Top 26 Best Japanese Commercial Shampoos to Buy Online 2019 - Tried and True!

Top 26 Best Japanese Commercial Shampoos to Buy Online

We read the ingredients list, then ran the shampoos through tests to learn how mild they were. We frothed them with a hand mixer to see how they would lather. We washed bundles of hair and checked for texture. And we tried the shampoos out on samples of sebum to test for cleansing power.

Based on how they performed, we ranked the top 26 Japanese commercial shampoos available online.

※Japanese prices for the products are given; they’ve merely been converted into USD for easy viewing.

1. Honeycé Deep Moist Repair Shampoo (16.2 oz)

$8.93

For the General Shampoo Seeker: Offers a Deep Cleanse, but the Mild Ingredients Leave Hair Silky

Now, the only test Honeycé’s shampoo didn’t get a startling high score on was lather–and it’s not like it didn’t foam at all. It took some time, but as you massaged it in, it lathered into dense, springy bubbles. It also rinsed out readily.

The formula was mild. It was silicone-free but contained natural moisturizing ingredients, like honey and flower oils, which left hair hydrated. It was free of sulfates and synthetic dyes.

There was little to complain about. As long as you aren’t particularly picky–just in the market for something that will clean without damaging your hair–Honeycé’s a solid choice.

Japanese	ハニーチェディープモイストリペアシャンプー
Scent	Floral Honey
Price per ounce	$0.55
Benefits	Deep Moist Repair
Application	4.2
Mildness	4.8
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.8
Overall Score	4.3

2. Minon Medicated Hair Shampoo (Quasi-Drug, 15.2 oz)

$12.23

Japanese	ミノン薬用ヘアシャンプー
Scent	Faintly Floral
Price per ounce	$0.80
Benefits	Moisture
Application	4.1
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.0
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.0
Overall Score	4.1

3. Rêveur Fraicheur Moist Shampoo (11.5 oz)

$9.72

Best for Hydrated, Silky Hair: Comes in an Airtight Pouch and is Replete with Moisturizing Oils

The refills come in a pouch–you just stick the nozzle in and pump away. The pouch itself is air-tight, which is meant to keep the shampoo fresher for longer.

It smelled sweet–almost like cheap perfume (and that’s why we gave it a low score for application). Still, it earned 4.0 points or higher on all our other tests. Texture, by the way, was amazing. We washed and dried the bundle of hair ten times, and from beginning to end, the sample felt like spun silk.

The formula is amino acid based and, while gentle, offered a deep cleanse. 1% is made up of oils, which work to hydrate your hair.

Japanese	レヴールフレッシュールモイストシャンプー
Scent	Fresh Flowers
Price per ounce	$0.85
Benefits	–
Application	2.7
Mildness	5.0
Lather	4.0
Hair Texture	5.0
Cleansing	4.9
Overall Score	4.1

4. Moist Diane Botanical Moist Shampoo (16.2 oz)

$13.00

Japanese	モイスト・ダイアンオイルシャンプーボタニカル・モイスト
Scent	Fruity Jasmine
Price per ounce	$0.80
Benefits	Moisture & Shine
Application	3.7
Mildness	4.8
Lather	3.0
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.7
Overall Score	4.0

5. Cow Brand Additive-Free Shampoo (Smooth, 16.9 oz)

$6.35

Best if You’re Looking for a Mild Formula on a Budget: Leaves Hair Soft and Clean Too

Cow Brand’s known for their mild soaps, and this shampoo is no different. It’s additive-free and meant to nourish both your scalp and roots.

There was no silicone, but hair didn’t feel rough or too “squeaky clean” after use. The formula featured both amino acids and betains. While cleansing power was only a bit higher than average, it lathered into a mountain of plush foam.

And though most shampoos formulated for sensitive skin also seem to be priced for the rich, Cow Brand’s products are unfailingly available for a drugstore price.

Japanese	カウブランド無添加シャンプーさらさら
Scent	Unscented
Price per ounce	$0.38
Benefits	Silky Hair
Application	3.2
Mildness	5.0
Lather	4.5
Hair Texture	3.0
Cleansing	3.8
Overall Score	4.0

6. Belluga Shampoo Amino Damage Care (13.5 oz)

$17.87

Japanese	ベルーガシャンプーアミノダメージケア
Scent	Bright Floral
Price per ounce	$1.32
Benefits	Damage Repair & Moisture
Application	4.5
Mildness	4.2
Lather	3.0
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	3.7
Overall Score	4.0

7. SUPERFOOD LAB Biotin + P-Barrier Scalp Shampoo (16.2 oz)

$13.90

Best if You Believe in the Nourishing Power of Botanical Extracts: Designed to be Like a Supplement for Hair

SUPERFOOD LABS employs nano-particles to nourish the scalp as it gently cleanses. It contains an assortment of botanical extracts, curated for their nutritious properties (SUPERFOOD LABS also produces supplements).

