Face Wash Powder
Face Wash Powder
Product Description
Product overview
A silky-soft enzyme powder cleanser that transforms into a luxurious, dense mousse with just a few drops of water. Powered by protease enzymes for gentle daily exfoliation, plus honey and sodium hyaluronate to keep skin hydrated and smooth — never stripped. The perfect second step in a Japanese double cleanse.
Enzyme Exfoliation
Protease enzyme dissolves the bonds of dead skin cells gently — no harsh scrubbing required. Safe for daily use.
Texture & feel
SENSORYEnzyme Exfoliation
Protease enzyme dissolves the bonds of dead skin cells gently — no harsh scrubbing required. Safe for daily use.
Honey & Hyaluronic Acid
Honey provides antioxidant and antibacterial benefits while sodium hyaluronate replenishes the skin's moisture barrier.
Calming Botanicals
Lavender flower extract and licorice root (dipotassium glycyrrhizate) soothe and calm irritation during cleansing.
Travel-Friendly Formula
Lightweight powder format means no leaks, no mess, and TSA-friendly. A little goes a long way — 50g lasts for months.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Honey contains sugars and trace fatty acids that may feed malassezia yeast. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is also flagged by some databases. As a rinse-off product the risk is low, but those with active fungal acne should patch test first.
This is a rinse-off cleanser with no heavy oils or pore-clogging emollients. Extremely low risk of clogging pores when used as directed.
Free from added fragrance, colorants, parabens, SLS, and common allergens. Amino acid-based surfactants are among the gentlest available.
Listed low in the ingredient list, meaning a very small concentration. Primarily used as a solvent for the enzyme stabilization. Unlikely to cause dryness in this wash-off formula.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. As a gentle enzyme cleanser, it does not interfere with or sensitize skin to other actives.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSProtease (Enzyme)Proven
A proteolytic enzyme that breaks down keratin protein bonds holding dead skin cells together. Unlike physical scrubs, enzyme exfoliation is gentle and non-abrasive, making it suitable for daily use on even sensitive skin.
- Mechanism: Dissolves the peptide bonds of dead corneocytes on the skin surface for chemical-free exfoliation
- Benefit: Smooths texture, brightens dull complexion, and improves product absorption without micro-tears
- Gentleness: Enzyme exfoliation is widely regarded as the gentlest form of exfoliation available
Honey (Mel)Proven
A natural humectant with well-documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. In this cleanser, honey helps prevent that tight, stripped feeling after washing.
- Moisturizing: Acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin surface
- Antibacterial: Naturally inhibits growth of certain bacteria, including some acne-causing strains
- Antioxidant: Contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that protect against free radical damage
Sodium HyaluronateProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid — a powerful humectant capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Helps replenish the skin's natural moisture barrier during the cleansing process.
- Hydration: Binds water molecules to skin, preventing moisture loss during cleansing
- Barrier Support: Helps maintain the skin's natural protective barrier even in a wash-off product
- Penetration: Smaller molecular weight than hyaluronic acid, allowing better absorption into the skin
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root)Proven
Derived from licorice root, this ingredient is a powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing agent. It also has sebum-regulating properties, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and calms irritated skin during the cleansing step
- Sebum Control: Helps regulate excess oil production according to manufacturer studies
- Brightening: Liquiritin in licorice inhibits tyrosinase activity, helping to even skin tone over time
SilicaProven
A finely milled mineral that provides gentle physical exfoliation alongside the enzyme action. Also helps absorb excess oil and mattify the skin during cleansing.
- Dual Exfoliation: Works synergistically with protease for both physical and enzymatic exfoliation
- Oil Absorption: Naturally absorbs sebum and oil from the skin surface
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower ExtractPromising
A botanical extract rich in antioxidants with calming and soothing properties. Provides skin-conditioning benefits without adding synthetic fragrance.
- Antioxidant: Contains linalool and linalyl acetate with free radical scavenging ability
- Soothing: Helps calm skin and reduce redness from the exfoliation process
15 ingredients
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Maltitol, Potassium Myristate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitol, Protease, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glycylglycine, Silica, Water/Aqua/Eau, Alcohol, Honey/Mel/Miel, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 2 in the traditional Japanese double cleanse — after an oil cleanser removes makeup and sunscreen. Can also be used as a standalone morning cleanser. Suitable for both AM and PM routines.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare the skin for cleansing.
Dispense the Powder
Pour about half a teaspoon of powder into the palm of your hand. A little goes a long way — you don't need much.
Lather with Water
Add a few drops of water and rub your palms together to create a rich, dense mousse. For an even richer lather, use a foaming mesh net.
Massage Gently
Apply the lather to your face using gentle circular motions. Allow the enzymes to work for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry and continue with toner, serum, and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that needs daily gentle exfoliation
- Your skin looks dull and you want a brighter, smoother complexion
- You follow a Japanese double cleanse routine and need a great second cleanser
- You want a fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient cleanser
- You travel often and want a leak-proof, TSA-friendly face wash
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe exfoliating cleanser
- You're looking for an affordable alternative to luxury enzyme powders like Tatcha
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin and need a hydrating cream or oil-based cleanser
- You have active fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) — honey may be a trigger
- You prefer a ready-to-use gel or foam and don't want to mix powder with water
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal as a single step — use an oil cleanser first
- You're looking for strong chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) — this is gentler
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEnzyme exfoliation and silica absorb excess oil. Leaves skin clean and matte without stripping natural moisture. Ideal match.
