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Finding a great face wash changes everything. Japanese face washes have become global favorites for good reason – they work incredibly well while being kind to your skin. We’ve tested all the avaiables ones to bring you the best Japanese face washes of 2025 for every skin types.
n Japan, face washing is taken seriously, with formulas designed for every possible skin concern.
With so many options out there, choosing can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you, testing the most popular Japanese face washes based on how well they remove dirt without drying, what active ingredients they contain, and how they feel on your skin.
Personally, the perfect face wash needs to clean effectively without that tight, stripped feeling afterward. Many Western cleansers can be harsh, but Japanese formulas tend to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance while still tackling oil and impurities.
Ready to dive in?
1. Our Japanese Face Washes Top Picks
TATCHA The Rice Wash Soft Cream Face Wash
Gentle, hydrating, perfect for all skin types.
POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear
Brightening, moisturizing, ideal for sensitive skin.
SEKKISEI White Powder Wash
Economical, deep-cleansing, evens skin tone.
| Product | Click to Purchase | Review | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎖️4.Koh Gen Do Foaming Facial Wash | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.25 |
| 5.SEKKISEI Supreme Washing Cream | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.10 |
| 6.Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Wash | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.00 |
| 7. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Wash | Amazon US Amazon JP Rakuten | Read Review → | ★ 4.00 |
2. How Do We Choose the Best Japanese Face Washes?
We selected 15 of the most popular Japanese face washes and narrowed them down to the top 7 worth your money. Our list includes both new releases and trusted classics.
We didn’t just rely on online reviews or popularity—we actually tested each product ourselves to make sure they deliver real results.
2.1 How We Reviewed the Best Japanese Face Washes
IIn our testing, we focused on these six key factors:
- Cleansing Power: How effectively does it remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin?
- Afterfeel: Does it leave skin feeling tight and dry, or clean and comfortable?
- Fragrance: Is the scent pleasant, neutral, or potentially irritating?
- Gentleness: Does it contain ingredients that might cause irritation for sensitive skin?
- Acne Care: Does it include ingredients proven to help with acne and breakouts?
- Sebum Control: How well does it manage oil production throughout the day?
From our experience, the best face washes weren’t necessarily the most expensive ones—some affordable options performed exceptionally well in our tests.
2.3 Our Methodology
We spent three weeks thoroughly testing each face wash in real-world conditions.
We paid close attention to how our skin felt immediately after washing and throughout the day and tested during both morning and evening routines to evaluate performance in different situations.
For example, we found that face washes containing salicylic acid worked especially well for oily and acne-prone skin, helping to keep breakouts at bay while managing oil production.
Meanwhile, cleansers with amino acid-based surfactants proved gentler while still effective for those with sensitive or combination skin types.
After washing with each product, we immediately checked for any tight feeling, which often indicates the cleanser is too harsh and has disrupted the skin’s natural barrier.
We also analyzed the ingredient lists with help from skincare experts to identify beneficial components like niacinamide for sebum control and ceramides for maintaining moisture balance.
3. The 7 Best Japanese Face Washes of 2025 – Tested and Reviewed
Choosing the right Japanese face wash can make a huge difference in your skin’s health and appearance. Our carefully selected recommendations cover options for every skin type and concern, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive.
In the sections that follow, we’ll share our top picks and explain exactly why each one earned its place on our list.
No.1. TATCHA The Rice Wash Soft Cream Face Wash
TATCHA’s The Rice Wash transforms the daily cleansing ritual into a luxurious experience. This cream-based cleanser uses rice powder to gently exfoliate while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.
We found its pH-balancing formula particularly impressive, as it cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin barrier—a rare quality in facial cleansers.
The standout feature of The Rice Wash is how it addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously. It removes impurities and makeup thoroughly while infusing skin with hydration through its Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid complex. This makes it remarkably versatile across different skin types, from dry and sensitive to combination and oily.
Size: 4 oz. | Best for: normal, dry, combination and oily skin | Key ingredients: Japanese rice powder, Okinawa algae, hyaluronic acid
No.2. POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear
POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear is a premium Japanese facial cleanser formulated for brightening and clarity. It contains POLA’s proprietary whitening complex that removes impurities while evening skin tone and targeting dark spots—all without harsh, stripping ingredients.
