Which is the best Japanese face wash, and why should you use it?

Let’s start with the second part of that question.

Japanese skincare products are perfect for minimalists who multi-task. Unlike the K-beauty routine, the Japanese regimen is efficient. There are fewer steps, and each one is designed for maximum impact.

Therefore, if you want to improve your complexion, give the Japanese beauty routine a try.

It begins with creamy cleansers that nourish the skin.

The benefits of Japanese skincare

What if you could enjoy a beautiful complexion with minimal makeup? Instead of spending double the money on cosmetics, spend it on skincare products. If your skin is flawless, you won’t need tons of makeup.

The idea is to achieve a radiant appearance with minimal effort. It’s the #nofilter look with glass skin.

To achieve that goal, Japanese skincare combines botanicals with cutting-edge science to get the best of both worlds.

Best Japanese Face Wash in 2023

Let’s begin your introduction with the best Japanese face cleansers.

Shiseido Sengansenka Perfect Whip Facial Wash

Have you heard of Perfect Whip face wash? It’s Shiseido’s best-selling cleanser.

But there’s more than one version. If you’re not sure where to start, try the classic in the blue tube. It’s suitable for all skin types.

This famous face wash makes fluffy, thick foam that gently removes makeup and grime. Build the lather in your hands before massaging it on the face.

It has a mild, clean scent and no parabens or sulfates.

To deep-cleanse, wash with a foaming net. (You’ll find one at the end of the reviews).

Shiseido Senka Perfect Whip Collagen

Mature or dehydrated skin can benefit from the pink tube of Perfect Whip. It features natural silk essence and collagen with double hyaluronic acid.

The dense lather now provides hydration while it cleanses pores.

It has a soft floral scent, and it feels refreshing to the skin.

Shiseido Uno Whip Wash Black

Designed for combination and oily skin, this face wash also appeals to guys. Unlike the typical charcoal scrub, it has an ultra-fine texture and an indulgent feel.

It removes grime and excess oil from the skin and pores with charcoal and methyl hydroxide. The creamy lather is incredibly luxurious for this type of cleanser. You’ll hardly know you’re exfoliating.

MANARA Hot Cleansing Gel

This face wash warms your skin to relax pores and dissolve makeup. It saves time by completing the complete cleanse in one step.

It zeroes in on blackheads with micro-gel particles that sink into where they are most needed. Yet it’s mild enough for sensitive, dry skin because it’s free of harsh ingredients and extra moisturizing.

In fact, it’s mild enough for eyelash extension wearers to use.

DHC Face Wash Powder

So far, we’ve reviewed extra foamy face washes and warming gel. But it’s about to get more exotic yet. How about washing your face with powder?

DHC has created the perfect travel product. You won’t get dinged for extra liquids in your carry-on.

This face wash consists of only enzyme powder. It requires water to transform into a mousse. The deliciously thick texture will then scrub away makeup and impurities.

It has a honey and lavender scent from natural ingredients. There are no added fragrances, dyes, or parabens.

Beauty experts recommend it for use after an oil-based cleanser as it’s a gentle exfoliant. Users suggest using a small amount with a foaming net.

ROSETTE Facial Cleansing Paste, Pink

As you might guess, Rosette’s Cleansing Paste is like a mud mask. It soaks up sebum and impurities while it removes dead skin cells.

There are four versions: pink, yellow, blue, and green. The pink type is for plumping the skin.

That may sound strange for an exfoliating face wash but bear with me. Yes, it has white clay to renew a dull complexion. But it’s also fortified with hyaluronic acid and collagen.

Marine collagen rebuilds elasticity to smooth lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid attracts water to moisturize dry skin.

The paste has a surprisingly smooth texture that will leave your face silken. Plus, it’s free of artificial dyes and fragrances.

To get the most out of this product, you’ll want to use the Japanese foaming net.

ROSETTE Facial Cleansing Paste, Yellow

Here’s another example of the cleansing paste. The yellow version is for brightening the complexion.

It may seem basic, but this is a product that’s been a staple in Japanese homes since 1929.

(You can also get it in green for cleansing pores and medicated blue paste for acne).

The main ingredient in the yellow version is mineral-rich Rhassoul clay from ancient riverbeds. It can reduce redness while it brightens the complexion. Then, there’s argan oil to heal and moisturize the skin.

Users say you only need a pea-sized amount. It’s best used after oil cleansing.

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Face Wash

Are you struggling to find a cleanser that doesn’t redden your face? This one is a hydrating foam cleanser that can improve your complexion after only one wash.

It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid for extra moisture. Moreover, it’s free of artificial colors and fragrances.

Like other Japanese face washes, a small amount goes a long way.

ROHTO Hadalabo Gokujun Cleansing Oil

Which is the best Japanese cleansing oil? Some would suggest this product with pure olive oil, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba.

If you’ve never used cleansing oil, you might imagine yourself with greasy skin. That’s not the case as this cleanser emulsifies on contact with water. It turns white and washes away easily.

Oil cleansing quickly removes makeup and the grime of the day. It easily dissolves waterproof makeup.

Without stripping the skin’s natural oil, it sets the stage for a foaming cleanser.

Mentholatum Acnes Medicated Cleansing Cream

It’s hard to find a decent cleanser for acne-prone skin. It seems like most cause more irritation and dryness than benefits.

If that’s your experience, you need to try this cleansing cream. Within a week of daily washing, you should see a positive difference. It can clear up a breakout and prevent new ones.

Kao Biore | Facial Washing Foam

Did you know that Bioré manufactures certain face washes only in Japan? Fans say the Japanese formula is better than the American.

Choose from blue for all skin types, orange for dry skin, green for acne-prone skin, purple for oily skin, and pink for a facial scrub.

