# Japanese skincare consumer trends and practices

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-skincare-consumer-trends-and-practices
> Updated: 2026-10-26T08:18:29.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Consumer data from August 2026 indicates a rising interest in specific ingredients like glycylglycine for pore care within the Japanese cosmetics market. Popular products include Korean brands such as MEDICUBE and CELLADIX, alongside established names like SK-II and The Ordinary. 

Surveys show that approximately 35% of respondents express interest in cosmetics, primarily for grooming, skin health, and UV protection. Drugstores remain the most frequent purchase location. 

Beyond specific ingredients, social media has popularized various skincare techniques, including ‘slugging’—the application of an occlusive layer like petroleum jelly to prevent water loss—and the use of facial tape to limit muscle movement. Experts note that while these methods can benefit certain skin types, they require caution regarding potential pore obstruction or limited efficacy.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Skincare trends and the importance of active ingredients

Skincare efficacy relies on active ingredients and clinical testing, while viral trends like slugging offer benefits for dry skin but may pose risks for acne-prone types.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skincare-trends-and-the-importance-of-active-ingredients

### 2026-09-28: Skincare trends show rising interest in glycylglycine and pore care

Market data shows rising interest in specific skincare ingredients like glycylglycine and a focus on pore care, with drugstores remaining the primary purchase channel for cosmetics.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/skincare-trends-show-rising-interest-in-glycylglycine-and-pore-care

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Cite as: Japanese skincare consumer trends and practices. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-skincare-consumer-trends-and-practices