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Throughout the day your face is exposed to oils, dirt, and other harmful impurities that clog your pores and allow bacteria to build up. Cleansing with the products best suited to your skin type can rehydrate, freshen, and brighten your complexion in a short period, and lift dirt and other bacteria from deep in your pores to leave you with better-protected, healthier-looking skin.
One key factor in sustaining lasting skin health is the importance of maintaining a balance between the cleansing products and your skin’s natural protective and cleansing properties. The below breakdown of facial cleansing lotions, soaps, and washes will help you understand the best approach for you and what will compliment your unique skin type.Read on to learn more about the best Japanese cleansers & soaps for clearer skin!
How we decided
- Deep Pore PurifyingCleansers remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria trapped deep inside pores.
- Gentle Yet EffectiveFormulas work powerfully without stripping moisture or irritating sensitive skin.
- Skin-Balancing CareProducts calm inflammation, tighten pores, and support natural barrier function.
- Proven Japanese QualitySelections are bestsellers or award-winners trusted by millions in Japan.
Best Japanese Facial Cleansing Lotion For Tightening Pores
Mizuhashi Hojudo Emulsion Remover Cleansing Lotion
This award-winning cleansing lotion helps to dissolve impurities and lift makeup and other causes of darkened pores that cannot be removed with regular washing. It contains seawater, which is rich in minerals, helping to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, and arginine, a protein that helps to promote elasticity and firmness in your skin. Best suited for oily, acne-prone skin, this Japanese cleansing lotion also tightens your pores to help reduce darkened areas and blemishes.
Pros
- Dissolves sebum impurities deeply
- Tightens pores no damage
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
Cons
- Needs rinse
- Hard to control mist volume
Best Japanese Facial Washes For Preventing Acne
Kanebo Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Facial Wash
The Suisai cleansing powder wash is one of the most in-demand cleansing wash powders in Japan. This clear powder facial wash removes dirt and dead skin from deep in your pores and is particularly effective on rough and dull-looking skin due to its gentle skin-brightening properties.
Key ingredients include royal jelly which is rich in amino acids that help repair and protect damaged skin and reduce signs of pigmentation associated with aging. This face wash also includes tofu extract which contains soybeans that are powerful antioxidants and also promote collagen production.
Pros
- Enzymes remove dead skin gently
- Travel-friendly
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- 32pcs only per box
Rosette Cleansing Paste Acne Clear Foam Cleanser
The Rosette Cleansing Paste Foam Cleanser is formulated to work most effectively on acne-prone skin due to its unique clay-based foaming formula which helps to lift dirt from your pores, rehydrate your skin, and reduce the appearance of acne and other damaged areas.
This product contains several plant-based extracts with hydrating and healing properties, such as dokudami extract, which is high in antioxidants and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on irritated skin, and oak extract, which is known to lock moisture into the protective outer layer of your skin to prevent dehydration.
Pros
- W clay unclogs pores fast
- Herbals hydrate soothe irritation
- No mineral oil
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Best Japanese Cleansing Wash For Clogged Pores
Ettusais Jelly Mousse Face Wash For Acne & Clogged Pores
The Jelly Mousse Face Wash from Ettusais dispenses as a gel that foams in your hands for even more distribution and deep pore cleansing. This allergy-tested product works best on oily skin as the rich foam lifts excess sebum and impurities.
The product contains collagen, a key moisturizing and regenerative ingredient, and natural camomile and rosemary plant extracts that are known for their cleansing and moisturizing properties which also help to soften your skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne.
Pros
- Gentle on combo acne skin
- White clay baking soda purge
- Colorant-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Jelly turns foam slowly
- Not fragrance-free
Best Japanese Cleansing Wash For Oily Skin
Shiseido d Program Essence In Cleansing Foam 120g
This Essence in Cleansing Foam from Shiseido’s d Program creates a protective foam that lifts excess dirt and helps to revitalize your skin by locking in moisture using your skin’s natural barrier. Shiseido’s effective natural formula makes the wash ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Key ingredients include liquorice extract which has a calming effect on your skin to help reduce inflammation and treat skin conditions like eczema and acne. It also includes orange oil which helps to restore your skin’s natural shine by removing excess dead skin cells.
Pros
- Cleanses sebum prevents acne
- Hydrates smooth sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free, colorant-free
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- Creamy needs thorough rinse
Best Men’s Face Wash For Treating Acne
Rohto Oxy Perfect Face Wash Men’s Acne Cleanser 130g
The Rohto Japanese face wash for men offers a powerful deep pore cleanse that helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, clear up oily skin, and strengthen its outer layer from harmful everyday pollutants. The cleanser includes several acne-clearing ingredients such as dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, which has an anti-inflammatory effect as well as sebum-absorbing properties that help oily skin, and yukinoshita extract, a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat eczema, rashes, and other skin irritations. Recommended for frequent use to effectively treat acne-prone or irritated skin.
