with sensitive or reactive skin. It takes a focused two-ingredient approach: reduce inflammation with ibuprofen piconol and eliminate acne bacteria with isopropyl methylphenol. The formula is non-steroidal, weakly acidic to match skin's natural pH, alcohol-free, and built on a hypoallergenic base designed not to irritate. It goes on as a cream but turns transparent on contact, so it works comfortably under makeup without smearing or leaving residue.
IHADA Acne Cure Cream Main Ingredients
Ibuprofen Piconol: a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that calms the redness and swelling of active acne breakouts
Isopropyl Methylphenol / IPMP: antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria at the source to prevent new breakouts
Who Should Use IHADA Acne Cure Cream
IHADA is ideal for adults with sensitive or reactive acne-prone skin who need an effective treatment without irritation. If Western acne treatments have caused dryness, stinging, or flaking for you in the past, this is a strong alternative. It works best as a targeted Japanese acne spot treatment applied directly to inflamed, red pimples. It is not designed for blackheads or clogged pores.
Lion Pair Acne Cream: Viral Japanese Acne Spot Treatment
The Lion Pair Acne Cream is one of the most well-known Japanese acne cream on the market, and it has been a pharmacy staple in Japan for decades. It uses the same active ingredients as IHADA, but the base formula is noticeably creamier and more moisturizing in feel. Where IHADA is gel-like, Pair is a true cream. It still turns transparent when spread thinly, making it easy to use during the day, and like IHADA it avoids drying agents like alcohol or astringents. The difference is texture: Pair Acne Cream sits more comfortably on dry or combination skin types and tends to feel more nourishing on the skin while it works.
Lion Pair Acne Cream Ingredients
Ibuprofen Piconol / IPPN: reduces redness and swelling in active acne without drying out the skin around the blemish
Isopropyl Methylphenol / IPMP: fights acne-causing bacteria deep within pores to treat breakouts at the root and prevent new ones
Who Should Use Lion Pair Acne Cream
The Lion Pair Acne Cream works for all skin types, including sensitive and combination skin, but it is particularly effective for deep, inflamed, or early-stage cystic acne. It is the go-to Japanese acne cream for people who want fast, reliable results on angry breakouts without any drying side effects.
Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream: Japanese Treatment for Stubborn Acne
Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream has a true triple-action formula. Where IHADA and Pair focus on inflammation and bacteria, ACNEIGE adds a third active ingredient, tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), which promotes blood circulation and accelerates skin cell regeneration. This makes ACNEIGE more than just a spot treatment, it actively supports the skin's healing process after a breakout, reducing the risk of post-acne marks. It is also the only fragrance-free and colorant-free option in the group, which makes it a strong choice for people with skin sensitivities who still need a stronger treatment than the others offer.
Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream Ingredients
Benzethonium Chloride: a powerful antiseptic with strong bactericidal action against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne
Ibuprofen Piconol: anti-inflammatory that soothes redness and swelling around active acne
Tocopherol Acetate / Vitamin E: promotes blood circulation and stimulates skin cell regeneration to support post-acne healing and reduce scarring
Who Should Use Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream
ACNEIGE is the best Japanese acne treatment for people dealing with persistent or recurring acne that keeps flaring in the same spots, or for anyone whose acne tends to leave marks behind. The Vitamin E component supports recovery and minimizes post-acne hyperpigmentation. Its fragrance-free, dye-free formula makes it one of the cleanest options here. Worth noting: it uses benzethonium chloride for its antibacterial action rather than isopropyl methylphenol, which many formulators consider a stronger antimicrobial agent.
Rohto Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell: Best for Oily and Pore-Congested Skin
The Rohto Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell is in a different category from the other three Japanese acne creams in this guide. Rather than a cream, it is a lightweight, oil-free, transparent gel that forms a protective seal over blemishes to block further contamination while a multi-ingredient formula works underneath. Most importantly, it is the only product here that contains salicylic acid, making it the only true pore-clearing treatment of the four. If your acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, and surface congestion alongside inflamed pimples, this is the Japanese acne treatment built for that combination of concerns.
