Complete Cleansing Microfoam
Complete Cleansing Microfoam
Product Description
Product overview
A light, instant foaming cleanser from Japan infused with Rice Germ Oil and Kirishima Mineral Spring Water that gently removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and softened with enhanced clarity.
Rice Germ Oil Technology
Softens and wraps skin in a veil of moisture while dissolving impurities and makeup without stripping essential oils.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRice Germ Oil Technology
Softens and wraps skin in a veil of moisture while dissolving impurities and makeup without stripping essential oils.
Kirishima Mineral Spring Water
Sourced from Japan's pristine Kirishima mountains, this mineral-rich water helps supplement skin's essential minerals.
InternalPowerResist Technology
Features ImuCalm Compound to help strengthen the skin barrier and defend against environmental pollutants and oxidation.
Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE 7
Makes the foam denser and creamier, maintaining its shape even when mixed with impurities and makeup for thorough cleansing.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains fragrance (Parfum) and Linalool which some dermatologists advise avoiding during pregnancy. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone present. Consult your doctor before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate (ester), Triethylhexanoin (fatty acid ester), and Oryza Sativa Germ Oil which can feed Malassezia yeast.
Rated 1/5 comedogenic. As a rinse-off product, ingredients do not stay on skin long enough to clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a stronger surfactant that may be drying for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Alcohol Denat. can be mildly irritating. Patch test recommended.
Clinically tested and approved for all skin types. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, hydroquinone, or mineral oil.
As a rinse-off cleanser, it can be safely used before retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs in your routine without interactions.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSOryza Sativa (Rice) Germ OilProven
A signature Shiseido ingredient rich in Vitamin E, gamma-oryzanol, and essential fatty acids. Softens skin, dissolves impurities, and provides antioxidant nourishment while maintaining the skin's moisture balance during cleansing.
- Function: Emollient, antioxidant, skin-softening agent
- Research: Rich in tocotrienols and gamma-oryzanol, shown to have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Benefit: Prevents moisture loss during cleansing, softens skin texture
Glycerin High %Proven
Listed as the second ingredient, glycerin is one of the most effective humectants in skincare. It attracts moisture to the skin's surface, preventing the tight, dry feeling often associated with foaming cleansers.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical moisturizer
- Research: Effective from as low as 3%, with increasing benefits up to 20-40% for dry skin
- Comedogenicity: 0 — completely non-comedogenic
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf ExtractProven
A natural botanical extract with powerful antioxidant and astringent properties. Part of Shiseido's InternalPowerResist technology, it helps defend skin against oxidative damage from environmental pollutants.
- Function: Antioxidant, astringent, skin-conditioning agent
- Research: Rich in tannins and flavonoids with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Benefit: Gently refines skin texture and helps tighten pores after cleansing
Hydrolyzed SilkProven
Silk proteins broken down into smaller molecules for better absorption. Creates a smooth, silky film on skin that helps retain moisture and gives a soft, luminous finish after cleansing.
- Function: Skin-conditioning, film-forming, moisture-retaining
- Research: Silk amino acids are known for their ability to bind moisture and improve skin surface smoothness
- Benefit: Leaves skin feeling silky-soft and radiant post-cleanse
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
A potent antioxidant that protects skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. Works synergistically with Rice Germ Oil to deliver enhanced antioxidant protection.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin-conditioning, stabilizer
- Research: Well-documented to neutralize free radicals and support skin barrier repair
- Benefit: Protects skin from oxidative stress during and after cleansing
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TauratePromising
A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that produces a creamy lather without stripping the skin. Much gentler than traditional sulfates, contributing to the product's non-drying cleansing experience.
- Function: Mild cleansing agent, foam booster
- Research: Derived from coconut oil and taurine amino acid, known for gentle yet effective cleansing
- Benefit: Creates dense, cushiony foam that softens skin during wash
24 ingredients
Water (Aqua/Eau), Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethylhexanoin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Linalool, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Alcohol, Tocopherol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Silk
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM & PM as your primary or second-step cleanser. For heavy makeup, pair with an oil cleanser first for a full double-cleanse routine.
How to use
HOW TO USEDispense the Foam
Push the pump 2-3 times to dispense a generous cloud of foam into the palm of your hand. No need to lather — it comes out as a ready-to-use microfoam.
Massage Gently
Smooth the foam over damp face using gentle circular motions, covering forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. The dense foam maintains its shape as it lifts away impurities.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all foam is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel. Follow immediately with a toner or treatment softener.
For Makeup Removal
For hard-to-remove makeup, apply the foam on a dry face with dry hands. For waterproof mascara, use a dedicated eye makeup remover first.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle foam cleanser that removes makeup in one step
- You prefer a luxurious, dense foam texture that doesn't feel harsh
- Your skin feels tight or dry after using other foaming cleansers
- You want antioxidant protection during your cleansing step
- You appreciate premium Japanese skincare with botanical ingredients
- You have normal, combination, or oily skin looking for a hydrating cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) — contains triggering esters and oils
- You are very sensitive to sulfates — contains SLES as a primary surfactant
- You strictly avoid fragrance and alcohol in all products
- You need a heavy-duty waterproof makeup remover — may need pre-cleanse step
- You are on a tight budget — premium pricing at $38 for 180ml
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum and makeup without over-stripping. Leaves skin balanced and clean with no greasy residue.