Pros
- Kills acne germs fast
- Oil-absorb exfoliate clear
- Good for oily/normal skin
Cons
- Menthol tingle for some
- Dry skin may feel dry
Best Japanese Facial Soap For Moisturizing Skin
Pelican Cicalm Moisturizing Bar Soap With Cica & Jojoba Oil 80g
This Japanese medicated soap makes use of the unique properties of heartleaf and mugwort extract which are both known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help your skin retain its moisture. This product also contains Jojoba oil which is similar to sebum and can be easily absorbed into the skin to help treat common skin conditions such as acne and dry skin. The multiple plant extract ingredients also help to condition and soothe dry and damaged skin and work to promote regular hydration for your skin.
Pros
- Cica jojoba hydrate deeply
- Prevents acne all skin types
- Alcohol-free
- No parabens
Cons
- Bar soap needs hygiene care
- Green scent may linger
Best Japanese Facial Soap For Skin Impurities
Mizuhashi Hojyudo Itsukano Sekken Enzyme Cleansing Soap Bar 100g
This cleansing soap bar from Mizuhashi Hojyudo is a gentle face-washing soap that lifts impurities from deep in your pores leaving your skin clean and blemish-free. This soap is free from artificial colorants, fragrances, alcohol, and additives, and can be used on sensitive skin.
It also contains proteolytic enzymes that aid in skin exfoliation to help shed dead skin cells, and coconut oil which is best used in the treatment of damaged skin and in strengthening your skin's natural barrier against harmful pollutants.
Pros
- Enzyme removes keratin plugs
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
- No unhealthy additives
Cons
- Bar soap needs hygiene care
Best Japanese Face Wash For Dry Skin
Rohto Mentholatum Acnes Fluffy Foam Face Wash Acne Cleanser
Rohto Mentholatum Acnes Fluffy Foam Face Wash Acne Cleanser is a foaming cleanser from Rohto Pharmaceutical that delivers effective acne care while helping your skin stay hydrated and balanced. It is formulated with a blend of key antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients that help clear pores, reduce irritation, and effectively prevent future breakouts. The cleanser also contains Vitamin C derivative and glycerin to moisturize the skin, ensuring a non-drying finish. The rich, ready-made foam glides smoothly across the skin for a quick, gentle cleanse, leaving your face refreshed, soft, and clean with a subtle citrus scent.
Pros
- Antibacterial clears mild acne
- No lathering needed
- Vitamin C/Glycerin moisture
Cons
- Mild for severe breakouts
- Contains fragrance
Best Japanese Face Wash For Cleansing Pores
Ishizawa Lab Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Face Wash Foam
The Keana Nadeshiko Baking Soda Face Wash from Ishizawa Lab creates a thick moisturizing foam that lifts dirt and other impurities from your pores. The key ingredient sodium bicarbonate is an excellent skin exfoliator due to its grainy texture, effectively removing dead skin cells and excess oil, as the honey helps to speed up your skin’s healing process and reduce inflammation. Finally, hydrolyzed collagen will help to improve skin elasticity and lock in moisture for maximum hydration of your skin’s surface.
Pros
- Baking soda cleans enlarged pores
- HA collagen plump dry skin
- Whipped foam penetrates deep
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
- Very dry skin may feel dry
Best Face Wash For Rough Skin
Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care Cleanser
The Senka Perfect Whip Cleanser is a medicated face wash that offers a gentle deep cleansing experience with a refreshing floral aroma. This Japanese cleanser is formulated to help prevent acne and eczema while promoting stronger and healthier skin. Active ingredients include myristic acid, which has powerful cleansing properties that help to wash away dirt and excess dirt leaving your skin smoother and brighter, and glyceryl stearate which helps to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture.
Pros
- Micro foam removes dullness
- HA silk control pimples
- Oily face targeted
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- Dry skin may feel dry
Best Japanese Soap To Prevent Body Odor
Deo Tanning Bar Soap for Body Odor
The Tanning Bar Soap for Body Odor from Deo is designed to eliminate body odor and wash away acne-causing bacteria from deep in the pores leaving behind a fruity aroma on your face and body while tightening and smoothing your skin. Active ingredients include persimmon tannin, a strong antioxidant known for its antimicrobial properties, and hamamelis extract, a liquid distilled from the witch hazel plant that is commonly used to treat inflamed or damaged skin.