This cleanser transforms from a clear gel into a rich, fine foam that deeply cleanses pores while maintaining skin’s natural barrier. POLA has designed this formula to maintain optimal skin pH after washing, ensuring your complexion functions at its best.
Size: 120g | Best for: all skin types, especially those concerned with brightening | Key ingredients: whitening complex, moisturizing agents
No.3. SEKKISEI White Powder Wash
SEKKISEI White Powder Wash is a unique Japanese cleansing powder that transforms into a rich foam when mixed with water. This innovative formula contains traditional Asian herbal extracts that work to brighten the complexion while removing impurities and dead skin cells containing melanin pigments.
The powder format is both concentrated and economical, with even a small amount creating abundant lather.
The cleanser’s strength lies in its gentle brightening abilities without harsh chemicals. SEKKISEI has formulated this product to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier while targeting uneven tone and discoloration—a balance that’s difficult to achieve in brightening products.
Size: 3.5 oz. | Best for: all skin types, especially those with discoloration concerns | Key ingredients: Coix Seed Extract, Angelica Extract, Peony Root Extract, Perilla Extract
No.4. Koh Gen Do Foaming Facial Wash
Koh Gen Do’s Foaming Facial Wash is a premium Japanese cleanser that delivers a deeply purifying experience without compromising skin comfort. The unscented formula caters to sensitive skin while effectively removing daily impurities and makeup. What sets this cleanser apart is its ability to maintain optimal skin pH, preventing the tight, dry feeling common with many facial washes.
This cleanser comes pre-foamed with a unique whipped texture that activates upon contact with water. The airiness of the foam allows it to cleanse effectively while using minimal pressure, making it ideal for delicate skin that requires gentle handling.
Size: 5.07 fl. oz. | Best for: all skin types, especially sensitive | Key ingredients: natural cleansing agents, botanicals
No.5. SEKKISEI Supreme Washing Cream
SEKKISEI Supreme Washing Cream is a soft foam cleanser effectively removes makeup, excess oil, and environmental pollutants while delivering skin-enhancing benefits.
What makes it special is the unique formulation of traditional Japanese herbs that not only cleanse but also brighten, prevent oxidation damage, and hydrate the skin.
The cream’s standout feature is how it prepares skin to better absorb subsequent products in your skincare routine. By enhancing circulation and providing thorough yet gentle cleansing, it creates the perfect foundation for serums and moisturizers to work more effectively—an often overlooked but crucial aspect of any skincare regimen.
Size: 4.9 oz. | Best for: all skin types | Key ingredients: Coix Seed Extract, Angelica Extract, Chinese Indigo Extract, Strawberry Saxifrage Extract
No.6. Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Wash
Hada Labo’s Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Wash standout feature is its Super Hyaluronic Acid formula that moisturizes while it cleanses—a rare combination that prevents the tight, dry feeling many face washes leave behind. The fragrance-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free formulation makes it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Unlike many cleansers that focus solely on removing dirt and oil, this face wash takes a skin-first approach by maintaining hydration during the cleansing process. It represents the Japanese skincare philosophy that cleansing should never compromise your skin barrier, no matter how effective it is at removing impurities.
Size: 3.52 oz. (100g) | Best for: all skin types, especially dry and sensitive | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, gentle surfactants
No.7. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Wash
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Wash has earned its cult status in the Korean skincare world. This gel-based face wash is formulated with a pH level (5.0-6.0) that mimics skin’s natural acidity, helping maintain a healthy barrier while effectively cleansing. The inclusion of tea tree oil and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) provides gentle exfoliation and antibacterial properties without stripping moisture.
What makes this cleanser stand out is its balanced approach—it’s powerful enough to remove impurities yet gentle enough for daily use, even on sensitive skin. The formula works to refine skin texture and prevent breakouts while respecting your skin’s natural balance, making it suitable for virtually all skin types, from oily and acne-prone to sensitive and combination.
Size: 5.07 fl oz. | Best for: sensitive, acne-prone, combination skin | Key ingredients: tea tree oil, BHA, evening primrose oil
4. How to Choose the Best Japanese Face Wash For Your Skin Type
Japanese face washes excel at balancing oil control with skin comfort. Look for:
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc compounds, Traditional Japanese ingredients (green tea)
- For Sensitive Skin: Choose fragrance-free options, look for gentle amino acid cleansers
- Practical Features: Ready-to-use foam pumps, quick-rinse gel formulas
Here’s how to choose the ideal Japanese face wash according to your skin type:
- Best Japanese Face Wash for Oily skin: Look for cleansers that control sebum without stripping your skin. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser contains tea tree oil and BHA to manage oil production while maintaining your skin’s natural balance.
