Washing your face daily is critical if you want to maintain healthy-looking skin. Even the most expensive makeup can’t completely mask years of damaged skin.
Japanese skincare products have become increasingly popular during the past few years and for good reason. Adhering to a less-is-more philosophy, Japanese skincare products contain simple yet powerful ingredients. Their time-tested beauty routines and rituals focus on a few simple steps to brighten, hydrate, and exfoliate skin.
While Western societies tend to focus more on treatments and anti-aging moisturizers, Japanese skincare treatment and practice, similar to Korean cleansers, tends to place more emphasis on cleansing and polishing the skin.
Nothing symbolizes Japanese beauty more than the geisha. These women are trained in the skills of dance, music, and conversation and are known for their white skin and bright red lips. Despite their daily and dramatic makeup routines, these women manage to maintain bright and blemish-free complexions.
Curious to learn more about some of their beauty rituals and secrets, we discovered that their daily routines include purifying, polishing, brightening, and nourishing the skin.
With the geisha in mind, we’ve decided to compose a list of our ten favorite Japanese facial washes. Check them out. We know you’ll love them as much as we did.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST JAPANESE FACIAL WASH
Amount
- We let you know how much product you're getting with each wash.
Price
- Is it a bargain facial wash or a splurge? We found out for you.
Type
- Is it a cleansing foam, oil, powder or what?
Featured Ingredient
- We fill you on whats the main featured ingredient in each.
THE BEST JAPANESE FACIAL WASH
Japanese Facial Wash | Name | Amount | Price | Type | Featured Ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ml | $$ | Cleansing Foam | Vitamin C | |
| 150 ml | $$ | Cleansing Oil | Camellia Oil | |
| 150 ml | $ | Cleansing Foam | Soy Bean | |
| 150 ml | $ | Cleansing Foam | White Clay | |
| 120 ml | $$ | Cleansing Foam | N/A | |
| 120 ml | $$ | Cleansing Foam | Black Charcoal | |
| 160 ml | $ | Cleansing Foam | Hyaluronic Acid | |
| 140 ml | $$ | Square Tip | Citrus Unshiu |
100 ml
Vitamin C
$$
Cleansing Foam
Clogged pores are often caused by excessive facial oiliness, and blackheads result from dead skin being trapped in the pores. These are common causes of acne and blemishes. With its mild peeling effect, NOV AC Active works to remedy these issues by quickly and effectively clearing out sebum and dead skin from pores.Even if acne is not an issue, this incredible product also brightens skin complexion and corrects uneven texture.The special formula blends various vitamins and moisturizing ingredients to not only remedy acne but to also create fresher, vibrant, and more radiant-looking skin. A key ingredient in this product is Vitamin C, which helps to brighten the skin by suppressing the production of melanin and preventing dark spots and melanin.The formula is gentle yet effective and can be confidently used even on the most sensitive skin. It is yet hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and color-free.This award-winning product is designed to peel off old, damaged, and dead skin and remove excess oil while keeping skin moisturized and free from blemishes and acne.
150 ml
Camellia Oil
$$
Cleansing Oil
Acting as both a makeup remover and a facial cleanser, this two-in-one product by Tatcha works great on oily, dry, and sensitive skin. The cleanser’s main ingredient, Japanese camellia oil (Tsubaki), has long been used by the geisha to remove their iconic performance makeup without damaging or drying their skin.This cleanser combines the moisturizing and antioxidant benefits of Japanese camellia oil with Tatcha’s Hadasei-3 Anti-Aging Complex—a blend of green tea, Okinawa red algae, and Japanese rice bran extracts.The blend of botanical oils thoroughly cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture, and the lack of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates allow you to use the product with confidence.Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil is cruelty-free, non-irritating, and tested by dermatologists. It is suited for makeup removal, antiaging, and redness relief. It also works to rectify dullness or uneven texture, acne/ blemishes, and excessive oiliness.We instantly fell in love with this product. It doubles as both a makeup remover and a cleanser, and with Tatcha’s “Beautiful Faces, Beautiful Futures” program, each time a full-sized skincare product is purchased, one lucky girl is sponsored to attend school for one day.