Pros
- Persimmon tannin anti-bacterial
- Face body versatile smooth
- Refreshing wash feeling
Cons
- 1-2 min leave on body
- Contains fragrance
Best Japanese Face Wash For Rehydrating Skin
DHC Face Wash Powder
DHC Face Wash is an exfoliating cleansing powder that turns into a soft exfoliating and moisturizing foam upon contact with water. It helps to gently dissolve unwanted dead skin cells and other everyday impurities and leaves your skin with a smoother and brighter complexion.
Key moisturizing ingredients such as honey and maltitol hydrate and soften your skin, while lavender flower and licorice extract help to calm and soothe red or inflamed skin and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Pros
- Micro-bubbles cleanse cuticles
- Honey HA prevent troubles
- Economical use
Cons
- Difficult to measure dose
Best Cleansing Wash For Removing Dirt & Makeup
BCL AHA Cleansing Research Wash Cleansing
The BCL Cleansing Research Face Wash is specially formulated with alpha hydroxy acid to exfoliate your skin, improve its texture, and reduce signs of aging over time. This cleansing wash helps to gently lift away unwanted old skin cells to both cleanse and improve texture and encourage the generation of new healthier cells leaving your skin feeling fresh and smooth. The scrub’s key ingredients include kiwi extract, which moisturizes and softens your skin, and apple extract, which is rich in antioxidants and helps to reduce damage and increase hydration.
Pros
- Papain enzyme brightens tone
- Olive oil no dry cleanse
- Prevents acne dark spots
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- Not for sensitive skin
Best Japanese Face Washes For Treating Acne
Orbis Clearful Hypoallergenic Face Wash For Acne
Specially formulated for sensitive skin and other skin types that are prone to irritation or acne, this hypoallergenic face wash from the popular sensitive skincare producer Orbis helps to treat the cause of acne at its root by washing away bacteria buried deep in your pores while reinforcing your skins moisture levels.
The exfoliating wash contains an extract of the Japanese mugwort plant which has a calming and purifying effect on distressed skin, while the antioxidant properties of aloe vera plant extract are particularly suited to aid in the healing of dry or damaged skin.
Pros
- Collagen renews resistance
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free
Cons
- Low effect on existing acne
Ishizawa Lab Acne Barrier Protect Face Wash
The Ishizawa Acne Face Barrier is a medicated foaming face wash that eliminates acne-causing bacteria deep in your pores while helping your skin retain its natural moisture and brightness. It is ideally suited for sensitive, acne-prone skin due to its gentle hypoallergenic ingredients. These include tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil, both of which have antibacterial properties that treat acne, and help to reduce skin damage and eliminate excess oil. The face wash also contains allantoin, which is known for its ability to rehydrate and improve the overall texture and brightness of your skin.
Pros
- Tea tree oils kill bacteria
- Plant base keeps moisture
- Rash prevent focus
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- Moisturize after cleansing
Best Japanese Soap For Treating Acne
Pelican For Back Bar Soap for Acne
The Pelican For Back soap bar is a medicated soap to help treat and prevent acne. Its antibacterial ingredients help to remove excess sebum from your skin’s surface and harmful external pollutants from deep in your pores, leaving you feeling soft and refreshed.
Key ingredients include activated charcoal which is known for its antibacterial properties and for being highly effective in removing impurities in your skin to help prevent breakouts of acne. This soap also contains kaolin, an absorbent agent that removes excess oil and impurities from your skin’s outer layer, helping to restore its natural brightness.
Pros
- Charcoal mud disinfect pores
- Concentrated glycerin moisturizes
- Citrus scent no dry back
Cons
- Body focus mainly
- Contains fragrance
Best Foaming Face Wash For Acne-Prone Skin
Kao Bioré Skin Care Foaming Face Wash For Acne
This Japanese medicated foaming facial wash is formulated especially for treating blemishes or acne-prone skin. It features Skin Purifying Technology (SPT), a unique low-irritation cleansing formula that doesn’t penetrate the skin and mimics the natural pH balance in your skin, reduces excess oil, and rehydrates dry or damaged areas.
Ingredients include Isopropyl methylphenol, a compound found in the oil of thyme which has strong antibacterial and antioxidative properties, and myristic acid, known for its powerful cleansing properties in removing dirt and excess oil.
Pros
- SPT removes irritating dirt
- Sterilize anti-inflame supple
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Contains fragrance
- Not for sensitive skin
Want to discover more Japanese facial washes? See our full range of products here. If you’re looking for more products to help prevent and treat acne, check out our article on 15 of the Best Japanese Skincare Products for Acne Prone Skin That You Can Buy Online.
