Hada Labo, Senka, Canmake, Anessa and the Donki Singapore beauty-aisle deep-dives.
Why the Donki Beauty Aisle Stands Out
Singapore has many places to buy Japanese skincare — Sasa, Watsons, Don Don Donki,
Welcia, Sephora's Japanese counter, the Isetan Japanese supermarket beauty section, and
direct-from-Japan sites like Rakuten Global and ZenMarket. Among these, Donki occupies a
specific niche: the everyday and mid-tier Japanese skincare and cosmetics, freshly stocked,
at prices that beat most local pharmacy chains by 10-25%.
You will not find La Mer or SK-II at Donki — for those, see the Sephora Japanese counter
or the Takashimaya basement. What you will find: Hada Labo, Senka, Kose, Kanebo's Suisai,
Curel, Minon, Cezanne, Canmake, Kiss, Excel, DHC, Bioré, and dozens of smaller drugstore
brands that are everyday staples in Japanese households.
The Skincare Staples
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Lotion (肌ラボ 極潤ヒアルロン液)
The Japanese drugstore benchmark. Hyaluronic acid hydrating toner; thick, slightly
viscous, almost odourless. The 170ml bottle at Donki is around S$13-16. The "Premium"
version (white cap) has a richer formula; the "Light" version (blue cap) is for oily skin.
Senka Perfect Whip (専科 パーフェクトホイップ)
Shiseido's drugstore facial cleanser. Whipped foam, gentle, suitable for most skin
types. The 120g tube is the standard SKU at Donki — typically S$8-12, versus S$13-16 at
Watsons.
Curel Intensive Moisture Cream (キュレル ジェルローション)
Kao's "Curel" line is designed for sensitive and dry skin. The ceramide-focused formulas
are unmatched in the under-S$30 tier for irritated or post-procedure skin. Singapore Donki
carries the Lotion, Cream, and the popular Foaming Wash.
Minon Amino Moist (ミノン アミノモイスト)
The Daiichi Sankyo amino-acid-based line for hypersensitive skin. The Charge Milk
moisturiser is the cult favourite. Slightly pricier than Hada Labo (S$22-28 at Donki) but
broadly worth it for reactive skin types.
Kose Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil
The cheap, reliable Japanese cleansing oil. Removes makeup including waterproof
mascara without stripping skin. 230ml at S$10-13. Best-in-class for the price.
Cosmetics and Makeup
Canmake Tokyo Lip and Cheek
The teenage-and-twenties Japanese cosmetics brand. The Cream Cheek (powder-cream
hybrid blush) and the Stay-On Balm Rouge lipsticks are the standout SKUs. S$8-14 at
Donki — competitive with the brand's own counters and consistently cheaper than Watsons.
Cezanne Highlighter and Eyebrow Pencils
Cezanne is the "drugstore Chanel" of Japanese cosmetics — strong everyday SKUs at
budget pricing. The Highlight Stick and the Brow Mascara are reliable picks. S$8-15.
Kiss New York Lash Curlers and Mascara
Slightly different audience from Canmake. The Lash Curler is well-engineered for the
typical Asian eye shape; the Mascara line is built for humidity, which makes it relevant
for Singapore daily wear.
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder
The enzyme-powder cleanser in individual sachets. One sachet per use. Gentle exfoliation
suitable for daily use. The 32-piece box at Donki is around S$28-32; the same product at
Watsons is S$38+.
Sun Protection
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+/PA++++
Shiseido's flagship sunscreen line. The Gold Bottle is the everyday face-and-body
formula; the Silver Bottle is the mild version for sensitive skin. Donki Singapore
typically stocks the 60ml at S$26-32, versus the brand counters at S$35-42.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
The cult-favourite mid-tier Japanese drugstore sunscreen. SPF50+, watery-essence
texture, sits well under makeup. The 50g bottle is around S$13-17.
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel
Rohto's parallel competitor to Biore Aqua Rich. Texture is slightly thicker; the
fragrance variants (rose, fresh, citrus) divide opinion. The 80g bottle is around
S$10-13 — among the cheapest SPF50+ Japanese sunscreens in Singapore retail.
Specialty Aisles to Linger In
Sheet Mask Wall
Singapore Donki's sheet mask section is one of the deepest in the country outside of
Sasa flagship outlets. Mediheal, Saborino (the famous morning all-in-one mask), Lululun
(weekly subscription-style boxes), Quality 1st (the all-in-one mask brand), and the
seasonal Hokkaido / Kyoto / Okinawa themed limited editions all appear. For more on these seasonal finds, check our guide to Hokkaido Fair, Kyushu Fair, Okinawa Fair.
Hair Care
Tsubaki, Kose Salon Style, Pantene Miracles, Ichikami (the famous "rice extract" line),
and Kao Asience. The Ichikami range — particularly the Premium Damage Repair set — punches
above its price point.
Oral Care
Ora2 toothpaste, Systema floss and brushes, Dentor Systema mouthwash. Slightly cheaper
than at Watsons. The Ora2 Premium "polish & clean" toothpaste is the cult favourite — a
gentle whitening formula in a metallic tube.
Three Tips for the Beauty Aisle
- Compare prices. Donki is usually cheaper than Watsons but not
universally. The Sephora Japanese counter sometimes runs promo days that beat Donki
on premium SKUs. Check before stocking up. For more savings strategies, see our Don Don Donki Membership, App, and Loyalty guide.
- Check expiry dates. Singapore Donki rotates stock weekly, but
slower-moving SKUs (sometimes the niche cleansing oils, the smaller lipstick variants) can
sit longer. Quick check before buying.
- Bring a bag. Beauty hauls add up fast. The Donki "limited edition"
seasonal Hokkaido / Okinawa / Kyoto themed sheet mask boxes are particularly aggressive
sales objects — easy to walk out with five before noticing. Learn how to spot these with our guide on How to Spot Don Don Donki Limited Editions.
For new arrivals and seasonal beauty drops, follow our
beauty and cosmetics feed. You can also browse the latest stock with our New Arrivals This Month at Don Don Donki Singapore page.