15 Best Japanese Soaps, Recommended By An Expert – 2024
Tackle skin care woes and keep your skin moisturized with soaps 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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J-beauty has slowly emerged as a sensation among skincare enthusiasts and is taking the beauty industry by storm. The best Japanese soaps are in high demand, creating hype worldwide. They are made with natural ingredients like charcoal, milk, persimmon, baking soda, and horse oil, which have moisturizing properties to foam and lather your skin. Their hydrating properties help nourish your skin, and the plant extracts ensure your skin gets the pampering it deserves. Here are the 15 handpicked soaps to cleanse your skin while making it soft and supple.
In This Article
Types Of Japanese Soaps– Liquid vs. Bars
Japanese soaps are known for their unique compositions and century-old soap-making procedures. They are also suitable for sensitive skin and loved by people of all skin types. Bar soaps are common in most Japanese households, even though there is a common trend towards liquid soaps these days. Bar soaps area great choice to go eco-friendly. You can find liquid sops in local hot springs (onsen) or bathhouses (sento), but the locals and visitors most likely bring their own bar soaps instead.
Take a look at the next segment to pick your favorite from the 15 best Japanese soaps listed below!
15 Best Japanese Soaps
1. Best In Budget:Pelican Peach Hip Care Scrub Soap
This Peach Hip Care Soap is a cute heart-shaped bar with a lovely scent of freshly picked peach. It gets rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and body odor to leave your skin smooth and clean. The soap contains konjac root, a natural and gentle exfoliant that unclogs the pores, promotes hydration, improves skin elasticity, and maintains your skin’s pH levels. The peach extracts fight free radical damage, have anti-aging properties, and soothe irritations. They also eliminate dark spots, bumps, and wrinkles in your hips and buttocks. “This soap is gentle and effective for sensitive skin that suffers from ingrown hairs and texture as well,” says Hillary Clark, a Medical Esthetician.
Pros
- Smells good
- Soothing
- Affordable price
Cons
- A bit drying
Pro Tip2. Best Long-Lasting Effect:SUMI HAIGOUSettuken Charcoal Bar Soap
The Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap by SUMI HAIGOU is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. The goodness of charcoal and bamboo vinegar leaves your skin visibly smooth. Bamboo vinegar has antifungal properties that heal and soothe skin ailments like dermatitis, itching, and eczema. Charcoal, known for its detoxing properties, gently exfoliates dead skin, dirt, excess sebum, and impurities to help you achieve clearer skin. This moisturizing Japanese soap bar has a rejuvenating cypress scent to make your bath time therapeutic and has received multiple positive reviews online.
Pros
- Gentle
- Contains exfoliating properties
- Mild scent
- Reduces acne
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Leaves residue
3. Best For Children:Earth Seiyaku Muse Medicated Soap
The Muse medicated soap is one of the most loved soaps in Japan due to its skin-friendly and antibacterial properties. It eliminates germs and cleans the skin surface thoroughly. This soap can be used for washing your hands or the body. The formula soothes inflamed skin and reduces irritation and itching in your skin while eliminating body odor. This antibacterial soap is very gentle on the skin and can be used by adults and kids alike.
Pros
- Gentle
- Smells good
- Suitable for adults and kids
- Value for money
Cons
- Drying
4. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Mirai Clinical Japanese Persimmon Deodorizing Soap Bar
The Japanese Persimmon Deodorizing Soap Bar by Mirai Clinical leaves your skin super clean and fresh all day. The persimmon extracts naturally purify your skin and eliminate odor. The anti-aging properties of green tea extracts reduce the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, fine lines, and scars while soothing and protecting your skin from sun damage. The soap is packed with moisturizing ingredients like olive oil and glycerin that deeply condition your skin and make it smooth. This clinically-tested, all-natural soap does not strip your skin of its natural oils and leaves it feeling soft, smooth, and silky, with visible results noted by reviewers.
Pros
- Handmade
- Smells good
- All-natural
- PEG-free
- Preservative-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
Cons
- A bit expensive
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,345 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
5. Best For Body Acne:Pelican For Back. Acne Prevention Medicated Soap
The For Back Acne Prevention Medicated soap by Pelican is ideal for bumps and irritation. It contains detoxifying charcoal that gently exfoliates the dead skin, dirt, excess sebum, and impurities from the skin surface. Papain and kaolin clay unclog pores and remove damaged keratin from your skin to reduce acne, scars, and buildup. Glycerin forms a barrier over your skin and locks in hydration. Regular use of this Japanese soap makes your back clear and flawless, as claimed in multiple positive reviews online.
Pros
- Gentle
- Mild scent
- Promotes skin detoxification
- Reduces body acne
Cons
- Very drying
- May cause redness and itching.
Pro Tip6. Best For Exfoliation:NADESHIKO Baking Soda Soap
The Baking Soda Soap by NADESHIKO is 100% vegetable oil-based, rich in moisture, and can be used on the face and the body. Baking soda has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it ideal for soothing skin irritation, rashes, itching, and redness. It loosens and gently exfoliates dead skin cells, lifts dirt deep inside pores, and unclogs excess sebum to give you smoother and clearer-looking skin.