The formula features amino acids and betains as surfactants. While it didn’t lather well, it rinsed away almost all the sebum on the glass slide. The scent was bright and refreshing, citrusy and flowery at the same time.

Japanese	スーパーフードラボビオチン+ピー・バリアスカルプシャンプー
Scent	Citrus & Ylang Ylang
Price per ounce	$0.86
Benefits	–
Application	3.5
Mildness	5.0
Lather	2.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.9
Overall Score	4.0

8. Dear Beauté HIMAWARI Volume & Repair Oil in Shampoo (16.9 oz)

$8.27

Worth-Checking out: Sunflower-Centric Formula that Balances Power and Mildness

The formula features sunflower oil and other extracts, meant to repair and hydrate damaged hair. It also smooths out kinks and leaves your locks sleek and shiny.

While hair got a bit tangled after cleansing, resulting in a score of one for texture, as long as you give it a good combing, it’ll revert to a satiny texture. A few of our editors actually use this shampoo at home, and they swear you don’t even need conditioner.

We also appreciate that the ingredients were mild, but the cleansing power was there.

Japanese	ディアボーテオイルインシャンプー (ボリューム＆リペア)
Scent	Fresh & Floral
Price per ounce	$0.49
Benefits	Smooth & Elastic Hair
Application	4.0
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	1.0
Cleansing	4.8
Overall Score	3.9

9. Je L’aime Relax soft & moist Shampoo (16.9 oz)

$8.86

Worth Checking out: Gentle Formula Meant to Tame Frizzy, Kinky Hair

This shampoo’s said to tame even the roughest, kinkiest hair (keep in mind, however, that the target market is straight Asian hair). Nonetheless, it left our bundle of strands silky smooth–which is impressive, considering that the formula is silicone-free.

However, it did have the overly sweet smell of typical commerical shampoos. This is also amino acid-based, meaning you’ll have to take time to lather it up and rinse it out.

Japanese	ジュレームソフト＆モイストシャンプー
Scent	Fruity Floral
Price per ounce	$0.52
Benefits	Hydrated & Soft Hair
Application	3.4
Mildness	4.6
Lather	4.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	2.0
Overall Score	3.9

10. Salon Style BIOLISS Botanical Sleek Straight Shampoo (16.2 oz)

$6.78

Worth Checking Out: A Well-Balanced Shampoo that Smooths out Hair

This didn’t particularly excel at anything, but it didn’t do anything poorly either. If we could give a shampoo points for balance, Bioliss Botanical would come out on top.

This was also a silicone-free formula that managed to leave hair soft and smooth. There was a fruity fragrance with just a hint of herbs.

It lathered up quickly into a mountain of bubbles, but they were a bit rough and loose. Rinse well and make sure you check for any residue.

Japanese	ビオリスボタニカルシャンプー (スリークストレート)
Scent	Orange, Lime, Eucalyptus, Lavandin, & Star Anise Essential Oils
Price per ounce	$0.42
Benefits	Smooths out Kinks
Application	3.8
Mildness	3.7
Lather	4.0
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.2
Overall Score	3.9

11. Atopia Moisturizing Scalp Shampoo (11.8 oz)

$6.73

View product on Rakuten (Japan only)

Worth Checking out: Fragrance-Free Formula Designed for Babies

This is a foam shampoo formulated for babies–you can guess how mild it’s going to be.

The bubbles start to disappear as soon as you massage into hair, but that’s because the formula’s designed to stay on your scalp for as short a time as possible. No cleansing agents overstaying their welcome means low chances of skin irritation.

However, very little product comes out with a single pump (no wonder, as it’s made for baby heads). If you have long, thick hair, you’ll likely run out in no time.

