10 Best Japanese Face Washes and Cleansers of 2024
Wash your face with gentle, effective, and skin-friendly products made in Japan.
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provided ample opportunities for her to collaborate with some of the most popular names in the beauty industry, such as Dr.
Read full bio of Hillary Clark
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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Japanese face washes are one of the best skin care products in the world. Cleansers and face washes from Japan are produced with high-quality, efficient ingredients. Hillary Clark, a medical esthetician, says, “Japanese cleansers are my absolute favorite because they cleanse thoroughly without disrupting the lipid barrier.” Here, we have listed the best Japanese face washes you can try. These face washes from Japan clean the skin gently and help it look fresh and healthy. Moreover, Japanese skin care brands develop their products based on various skin types and consider particular skin-related needs. Take a look at our top picks!
In This Article
10 Best Japanese Face Washes And Cleansers
1. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Tatcha The Rice Polish: Classic Foaming Enzyme Powder
Suitable For: Normal to Dry skin
This one is said to be Meghan Markle’s go-to facial cleanser! This exfoliating face cleanser comes in a powder form that transforms into a creamy foam when mixed with water. The marshmallow-like foam acts as a cushion for your skin and protects it from harsh rubbing. This gentle exfoliator clears dead skin cells from your skin and makes it bright. It contains rice and papaya enzymes along with green tea and algae extracts that prevent hyperpigmentation and breakouts. Not to mention, the gentle cleanser is clinically examined and confirmed to improve skin texture.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Cruelty-free
- Non-irritating
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrances
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Urea-free
- No DEA and TEA
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
RememberClean your hands with soap before cleansing your face to avoid bacterial spread. Include your neck, hands, chest, and shoulders in the cleansing ritual.
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2. Best Creamy Formula:Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam
Suitable For: For all skin types
This rich and creamy powder cleanser contains micro white powder and white clay particles. These two ingredients help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and impurities from your skin. It is developed with an internal power resist technology that softens and strengthens your skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Clinically tested
- Paraben-free
- No mineral oils
Cons
- Contains SLS
CautionGently massage the cleanser and avoid using it frequently, as it can worsen acne and dry out the skin.
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3. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
Suitable For: All skin types
This calming cleanser by Tatcha works both as a makeup remover and a face cleanser. The Japanese Cleansing Oil removes waterproof makeup and leaves behind soft, clean, and fresh skin. Enriched with Japanese camellia oil along with Tatcha’s signature anti-aging agent, Hadasei-3, this deep cleansing oil ensures a thorough and nourishing skin care experience for visibly plump and radiant skin.
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- No mineral oils
- No synthetic fragrance
- Sulfate-free
- Detergent-free
- Paraben-free
- Urea-free
- No DEA and TEA
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 319 reviews claiming its efficacy.
4. Best For Skin Exfoliation:Curel Japanese Skin Care Foaming Daily Face Wash
Suitable For: Sensitive and dry skin
Curel Japanese Skin Care Foaming Daily Face Wash is a mild cleanser that soothes acne and gently removes pollutants. Its water-based formula is packed with ceramides that delay early signs of aging and restore the skin’s natural hydration levels. This foaming formula helps with clogged pores, leaving renewed silky smooth skin behind. You can also check out this excellent Japanese product on Amazon for the tester’s experience and read various positive reviews.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Oil-free
- Colorant-free
- No artificial fragrance
Cons
None
"I love how gentle yet effective this face wash feels on my skin. I use it as part of my daily skin care and it has helped improve my skin's texture and get rid of blackheads. The absence of any scent is a big bonus too."
5. Best For Pore Minimizing:Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser
Suitable For: Oily skin
This warming charcoal cleanser cleanses and detoxifies your skin thoroughly. It contains activated charcoal that absorbs excess oil and dirt, thus cleaning the skin pores and minimizing their appearance. It also contains vitamin C that brightens your skin and reduces fine lines. It goes deep into your skin’s pores to clear excess sebum and impurities and does not dry out your skin.
