Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash
Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash
Product Description
Product overview
Hada Labo Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash is a creamy potassium-soap based foaming cleanser from Japan that transforms into a thick, plush foam to deeply purify oily, congested skin. Powered by bentonite clay, Japanese green tea extract, and Hada Labo's signature hyaluronic acid, it sweeps away excess sebum and pore-clogging impurities while preserving moisture — leaving skin clean, refreshed, and visibly smoother.
Bentonite Clay Power
Volcanic ash clay with 70+ trace minerals absorbs excess oil, sebum, and pore-clogging debris.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBentonite Clay Power
Volcanic ash clay with 70+ trace minerals absorbs excess oil, sebum, and pore-clogging debris.
Japanese Green Tea
Camellia sinensis extract delivers antioxidants and helps regulate sebum for fresher skin.
Signature Hyaluronic Acid
Sodium hyaluronate retains moisture during cleansing so skin won't feel parched after rinse.
Dense Plush Foam
A pea-sized amount whips into a thick cushiony foam that lifts impurities without scrubbing.
Alpaflor ALP-Sebum
Epilobium fleischeri (Alpine Willowherb) extract clinically studied to balance oil production.
Rohto Pharmaceutical
Developed by Japan's century-old skincare lab — the same makers of the iconic Gokujyun line.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from fatty acid esters, polysorbates, and ferments that feed malassezia. The fatty acids are saponified into soap salts.
Formulated with vegan ingredients only — no animal-derived components. Brand is not certified cruelty-free.
Like traditional Japanese soap-based cleansers, this is alkaline. Follow with toner/lotion to restore skin's pH.
Pairs well with all actives (vitamin C, retinol, AHA/BHA, niacinamide). Apply actives after cleansing on dry skin.
Saponified fatty acids cleanse deeply — those with very dry or barrier-compromised skin may prefer milder alternatives.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSaponified Fatty Acid Soap Base ~25-35%Proven
The blend of palmitic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, and myristic acid neutralized with potassium hydroxide forms potassium soap — a traditional, deep-cleansing yet fully rinseable surfactant system used in Japanese cleansers for decades.
- Function: Emulsifies sebum, sunscreen, and grime; rinses cleanly without residue
- Lather: Creates a dense cushion-like foam from a pea-sized amount
- pH: Saponified soap systems are naturally alkaline (~9-10)
Disteardimonium Hectorite (Bentonite-Class Clay) 2-5%Proven
A modified hectorite clay that delivers the same pore-purifying and oil-absorbing benefits as classic bentonite, while staying suspended in the formula. Pulls out excess sebum and trapped debris from pores.
- Source: Naturally derived from volcanic ash sediments
- Action: Adsorbs oil and impurities through electrostatic attraction
- Benefit: Visibly refines pore appearance with consistent use
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid) <1%Proven
Hada Labo's hero ingredient. Even in a wash-off product, it helps prevent the moisture stripping common with foaming cleansers, leaving skin softer and more comfortable.
- Source: Holds up to 1,000× its weight in water
- Brand signature: Hada Labo is renowned in J-beauty for HA expertise
- In cleansers: Studies show measurable post-wash hydration retention
Epilobium Fleischeri Extract (Alpaflor ALP-Sebum) ~0.5-1%Promising
Alpine Willowherb extract — a patented active marketed for sebum regulation. Brand claims it helps reduce oily shine and visible pore size over time.
- Source: Wild-harvested Swiss alpine plant
- Mechanism: Manufacturer studies suggest 5-alpha reductase inhibition
- Note: Contact-time in a cleanser is brief — best as supportive, not primary
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract <0.5%Proven
Japanese green tea is rich in polyphenols (EGCG) — research shows it offers antioxidant protection and helps calm reactive, oily skin.
- Active: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and catechins
- Benefit: Antioxidant; soothes irritation; mild sebum-balancing effect
- Heritage: A staple of traditional Japanese skincare
Citrus Peel Oils (Grapefruit + Sweet Orange) tracePromising
Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) and Citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) peel oils provide a fresh natural scent and subtle astringent effect, despite the product being marketed as fragrance-free (synthetic-fragrance free).
