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10 Best Tried and True Japanese Men's Face Washes in 2022 (Skincare Expert-Reviewed)

Face washes are fundamental and essential for men's skincare, cleaning off dirt and grime and removing excess sebum that can cause various skin problems. However, some face washes can remove too much sebum that your face ends up feeling extra dry.


Japanese face washes for men balance cleansing ability with moisturization. However, there are a wide variety of men's face washes, from popular brands such as Rosette, Muji Shiseido, Null, and Tokiwa Pharmaceutical, to name a few, all selling different types of face washes. With so many options, figuring out which product is best for you can be difficult. 


To help you out, we found the 25 best-selling Japanese men's face washes on Japanese e-commerce giants (such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping) and tested them all.


We tested each product for the following:

  • Cleansing ability
  • Moisture retention
  • Ingredients
  • Feel

We then ranked the 10 best Japanese men's face washes based on our test results. We also put together a Buying Guide to help you choose the best Japanese men's face wash with help from beauty researcher, Mizuha, who evaluated each product's ingredients. 

Last updated 2023/01/13
Mizuha
Expert
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher

She's a scholar at an academic institution that researches the creation of new medicines. Besides that, she utilizes her previous work experience as a beauty product researcher and developer to review and analyze products for people with sensitive skin. She holds multiple certifications as a high-grade cosmetics ingredients specialist and concierge. Mizuha has also been using social media to further her reach by providing cosmetic ingredient ratings and surveys.

Mizuha's Profile
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Yusuke Kobayashi
Guide
Editor, mybest Men's Cosmetics and Skincare

Yusuke is the editor for cosmetics, skincare, and beauty-related appliances for men at mybest. He's tested over 300 different products spanning 14 categories and edits articles with the motto of providing easy-to-understand information to those making their first foray into the world of men's cosmetics.

Yusuke Kobayashi's Profile
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  • This content is independently produced by the mybest team. We may receive free products and services from brands and manufacturers and/or place ads, but these do not influence our content and product rankings.
  • For more information, please see mybest content policy
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the relevant research (as of 11-04-2022).

Why Do Men Need to Use a Men's Face Wash?

Why Do Men Need to Use a Men's Face Wash?

While the type of ingredients they're formulated with is generally the same, it's the concentration that sets face washes for men apart from face washes for women.


In general, men produce about two to three times more sebum than women, and this remains relatively constant with age. High levels of sebum production can lead to easily clogged pores, presenting themselves as skin problems such as acne and greasy or shiny-looking skin. Face wash for men, therefore, tends to be a bit stronger in cleansing ability than face wash for women.


Using a face wash that suits your skin type can remove excess sebum and keratin and maintain clean skin that's less prone to skin problems.


Start by washing your face twice daily, morning and night, to maintain clean skin.

How to Choose Japanese Men's Face Wash

Here are six essential points to keep in mind when shopping for a Japanese men's face wash.

① Choose a Cleansing Ingredient That Suits Your Skin Type

Generally, men’s face wash products use soap, amino acids, or anionic sulfates such as S.L.E (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) as base ingredients. Here, we'll explain which ingredient type suits particular skin needs and concerns.

Soap Based Ingredients For Oily Skin and a Refreshing Feel

Soap Based Ingredients For Oily Skin and a Refreshing Feel

If you're concerned with oily or shiny skin, we recommend choosing a soap-based face wash product. Soap-based cleaning ingredients are common among various men’s face wash products.


Cleansing ability can vary due to the balance of ingredients, but soap-based face washes are generally more cleansing than amino acid-based face washes. We recommend them especially if you seek a refreshing, smooth sensation after use. However, if your oily and shiny skin is caused by dryness and irritation, we caution against using soap-based face washes.


Examples of soap-based ingredients:

  • Fatty Acids (such as Lauric or myristic acid) combined with an alkaline component (such as potassium or sodium hydroxide)
  • Sodium myristate and sodium oleate
  • Soap substrate, potash soap, etc
Mizuha
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher
Mizuha's Comment

Cleansing ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate have high cleaning power, potentially irritating the skin.


People with sensitive skin may find them particularly irritating, so please check if they are listed on the ingredient list.

Amino Acid-Based Ingredients Moisturize Dry Skin

Amino Acid-Based Ingredients Moisturize Dry Skin

If you're concerned with dry, itchy, or sunburned skin, we recommend you check for face wash products that use amino acid-based ingredients.


