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10 Best Tried and True Japanese Gel Cleansers in 2022 (Beauty Expert-Reviewed)

Do you want a makeup remover that can remove your makeup quickly without placing too much stress on your skin? Have you ever wondered if there's a makeup remover that doesn't dry you out? Do you wish your cleansing oil wasn't so harsh? 

Japanese gel cleansers, or cleansing gels, as they're sometimes called, have a unique, thick texture that allows them to remove makeup without causing too much friction. Additionally, while most cleansing gels in the US are water-based, Japanese cleansing gels can also be oil-based while retaining many of the benefits of water-based cleansing gels. Today, there are a variety of brands selling cleansing gels, from drugstore brands such as Biore, and Kao, to high-end brands such as KOSÉ and THREE, all offering different strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to know knowing which product works best.


To help you find which products are the best Japanese cleansing gels, we gathered the 32 best-selling products from e-commerce sites popular in Japan, such as Amazon, Rakuten, and @cosme SHOPPING, and tested them all.


We tested each product for the following:

  1. Makeup removal
  2. Feel
  3. Moisturizing ingredients
  4. Gentleness on skin

We then ranked the ten best products based on our test results and put what we learned into a buying guide to help you choose the best Japanese cleansing gel available online in 2022. 

Last updated 09/26/2023
Kaori
Expert
Scientific Beautician
Kaori

Kaori is the representative director of Japan's Scientific Beauty Institute. She also runs the Beauty Science Blog, which sends out beauty science information in a way that's easy to understand. She operates with the mission of "wanting people to enjoy the process of finding skincare that works for them by offering a scientific perspective". Kaori broadcasts her expert knowledge from working with skincare and cosmetics societies and academic journals on her blog, social media, and more. She also works with PR, product development, and corporate support teams for cosmetics.

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mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How is Japanese Gel Cleanser Unique?

How is Japanese Gel Cleanser Unique?

Gel cleansers have a uniquely thick texture that enables you to remove makeup without rubbing the skin with too much friction

While in the US, cleansing gels are usually water-based, Japanese cleansing gels can also be oil-based, which makes them more similar to a cleansing oil in terms of cleansing power, while still being more gentle on the skin.

The cleansing power and how they feel ultimately depends on the product, but a good rule of thumb is to choose one according to the heaviness of your makeup and your skin type. If you want to quickly remove heavy makeup, consider oil-based gels. If you don't wear as much makeup, then consider water-based gels.

How to Choose Japanese Gel Cleansers

Here are four essential points to keep in mind when choosing a Japanese cleansing gel to purchase. 

1

Choose an Oil-Based or Water-Based Gel According to Amount of Makeup You Wear

Cleansing gels are divided into two types, oil-based and water-based cleansing gels. In the makeup removal test, our results showed a big difference between these two types. Select a suitable one for you according to the heaviness of the makeup that you usually wear.

Oil-based Gel Can Make Quick Work of Heavy Makeup

Oil-based Gel Can Make Quick Work of Heavy Makeup
Choose an oil-based gel if you want to wash off layers of base makeup or heavy eye makeup.

Products formulated with hydrocarbons such as mineral oils and petrolatum, as well as ester oils, like triethylhexanoin and cetyl ethylhexanoate have strong cleansing power, melting away heavy layers of makeup.

On the other hand, this type might have too strong of a cleansing power for those who wear only light makeup, placing unnecessary stress on the skin. We recommend using oil-based gels on days when you wear heavier makeup.
Kaori
Scientific Beautician
Kaori

What makes oil-based cleansing gels great is that they are almost just as great at removing makeup as cleansing oils, but unlike cleansing oils, they won't run and will remain on the skin longer, thanks to its viscosity.

For those who want a gentle oil-based cleansing gel, consider products made from fats like rice bran oil or sunflower seed oil.

Water-based Cleansing Gels are Great for Removing Light Makeup

Water-based Cleansing Gels are Great for Removing Light Makeup
If you want to use an oil-free cleansing product because you're acne-prone or have sensitive skin, consider water-based gel.

It brings a refreshing, hydrating feel and contains lots of water-soluble moisturizing ingredients to moisturize your skin while removing makeup.