- Function: Light natural aroma; mild antibacterial properties
- Concentration: Trace amounts only — typically below 0.1%
- Note: Photosensitivity from rinse-off use is negligible
Glycerin & Butylene Glycol 5-10%Proven
A duo of humectants that draw water into the skin and soften the formula's deep-cleansing effect — the reason this wash leaves skin feeling clean but not parched.
- Glycerin: Gold-standard hydrator backed by decades of research
- Butylene glycol: Smaller molecule for fast absorption and softening
- Combined effect: Mitigates the tightness common with soap cleansers
24 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Chloride, Polyquaternium-7, Disodium EDTA, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Potassium Cocoate, Coconut Acid, Methylparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Propylparaben, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEStep 2 of your routine. As an alkaline soap-based cleanser, always follow with a hydrating toner to restore skin's natural pH balance.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet face with lukewarm water
Avoid hot water as it can amplify the cleanser's drying effect on the skin barrier.
Dispense a pea-sized amount
A little goes a long way. The formula is concentrated — too much can over-strip your skin.
Lather between palms or with a foaming net
Add a few drops of water and work into a thick, plush foam. Japanese face foamers (awa-net) work brilliantly here.
Massage onto damp skin in circles
Focus on the T-zone, nose, and chin where pores tend to congest. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse thoroughly & pat dry
Rinse takes a touch longer than gel cleansers — make sure no residue remains. Follow immediately with toner.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or congested skin
- Visible pores or blackheads on the T-zone bother you
- You wear sunscreen, makeup, or sebum builds up daily
- You prefer a thorough "squeaky clean" feel
- You want a fragrance-free, drugstore-priced J-beauty staple
- You follow a J-beauty or layering routine with hydrating toners
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, dehydrated, or eczema-prone skin
- Your skin barrier is currently compromised or sensitized
- You strictly need a low-pH (5.5) acid-mantle-friendly cleanser
- You react badly to potassium-soap based formulas
- You are paraben-averse (contains methylparaben + propylparaben)
- You want one-step cleansing without a follow-up toner
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESBentonite clay and saponified soap base excel at sweeping away excess sebum and shine.
Targets oily T-zone effectively while glycerin keeps drier cheek areas comfortable.
Fungal-acne safe and low comedogenic risk, but the alkaline pH may not suit highly inflamed acne.
Fragrance-free is a plus, but soap-based pH may irritate reactive or rosacea-prone skin.
Can feel stripping. Better to choose Hada Labo's Gokujyun Hydrating Cleanser instead.
Effective for mature oily skin. Use 1× daily (PM) and follow with rich hydrators.
Results timeline
2-3 MONTHSImmediate Clean Feel
Skin feels squeaky-clean, pores look visibly clearer, and there is a noticeable reduction in surface oil.
95% noticedSmoother Texture
Daily users report softer skin texture and less makeup buildup, particularly around the nose and forehead.
78% noticedReduced Oiliness & Tightened Pores
Visible pore refinement on the T-zone, less midday shine, and fewer congested blackheads.
68% noticedClearer, Balanced Complexion
Long-term users describe a more balanced sebum production cycle and a brighter, more even-toned face.
62% noticedRatings by platform
13K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Deep, thorough cleanse without leaving sticky residue
- Whips into a luxurious thick foam from a tiny amount
- Pore-refining results visible within 2-4 weeks
- 100g tube lasts 2-3+ months — excellent value
- Free of fragrance, alcohol, sulfates, mineral oil & dyes
- Pregnancy and fungal-acne safe
- Trusted Japanese pharmaceutical-grade brand (Rohto)
- Works beautifully as second cleanse after oil cleansing
Criticized
- Alkaline pH can disturb the acid mantle if used twice daily
- May feel drying or tight on dry/sensitive skin
- Contains methylparaben & propylparaben
- Not as widely available outside of Asia
- Active ingredient concentrations are modest
- Tube packaging is hard to fully empty
- Active "pore refining" claim is supportive, not dramatic
- Brand is not certified cruelty-free
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame potassium-soap chemistry from Shiseido Japan with silk amino acids and even thicker foam. Fragrance-free option available. Lower price per gram.