Compared with soap-based products, amino acid-based face washes have a weaker cleansing ability. This means that they are less effective at removing impurities like excess sebum. However, it allows your facial skin to retain more naturally occurring oils, thus acting as a natural moisturizer and keeping your skin feeling fresh.


This type of face wash is gentle on the skin, so it's perfect for those just getting into skincare who are still learning their skin type.


<Examples of Amino Acid Based Ingredients>

  • Sodium lauroyl methylaminopropionate
  • Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
  • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
  • Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate
  • Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
  • Other ingredients that include “Monosodium Glutamate” or “Potassium Taurine Laurate”
Mizuha
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher
Mizuha's Comment

The cleaning ability of a face wash depends largely on the ratio and combination of its base ingredients. Select a product based on the ingredients that best serve your specific skin type and desired feel after use.

② Choose Ingredients That Will Alleviate Your Skin Care Concerns

Facial cleaners mix a variety of ingredients to alleviate particular skin conditions. By checking which ingredients are used in the product, you can determine if they will be effective at treating your specific skin care concerns or not.

For Acne Prone Skin, Look For Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Ingredients

For Acne Prone Skin, Look For Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Ingredients

For people with acne-prone skin or oily skin resulting from impurities such as dirt, oil, and excess sebum production, look for ingredients listed with acne-preventing properties.


It's best to look for products that are described as quasi-drugs that have proven medicinal properties and are packaged with labeling that includes "acne care.” When applying these products, make sure to lather them carefully to avoid unnecessary friction.


※Quasi-drugs are defined by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan as a category of products that fit between medicine and cosmetics. Manufacturers are not required to label all ingredients for these products.

Mizuha
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher
Mizuha's Comment

In addition to the active ingredients, check whether the product is listed as "non-comedogenic tested," which means that it has been tested for acne prevention.

For Rough Skin, Scrub and Peeling Face Washes Are Most Effective

For Rough Skin, Scrub and Peeling Face Washes Are Most Effective

If your skin is rough due to irritation by sebum excretion, we recommend a facial cleanser with scrubbing and exfoliating agents. Scrubbing face washes exfoliate the build-up of dead skin and are also effective as a preventative measure for clogged pores and cracked skin.


While none ultimately made it into our top 10, when testing for cleansing ability, face washes with scrubbing agents received the highest scores across the board over all other types. Beyond the ingredients themselves, the physical act of scrubbing impurities is important for overall cleansing.


However, scrubbing and peeling agent face washes can make the skin more delicate. Use them infrequently (once or twice a week), and avoid using them entirely when your skin is particularly sensitive.

Mizuha
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher
Mizuha's Comment

Using a facial cleanser containing scrubbing or peeling ingredients makes the skin more delicate than usual.


Pay careful attention to the frequency of use and condition of your skin when using such products.

For a Refreshing Feel, Look For Menthol and Other Soothing Ingredients

For a Refreshing Feel, Look For Menthol and Other Soothing Ingredients

If you want a refreshing sensation after use, we recommend a face wash containing menthol and xylitol. They tend to be labeled with words such as "refreshing," "clean," or "cool" on the product packaging.


Cooling agents provide a refreshing sensation and are best for the summer or after exercise when stickiness is a concern. However, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation, so do a patch test on your arm before applying it to your face.

③ Check for Moisturizing Ingredients

Check for Moisturizing Ingredients

Since many men are concerned about oily or sticky skin, they tend to focus only on the sebum-removing function when choosing a face wash. However, in addition to removing sebum, it's essential to keep skin moisturized. When selecting a product, check whether it contains any moisturizing ingredients.


In our moisture retention test, most products resulted in a decrease in skin moisture content after cleansing. Thus, we recommend products that contain glycerin, an active moisturizing ingredient, as many products with it scored higher for moisture retention capacity.

Mizuha
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher
Mizuha's Comment

At first glance, moisturizing ingredients may seem unnecessary in a face wash, but the inclusion of including such ingredients acts as a cushion to protect the skin from excess moisture loss.



People who experience dryness or irritation of the skin from using face washes should also pay attention to the moisturizing ingredients.

④ Choose Gentle Face Washes For Sensitive Skin

Choose Gentle Face Washes For Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin may experience irritation or reactions caused by some ingredients in face washes. Be careful when choosing a face wash when your skin is not in good condition due to dryness or razor burn.