Japanese	アトピタ保湿頭皮シャンプー
Scent	Unscented
Price per ounce	$0.57
Benefits	Soothes Dry Skin
Application	2.7
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	4.0
Cleansing	4.0
Overall Score	3.8

12. LUX Go Active Hair to Heels Wash (5.1 oz)

$4.51

Japanese	LUX アスレジャーヘルシーシャイン全身シャンプー
Scent	Rosemary
Price per ounce	$0.89
Benefits	–
Application	3.1
Mildness	4.0
Lather	4.5
Hair Texture	3.0
Cleansing	5.0
Overall Score	3.8

13. Remedy Shampoo (16.9 oz)

$20.29

Japanese	レメディシャンプー
Scent	Herbal
Price per ounce	$1.20
Benefits	–
Application	2.8
Mildness	4.8
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	3.0
Cleansing	4.8
Overall Score	3.7

14. ARGELAN Chamomile Rosemary Scalp Shampoo (16.9 oz)

$14.94

View product on YOYCART.com

Japanese	アルジェランオーガニックスカルプシャンプー
Scent	Citrus & Herbs
Price per ounce	$0.88
Benefits	Smooth & Healthy Hair
Application	4.4
Mildness	4.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	1.0
Cleansing	3.8
Overall Score	3.6

15. Ichikami Moisturizing Shampoo (16.2 oz)

$5.43

Japanese	いち髪濃密W保湿ケアシャンプー
Scent	Apricot & Sakura
Price per ounce	$0.33
Benefits	Silky Hair
Application	3.8
Mildness	5.0
Lather	3.5
Hair Texture	2.0
Cleansing	1.3
Overall Score	3.6

Products That Didn't Make the Cut

And why they didn't quite make it.

Balances (Relatively) Mild Ingredients and Cleansing Power, but Leaves Hair Unnecessarily Rough

Curel’s Intensive Moisture Care Shampoo (16) was actually similar to our number 11 pick, Atopia. There was no smell to it, and ingredients were mild enough, though they earned only a score of 4.0, as opposed to Atopia’s 5.0. Cleansing power was graded at over a 4.0. However, unlike Atopia’s shampoo, Curel’s left hair a bit rough.

Aēsop’s Classic Shampoo (17) and Moist Diane’s Extra Straight Shampoo (18) were scented. Otherwise, they scored similarly to Curel’s Intensive Moisture Care on ingredients, cleansing power, and hair texture.

Powerful Cleanser but Unremarkable in Other Ways

Tsubaki’s Moist Shampoo (19) earned average scores–around a 3.0–on all tests except for cleansing power, where it shone with a rating of 4.9.

Regenne’s Shampoo for Scalp Moisture (23) was similarly unremarkable. It earned a high score for cleansing and 3.0s on everything else–except for hair texture, for which it received only a single point.

Offers Mild Ingredients but Not Much of a Cleanse

Botanist’s Botanical Shampoo (20) featured only gentle ingredients, for which it received a perfect score. However, though it lathered well, it earned only a 1.5 for cleansing power. It got a flat 1.0 for hair texture as well.

Likewise, Essential’s Free & Easy Shampoo (25) earned 4.2 points for its mild ingredients. Cleansing was better than Botanical’s product, though not by much–it received a score of 2.8. Hair texture was likewise graded at a 1.0, as was lather.

Deep Cleans but May be a Bit Rough on Your Scalp and Hair

On the other hand, MACHÉRIE’s Air Feel Shampoo (21) and SALA’s Shittori Sarasara Shampoo (22) both received near-perfect scores for cleansing. However, they had points docked for harsh ingredients, leaving them with little more than 2.0 points each. Hair texture was also graded at a 1.0 (MACHÉRIE) and 2.0 (SALA).

Ingredients are a Bit Harsh and Don’t Have Much to Offer in the Way of Cleansing Power Either

LUX’s Botanical Pure Shampoo (24) and LUX’s Super Rich Shine Moisture Shampoo(26) both received only 2.8 points for cleansing. However, ingredients were a bit harsh and rated at a 2.0 or below. And while LUX’s Botanical Shampoo earned a 4.0 for hair texture, the original formula got only a 1.0. Everything else was more or less average.

How We Tested Our Products

We were looking for a good balance between cleansing power and mildness. We wanted shampoo that lathered well but left hair moisturized and smooth.

This is how we tested for those factors.

Test ①: Application

This is a bit subjective, but we graded each product based on how good it felt to use.

We handed the shampoos over to a group of editors. This was after we had transferred all the products into plain containers, so our testers wouldn’t be mislead by clever packaging and branding.

The editors graded each bottle on its scent, how easy it was to lather up and rinse out, and how easy it was to run your fingers through hair after application.

To make it a bit more objective, we didn’t ask editors to simply tell us whether they liked the scent or not. Instead, they were looking for authenticity–whether the shampoo really smelled like whatever it claimed to smell like.