Sister product from the same brand with a gentler, more hydrating profile. Better for dry/sensitive skin but with less pore-refining bentonite power.
Japanese drugstore staple with similar deep-cleansing soap base and clay. Great alternative for oily skin at a friendlier price point.
Korean alternative using Jeju volcanic ash instead of bentonite. Similar pore-refining action with a slightly creamier, less foamy lather.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening (12M symbol on packaging)
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tube tightly closed.
100g squeezable plastic tube with flip-top cap
Yes, well under TSA's 100ml liquid limit for carry-on
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or essential oils in significant amounts — all the ingredient classes typically flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The methylparaben and propylparaben are present at preservative-level concentrations and are considered safe by the EU SCCS and the FDA at typical use levels. As always, if you have any concerns, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
Yes. While the formula contains fatty acids (palmitic, lauric, stearic, myristic), they are saponified with potassium hydroxide into potassium soap salts — chemically very different from the free fatty acids and esters that feed Malassezia yeast. There are no problematic polysorbates, ferments, or oil esters. As a rinse-off product with minimal contact time, the risk is even further reduced. It is widely considered fungal-acne safe.
Absolutely. Because this is a rinse-off cleanser, it is fully compatible with every active ingredient in your routine — vitamin C in the morning, retinol or AHA/BHA in the evening. Just keep in mind that the alkaline pH can temporarily raise your skin's pH, so it is wise to apply a hydrating toner first and let it settle for 1-2 minutes before applying low-pH actives. This restores your acid mantle and ensures actives perform optimally.
This cleanser is formulated specifically for oily, combination, and congestion-prone skin. The bentonite-class clay and saponified soap base efficiently dissolve excess sebum, sunscreen, and pore-clogging debris. Acne-prone skin can also benefit, though those with active inflamed acne may prefer a gentler low-pH option. Dry, very sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin should consider Hada Labo's Gokujyun Hydrating Cleanser instead, which is far gentler.
Immediate effects are noticeable from the very first wash — skin feels deeply clean, less oily, and pores look visibly clearer. Smoother texture and reduced midday shine typically appear within 1 week of consistent use. Visible pore refinement and clearer T-zone congestion generally take 2-4 weeks. The most pronounced long-term benefits — balanced sebum and a brighter complexion — are reported between 2-3 months.
It is your second step after an oil cleanser (in a double-cleanse routine) or your first step in a basic morning routine. Apply on damp skin, lather, massage, then rinse. Always follow immediately with a hydrating toner or lotion (Hada Labo's Gokujyun Lotion is the brand-recommended pairing), then your serum, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. Used 1-2× daily depending on your skin type — once daily (PM) is often enough for most people.
No. The formula has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. While it does contain comedogenic-rated fatty acids (lauric acid rates 4 in isolation), these are saponified into soap salts during manufacturing and primarily function as cleansing agents, not residue-leaving emollients. As a wash-off product, contact time is minimal. The bentonite clay actively pulls debris OUT of pores, making this a pore-clearing rather than pore-clogging cleanser.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the small jar symbol marked "12M" on the packaging. Stored properly (cool, dry, away from direct sunlight, with the cap tightly closed), the formula remains stable thanks to its preservative system (parabens + potassium sorbate). Most users finish a 100g tube in 2-3 months with daily use, well within the safe usage window.
Verdict: Hada Labo Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash is a deservedly popular J-beauty staple — a no-frills, deeply effective foaming cleanser that delivers exactly what it promises: thorough pore-clearing performance, balanced with hyaluronic acid hydration to prevent the post-wash tightness most clay cleansers cause. It excels for oily and combination skin, offers excellent value (a 100g tube lasts months), and earns its status as a Rohto Pharmaceutical favorite. The alkaline soap-based pH is its main caveat, so dry or barrier-compromised skin should look elsewhere — but for everyone fighting oil and visible pores, this is one of the smartest drugstore picks in skincare.
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 3 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
|
|
| 1 |
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|