Common irritation-causing ingredients are preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and ethanol (alcohol). There are also concerns regarding allergies and irritation if there are multiple essential oils in the product.

If you have experienced reactions to cosmetics, check whether the product has passed safety tests. We advise that you choose products that have allergy-tested, patch-tested, or stinging-tested labeled on the package.

Mizuha
Sensitive Skin Beauty Researcher
Mizuha's Comment

If you are concerned about whether your skin will be irritated, we recommend that you try out a sample first if it's an option.


Also, before using the product on the face, a patch test on a part easily concealed by clothing, such as the inside of the upper arm, can serve as a good indicator to check whether the product is suitable or not for your skin.

⑤ There Are Three Types of Face Wash Dispensers

There are three types of dispensers for face washes: tube, foam, and bar soaps. We'll explain each of their features so you can choose the type that best suits your preferences.

Tube Types Come in the Widest Variety

Tube Types Come in the Widest Variety

Tube-type packaging is the most widely available variety of men's face washes. 


There are various types of tube face washes depending on the manufacturer and product, such as gel, cream, or paste. Since the characteristics vary greatly from product to product, you're bound to find a product that best suits your needs.

We recommend using a foaming net or facewash foamer. Check out the following article for our 10 best picks and a buying guide on Japanese face wash nets.

Foam Type Dispensers Don't Require Manual Lathering

Foam Type Dispensers Don't Require Manual Lathering

For those who struggle with lathering face washes, foam-type cleansers with a pump dispenser are recommended for its ease of use. Just press the pump, and whipped foam comes out instantly.


Unfortunately, no foam cleansers made it into our top 10. Since it has relatively less cleansing power than the tube type, it is best suited for those with low sebum levels and skin that tends to dry out quickly. However, be careful about the type of surfactant used, as it may irritate the skin when sensitive.

Also, many products tend to have a looser foam texture and quickly go flat, so be sure to use the right amount each time, and be careful not to apply too much friction.

Bar Soap Types Prioritize Cleansing Power

Bar Soap Types Prioritize Cleansing Power

Bar soap suits those who want the cleanest and most refreshing feeling after use. Many produce a light, fluffy lather that can be quickly rinsed off.


Bar soap requires a separate tray for storage. They can dissolve over time if left in the shower room for extended periods, so storing them in a well-ventilated spot is recommended.

However, since bar soap has such high cleansing power, people with dry skin should be careful about how often they use it. For example, using it only on days when stickiness is a concern and not every day is a good rule of thumb.

⑥ Fragrances and Usability Are Also Important Factors

Fragrances and Usability Are Also Important Factors

Other factors to consider when buying a facial cleanser are fragrances and usability. We recommend unscented types for those who don't like scented products and citrus scents for those who desire a soothing fragrance.


During our usability test, containers that were simple in design and intuitive to use, as well as those that quickly dispensed voluminous foam, were rated highly. On the other hand, products that were difficult to handle with one hand and products that made it difficult to adjust the amount dispensed were rated poorly.

For those who want to wash their face with thick creamy foam, keep an eye out for a face wash that contains a lathering-improver, such as the following.

Ingredients to look for:
  • Polyquaternium-6 or Polyquaternium-7
  • Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide, etc.

10 Best Japanese Men's Face Washes

Now to introduce the ranking for the most popular Japanese Men's Face Washes.The products or services listed are independently ranked by the mybest Editorial Team based on the relevant research.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Points
1

Rosette

Rosette Face Wash Paste Acne Care

Rosette Rosette Face Wash Paste Acne Care 1枚目

Best Well-Rounded Foam Wash With Great Cleansing, Moisturizing, and Lathering Abilities

2

MUJI

Mild Moisturizing Face Wash Foam

MUJI Mild Moisturizing Face Wash Foam 1枚目

Face Foam With Great Moisture Retention for Dry Skin

3

SHISEIDO International

SHISEIDO Men's Face Cleanser

SHISEIDO International SHISEIDO Men's Face Cleanser 1枚目

Thick Foam That Quickly Rinses off and Doubles as Shaving Cream

4

Wellness Advance

Buso Soap

Wellness Advance Buso Soap 1枚目

Bar Soap Cleanser With Strong Cleaning Power That Doesn’t Leave a Sticky Feel

5

NULL

NULL Acne Block Men's Face Wash

NULL NULL  Acne Block Men's Face Wash 1枚目

Thick Foam Cleanser Great for Acne-Prevention and Pore Care but Not for Sensitive Skin

