My Osaka Pharmacy Haul: Beauty, Health, & Souvenirs
Check out my Japanese Pharmacy Haul in Osaka as I stock up for some of my favorite Japanese products! Japan has some of the best pharmacies, packed with products designed for functionality and convenience. Here’s everything I bought this trip from Japan’s pharmacy, including all of my must-buy products for beauty, health, souvenirs, and even life hack products that will change your life!
Late Night Osaka Pharmacy Run
I’m back in Japan, and this time, I’m visiting Osaka for the first time with my mom and Dom! One of my favorite things to do in Japan is shopping in pharmacies. They don’t just sell medication, they actually have some of the best Japanese beauty and health products that I stock up on every single time. They’re also a great place to buy souvenirs in bulk. Every time I visit, I’m like a kid in a candy store. Even if I have a list of must-buy products, I always find something new, useful, or fun. Here’s everything I bought this trip, from must-buys to fun things I had to try.
Must Buy Affordable Beauty
Shiseido Fino Hair Mask
When it comes to hair conditioner, the Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask is my personal favorite. This has been a super popular hair conditioner for both locals and tourists. First of all, it is super affordable at 750 yen (about $5 USD) for a tub. But, don’t get fooled by the price tag. This hair mask makes my hair SO SHINY, and I don’t have to use a lot at all. In climates in Asia where hair gets a little frizzier faster, this hair mask is an instant fix.
Keana Rice Pack
For anyone concerned about hydration and pores, get the Keana Rice Pack Face Mask. This is a rinse-off face mask made mainly with rice that makes your skin so soft and plump. The other products in this line are also super hydrating, but this face mask is a winner. This is my aunt’s favorite, and we’re definitely stocking up for her this trip!
Heroine Make Mascara
Of course, I have to get my favorite mascara, the famous Heroine Make Long and Curl. This mascara is amazing for stubborn Asian lashes that won’t stay curled. They last through the heat and humidity, and are super smudge-proof! I stock up on them every time I visit Japan.
Mascara Remover
Another must have is the Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover. I love their mascara, but it’s hard to remove. This remover makes it a breeze. I put it on before I remove my makeup and it becomes so easy to remove. Any waterproof mascara will come right off, and there’s no need for harsh rubbing or multiple cleaning. At the same time, it conditions your lashes!
Ululis Kirameki hair oil
For glossy, smooth hair, I love the Ululis Kirameki Hair Oil. They make my hair super shiny, and they smell amazing, especially the pink and purple one. It’s super moisturizing, and lightweight. They have a range of different ones that targets different specific hair problems as well. If you struggle with frizziness, especially in Asia, this product is a must-buy!
Best Candies For Souvenirs
Japanese Kitkat
Japanese KitKats are some of our favorite gifts to give people. KitKats are particularly popular in Japan because the names sounds like “winning” in Japanese. So, they’re popular as a good luck charm for exams and general success. Because of its popularity, they’ve came out with a range of unique flavors that represent Japan’s favorite flavors, from sweet potato to chestnut. The best flavors are, in my opinion, matcha chocolate, matcha, and strawberries. However, there are tons of limited seasonal, or regional flavors you can find all over Japan.
Kororo Popping Gummy
If you love gummy candies, I highly recommend these UHA Mikakuto Kororo Gummies. I know they’re older now, but these gummies are super fun thanks to their texture. Designed to pop when you bite into them, they feel just like biting into a grape. The candy inside is chewy, and super juicy. This texture is why they’re most famous for their red and green grape flavors. Since becoming viral, they’ve come out with tons of other delicious fruit flavors that are also just as tasty. They’re about 150 yen (about $1 USD), and pretty lightweight, so it’s super easy to get a TON of them for friends and family.
Vitamin C Jelly Drink
Another thing I like to get at Japanese pharmacies is House Foods C1000 Vitamin Jelly. This is a drinkable jelly packed with vitamins and electrolytes that you can find at pharmacies and convenience stores. They come in a range of flavors, each with a different blend of supplement. I love having this as a boost whenever I’m traveling. It’s a tasty, speedy snack that helps with dehydration or fatigue after a long day of exploring.
Life Hack Products
BEST Stain Remover
Lion Top Shimitori Rescue Stain Remover is an absolute must-get! The kit includes the stain remover bottle, as well as some blotting sheets to lift the stains off the fabric. This is WAY BETTER than Tide to-go. It’s tiny, so it fits in any bag. And, it works on water AND oil-based stains. It works for everything from easily staining foods to makeup!
Calf Massager
I also got this Doshisha Gorilla Calf Massager, which is a USB-powered calf massager wrap. You wrap it around your calf, and it will squeeze and compress to relax your calves after a full day of walking around or standing. It’s recently become super viral online, so I had to try it. The one I got is a limited edition Kabuki design, with theatrical art as well!
1 Drop Toilet Deodorizer
A very niche product that I actually love is the Kobayashi One Drop Deodorizer. These work so well! All you have to do is add 1-2 drop in the water before, and there’s no smell. It’s portable, so you can slip them right into your bag. They’re also super easy to use!
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers in Japan are so so good. They keep the nail clippings inside so you don’t make a big mess when you clip your nails. There’s more than just one brand with this design, but they’re a must-grab if you’re tired of your nail clippings flying everywhere!
Pharmacy Must Buy
Medicated Toothpaste
I also had to get this viral Clean Dental Total Care Medicated Toothpaste that has been recommended in a lot of drugstore must-buy videos online. It contains 10 medicinal ingredients specifically for periodontal disease prevention. This also helps with sensitivity and cavity repair as well. It’s everything you need in one tube!
Nasal Spray
Another thing that we’re stocking up on is the Nazal AR 0.1% C Nazal Spray, specifically designed for pollen allergies. For those people who get runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing when pollen is flying around, it is a life saver. It has a nice cooling sensation with a super fine mist that unclogs my nose super fast. Perfect for allergy season in Vancouver! Make sure to get the aAR version for better allergy control.
Canker Sore patches
If you’re prone to canker sores like me, this Taisho Oral Ulcer Patch Quick Care
is my holy grail. It is a medicated patch you stick on your canker sore that protects it from food and friction, and supports healing. The patch isn’t super intrusive, and gradually dissolves. I find that they really help them heal better, and still allows me to eat without pain.
Explore More Of Japan’s Shopping and Eating With Me!