- Best Japanese Face Wash for Dry skin: Choose cream or hydrating formulas that cleanse without causing tightness. TATCHA The Rice Wash Soft Cream Face Wash contains Japanese rice powder and hyaluronic acid that leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized after washing.
- Best Japanese Face Wash for Mature skin: Select cleansers with brightening and hydrating ingredients. SEKKISEI Supreme Washing Cream contains traditional Japanese herbs that cleanse while improving circulation and enhancing absorption of anti-aging serums you apply afterward.
- Best Japanese Face Wash for Sensitive skin: Opt for gentle, pH-balanced formulas without harsh ingredients. Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Wash provides thorough cleansing with hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture, making it perfect for reactive skin types.
- Best Japanese Face Wash for Brightening/Hyperpigmentation: Choose cleansers with ingredients that target uneven tone. POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear effectively removes impurities while its proprietary whitening complex helps even skin tone and target dark spots.
Need more guidance? See our complete face wash selection guide for detailed advice.:
The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Japanese Face Wash (A Step-by-Step Guide)
5. FAQ
To wrap things up, here are some common questions we often hear about caring for your skin and choosing moisturizing creams:
What makes Japanese face washes different from Western cleansers?
Japanese face washes typically focus on gentle yet effective cleansing that maintains the skin’s natural moisture barrier. They often contain unique ingredients like rice extracts, hyaluronic acid, and traditional Japanese herbs rarely found in Western products. Most Japanese cleansers are formulated at a lower pH that matches the skin’s natural acidity, which helps prevent the tight, stripped feeling many Western cleansers leave behind.
Are Japanese face washes good for acne-prone skin?
Yes, many Japanese face washes are excellent for acne-prone skin. Products like COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Wash contain ingredients such as tea tree oil and BHA that help control sebum and prevent breakouts without harsh exfoliation. Japanese formulations tend to focus on balancing the skin rather than stripping it, which can actually help reduce acne by maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
How do I use Japanese powder face washes like SEKKISEI White Powder Wash?
To use Japanese powder cleansers, place about a quarter-sized amount of powder in your wet palm. Add a small amount of water and work it into a rich lather between your hands. Gently massage the foam onto your face using circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Powder cleansers are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way, making them economical despite their premium price.
Will Japanese face washes help with hyperpigmentation and brightening?
Many Japanese face washes contain brightening ingredients that can help with hyperpigmentation over time. Products like POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear are specifically formulated with complexes that target uneven skin tone while cleansing. For best results, use these cleansers consistently as part of a comprehensive brightening routine that includes sunscreen and dedicated brightening serums.
Can I use Japanese face washes if I have sensitive skin?
Japanese skincare philosophy emphasizes gentle formulations, making many Japanese face washes suitable for sensitive skin. Look for options like Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Face Wash or TATCHA The Rice Wash, which are formulated without harsh surfactants, artificial fragrances, or irritating alcohols. The low pH formulations common in Japanese cleansers are also less likely to trigger sensitivity reactions.
How often should I use Japanese face washes?
Most Japanese face washes are gentle enough for twice-daily use, morning and evening. However, if you have very dry or sensitive skin, you might prefer using just water in the morning and a cleanser only at night. Pay attention to how your skin feels after cleansing—it should feel clean but not tight or uncomfortable.
Are Japanese face washes worth the higher price compared to drugstore options?
Japanese face washes often provide excellent value despite higher upfront costs because they’re typically concentrated and require less product per use. For example, a tube of SEKKISEI White Powder Wash can last 6+ months with daily use.
They also tend to contain higher quality, skin-beneficial ingredients that provide additional benefits beyond basic cleansing, potentially reducing the need for multiple specialized products.
What ingredients should I look for in Japanese face washes for anti-aging benefits?
For anti-aging benefits, look for Japanese face washes with ingredients like rice ferment (sake), botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids. SEKKISEI Supreme Washing Cream contains herbal extracts that enhance circulation and prepare skin to better absorb anti-aging serums and creams applied afterward.
Remember that cleansers are only on your skin briefly, so they’re just one part of an effective anti-aging routine.