However, in the makeup removal test, some products didn't perform as well as oil-based gels. Water-based cleansing gels are best for when you are wearing light makeup that can be rinsed off easily, such as when you're only wearing powder foundation or cosmetics that are removable with soap.
2

Look for Moisturizing Ingredients

Look for Moisturizing Ingredients

Although cleansing gels should be rinsed off thoroughly after use, they can still hydrate the skin during the cleansing process if it contains moisturizing ingredients.

Ingredients such as butylene glycol (BG), glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and amino acids moisturize while minimizing damage to the skin, making them great for sensitive skin.

If you are concerned about dry or tight skin after using a cleansing gel, check to see if any of these moisturizing ingredients are included in the product. 

3

Look for Simple Ingredients If You Have Sensitive Skin

Look for Simple Ingredients If You Have Sensitive Skin

If your skin is feeling sensitive and delicate, it is best to select a cleansing gel with a simple composition of ingredients.

You may think that the more ingredients it’s formulated with, the better it will be for the skin. However, having more ingredients mean there's a greater risk that one or more is incompatible with your skin. We recommend a mild cleansing oil with simple ingredients if you have sensitive skin.

4

Choose a Gel With a Fragrance and Texture That Suits You

Choose a Gel With a Fragrance and Texture That Suits You

How the product feels when used is essential if they are to become a part of your daily skincare routine.

Check whether or not the cleansing gel is scented and if you like the fragrance. Cleansing gels are used on the face, so you don't want to end up using a product that has a scent that you don't like. You also want to avoid using a product that has too strong of a scent, since that might clash with any other products you use.

If you seek cleansing gels that can also help you relax, look for products with essential oils such as lavender or bergamot. Citrus-based items, including lemon or grapefruit, provide a refreshing feel after use, too.

Also, you should check the consistency of the gel. Avoid products with too thick or too viscous consistencies, since those products can create more friction when removing makeup. Remember, friction should be kept at a minimum to avoid any damage or stress on the skin. Before buying, we recommend you check the texture using a tester or sample whenever possible.

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10 Best Japanese Gel Cleansers Ranking

Here are the best Japanese Gel Cleansers, ranked according to 10 Best Japanese Cleansing Gels (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Kao

Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel

Kao Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel 1

$4.83

Low

Removed Heavy Makeup Easily, But Scent Was A Bit Artificial

2

ACRO

THREE Balancing Cleansing Oil Gel

ACRO THREE Balancing Cleansing Oil Gel 1

$29.20

High Mid

Polishes Skin, Scrub Off Heavy Makeup Smoothly

3

I-ne

Salanaru Pure Cleansing Gel, Clear

I-ne Salanaru Pure Cleansing Gel, Clear 1

$12.75

Mid

Remove Heavy Makeup Easily, with an Elegant Floral Scent

4

KOSÉ

Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel

KOSÉ Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel 1

$10.90

Mid

Hydrates Skin While Washing, Great For Sensitive Skin

5

KOSÉ

Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel

KOSÉ Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel 1

$17.84

Mid

Gentle on Skin, Struggles With Removing Point Makeup

6

IPSO

IPSA Cleansing Gel EX

IPSO IPSA Cleansing Gel EX 1

$27.70

High Mid

Left Some Layered Makeup, but Very Gentle to Skin

7

KOSÉ

MAIHADA Moisture In W Cleanse

KOSÉ MAIHADA Moisture In W Cleanse 1

$23.40

High Mid

Blending Takes Some time, but Very Gentle to Skin

8

Kracie

Lamellance Cleansing Gel

Kracie Lamellance Cleansing Gel 1

$19.00

Mid

Honey-like Dense Texture, Rinses Off Even Heavy Makeup

9

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku

Moisturizing Cleansing

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku Moisturizing Cleansing 1

$9.12

Low Mid

Gentle on Skin, But Makeup Removal is on Weaker Side

10

CHIFURE

Cleansing Gel

CHIFURE Cleansing Gel 1

$5.02

Low Mid

Good Moisturizing Ingredients, Struggles in Removing Point Makeup

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

KaoBioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel

Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel 1
Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel 2
Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel 3
Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel 4
Reference price
$4.83
Low
Reference price
$4.83
Low

Removed Heavy Makeup Easily, But Scent Was A Bit Artificial

Kao's Bioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel is great for those who want to remove heavily layered base makeup with minimal rubbing and friction on skin. 