Glycerin and Rice Germ Oil help retain moisture during cleansing. Some users with very dry skin may find SLES slightly drying — follow with a rich moisturizer.
Ideal for combination skin — cleanses oily T-zone effectively while the hydrating formula prevents tightness on drier cheek areas.
Contains SLES, fragrance, and alcohol denat. which may irritate very reactive skin. Patch test recommended. Many sensitive skin users report no issues.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5) as a rinse-off product. Thoroughly removes pore-clogging impurities. Not suitable for fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
AFTER 4 WEEKSRich, Lasting Lather
Dense microfoam creates a luxurious cushion that maintains its consistency even when applied to the skin, effectively lifting makeup and impurities.
94% noticed rich lather consistencySofter, Smoother Skin
Skin begins to feel noticeably softer and smoother. The combination of Rice Germ Oil and Hydrolyzed Silk improves skin texture with daily use.
87% felt skin was softerEnhanced Hydration & Clarity
Visible improvement in skin's hydration levels and clarity. Skin appears more radiant with improved moisture retention throughout the day.
97% felt moisturizing effectStrengthened Skin Barrier
InternalPowerResist technology with ImuCalm Compound helps reinforce the skin barrier, resulting in improved resilience against environmental stressors and pollution.
89% felt maximum clarity improvementRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Luxurious, dense microfoam comes pre-lathered from the pump — no rubbing needed
- Removes light-to-medium makeup effectively in one step
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth — not tight or stripped
- Economical — only half a pump to one pump needed per wash
- Elegant Japanese formulation with botanical ingredients
- Antioxidant protection from Vitamin E and Witch Hazel extract
- Dermatologist tested and suitable for all skin types
- Hygienic pump packaging
Criticized
- Premium price ($38 for 180ml) compared to drugstore alternatives
- Contains SLES — may be drying for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- Not effective on waterproof mascara — needs separate eye remover
- Contains fragrance (Parfum) and Linalool — not fragrance-free
- Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe
- Contains Alcohol Denat. which some users prefer to avoid
- Bottle runs out faster than expected with full recommended usage
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Fresh Soy pH-Balanced Cleanser
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep pump clean between uses.
Hygienic pump bottle that dispenses pre-foamed microfoam. No need to lather manually.
No — 180ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit. Consider purchasing the 125ml size for travel or decanting.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the most commonly flagged pregnancy-unsafe ingredients. However, it does contain Fragrance (Parfum) and Linalool, which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy. Since it is a rinse-off product with brief skin contact, risk is minimal, but consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalized advice.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate (an ester), Triethylhexanoin (a fatty acid ester), and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil — all of which can feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser, the Microfoam does not interact with leave-on actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. Simply cleanse, rinse thoroughly, and then apply your active serums or treatments. The gentle cleansing action actually helps prep the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.
This cleanser works best for normal, combination, and oily skin types. It is dermatologist tested for all skin types, and many users with dry or sensitive skin also enjoy it. However, those with very sensitive, eczema-prone, or rosacea-affected skin should patch test first due to the presence of SLES and fragrance. It excels at removing everyday makeup and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped.
You will notice the luxurious foam texture and clean, hydrated feeling immediately after the first use. Clinical testing shows that 87% of users felt softer skin after 1 week, and 97% experienced a noticeable moisturizing effect after 2 weeks of consistent use. Full benefits including improved skin clarity and strengthened barrier typically develop within 2-4 weeks of daily use.
Use it as your primary cleanser (Step 1) in the morning, or as the second cleanser in a double-cleanse routine at night. For evening use: start with an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover, then follow with the Microfoam to remove remaining residue. After cleansing, proceed with toner/softener, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (morning only).
The comedogenic rating is very low at 1/5. As a rinse-off product, ingredients are on the skin for less than a minute before being washed away, so the risk of pore clogging is minimal. SLES has a medium comedogenic potential, but its brief contact time in a cleanser makes it negligible. Most users with acne-prone skin report no breakouts from this product.
The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). With twice-daily use at 1-2 pumps per wash, one 180ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the pump nozzle clean to maintain product quality throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The Shiseido Complete Cleansing Microfoam is a premium Japanese foam cleanser that delivers on its promise of gentle yet effective cleansing. The pre-foamed pump dispenser, Rice Germ Oil, and Hydrolyzed Silk create a truly luxurious experience, while clinical data backs up its moisturizing claims. It is best suited for normal to oily skin types who want a one-step cleanser that removes everyday makeup without stripping skin. The main drawbacks are its premium price point, the presence of SLES and fragrance that may not suit very sensitive skin, and its incompatibility with fungal acne. For those who can look past these considerations, it remains one of the most elegant foam cleansers in the J-beauty category.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-8 Glyceryl Isostearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|