150 ml
Soy Bean
$
Cleansing Foam
Known for its exceptional medicinal properties, this face wash contains soy bean isoflavone. Soybean oil, fermented soymilk, and soybean sprout extract are also featured in this face wash, creating an ultra-hydrating blend and leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.The rich and creamy foamy lather works to gently yet effectively wash away dirt, oils, and dead skin cells without drying out or irritating the skin. It also protects your skin from dryness and works to remedy uneven and rough complexion.Though makeup remover is not its claim to fame, this foam wash also removes makeup rather effectively, though using it as your only form of makeup remover would not be recommended.It contains no fragrances, artificial colorants, or mineral oil, making it safe for even the most sensitive skin.Best of all, this product is super affordable, and a little goes a long way, so even if you use the product daily, one tube can last over a year.This product is amazing. It contains isoflavones, which act as antioxidants to reverse the damaging effects of radicals in tissues. So not only does it clean your face, but it’s good for your skin!
150 ml
White Clay
$$
Cleansing Foam
Gentle yet powerful, this rich and creamy lather cleanses and exfoliates by removing dirt as well as dead and damaged skin, revealing smooth and natural skin.The blend features white clay, which attaches itself to dead skin cells and impurities to create a vibrant and even look. The white clay also works to absorb excess oil while softening the skin. Its formula is rich in naturally derived silk essence and dual hyaluronic acid, which work together to nourish and moisturize your skin.Perfect White Clay comes out as a soft and velvety foam, which easily and smoothly glides onto your skin. The formula has a light and fresh floral fragrance, yet it is allergy tested and contains no coloring, making it so that even those with sensitive skin can benefit. It even works to rejuvenate skin that has been damaged by the aging process.Perfect White Clay by Shiseido is a great cleanser. It is allergy test and suitable for all skin types. It is also affordable and easy-to-find, making it the perfect choice for your skincare needs.
120 ml
N/A
$
Cleansing Foam
This foaming cleanser penetrates deep into pores to clean dirt, excess sebum, and other impurities.When you squeeze it out of the tube, it has a creamy texture, but for best results, you must foam the product. You can do this by either using a foaming net or manually foaming it.Manual foaming can be a little tricky but becomes easier with practice. To do this, simply add a dollop of cream into the palm of your hand, add a few drops of water, lather, and massage. Repeat these steps until you’re holding a marshmallow of cleansing goodness. A little goes a long way, so start out by squeezing a small amount and adding more, if needed.The rich and creamy foam serves to protect your skin from harsh cleansing motions.Perfect Whip has a mild fragrance and can be used on all skin types. It is bound to leave your face feeling refreshed and moisturized. However, if you have very sensitive skin or a proclivity toward allergies, the scent and cleansing power might be a little too strong for you.
120 ml
Black Charcoal
$$
Cleansing Foam
When we think of charcoal, we usually think of dark dirt and ash, not something we can clean our faces with. Well, let this product rock your world! Made in Japan, this product removes dull and damaged skin and instantly brightens your appearance.The product is very foamy and creates a soft and velvety lather, which protects against the harsh motion of cleansing. It quickly and effectively removes surface dirt but also penetrates deep into pores to remove acne-causing buildup. After a few applications of REALBEL’s Facial Cleansing Foam, blackheads disappear and problem areas tend to clear.This facial foam can be used as both a makeup remover and a face wash. While it thoroughly cleanses your face, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling itchy, tight, or dry.It smells great, and a little goes a long way. Upon application, there is a slight tingling sensation, so people with extremely sensitive skin might find it to be a bit discomforting, but it’s nothing major.REALBEL’s Facial Cleansing Foam is amazing. Not only does it effectively target problem skin areas, but it also leaves your skin feeling soft, clean, and refreshed.