Rohto Acnes Sealing Jell Ingredients
Salicylic Acid / BHA: an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores, dissolves congestion, and reduces acne inflammation from within
Sulfur: antibacterial, antifungal, and keratolytic; removes dead skin buildup and controls acne bacteria on the surface
Isopropyl Methylphenol / IPMP: antibacterial agent targeting acne-causing bacteria, shared with IHADA and Pair Acne Cream
Niacinamide: prevents post-acne dark spots, strengthens the skin barrier, and supports healthy cell regeneration
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate: licorice-derived anti-inflammatory that calms redness and skin irritation
Centella Asiatica Extract: soothing botanical extract that supports barrier repair and skin wound healing
Tocopheryl Acetate / Vitamin E: antioxidant that prevents dryness and supports skin recovery after breakouts
Who Should Use Rohto Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell
This is the best Japanese acne treatment for oily, congested skin dealing with a combination of inflamed pimples, blackheads, and clogged pores. The salicylic acid and sulfur combination is the only pairing in this group that actively unclogs pores rather than just treating surface inflammation. The niacinamide provides added protection against post-acne hyperpigmentation. The oil-free gel absorbs cleanly and sits well under makeup. One caveat: sulfur has a noticeable smell, so this is not the most pleasant option to apply.
Which Japanese Acne Cream Is Right for You?
If you are dealing with multiple acne types at the same time, such as cystic breakouts alongside congested pores, you can use the Rohto Acnes Sealing Jell on congested areas and one of the cream-based Japanese acne treatments on inflamed spots simultaneously. These are all targeted spot treatments and do not need to be applied across the whole face. Give whichever you choose at least two weeks of consistent use before drawing conclusions about whether it is working for your skin.
Best acne cream for sensitive or reactive skin
IHADA Acne Cure Cream: gentlest base formula, hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, non-steroidal
Best acne cream for deep, inflamed, or cystic pimples
Lion Pair Acne Cream: Japan's most trusted acne cream, creamy texture, fast results on angry breakouts
Best acne cream for stubborn or recurring acne
Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream: triple action formula, fragrance-free, supports healing and reduces post-acne marks
Best acne cream for oily skin with clogged pores
Rohto Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell: the only one with salicylic acid, targets blackheads, whiteheads, and pore congestion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Japanese acne cream for sensitive skin?
The IHADA Acne Cure Cream by Shiseido Pharmaceutical is widely considered the best Japanese acne cream for sensitive skin. It is non-steroidal, alcohol-free, weakly acidic, and built on a hypoallergenic base. It uses ibuprofen piconol to reduce inflammation and isopropyl methylphenol to kill acne bacteria, without the harsh ingredients that commonly irritate sensitive skin types. The Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream is also a strong option for sensitive skin as it is completely fragrance-free and dye-free.
What is the difference between IHADA and Lion Pair Acne Cream?
IHADA Acne Cure Cream and Lion Pair Acne Cream W contain the same two active ingredients: ibuprofen piconol (anti-inflammatory) and isopropyl methylphenol (antibacterial). The main difference is texture and base formula. IHADA has a lighter, more gel-like texture that absorbs quickly and suits oilier skin. Pair Acne Cream is creamier and more moisturizing, making it better suited to dry or combination skin types. Both turn transparent on application and work well under makeup.
Do Japanese acne creams work on cystic acne?
Yes. Japanese acne creams containing ibuprofen piconol, such as Lion Pair Acne Cream W and IHADA Acne Cure Cream, are particularly effective on deep, inflamed, and early-stage cystic pimples. Ibuprofen piconol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that reduces the swelling and redness associated with cystic acne from the inside out, rather than drying the surface. Many users report visible reduction in pain and inflammation within 24 to 48 hours of first application.
Which Japanese acne treatment is best for blackheads and clogged pores?
The Rohto Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell is the only Japanese acne treatment in this comparison that addresses blackheads and clogged pores. It contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble and can penetrate inside pores to dissolve congestion. Combined with sulfur, which is keratolytic and helps clear dead skin buildup, it is significantly more effective at treating comedonal acne than any of the cream-based options. IHADA, Pair, and ACNEIGE do not contain salicylic acid and are not designed for pore-clearing.
Can you use Japanese acne cream under makeup?
Yes. IHADA Acne Cure Cream, Lion Pair Acne Cream W, and Makiron ACNEIGE Medical Cream all turn transparent when applied thinly and are specifically formulated to minimize oil content so they do not smear or lift makeup. The Rohto Acnes Medicated Sealing Jell is an oil-free clear gel that also absorbs cleanly without residue, making it compatible with makeup application on top.
Where to Buy Japanese Acne Cream
Looking to buy Japanese acne cream online? All products featured in this guide are available at Yukio Beauty, your source for authentic Japanese skincare.