Pros
- Anti-odor
- Reduces acne
- Value for money
Cons
- Drying
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,050 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
7. Best Lather:Pelican Family Persimmon Soap
The Family Persimmon Soap by Pelican has been one of Japan’s most loved soaps for over half a decade. Persimmon extracts naturally purify your skin and eliminate odor. The green tea extracts have anti-aging properties that reduce wrinkles, blemishes, fine lines, and scars. This citrus soap soothes your skin and fights sun and free radical damage, receiving positive customer reviews. The rosemary extracts reduce puffiness and soothe irritation like dryness, eczema, itching, psoriasis, etc. This creamy and rich lathering soap refreshes your body with a sweet and citrusy scent.
Pros
- Smells good
- Non-drying
- Foams well
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
Cons
- None
8. Best For Sensitive Skin:BoxCave KakiChatannian Soap
Eliminate body odor with this beautiful transparent bar of BoxCave KakiChatannian Soap. This soap is formulated with green tea extract and persimmon juice that keeps you all-day fresh. This luxury soap claims to effectively eliminate 97% of 2-nonenal, a chemical associated with body odor due to hormonal changes, aging, and menopause. Moreover, the handmade soap keeps your skin moisturized with hyaluronic acid and coconut oil. It is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types, as mentioned in customer reviews online.
Pros
- Mild scent
- Refreshing scent
- Lathers well
- Value for money
Cons
- None
9. Best Cruelty-Free Formula:Hinoki DeitansekiCleansing Soap Set
This Cleansing Soap by Hinoki Deitanseki is infused with natural ingredients and is ideal for easily irritated or sensitive skin. The detoxifying ultra-fine charcoal particles gently cleanse and absorb impurities for a clearer complexion. Papain, an enzyme from papaya, removes dead cells, while white clay softens and nourishes the skin with minerals. Bentonite clay unclog pores to revitalize your skin. Hinoki oil has a subtle, relaxing aroma that leaves you feeling refreshed and clean.
Pros
- Gentle
- Non-drying
- Aromatherapy
- Foams well
- Smells good
- Contains botanical extracts
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
- Sensitive skin-friendly
Cons
- None
10. Best Odorless Formula:Cow Brand Beauty Soap (Red Box)
The Cow Brand Beauty Soap is fortified with milk and milk fats. The lactic acid in milk removes dead skin cells, brightens the skin, and promotes new cell growth. The soap also contains squalene that moisturizes your skin and locks in hydration. This gentle cleanser is safe to use for both kids and adults alike. The enchanting rose scent works towards foul odor prevention and leaves your senses rejuvenated. Regular use of this Japanese soap reduces the appearance of pores and treats acne.
Pros
- Smells good
- Gentle
- Can be used by kids and adults
- Value for money
Cons
- Dissolves quickly
11. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Kojie San Skin Brightening Soap
The Kojie San Skin Brightening Soap contains original kojic acid that lightens hyperpigmented skin, with clinically proven results in 7 days.. The natural ingredients reduce the appearance of sun damage, redness, and scars. Kojic acid treats blemishes, dark spots, and discoloration. Antioxidant-rich coconut oil brightens the skin, while tea tree oil helps reduce excess oil and dry, itchy skin. The Zero Pigment Light Technology imparts a natural glow when used regularly on underarms, inner thighs, face, and neck areas.
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Free of mercury and heavy metals
- Treats sun damage
- Promotes even skin tone
- Refreshing fresh orange scent
Cons
- Strong smell
12. Best Non-Drying Formula:DHC Pure Soap
This cleansing soap from DHC is made using traditional skincare methods. It contains natural plant-derived ingredients that give effective results. The antioxidant-rich olive fruit oil fights aging signs, aloe vera soothes and hydrates your skin, while the nourishing fatty acids soften the skin without clogging the pores. This soap also controls sebum, dissolves impurities, and leaves oily and blemish-prone skin healthy and moisturized.
Pros
- Gentle
- Lathers well
- Skin-softening formula
- Non-drying
- Fragrance-free
- Colorant-free
Cons
- None
13. Best For Uneven Skin Tone:Pelican Pure Horse Oil Soap
The Pure Horse Oil Soap by Pelican is one of Japan’s most popular soaps. Horse oil is said to have anti-aging properties that reverse wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. It also improves your skin’s elasticity while fighting acne and sun damage. This soap deeply moisturizes your skin and balances your skin tone.
Pros
- Foams well
- Smells good
- Reduces acne
- Tones the skin
- Promotes skin renewal
Cons
- None
14. Best Natural Formula:Tokyo Love Soap
The Tokyo Love Soap is an intimate feminine wash ideal for sensitive skin. It is made with all-natural ingredients and is free of any toxic chemicals. This herbal soap contains glycerin that forms a barrier over your skin and locks in moisture. Aloe vera soothes acne, irritation, and redness and leaves your skin hydrated. Jamu herbs fight dullness, and persimmon offers deodorizing properties. These potent ingredients boost cell regeneration and improve collagen production.