160 ml
Hyaluronic Acid
$
Cleansing Foam
Gentle yet effective, this instantly foaming product is perfect for all skin types. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it cleanses the face while still locking in the skin’s natural moisture. Unlike many facial cleansers, which leave your face feeling tight and dry after use, you can even go a few hours without using face lotion when you use Hada Labo’s cleansing foam.The foam that it creates is relatively thin, but still, a little goes a long way. It is easy to massage onto your skin and rinses off clean, allowing your skin to maintain its natural moisture. This facial cleanser does not contain any fragrances nor does it have an overt chemical scent. It is also free from colorants, alcohol, and oil.It has a relatively low pH of 5.5, so it’s gentle enough to be used both in the morning and during the evenings, but it’s still effective enough to strip off dirt, excess oil, and grime. Stubborn blackheads seem to magically disappear after continuous use of this product.This product will leave your skin will feeling smooth and silky for an incredible low price.
140 ml
Citrus Unshiu
$$
Cleansing Foam
Another hit by Shiseido! This gentle and purifying cleansing foam creates a fresh and creamy lather which whisks away acne-causing dirt and impurities. The incredible formula includes MicroWhite Powder and works to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your face while still allowing your skin to retain its natural moisture. After using, you will uncover bright, clear, and fresh skin.This product’s main ingredient is citrus unshiu extract peel, a plant known for its antioxidants. This must-have purifies the complexion and enhances the skin’s appearance, creating a natural-looking glow from the inside out. The formula also helps promote a luminous and blemish-free complexion.It is non-irritating and can be used on all skin types. The face wash smells great and is not oily or greasy.A little goes a long way with this one; less than a pea size amount is sufficient to create enough velvety foam to cover your entire face and neck. After a quick rinse, your skin will feel incredibly smooth.The White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam is part of a great line of face products. You are sure to fall in love with this one.
100 ml
Green Tea Extract
$
Facial Wash
Containing rich green tea extract, this refreshing formula features small exfoliating beads which help cleanse and exfoliate the skin by thoroughly scouring pores of dirt and debris. It leaves your face feeling moisturized, hydrated, and refreshed while helping to remove blackheads and even out skin.This facial wash has an amazing fresh green tea scent, though it is not overpowering, and leaves your skin feeling minty fresh afterwards. It is gentle enough to be used daily and keeps your skin feeling soft, clean, and clear.This non-foaming face wash helps prevent breakouts and works great for oily skin as it removes excess sebum from the face, but it is suitable for all skin types as well. A little goes a long way; you don’t need much to get a lather going, so one tube can last you for quite some time, even if you use it daily.Mandom Corp’s Green Tea Facial Wash is hydrating, affordable and smells absolutely incredible. The exfoliating beads do well to give your skin a deep clean, leaving you looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
1.7 oz
Honey
$
Powder to Lather
This curious little face wash by DHC is actually a powder, but add a little water to it, and it transforms into a smooth, luxurious, and dense lather.It glides smoothly across your face to clear away impurities. Exfoliating protease enzymes help easily dissolve dulling and damaged skin, giving your skin a youthful and vibrant glow.The formula features honey and sodium hyaluronate, both of which leave your skin feeling hydrated and moisturized. It also contains lavender for a fresh yet subtle smell.A little goes a long way with this one; a small amount of powder creates enough lather to cover your entire face and neck. After use, your face will feel clean and refreshed yet not as if it has been stripped of its natural moisture.DHC’s Face Wash Powder is fun to use because it’s a powder that then transforms into a lather, yet the exfoliating enzymes really work great to strip your skin of impurities and leave behind beautiful vibrant skin.
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2 comments
I love the quality of the products on this list! You really covered all the most popular face washes in Japan especially Senka Perfect Whip, Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser and Nameraka Honpo Cleansing Face Wash. Such a helpful guide to Japanese beauty!
Other than these products, I also feel that Japanese brands like Rosette and FANCL also deserve some recognition as they provide a wide range of skincare products including cleansers and toner.
So I would recommend those who are interested in Japanese skincare to look into these brands as well. The Rosette Cleansing Paste Sea Mud Smooth is definitely my favourite!
Thanks for those recommendations, we’ll definitely check them out also!