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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NOV AC | 100 ml | $$ | Cleansing Foam | Vitamin C | |
Tatcha | 150 ml | $$ | Cleansing Oil | Camellia Oil | |
Nameraka Honpo | 150 ml | $ | Cleansing Foam | Soy Bean | |
Senka - Perfect White Clay | 150 ml | $ | Cleansing Foam | White Clay | |
Shiseido - Perfect Whip | 120 ml | $$ | Cleansing Foam | N/A | |
Realbel - Black Charcoal | 120 ml | $$ | Cleansing Foam | Black Charcoal | |
Hado Labo | 160 ml | $ | Cleansing Foam | Hyaluronic Acid | |
Shiseido - White Lucent | 140 ml | $$ | Square Tip | Citrus Unshiu |
NOV AC - Active Washing Foam
100 ml
Vitamin C
$$
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.
TATCHA - Camellia Cleansing Oil
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.
Nameraka Honpo - Sana Isoflavone
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!
Senka - Perfect White Clay
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.
Shiseido -Perfect Whip Foam
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.
REALBEL - Black Charcoal
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.
Hada Labo - Rohto Gokujyn Hyaluronic Acid
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