Out of the seven products that earned a score of 4.0 or higher, six were non-silicone shampoos that featured natural moisturizing ingredients.

Test ②: Mildness

To check for harshness/mildness, we used something called the “protein denaturation test.” Denaturation, by the way, refers to the altering or destruction of protein structure through the introduction of an external stressor.

We diluted the shampoo and added fixed amounts of each into separate cups of egg whites. We then mixed the liquids together gently, as to not cause any frothing. We left the solutions to sit for a set period of time. When we came back, we set each of the cups on a black sheet of paper.

The more caustic the shampoo was, the more it caused the egg whites to cloud over. So, if you look at the picture above–the solution on the left side of the picture was extremely cloudy; therefore, the shampoo used was caustic and earned only a score of 1.0. On the other hand, the solution on the the right side was clear; therefore, the shampoo was mild and earned a score of 5.0

We also took a look at the ingredients list. For each additional ingredient (which wasn’t a surfactant) that could be considered unnecessarily harsh (like dyes), we subtracted half a point from the final “mildness” score.

Test ③: Lather

Most shampoos don’t work well unless you can get them to foam up. So, we poured diluted shampoo into large plastic cups, ensuring we had the same proportion of shampoo and water across the board.

We then set a hand mixer to a fixed speed and beat the solutions for a certain (short) amount of time. We measured the amount of foam we were left with; taller foam meant a higher score.

Test ④: Hair Texture

This refers to how the shampoo leaves your hair feeling after you’re done cleansing, rinsing, and drying off.

We prepared 26 batches of long hair. We washed each with one of the shampoos and then blow-dried it, ten times.

The act of rubbing the shampoo in itself can be a form of stress; to account for that, we used a comb. That not only ensured we applied shampoo in the exact same way to each sample of hair, but also that product was distributed evenly throughout a single batch.

We also made sure to dry each sample at a set temperature (warm wind), with fixed speed settings.

After the washing and drying, we ran each batch of hair through with a comb, ten times. Each time we ran the comb through, we used a machine to measure how much force it took; we then calculated the average and graded each product on a scale from 1.0 – 5.0–a higher score meant slicker hair and a better product.

Test ⑤: Cleansing Power

First, we diluted all the shampoos, making sure to keep the shampoo to water ratio consistent.

We then prepared artificial sebum by mixing together stearic acid and oleic acid (the main components of human sebum). We applied the mixture onto glass slides.

We then gently submerged each glass plate into the diluted samples of shampoo. The more sebum a shampoo could wash off, the higher the score it earned.

Tips on How to Choose Japanese Commercial Shampoo – Buying Guide

Here are four big things to look out for.

① How Much Cleansing Power Do You Actually Need?

You don’t have to read the entire ingredients list if you don’t want to. However, at least scan the first three rows–as these items will be present in the highest concentration.

Just keep in mind that products in Japan classified as “quasi-drugs”※1 don’t have to list all the ingredients that went into them, so they’re much harder to judge.

※1 医薬部外品: quasi-drugs (similar to OTC drugs in America)

The Most Powerful Surfactants: For a Quick, Thorough Cleanse, Consider Sulfates

Most commercial shampoo feature sulfates. They’re cheap, but they lather well and clean deep.

The thing about sulfates, though, is they can penetrate into the scalp and be so harsh, they end up doing more harm than good. They’re derived from alcohol as well, so you’d do well to avoid sulfates if you’re allergic or have sensitive skin.

You can use sulfates on sweaty days or when your hair really needs a good cleansing, but we recommend something more gentle for everyday use.

Look for These Ingredients

ラウレス硫酸Na: Sodium Laureth Sulfate

ラウリル硫酸Na: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

The Gentler Cleansers: If You Have Dry or Sensitive Skin, Consider Amino Acids

If you have a dry scalp or sensitive skin, we recommend using amino acid shampoos. They’re far milder than most other surfactants though as a trade-off they don’t lather as well or clean as deep. And it’s important that you keep your scalp clean because build-up can lead to clogged pores, which in turn can contribute to acne or hair loss.

So when you cleanse with amino acid shampoos, take time to work up a good lather (or consider investing in a foaming net or sponge). Then massage thoroughly into your scalp and hair and take 4-5 minutes to rinse out.