Pros
- Pore-minimizing formula
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing agents
- No DEA/TEA/MEA/ETA
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
None
"This Boscia face wash offers a deep cleanse, particularly for my t-zone area. It has activated charcoal which gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it feeling not just thoroughly cleansed but also soft and refreshed."
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6. Best Oil-Free Formula:Biore Free Your Pores Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
Suitable For: Oily skin
If you have oily and acne-prone skin, try this affordable cleanser. This charcoal cleanser from Biore can trap dirt and impurities much more effectively than other ordinary cleansers. It is developed with the Japanese skin purifying technology that gives you a squeaky clean face in just one wash. Also, if you wish to discover various reviewer’s experiences and read unbiased reviews, then you can explore this Japanese product on Amazon as well before making your purchase.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Mild acne-fighting formula
Cons
None
"I've found this Biore facewash to be quite effective, especially for my oily and acne-prone skin. It gives deep cleaning with the active ingredient charcoal. It has helped reduce the size of my pores and also helped reduce the blackheads on my T-zone."
7. Best pH-Balanced Formula:DHC Face Wash
Suitable For: Dry and sensitive skin
Dry and sensitive skin needs special care, and this anti-aging face wash does just that. Specifically formulated for the sensitive skin type, it cleanses your skin thoroughly without damaging its natural moisture barrier. It contains ingredients such as olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, and rosemary extracts to maintain your skin balance.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Contains botanical extracts
Cons
- Contains DEA and TEA
"This is the perfect blend of gentle yet effective. This face wash really hits the mark, cleansing thoroughly while keeping the skin moisturized, and without dryness or tightness. It's a staple in my double-cleanse routine."
8. Best User-Friendly Formula:DearKlairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
The DearKlairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser is ideal if you are seeking a facial cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils but will still effectively remove makeup, grime, and other pollutants. This cleanser includes hyaluronic acid, ceramide 3, and olive oil, which keep skin hydrated and prevent dryness after washing your face; it gently exfoliates your skin without drying it out. It also contains houttuynia cordata extract and tea tree oil which aid in the treatment of skin disorders. This all-natural cleanser can be used to achieve visible results and a healthy complexion, leaving your skin with a smooth, supple, and silky finish. This cleanser has been dermatologically and allergy tested, making it appropriate for sensitive skin.
Suitable For: All skin types
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
- Dermatologically-tested
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Silicon-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
None
"This cleanser leaves my face feeling soft and clean. While the scent is somewhat chemical, I'm willing to let it slide as the cleanser's effectiveness makes up for it. It pairs nicely with retinol treatments without causing irritation and requires just one pump for a thorough cleanse."
9. Best Travel-Friendly:REALBEL Black Charcoal Facial Cleansing Foam
Suitable For: Dry, oil, normal, and combination
Transform your dull skin into glowing skin with the REALBEL Black Charcoal Facial Cleansing Foam. This deep cleansing rich foam is gentle on the skin and effectively removes blackheads, impurities, and dirt. It makes your skin firm, and you can also use this cleansing foam to remove makeup.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Travel-friendly
- Glides smoothly
Cons
None
"I really like the squeaky-clean feeling without the tightness of this charcoal-based cleanser. It does what it says, removing makeup and grime thoroughly. It is a bit drying, so I generally follow it up with a good moisturizer. It has helped reduce my facial oiliness and mid-day shine."
10. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cooling Cleanser
Suitable For: Oily and acne-prone skin
Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cleanser has a refreshing cool formula that fights acne and blemishes. It claims to reduce 99% blemishes from your skin. It contains salicylic acid that helps control acne and witch hazel that tightens your pores. Check out this amazing product on Amazon as well and read about countless reviewers vouching for this cleanser.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Oil-free
Cons
None
It is essential to keep your face clean everyday to avoid any skin issues. Japanese face washes and cleansers are gentle in their way to keep your face healthy. Due to the rising popularity, there are a lot of Japanese face washes and cleansers available in the market. It can be taxing to figure out which Japanese wash wash and cleanser is suitable for your skin type. Look at our buying guide below to find out how to choose the best Japanese face washes and cleansers.