6

Rebranding Japan

Quattro Botanico Oil Control & Face Cleanser

Rebranding Japan Quattro Botanico Oil Control & Face Cleanser 1枚目

Sea Salt Face Wash With Soothing Fragrance for Oily, Shiny, or Sticky Skin

7

RISE ONE

Nile Clay Wash

RISE ONE Nile Clay Wash 1枚目

Mud and Charcoal-Based Face Wash With Good Moisture Retention Best for Dry and Sticky Skin

8

Rosette

Rosette Cleansing Paste Smooth Mud

Rosette Rosette Cleansing Paste Smooth Mud 1枚目

Moisturizing Cleansing Paste With Rose and Fine Sea Mud Powder

9

Tokiwakyuhin

Nameraka-hompo Cleansing Face Wash NC

Tokiwakyuhin Nameraka-hompo Cleansing Face Wash NC 1枚目

Gentle and Moisturizing Soy-Based Cleanser Suitable for Sensitive Skin

10

SHISEIDO

Senka Perfect Whip Face Wash

SHISEIDO Senka Perfect Whip Face Wash 1枚目

Moisturizing Face Wash With Thick Lathering Foam

Product details
Close
No.1

RosetteRosette Face Wash Paste Acne Care

$8.14

Best Well-Rounded Foam Wash With Great Cleansing, Moisturizing, and Lathering Abilities

Rosette's Facial Cleansing Paste Acne Clear is a medicated facial cleansing foam that prevents acne and soothes damaged skin. The creamy foam allows you to care for your skin while keeping it moisturized.


In tests for cleansing power, it removed artificial sebum effectively and received a high rating. Although a minuscule amount of dirt remained after washing, it was cleaned with a simple rinse. The product also received high marks for retaining moisture, as there was almost no decrease in skin moisture levels after washing.


In our usability test, the product received high marks from testers, with many positive comments such as "the foam is gentle on the skin and comfortable," and "it is refreshing and easy to use." This product received high evaluations across the board with only a few points of concern. This product is mybest's top-rated and most recommended men's face wash. 

No.2

MUJIMild Moisturizing Face Wash Foam

$5.00

Face Foam With Great Moisture Retention for Dry Skin

Ryohin Keikaku's MUJI Mild Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam is a unique item that contains apricot juice and peach leaf extract as skin conditioning ingredients. It's also available in a variety of sizes (1 oz, 4.2 oz, and 7 oz.), making it convenient for both at-home and travel purposes. 


In the cleansing power test, the fluffy foam enmeshed with dirt and successfully dissolved it away. In addition, the moisture retention test showed that the amount of moisture in the skin actually increased after washing, leaving the skin moisturized. This product is recommended for people whose skin tends to dry out after washing.


In our test for feel, testers commented that the product felt smooth and pleasant on the skin and that the foam was conveniently washed off with a simple rinse. This men's facial cleanser is recommended for those who have dry skin and want to replenish moisture while washing their face.

No.3

SHISEIDO InternationalSHISEIDO Men's Face Cleanser

$20.72

Thick Foam That Quickly Rinses off and Doubles as Shaving Cream

SHISEIDO International's Men's Face Cleanser is a product that combines many effective skincare ingredients to produce a creamy foam for a gentle cleanse. It can also double as an effective shaving cream.


The thick foam produced by this product coats your skin, cleanly stripping off any built-up dead skin and sebum. In our cleansing power tests, a small amount of sebum remained, but a quick rinse was all it took for it to be fully removed. It received positive reviews for its moisture retention, with the change in the amount of moisture in the skin after use being minimal. Overall, this product kept the skin fresh and hydrated.


Testers left positive comments such as, “The texture of the foam left a gentle impression on the skin”, and “The foam was comforting to the skin and easy to wash off”. This product also has a pleasant woody citrus aroma.

No.4

Wellness AdvanceBuso Soap3 Set

$59.25

Bar Soap Cleanser With Strong Cleaning Power That Doesn’t Leave a Sticky Feel

Buso Soap, with its unique product name, is a bar soap face wash that focuses on moisturizing men's skin. This product is made to be long-lasting by resisting dissolving. It claims to maximize the moisturizing and skin-conditioning effects of its ingredients by being hard to dissolve while applying or rinsing.