Pros
- Gentle
- All-natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Petroleum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Value for money
Cons
- May cause irritation.
15. Best Moisture Balance:TAMANOHADA Pomegranate Welcome Soap
This Pomegranate Welcome Soap by TAMANOHADA is one of the oldest soaps in Japan. It is made in the shape of wagashi– are the fish-shaped bar. It has a sweet pomegranate scent that washes away body odors. This soap is made from natural plant oil, which gently cleanses and nourishes the skin of the entire body and leaves it moisturized.
Pros
- Smells good
- Lathers well
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- None
Owing to their popularity, Japanese soaps are slowly moving into every household. They are made of natural ingredients and are customized for various skin types and issues. If you cannot find one that suits your skin, we are here to help. We have penned down a buying guide for you to understand what to look for when investing in the best Japanese soap.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Japanese Soaps
- Refreshing Scent: Pick a soap with the fragrance of fresh fruits or flowers that lasts long. Additionally, look for a soap that contains natural exfoliators like peach extracts and konjac root to eliminate bacteria, dirt, and dead skin cells, which are the leading causes of foul body odor. Green tea extract and persimmon juice also keep you feeling fresh. Invest in J-soaps that claim to eliminate 2-nonenal, a chemical causing mal-odor due to aging, hormonal changes, and menopause.
- Skin Type
- Dry skin: Pick a soap with natural moisturizers like coconut oil and hyaluronic acid. These help to hydrate the skin while removing dead cells. Glycerin also helps lock in hydration in your skin while keeping it rejuvenated and glowing. Look for a soap that is non-drying with a creamy texture.
- Oily skin: Look for benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sea salt, aloe vera, tea tree oil, oatmeal, and baking soda in the soaps. They control and eliminate excess sebum and unclog the pores while gently cleansing your skin. Ensure to pick a non-comedogenic formula.
- Acne-prone skin: Pick soaps containing ingredients like bamboo vinegar, papain, kaolin clay, and charcoal to detoxify your acne-prone skin. They impart antifungal and antibacterial properties. Bamboo vinegar also rectifies ailments like eczema, itching, and dermatitis. It is an exfoliator that pulls out extra oil from the pores and cleanses the skin of dirt and grime. Even cypress delivers calming freshness to acne-prone skin.
- Sensitive Skin: Look for hypoallergenic soaps consisting of organic ingredients. Ensure to pick a formula with mild abrasive potency to avoid upsetting your sensitive skin.
- Anti-aging Benefits: Look for soaps containing persimmon and green tea extracts in the ingredient list to combat aging signs. They minimize fine lines, eliminate wrinkles, and even out scars and blemishes. Additionally, pick a soap with UV protection to prevent sun damage and inhibit further aging.
Infographic: Key Natural Ingredients Used In Japanese Soaps
Japanese skin care focuses on revitalizing your skin with gentle and nature-based ingredients. Each ingredient in the formula offers unique benefits to nourish the skin and improve its appearance. Check out the following infographic to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Japanese soaps are enriched with heavenly scents and unique ingredients that make them constant favorites through generations. Enhance your skin elasticity and pH levels with the Pelican Peach Hip Care Scrub Soap. For natural purification and odor elimination, choose the Mirai Clinical Japanese Persimmon Deodorizing Soap Bar. Alternatively, opt for the Pelican Family Persimmon Soap for a non-drying option with excellent foaming properties. These soaps are packed with natural ingredients with moisturizing and hydrating properties that thoroughly nourish your skin. These soaps combat free radical damage, have anti-aging properties, and soothe irritation. They are devoid of any synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and dyes. They control sebum, dissolve impurities, and leave oily and blemish-prone skin healthy and moisturized. Based on your skin type, you can choose whether to go for liquid or bar soaps.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Shiboli Chakraborti conducts thorough research and breaks down complex jargon before curating lists about skincare products. She did the same with this article written on the best Japanese soaps that nourish your skin, leaving it hydrated and moisturized. To help you choose a suitable product, she shared their features, ingredients, pros and cons, making your shopping decision effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does persimmon soap do?
Persimmon soap gently removes unpleasant body odor caused due to menopause, aging, and hormonal imbalance. It also helps remove the foot, underarm, and vaginal odors.
Why is Japanese skin so good?
Japanese skin care products hydrate the face and provide moisture. In addition, some formulas contain anti-aging compounds like collagen to offer you younger-looking skin. Additionally, they eat a lot of fish and vegetables and very little meat or sugary food, contributing to their flawless skin.
What Japanese soap do dermatologists recommend?
Doctors recommend Japanese soaps with hydrating properties that nourish and moisturize your skin and keep it free of sensitivity.
Which Japanese soap is not harmful to the skin?
The Hinoki Deitanseki’s cleansing soap is safe for the skin because the white clay softens and provides the skin with minerals, while papain dissolves dead skin cells. In addition, bentonite clay clears clogged pores to rejuvenate the skin, and hinoki oil makes you feel clean and renewed.
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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