How To Choose The Best Japanese Face Wash And Cleanser
- Ingredients To Opt For
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid in your product of choice. Ingredients like white clay or micro white powder are known to clean and remove dirt and dead skin cells from your face making your skin regain its lost brightness.
Additionally, ingredients like green tea extract and papaya enzymes are known to reduce hyperpigmentation of your skin and prevent acne breakouts. If your Japanese face wash or cleanser is infused with rich extracts, it can be a good exfoliator that deeply cleanses your face. Additionally, the presence of activated charcoal and vitamin C are known to remove all the impurities off your skin giving it a healthy glow.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates are prone to cause allergic reactions to sensitive skin. These ingredients are known to dry the skin out. Look out for bad alcohols like ethanol or propanol because they tend to damage your skin. Instead, opt for good alcohols like cetyl or stearyl as these are good emulsifiers. Mineral oils are also prone to clog your pores and cause severe breakout, so it is better to avoid them.
- Skin Type
Look out for ingredients that are suitable for your skin type. If you have a dry to normal skin type, use ingredients that not only cleanse your face but also moisturize it. Look for ingredients such as olive oil or rosemary oil for dry, and rough skin. These ingredients are also suitable for sensitive skin to promote cleaner skin. If you have oily skin, look for ingredients like vitamin C or charcoal as they remove oil and grease from your skin pores and prevent acne breakout. It is advised to look for face washes and cleansers that are suitable for all skin types. Look at the label of the product to ensure that the face wash and cleanser is suitable for your skin type to prevent any skin issue.
- Additional Benefits
If you prefer you can look for Japanese face washes and cleansers that are vegan and cruelty-free. Additionally, look for artificial fragrance-free and coloring agent-free face washes and cleansers to avoid any skin damage caused by the chemicals. Also, look for lightweight products that can easily moisturize your face as they penetrate deep into your skin and cleanse deeply leaving your skin soft, supple and bright.
Infographic: Why Should You Consider Switching To Japanese Face Washes?
Japanese face washes are made with potent natural extracts that cleanse the skin thoroughly and revitalize it at the same time. The toxin-free, allergen-free formulas are suitable even for sensitive skin. Learn more about them in the infographic below.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Japanese skin care is inspired by Eastern medicine that focuses on effective ingredients. This is why Japanese cleansers and face washes are some of the best skin care products in the world. The Tatcha’s Rice Polish is a great choice offering a gentle formula for exfoliation that clears dead skin cells and brightens the skin, while the Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil effectively removes makeup and also has anti-aging benefits. For those who want deep cleansing without compromising moisture and want a healthier complexion then try the DearKlairs’ Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser. Try them out today and elevate your skincare routine with these standout cleansers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Japanese face wash every day?
Yes, you can add a Japanese face wash to your skin care routine and use it once daily, prominently at night, to clean your face and eliminate dirt and excess sebum.
What are the benefits of Japanese face wash?
Japanese face washes are known for their excellent cleansing properties and nourishing benefits. They help clean the pores thoroughly and offer glowing and moisturized skin.
How long does Japanese face wash last?
Depending on the usage, a Japanese face wash lasts for 2-3 months easily.
How long does it take for a Japanese face wash to show results?
With proper usage and skin care practices, you will see changes in your skin within 3-4 weeks of using a Japanese face wash.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who loves to try beauty products as they hit the shelves. Japanese skin care products are on the rise and Shiboli has done extensive research on them to help her readers find the best products. She prefers Japanese face washes and cleansers since they contain many novel, effective ingredients. After digging through all the available reviews online, she has assembled the list of the top products. Most of the recommended products use natural ingredients that are skin-friendly and nourishing.
Read full bio of Hillary Clark
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
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