All are mild and effective and won’t leave the skin feeling tight or irritated after use.

Nameraka Honpo Sana Isoflavone Cleansing Foam Wash

Who knew that soybean isoflavone was so good for an oily complexion? This natural extract has anti-aging properties, plus it’s excellent for acne-prone skin.

The formula has no artificial fragrance, dye, or mineral oil. Instead, it moisturizes while it lathers away excess oil and makeup.

One reviewer said that left her oily skin velvety soft, clearing up the acne within days.

Cleansing Research Makeup Cleansing Wash with AHA

You know that amazingly clean feeling you’ll sometimes get when you take extra care with your skin? This face wash can reproduce it every time.

It removes makeup while it gently exfoliates with alpha hydroxy acid. The fruit-derived acid is outstanding at removing dead cells and clearing up blackheads.

The formula is non-drying and promises to brighten the complexion.

KOSE Softy Mo White Cleansing Oil

Here’s one of the most-purchased face washes ever. It’s an oil cleanser that rapidly removes waterproof mascara and cleanses pores.

The base ingredient is rice bran oil, which leaves the skin smooth and comfortable.

Biore Make-up Remover Perfect Oil

Most cleansing oils need to be applied to dry skin. Only then do you add water to emulsify them and rinse.

On the contrary, the Perfect Oil is useful even if your face and hands are already wet. You use it in the shower!

It dissolves eyeliner and mascara while you enjoy the fruity aroma.

Tatcha The Rice Polish

Rumors say that Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, enjoys this exfoliating cleanser. Who could resist trying a powder that converts to a foamy wash upon contact with water?

What’s more, it’s not just foamy – it makes a dense cloud of fluff with just enough texture to polish the skin. The exfoliating power comes from rice bran and papaya enzymes. The former provides the grit while the latter dissolves dead skin and oil.

The price of this product might shock you, but it offers premium benefits. There’s more to it than superficial exfoliation. It’s also pH-neutral so that it doesn’t disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.

Furthermore, it’s enriched with superfoods like green tea and algae to keep the skin young and supple. There’s silk protein for extra conditioning that smooths fine lines. Plan on using it up to three times per week for a more youthful complexion.

Lastly, it’s cruelty-free and dermatologist-tested. It contains no artificial fragrances, sulfates, parabens, urea, phthalates, or DEA/TEA.

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse

Start off and wrap up each day with exotic ingredients like Luffa fruit, Leopard Lily, and Japanese Wild Rose. For centuries, women in Japan have maintained healthy skin with botanicals like these.

This gel cleanser blends the best of nature to remove impurities and decongest pores. It will leave your face silky soft, and comfortable.

boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil

Start your nighttime cleanse with this makeup-removing oil. It melts waterproof mascara and unclogs pores like many other oil cleansers. Then, it emulsifies to rinse easily.

What makes it stand out is the nanotechnology that creates a cushion effect. Your fingers will glide across the skin. Meanwhile, the microscopic particles eliminate debris thoroughly and leave the skin hydrated and purified.

Key ingredients include jojoba, willow herb, eucalyptus, rosehip, and olive oil.

boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser

Blemish-prone skin can benefit from salicylic acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores. This exfoliating cleanser contains willow bark extract, a natural version of the acid. The same ingredient also diminishes acne scars over time.

Plus, there’s geranium extract to balance sebum production and reduce shine without dehydrating the skin.

Finally, there’s rosemary that calms inflammation and improves circulation. It helps minimize redness and irritation.

Hatsuyuki Shizuku Foam Cleanser w/Attached Foaming Net

The bottle looks old school, but don’t be deceived. People of all ages love this Japanese face cleanser. It even comes with a foaming net, the recommended tool for washing the face.

The base ingredient is marine silt. They explain that it’s “beauty mud”. It soaks up dirt, oil, and dead skin without stripping moisture.

Next, there’s placenta for the ultimate anti-aging experience. It enhances the effect of thirteen amino acids that rejuvenate sensitive, dry skin.

The cleanser is free of wheat, silicone, dyes, parabens, and mineral oil. It’s recommended for all skin types and has a plum fragrance.

REALBEL Facial Cleansing Foam Black Charcoal

A pinch of this cleanser will exfoliate the entire face. It’s refreshing and provides a deep clean that leaves the skin very smooth and soft.

We checked the ingredients to find out what makes it works so well. It has goodies like witch hazel, lavender, arginine, and algae.

GYUNYU Non-Additive Foaming Facial Cleanser

Those with sensitive skin will appreciate this mild cleanser. It’s free of parabens, artificial colors and perfumes, and other additives. It’s also been allergy-tested.

It uses palm oil to lather away grime with a pleasant amount of foam.

Nursery W Cleansing Gel Yuzu

At first, we were confused by the colorful packaging and the brand name and thought this was a children’s product. But it’s actually a gel cleanser for removing makeup.

However, it is appropriate for sensitive skin. It protects against dryness caused by harsh weather.

Users say it has a subtle lemon fragrance, and it dissolves makeup quickly. It doesn’t even take a full pump to wash the entire face.

Japanese Foaming Net

We’ve mentioned it a few times, and here it is. This is the official foaming net the turns ordinary face washing into a luxurious experience.

What’s more, this isn’t a harsh tool that will leave the skin raw. The soft netting is suitable for delicate skin. You don’t even have to use it on your face – just squeeze it to aerate the cleanser. It develops extra bubbles for fantastic lather.

Instead, it aerates the cleanser with extra bubbles and makes fantastic lather.

Conclusion

We think everyone should try Japanese face wash at least once in their lifetime. It’s a different world with satisfying results.

For maximum effect, try an oil cleanser followed by a foaming face wash. You may become addicted to the experience.

If we helped you find your new favorite skincare product today, please tell us about it in the comments below.