In our makeup removal test, it cleaned makeup within seconds of blending, and point makeup as well as mascara, was removed cleanly. The advantage of this product is that it can remove layered foundation simply by dabbing gently.


The product is composed mainly of moisturizing ingredients and is designed to minimize burden on the skin. Testers who used the product loved to its fragrance and skin-friendly texture. However, some testers reported that this products moisturizing wasn't very good.


We recommend this thick cleansing gel as the best-buy for those who want to quickly remove heavy makeup!

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No.2

ACROTHREE Balancing Cleansing Oil Gel

Reference price
$29.20
High Mid

Polishes Skin, Scrub Off Heavy Makeup Smoothly

ACRO's THREE Balancing Cleansing Oil Gel is formulated with three kinds of cleansing ingredients, allowing it to gently clean makeup and sebum off of your face. 

In our makeup removal test, this produce earned a high score due to its excellent cleansing power. Its thick gel smoothly blended with makeup and washed it away with only a few strokes, and a quick and easy rinse. Additionally, due to the scrub, skin felt smooth and refreshed after use.

Looking at the ingredient table, this cleansing gel is primarily oil-based and contains less water. This product does not contain many moisturizing ingredients, but due to having only a few surfactants, it is gentle on skin. 

We recommend it best for those who want to rinse off heavy makeup easily and care for rough skin.

No.3

I-neSalanaru Pure Cleansing Gel, Clear

Reference price
$12.75
Mid

Remove Heavy Makeup Easily, with an Elegant Floral Scent

Salanaru Pure Cleansing Gel Clear is a makeup remover that quickly and easily removes makeup and leads to clean pure-looking skin. It also features a pleasant floral fragrance.


The advantage of this product is that it blends quickly and removes heavy makeup. The gel has a thick texture which minimizes burden and protects the skin while removing makeup.


Looking at the composition of the ingredients, it contains triethylhexanoin, an oil ingredient, as the base, and glycolipids, madecassoside, and heteromonas fermentation extract as moisturizing ingredients. The low amount of surfactants in the formula was also highly evaluated for its gentleness to the skin.


This cleansing gel is recommended for those who want to quickly remove makeup and enjoy a mood-enhancing floral fragrance.

No.4

KOSÉCarte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel

Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel 1
Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel 2
Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel 3
Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel 4
Carte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel 5
Reference price
$10.90
Mid
Reference price
$10.90
Mid

Hydrates Skin While Washing, Great For Sensitive Skin

KOSÉ's Carte HD Makeup Remover Oil Gel is a product said to clean makeup from the pores in your face while simultaneously protecting skin moisture.


The product has a soft and supple texture that quickly turns into a silky oil as soon as it is lathered on skin. The cleansing power of this product is quite good, and it speedily removed base makeup. The product received generally good reviews from testers for its non-greasy feel, but some of our testers commented that it left a slightly sticky residue. Thus if you want a tidy and dry finished feel, this product may not be recommend for you. 


Looking at the composition of the ingredients, the product is very gentle on the skin, as it contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate as an active ingredient to prevent skin irritation and does not contain any plant extracts which can irritate sensitive skin. The product also received a perfect score for its moisturizing ingredients, which include oil ingredients to support cleansing power and concentrated glycerin and glycosyl trehalose as moisturizing ingredients.

No.5

KOSÉRecipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel

Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel 1
Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel 2
Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel 3
Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel 4
Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel 5
Reference price
$17.84
Mid
Reference price
$17.84
Mid

Gentle on Skin, Struggles With Removing Point Makeup

KOSÉ's Recipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel is said to gently remove dead skin cell build-up while cleaning, leaving the skin moist and bright-looking.


The gel has a cushiony viscous texture, and feels pleasant when applied on the skin. Many users commented that their skin felt plump and moist without any stickiness after washing. In the makeup removal test, base makeup was removed cleanly, but some point makeup remained and wasn't cleanly removed.


Looking at the composition of the ingredients, the product is rich in oil ingredients that support makeup removal and produce a hydrating feel. It also contains water-soluble moisturizing ingredients, making it work effectively as a moisturizer. The product also has few ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin, giving it a perfect score for gentleness on skin, and it is easy to use even when the skin is delicate, which is a great advantage.