The soap received high marks in our cleansing power tests, easily lifting the artificial sebum off of our glass plate. On the other hand, its ability to retain moisture was not as good as expected. However, this soap, unlike most soap, didn't cause stickiness after washing. Our testers said that it left their skin feeling refreshed.


Testers also noted that "the bar soap was difficult to use if you're not used to it." However, once they got a lather going, they found that the fluffy foam revitalized the skin. This product is suitable for those who want to avoid any feelings of stickiness after washing their face.

No.5

NULLNULL Acne Block Men's Face Wash

$15.42

Thick Foam Cleanser Great for Acne-Prevention and Pore Care but Not for Sensitive Skin

NULL Medicated Acne Block Face Wash is a medicated facial cleanser designed to alleviate common men's skin concerns such as acne prevention and pore care. The stylish silver and black packaging make it stand out among the rest as well. 


In our cleansing power test, the thick foam enmeshed well with artificial sebum and rinsed off very well. It didn't leave a sticky residue, and the amount of moisture lost after washing was relatively small. However, as it contains many plant extracts such as artichoke extract and gingko extract which can be irritating for some skin, if you have sensitive skin, we recommended that you do a patch test before use.


In terms of the product's usability, its easy-rinsing foam and lime citrus scent were both well received. However, the design, which reminded us of hairdressing products, divided the testers with some liking it and others not. 

No.6

Rebranding JapanQuattro Botanico Oil Control & Face Cleanser

$15.19

Sea Salt Face Wash With Soothing Fragrance for Oily, Shiny, or Sticky Skin

Quattro Botanico's Botanical Oil Control & Face Cleanser is made  to target adult men in their 30s and older dealing with oily, sticky, or shiny skin. It contains sea salt (kucha), which adsorbs sebum and dirt and is rich in minerals, and plant extracts that exfoliate the skin.


It performed well in our cleaning power test, effectively removing the artificial sebum. However, the product received a poor score for hydration due to there being a large decrease in skin moisture content after use. 


Testers commented that "the fresh and gentle fragrance was favorable", and that "the product was easy to wash with a good lather." This facial cleanser has an appealing, unique feel.

No.7

RISE ONENile Clay Wash

$19.18

Mud and Charcoal-Based Face Wash With Good Moisture Retention Best for Dry and Sticky Skin

RISE ONE's Nile Concentrated Foaming Mud Face Wash is a facial cleanser that combines mud and charcoal to absorb sebum and dirt. The product claims to clean oily and sticky skin with its dense foam.


However, in our cleaning power tests, some dirt was not removed in some areas. That said, it didn't leave a greasy residue which was a positive. In the moisturization test, skin moisture content slightly decreased after washing, and thus was rated as average. We concluded that this product is recommended for dry and sticky skin, rather than oily skin.


In terms of feel, the whipped cream-like thick foam felt comfortable to use, and the product has a unique fruity fragrance. However, the foam needed to be rinsed off carefully, as some residue was left behind at times. The container is also slightly transparent which makes it easy to keep track of how much product you have left.

No.8

RosetteRosette Cleansing Paste Smooth Mud

$8.67

Moisturizing Cleansing Paste With Rose and Fine Sea Mud Powder

Rosette's Facial Cleansing Pasta Sea Mud Smooth is a face wash containing rose fruit extract (noibara fruit extract) as a skin conditioning ingredient. The item claims that its dense foam containing fine sea mud powder adsorbs and removes dead skin cells and excess sebum. 


In the cleaning power test, the foam enmeshed with and removed the thick artificial sebum effectively, but left a slightly greasy residue on the surface of the glass. That being said, its moisture retention power was evaluated highly with only a slight decrease in skin moisture content after washing.


In our feel test, the product was well-received with testers saying, "It looks non-pliable because it is clay, but it feels smooth on the skin," and "The lather is pleasant." Also, although the package states that it contains rose fruit extract, the fragrance is faint and not overbearing at all.

No.9

TokiwakyuhinNameraka-hompo Cleansing Face Wash NC

$5.91

Gentle and Moisturizing Soy-Based Cleanser Suitable for Sensitive Skin

Tokiwa Pharmaceutical Industry's Nameraka-Honpo Cleansing Face Wash NC is a product consisting of a unique combination of pure soy milk isoflavone and soy milk fermented liquid as skin conditioning ingredients.