Balances oily T-zone without drying cheeks. Honey and hyaluronic acid maintain hydration where needed.
Great daily maintenance cleanser. Keeps skin smooth and bright while preventing buildup of dead skin cells.
Gentle enough for dry skin with hydrating honey and hyaluronate. Follow immediately with a rich moisturizer for best results.
Fragrance-free with amino acid surfactants. Much gentler than scrubs or AHAs. Patch test first if very reactive.
Low comedogenic rating and enzyme action helps prevent clogged pores. Licorice root has anti-inflammatory benefits. Not ideal for fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Smoothness
Skin feels noticeably smoother and softer after the very first use. The enzyme mousse provides an instant polishing effect without irritation.
90% noticed immediatelyBrighter, Clearer Complexion
Daily enzyme exfoliation removes the buildup of dead cells. Skin appears brighter and more even-toned, with visibly smaller-looking pores.
75% noticed by week 2Improved Texture & Reduced Dullness
Consistent use leads to smoother overall skin texture. Rough patches and flakiness diminish. Subsequent skincare products absorb noticeably better.
80% noticed by week 4Long-Term Skin Health
Skin maintains a healthy glow with consistent daily use. Fewer breakouts from clogged pores, more even skin tone, and a refined, glass-skin finish.
70% noticed ongoing improvementRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredibly gentle — no irritation, even with daily use
- Skin feels soft, smooth, and clean without being stripped
- Creates a surprisingly rich, dense mousse with just a little water
- Travel-friendly powder format — no leaks, TSA-approved
- Excellent value — 50g bottle lasts 2–4 months with daily use
- Fragrance-free and minimal ingredient list
- Works beautifully as step 2 in a double cleanse with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
- Often compared favorably to Tatcha at a fraction of the price
Criticized
- Powder-to-foam format has a learning curve — requires practice to lather well
- Texture can feel unusual, described by some as "wet flour" before lathering
- No scent at all — some users prefer a mild pleasant smell
- Not effective as a standalone makeup remover — needs an oil cleanser first
- Contains alcohol (though in very small amounts)
- Bottle design can let moisture in if not sealed properly
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESRice bran-based enzyme powder with similar gentle exfoliation. Fragrance-free and Korean-made. Slightly different enzyme source (rice vs. protease) but very similar foam texture and results.
Gel-based exfoliant rather than powder-to-foam. Uses activated hydrogen water to gently remove dead skin. Different format but targets the same gentle exfoliation category.
Uses bromelain (pineapple enzyme) instead of protease. Similarly gentle enzyme powder format. More basic ingredient list without honey or hyaluronic acid.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
SRB Stabilized Rice Bran Enzyme Powder
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the lid tightly closed after each use to prevent moisture from entering the bottle and activating the enzymes prematurely.
Twist-top plastic bottle with small dispensing opening to control the amount of powder released
Yes — lightweight powder format, no liquid restrictions, TSA-friendly, and leak-proof
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. DHC Face Wash Powder contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The enzyme (protease), honey, hyaluronic acid, and plant extracts are all considered safe. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. Honey contains sugars and trace fatty acids that may theoretically feed malassezia yeast, and some databases flag Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate. However, as a rinse-off cleanser with very short skin contact time, the practical risk is low. If you have active fungal acne, patch test first or consult a dermatologist. Folliculitis Scout gives this product a fungal acne trigger score of 0, though SkinSort flags it as not fully FA-safe.
Yes. This is a gentle enzyme cleanser that rinses off completely and does not leave active residues on the skin. It is safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid). If you use strong chemical exfoliants, you may want to alternate days with this enzyme wash to avoid over-exfoliation, but generally they work well together.
DHC Face Wash Powder is suitable for all skin types but is especially recommended for oily and combination skin. The enzyme exfoliation and silica help control excess oil and refine pores. It's also gentle enough for sensitive and normal skin. Dry skin types can use it but should follow with a rich moisturizer immediately after.
Most users notice smoother, softer skin immediately after the first use. Visible brightening and improved texture typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use. Longer-term benefits like reduced dullness, fewer breakouts, and more even skin tone generally become apparent after 3–4 weeks.
It is best used as the second step in a Japanese double cleanse routine — after an oil-based cleanser (like DHC Deep Cleansing Oil) removes makeup and sunscreen. In the morning, it can be used as a standalone cleanser. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It works in both morning and evening routines.
No. With a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, this product has an extremely low risk of clogging pores. It contains no heavy oils, waxes, or pore-clogging emollients. As a rinse-off cleanser, ingredients have minimal contact time with skin, further reducing any comedogenic risk. It is a good choice for acne-prone skin.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. In terms of product usage, the 1.7 oz (50g) bottle typically lasts 2–4 months with daily use, as only a small amount of powder is needed per wash. Keep the lid tightly sealed and store in a dry place to prevent moisture from deactivating the enzymes.
Verdict: DHC Face Wash Powder is an outstanding daily enzyme cleanser that punches well above its weight class. At roughly $13.50 for a bottle that lasts months, it delivers the same gentle enzyme exfoliation as luxury competitors costing 4–5 times more. The minimalist 15-ingredient formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, pregnancy-safe, and gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. It excels as the second step in a double cleanse, leaving skin soft, smooth, and bright — never tight or stripped. The only drawbacks are the learning curve with the powder format and the caution flag for fungal acne. If you want an affordable, effective, J-beauty enzyme powder that quietly delivers impressive results day after day, this is one of the best values 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
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.