No.6

IPSOIPSA Cleansing Gel EX

Reference price
$27.70
High Mid

Left Some Layered Makeup, but Very Gentle to Skin

IPSA's Cleansing Gel EX is distinguished for its ability to clean and remove impurities deep from the pores. Its dense texture turns into a smooth and oily texture when blended with makeup.

In our makeup removal tests, this product showed great cleansing power. It melted away base makeup within a few seconds of application, and point makeup could be removed by rubbing for 20 seconds. Though the thick texture was not to everyone's liking, most testers agreed that it was pleasant to use without leaving any sticky residue.


The composition of the ingredients includes a large amount of mineral oil and triethylhexanoin, which are oil-based ingredients. It also features sorbitol, which has excellent moisturizing power, earning this product high marks for its full range of moisturizing ingredients. Regarding gentleness to skin, this product includes some essential oils that could irritate sensitive skin which were a minus point, but besides that most of the ingredients were friendly. 

No.7

KOSÉMAIHADA Moisture In W Cleanse

Reference price
$23.40
High Mid

Blending Takes Some time, but Very Gentle to Skin

KOSÉ's MAIHADA Moisture In W Cleanse is an oil-based cleansing gel formulated with moisturizing ingredient such as Rice Power® No.2 and dirt-absorbing charcoal.


In our makeup removal tests, we found that it does not blend into makeup very quickly, but base makeup is completely removed after 20 seconds of rubbing. Although some eye makeup remains, the cleansing power is sufficient for light natural makeup. Many of our testers who used the product said that it left a slightly sticky residue, so those concerned about an oily finish should rinse it off carefully.


This product is composed on two types of ester oils (cetyl ethyl hexanoate and triethyl hexanoic), with water-soluble moisturizing ingredients such as rice fermentation liquid and glycosyl trehalose. The milky lotion-like texture is perfectly gentle on the skin, and we think that it is a makeup remover with a good balance of quality ingredients and effective makeup removal.

No.8

KracieLamellance Cleansing Gel

Reference price
$19.00
Mid

Honey-like Dense Texture, Rinses Off Even Heavy Makeup

Kracie's Lamellance Cleansing Gel is said to remove makeup effectively while protecting the skin's moisture. It is made with ingredients so as to combine the best points of both water-based and oil-based gels.


We highly rated its makeup removal ability. It only took a few seconds to remove makeup easily and smoothly. On the other hand, in our tests for feel, many testers who used the product commented that the gel was stiff and difficult to spread, which led to a lower overall evaluation.


Looking at the composition of the ingredients, the product contains three types of oil ingredients and a large amount of glycerin, a moisturizing ingredient, earning it a perfect score for abundance of moisturizing ingredients. The product contains few ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin, making it easy to use even when the skin is delicate. 

No.9

Matsumoto Yushi-SeiyakuMoisturizing Cleansing

Reference price
$9.12
Low Mid

Gentle on Skin, But Makeup Removal is on Weaker Side

Matsumoto Yushi-Seiyaku's Moisturizing Cleansing gel is a product said to condition and care for rough skin and remove makeup while protecting the skin's moisture.


In our test of the ease of makeup removal, it left a thin layer of makeup, and was rated only so-so. This may not be a problem for light natural makeup, but it is not suitable for makeup that is heavily layered. On the other hand, the texture of the product was highly evaluated for its soft and smooth feel, and the moisturizing effect it leaves on the skin.


Looking at the composition of the ingredients, the product received a perfect score for gentleness, due its simplicity and sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients. The amount of surfactants is low, and the main ingredients are synthetic oils and fats and glycerin, a moisturizing ingredient. This product is suitable for those who are looking for a cleanser that is easy to use even on sensitive skin and contains sufficient moisturizing ingredients.

No.10

CHIFURECleansing Gel

Reference price
$5.02
Low Mid

Good Moisturizing Ingredients, Struggles in Removing Point Makeup

Chifure's Cleansing Gel is a product said to be a smooth feeling gel that quickly and thoroughly cleans face of makeup and impurities.


