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What Kinds of Japanese Cleansers Are There?
Japanese cleansers come in many forms, from gels and lotions, to wipes, scrubs, and powders. Traditionally, as part of a classic 4 step Japanese skincare routine two cleansers are used – an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and surface dirt followed by a foaming cleanser to remove all remaining impurities. In this article we’ll introduce some of the most popular Japanese cleansers that will work wonders for your skin, no matter what your skin type is including:
- Best Japanese cleansing oils
- Best Japanese foaming cleansers
- Best Japanese facial scrubs, powders, and peels
How we decided
- Skin typeWorks for dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin
- Cleansing PurposeOil for makeup, foam for pores, scrubs/peels for exfoliation
- Ingredients & BenefitsHydrating, anti-aging, brightening, or soothing
- GentlenessNon-irritating, safe, and barrier-friendly
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil is one of the most popular Japanese oil-based cleansers that features antioxidant-rich organic virgin olive oil from Spain, hydrating vitamin E that also softens skin and protects it against free radical damage, and rosemary oil to invigorate and refresh skin. This cleanser effortlessly dissolves hard-to-remove makeup such as waterproof mascara and eyeliner without clogging your pores or leaving your skin feeling greasy.
Pros
- Effectively removes makeup, even waterproof
- Hydrates and softens skin with olive oil, vitamin E
- Fragrance-, colorant-, and paraben-free
Cons
- Oily texture may feel heavy initially
- Slightly more expensive
Attenir Skin Clear Oil Cleanser Aroma Type
Attenir Skin Clear Cleanse Oil is a powerful cleansing oil which contains four anti-aging beauty oils including rock rose, immortelle, baobab, and argan oil to help remove hyper-pigmentation, nourish skin, and clean pores. It has a pleasant lemongrass and bergamot aroma and quickly breaks down and removes stubborn makeup leaving skin feeling supple and firm.
Pros
- Removes stubborn makeup, including waterproof
- Nourishes skin with four anti-aging beauty oils
- Gentle, free from mineral oil, parabens, and alcohol
Cons
- Slightly oily feel before rinsing
- More expensive than basic cleansers
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Cleansing Oil
This premium oil-based cleanser from Shu Uemura has a luxurious cashmere-like texture and is formulated with 8 precious botanical oils which have been sourced from all over the world to create a highly effective cleanser that leaves skin feeling renewed, moisturized, and soft. This cleanser also helps to reduce the appearance of pores and effortlessly removes makeup and impurities.
Pros
- Removes makeup & impurities effortlessly
- Keeps skin soft, smooth, moisturized
- Contains 8 high-quality botanical oils
Cons
- Expensive
- Oily feel before emulsifying
Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil
Although it is usually recommended for individuals with acne prone skin to avoid using oil cleansers, this cleansing oil from Shu Uemura has been specially created for people who are concerned about pores, impurities, and oily sebum. During product trials, 50% of participants showed a significant decrease in their darkened pores after 4 weeks. 99% of the cleanser’s ingredients are derived from natural sources like cherry blossom essence to create a fresh and light product with a powerful cleansing effect.
Pros
- Removes makeup effectively
- Leaves skin clean, not greasy
- Clarifies dull skin
Cons
- Expensive
- Can feel heavy on very oily skin
Shiseido Elixir Cleansing Foam II
Shiseido Elixir Cleansing Foam contains elastin and water-soluble collagen to help prevent signs of aging skin, even out skin tone, and tighten skin. It effectively removes impurities and dirt from pores, exfoliates dead cells, and leaves skin feeling firmer, smoother, and more moisturized. Just a small amount of this foaming cleanser goes a long way to create a rich creamy lather.
Pros
- Cleanses pores & removes impurities
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Prevents signs of aging and tightens skin
Cons
- May be less effective on very oily skin
- Slight fragrance may irritate sensitive users
Senka Perfect Whip
Senka Perfect Whip is a popular and affordable foaming cleanser found in most Japanese drugstores. This high-quality product uses super fine bubbles to form a rich and creamy soft foam that penetrates pores and remove impurities and excess sebum. Surprisingly effective when it comes to lifting grime away despite its lightweight texture, this cleanser doesn't strip skin of any necessary oil and moisture, so you can expect your face to feel clean, smooth, and hydrated after use. There is also a variation of Senka Perfect Whip that includes collagen if you are also looking for a cleanser that improves skin elasticity.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses pores
- Gentle and non-drying
- Lightweight, smooth texture
Cons
- Less suitable for very heavy makeup
- May not target anti-aging concerns
Kao Curel Foaming Face Wash Intensive Moisture Care
This foaming facial cleanser by Curel has been specifically designed for dry and sensitive skin and is pH balanced, fragrance free, and colorant free. The soft and fluffy foam gently cleanses any impurities leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated. It thoroughly cleanses skin without stripping away any necessary moisture and protects ceramides which are important for retaining moisture.
Pros
- Protects skin barrier and ceramides
- Gentle, non-irritating formula
- Leaves skin moist and smooth
Cons
- Not designed for heavy makeup removal
- May feel mild for oily skin
Ishizawa Lab Acne Barrier Medicated Protect Face Wash
This facial cleanser by Ishizawa Lab is designed to remove dirt and bacteria that causes acne, whilst protecting the skin’s natural moisture. It is free from ingredients that can cause skin irritability such as coloring, perfume, alcohol, and is packed full of natural plant extracts and essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus. This medicated face wash also helps to reduce redness and inflammation and is hypoallergic and allergy tested.
Pros
- Cleans pores and bacteria
- Soothes with herbal extracts
- Gentle, no fragrance/alcohol
Cons
- Can feel drying
- Small size
Transino Clear Wash Foaming Cleanser
This facial wash from Transino is specially formulated to address dull skin leaving it feeling hydrated and looking brighter and more translucent. Just a small amount of this cleanser turns into a rich dense foam which contains 50% moisturizing cream along with other soothing ingredients such as vitamin C and medicinal plant extracts for skin conditioning.
This product is designed to prep the skin and complement Transino’s range of skin whitening products so is a good cleanser to use before applying products designed to reduce any dark spots or freckles.
Pros
- Brightens skin and evens tone
- Hydrates and softens
- Rich, creamy foam
Cons
- Not effective for heavy makeup
- Can be pricey
For deeper complementary facial cleansers that can be used alongside your regular skincare routine check out our recommendations of scrubs, exfoliators, and peels.
Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Scrub Face Wash
For a deep cleansing facial scrub, Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Scrub Face Wash is formulated using baking soda to work deeply into pores and remove any impurities. The baking soda easily cleanses clogged keratin and sebum without damaging skin and its amino acid-based ingredients leave skin feeling smooth and hydrated.
Pros
- Gently lifts sebum and dead skin
- Leaves skin smooth and refreshed
- Free from fragrance, alcohol, and harsh additives
Cons
- Can feel drying if over‑used
- Not ideal for very dry, sensitive skin