In terms of cleansing power, this gentle foam was able to quickly remove artificial sebum. A slight amount of dirt remained on the plate, but this wasn't a concern as it was easily rinsed off. In addition, in the moisture retention test, the product received high marks for retaining skin moisture levels with minimal loss. 


In the texture test, some users commented that "the foam is quite dense but can be easily removed", and that "it blends well with the skin." The product comfortably lathers the skin, making it suitable for those who prefer a gentle washing experience.

No.10

SHISEIDOSenka Perfect Whip Face Wash

$10.12

Moisturizing Face Wash With Thick Lathering Foam

SHISEIDO's Senka Perfect Whip Face Wash is a product that claims to remove dirt and grime from dry skin pores with its micro-dense foam. Using this product will result in bright vibrant skin with a smooth complexion.


In our cleansing power test, the foam was much denser than other products, and dirt and artificial sebum was removed as if they had been dissolved. However, it tended to leave a thin film of residue in some areas, so people with oily skin should rinse carefully. In addition, the moisture retention test showed that the amount of moisture in the skin after washing increased.


In terms of the feel of the product, testers commented that "the soap-like fragrance was universally liked." That being said, they also commented that "the lather was too dense and didn't come off quickly when rinsing." We recommend this face wash for those who want to wash their face comfortably with a thick lathering foam.

How We Tested the Men's Face Washes

How We Tested the Men's Face Washes

We gathered the 10 best-selling Japanese men's face washes for oily skin from e-commerce sites popular in Japan, such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, and tested them all.

We tested each product for the following:

  • Cleansing power
  • Moisture retention
  • Ingredients
  • Feel

Test ① Cleansing Ability

Test ① Cleansing Ability

First, we tested the cleaning power of each face wash, which is the most important factor in choosing a facial cleanser. 


Methodology:
To do this, we prepared a glass slide coated with artificial sebum (lard) and applied the facial cleanser on it for 30 seconds. Then, we washed it off with lukewarm water at 95° Fahrenheit. Finally, we checked how much of the artificial sebum was removed before and after applying the cleanser.

Test ② Moisture Retention

Test ② Moisture Retention

Next, we conducted a moisture retention test. We checked the skin's moisture level before and after applying the face wash.


Equipment:

Multi Probe Adapters MPA6
Corneometer CM825 for stratum corneum moisture measurement

Methodology:
A machine called a corneometer was used to measure the original skin moisture of the arm of our male testers. We then applied the face wash for 20 seconds and before measuring the skin's moisture level after ten minutes had passed. 

For each product, we had three Japanese men participate as testers. 

Test ③ Ingredients

Test ③ Ingredients

Next, we examined the ingredients of each face wash.


We consulted Mizuha, a cosmetics R&D researcher well versed in cosmetic ingredients, who rigorously checked the products based on the following criteria.

What our expert looked for:
  • Type of cleansing surfactant
  • Whether they may be irritating to sensitive skin
  • Additional benefits or effects that ingredients may provide

※Products categorized as quasi-drugs are defined by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan as a category of products that fit between medicine and cosmetics. Thus, manufacturers are not obligated to label all ingredients, so we could only check what was on the label.

Test ④ Feel

Test ④ Feel

Finally, we also checked the product's feel or sensation after using each face wash.


We had three Japanese male testers test the products and had them evaluate them for the following points.

What our testers looked for:
  • Ease of dispensing product
  • Foam texture
  • Ease of rinsing off foam
  • Feel of skin after washing
  • Fragrance

More Japanese Skincare Products to Consider

We all can use extra moisturizer in our lives. Additionally, it's a great idea to always use sunscreen, especially if you're a guy who spends a lot of time outside. Check out the following links for more skincare products that all men should use!


Translation: Nanako Kurosu, Mai T.

Top 5 Japanese Men's Face Washes

No. 1RosetteRosette Face Wash Paste Acne Care

No. 2MUJIMild Moisturizing Face Wash Foam

No. 3SHISEIDO InternationalSHISEIDO Men's Face Cleanser

No. 4Wellness AdvanceBuso Soap3 Set

No. 5NULLNULL Acne Block Men's Face Wash

View Full Ranking

When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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