The texture is very dense and can be difficult to spread, and the sticky after-wash feeling is a drawback. In our test for the ease of makeup removal, base makeup was removed cleanly, but mascara left a sticky residue, making it difficult to remove heavy eye makeup quickly.


Looking at the composition of the ingredients, this product contains lots of glycerin as a moisturizing ingredient. It also includes a decent amount of triethylhexanoin, an oil ingredient, giving this gel a full range of moisturizing ingredients. There are few ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin, making it suitable to use even on delicate skin, which is a significant advantage. This cleansing gel can be used on all skin types due to its simple ingredient composition.

How We Tested the Cleansing Gels

How We Tested the Cleansing Gels

We gathered the 32 best-selling products from e-commerce sites popular in Japan (such as @cosme, Amazon, and Rakuten) and tested them all. We looked for cleansing gels that quickly removed makeup while being gentle on the skin. 


We tested each product for the following:

  1. Makeup removal
  2. Feel
  3. Moisturizing ingredients
  4. Gentleness on skin

Test ① Makeup Removal

Test ① Makeup Removal

First, we tested how well each product removed makeup.

We tested this by first applying makeup on synthetic skin, then lathered the cleansing gel on top softly, rubbing it in for 20 seconds. We gave each product a score based on how well the makeup was removed


The following items were used in our test. For more definitive results, we selected smudge-resistant makeup.


<Makeup Used in Test>  
  • Liquid foundation
  • Concealer
  • Waterproof eyeliner
  • Waterproof mascara

Methodology:

  1. Apply a set amount of makeup on synthetic skin
  2. Let it sit for 1 hour
  3. Lather cleansing gel for 20 seconds, then wipe with wet cotton 

Test ② Feel

Test ② Feel

Next, we tested how the product felt on the skin when applied. We gathered five Japanese testers from mybest's editorial department and had them try out each product.


What our testers looked for:

  • Consistency (whether or not the gel is too thick or sticky)
  • Fragrance (whether it is unpleasant or overpowering)
  • Sensation after rinsing off (whether or not the skin feels sticky or tight) 

Test ③ Moisturizing Ingredients

Test ③ Moisturizing Ingredients

Next, we consulted cosmetics expert Kaori, to judge the quality and ratio of the moisturizing ingredients in each product. 


What our expert looked for:
  • Whether or not the products have a sufficient amount of moisturizing ingredients

Test ④ Gentleness on Skin

Test ④ Gentleness on Skin

Lastly, we asked Moko, a cosmetics-based Instagram influencer who works in R&D at a cosmetics manufacturer, to judge each product from the perspective of how gentle they were on the skin. 


What our expert looked for:

  • Whether or not the product may stress or irritate the skin when used by people with normal skin sensitivity

After Cleansing Gel, What's Next?

After Cleansing Gel, What's Next?

After using a cleansing gel that matches your makeup or skin type, what should be the next step in your skincare routine to best condition your skin? 

If you have dry skin, use a toner and emulsion, and seal in that moisture with a cream containing lots of oil. A sleeping face mask, which provides moisture while you're asleep, can also be useful.

On the other hand, if you have oily skin, you should use skincare items that don’t contain much oil. However, since the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth can be prone to drying, you can apply a cream to those areas.

Check out the links below for further information!

How to Clean Long-lasting, Hard to Wash Eye Makeup

Waterproof eyeliner, mascara foundation, and layered mascara are hard to remove with only a cleansing gel.

To rinse off eye makeup, we recommend using a specialized remover for eye makeup along with your cleansing gel.

A remover specialized for eye makeup can wash off eye makeup without much friction, so it doesn’t damage delicate thin-skinned areas.

Check out the article below for more information on eye makeup removers.

More Japanese Makeup Removers to Consider

In addition to cleansing gels, there are a plethora of other makeup removers that may suit your particular needs. Check out the links below for more buying guides and products!

Top 5 Japanese Gel Cleansers

No. 1: KaoBioré Make-up Remover Cleansing Gel

No. 2: ACROTHREE Balancing Cleansing Oil Gel

No. 3: I-neSalanaru Pure Cleansing Gel, Clear

No. 4: KOSÉCarte HD Makeup Removal Oil Gel

No. 5: KOSÉRecipio Moist Cleansing Oil Gel

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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