Amino acid shampoos will feature ingredients that contain “cocoyl” or “lauroyl.”※2

Look for These Ingredients

-Don’t Lather Easily but are Especially Gentle-

ココイルグルタミン酸Na: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
ココイルグルタミン酸TEA: TEA-Cocoyl Glutamate
ラウロイルグルタミン酸Na: Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

-Lather Relatively Easily-

ラウロイルアラニンNa: Sodium Lauroyl Alanine
ココイルメチルアラニンNa: Sodium Cocoyl Methyl Beta-Alanine
ココイルアラニンTEA: TEA-Cocoyl Alaninate
ラウロイルサルコシンNa: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
ココイルサルコシンNa: Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate

※2 「ココイル」「ラウロイル」: “cocoyl” and “lauroyl,” respectively

The Mildest of Them All: For Plush, Creamy, Gentle Foam, Try Betains

If you want the mildest shampoo possible for your scalp and hair, consider “betains.” They’re so gentle, they’re often used in infant shampoos; yet they lather into a dense, creamy foam.

However, betain shampoos are even weaker than amino acid shampoos. Make sure you rinse out your hair with warm water before applying–and if your hair doesn’t feel clean after the first round, then lather, rinse, and repeat.

Look for These Ingredients

ラウラミドプロピルベタイン: Lauramidopropyl Betaine
ココアン酢酸Na: Sodium Cocoan Acetate
コカミドプロピルベタイン: Cocamidopropyl Betaine

② The Pros and Cons of Silicone

Silicone shampoos aren’t always bad–here’s when they can and can’t help.

If You Need to Smooth Down Your Hair, Consider Taking Advantage of Silicone Shampoos

If you have damaged or frizzy hair, then consider getting a shampoo that contains silicone. Silicone coats each separate strand of hair, smoothing them over. The problem is when there’s too much residue left around your roots or on your scalp, but you can remedy this with a thorough rinse.

The ingredients listed below and anything that contains the roots “silica,” “silyl” “silane,” and “silox”※3 are silicones.

Look for These Ingredients

ジメチコン：Dimethicone
ジメチコノール: Dimethiconol

※3「シリカ」「シリル」「シラン」「シロキ」: “silica,” “silyl” “silane,” and “silox,” respectively

If You Suffer from Heavy, Weighed Down Hair, Switch over to a Silicone-Free Formula

On the other hand, if your hair feels weighed down and greasy or even if it’s just thin, then you may benefit from a non-silicone shampoo. Switching over from a silicone shampoo should give your hair a lift from the roots.

And you don’t need to give up silky texture either. Many silicone-free formulas will contain natural moisturizing ingredients like honey and sunflower seed oil, which will hydrate and smooth over your locks without plastering them against your head.

③ You Can Live without the Dyes

When scanning the ingredients list, you may sometimes notice that there’s colors※4, followed by numbers. These are tar-based dyes; they contain plenty of impurities and, if left to accumulate on your scalp, can cause damage.

In any case, you’re supposed to rinse off shampoos as soon as you finish cleansing, so dyes are completely unnecessary. If possible, try to avoid products that contain them.

We will, however, wave a green flag at shampoos that contain caramel. Yes, this is the same caramel made from heating sugar, and it’s a safe and natural ingredient.

※4 「赤」「青」「黄」「紫」「緑」「橙」: red, blue, yellow, purple, green, and orange, respectively

④ Don’t Discount Scent

As superficial as it may seem to use your nose to choose, lovely smells lingering in your hair can do wonders for mood. If you don’t like the artificial, saccharine perfume of artificial fragrances, you can always try formulas scented with natural essential oils. They aren’t as head-splitting.

If you’re one for sweet scents, try floral (rose is especially popular) and honey shampoos. If you like lighter, more netural scents, try herb, mint, and citrus shampoos.

Want to Learn How to Properly Wash Your Hair?

The act of scrubbing can wear your hair and scalp down over time. But how is one supposed to get a thorough cleanse without scrubbing?

We interviewed a hair specialist and learned a few shampooing tips and tricks. We then compiled his advice into a how-to. Learn more below.

Top 18 Best Japanese Salon Shampoos to Buy Online 2019 – Tried and True!

Summary

We rounded up members from our editing department, purchased the 26 most popular Japanese commercial shampoos, and tested them all.

There are almost as many types of shampoo on the market as there are hair types in the world. Think about your own–do you need extra cleansing power? Or something that won’t strip your hair? Do you like the feel of plush foam? Or something that will rinse out quickly?

The list of considerations go on and on, but it’s worth taking time to think. After all, you use shampoo regularly, so why not find the ideal product that will not only nourish your hair but lift your mood?

Original by Mai Okutomi; Translation by Jasmine Li

Top 26 Best Japanese Commercial Shampoos to Buy Online 2019 - Tried and True!