Facial Wash
Facial Wash
Product Description
A deep-cleaning charcoal face wash infused with Japanese Skin Purifying Technology that draws out 2x more dirt and impurities than basic cleansers. This oil-free formula transforms from black gel to white foam, leaving skin deeply cleaned, refreshed, and tingly smooth after just one use.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Natural Charcoal Power
Activated charcoal draws out and traps dirt, oil, and impurities like a magnet for a deeper clean than basic cleansers.
Japanese Skin Purifying Technology
Proprietary formula developed by Kao Corporation delivers 2x better deep cleaning results after just one use.
Cooling Menthol Sensation
Menthol provides an invigorating, tingly-cool feeling that leaves skin feeling refreshed and energized.
Innovative Foam Transformation
Black gel transforms into rich white foam as you lather, then rinses completely clean without residue.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains salicylic acid. Generally considered safe in low concentrations (under 2%) for topical use during pregnancy per ACOG guidelines, but consult your healthcare provider. Avoid if using other salicylic acid products.
Not recommended. Contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride which can feed Malassezia yeast. Those with fungal acne should choose a different cleanser.
Unlikely to clog pores. Oil-free formula with charcoal actively helps unclog and minimize pores rather than block them.
Contains SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), fragrance, and menthol which may irritate sensitive skin. Patch test recommended before full use.
Clinically tested for safety and efficacy. Gentle enough for daily use on normal to oily skin types.
Avoid contact with eyes. The menthol can cause stinging and irritation. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π€ Charcoal Powder Key Active
Activated charcoal is known for its exceptional ability to adsorb impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin. It works like a magnet to draw out deep-seated dirt from pores.
- Mechanism: Highly porous structure creates massive surface area for adsorption
- Benefit: Helps detoxify skin and minimize appearance of pores
- Origin: Natural ingredient used in Japanese beauty for decades
𧴠Salicylic Acid Low % BHA
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into pores to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together, helping to clear and prevent breakouts.
- Function: Oil-soluble exfoliant that works inside pores
- Benefit: Helps treat and prevent acne, reduces blackheads
- Research: Proven effective for acne treatment in numerous clinical studies
π§ Glycerin Humectant
A powerful humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin, helping to prevent the over-drying that can occur with cleansing.
- Research: Studies show glycerin is more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant
- Benefit: Helps maintain skin hydration despite deep cleansing action
- Safety: Non-irritating, suitable for all skin types
βοΈ Menthol Sensory
Provides the signature cooling, tingly sensation that makes skin feel refreshed and invigorated after cleansing.
- Function: Creates cooling sensation by activating cold receptors
- Benefit: Gives immediate feedback that product is working
21 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sorbitol, Laureth-4 Carboxylic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Menthol, Polyquaternium-39, Disodium EDTA, Charcoal Powder, Mannitol, Cellulose, Iron Oxides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first step in both AM and PM routines. If using oil cleanser for makeup removal, use this as your second cleanse (double cleansing method).
π How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face to prepare skin for cleansing. Avoid hot water which can strip natural oils.
Pump & Lather
Pump 1-2 pumps of the black cleanser into your hands. Work into a white foam by rubbing hands together.
Massage Gently
Apply foam to face using gentle circular motions. Focus on oily areas like T-zone. Avoid eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water until all foam is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow Up
Apply toner, serums, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin
- You struggle with clogged pores and blackheads
- You want a deep clean feeling after washing
- You enjoy cooling, tingling sensations
- You need an affordable daily cleanser
- You wear makeup or sunscreen daily
- Your skin is normal to resilient
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You have sensitive or reactive skin
- You have fungal acne (malassezia)
- You dislike menthol/cooling sensations
- You are pregnant and concerned about salicylic acid
- You have eczema or rosacea
- You prefer fragrance-free products
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Controls excess oil, deep cleans pores, and leaves skin matte without over-stripping. Best results with daily use.
Great for T-zone cleansing. Effectively removes oil from forehead, nose, and chin while glycerin helps prevent dryness elsewhere.
Works well for maintaining clear pores. May use daily or alternate with a gentler cleanser depending on preference.
May be too stripping for daily use. Consider using only once weekly for deep cleaning, followed by rich moisturizer.
Not recommended. Contains SLS, menthol, and fragrance which can irritate sensitive skin. Many users report burning or redness.
Low comedogenic rating and salicylic acid help prevent breakouts. However, some users experience initial purging. Not fungal acne safe.
π Results Timeline
Instantly Cleaner & Refreshed Feeling
Skin feels deeply cleaned with a satisfying tingle. Pores appear visibly smaller immediately after washing. Black cleanser transforms to white foam for a visual cleaning experience.
95% noticed immediate clean feelingOil Control & Reduced Shine
With daily use, many users notice better oil control throughout the day. T-zone stays matte longer. Some may experience initial purging as pores clear out.
78% reported reduced oilinessClearer Pores & Fewer Blackheads
Consistent use shows reduction in blackheads, especially on the nose. Pores appear minimized. Skin texture becomes smoother.
65% saw blackhead reductionOverall Skin Clarity Improvement
Long-term users report clearer, more balanced skin. Fewer breakouts for acne-prone users. Makeup applies more smoothly on refined skin surface.
60% reported clearer skin overallβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Excellent value for money (large bottle, affordable)
- Effectively removes oil, dirt, and makeup
- Visibly reduces blackheads with consistent use
- Refreshing tingly sensation feels like a "deep clean"
- Easy to find at drugstores nationwide
- Fun black-to-white foam transformation
- Controls oil throughout the day
- Dermatologist tested formula
β Criticized
- Contains SLS which can be harsh/stripping
- Menthol too intense for sensitive skin
- Contains fragrance (potential irritant)
- Not suitable for dry or dehydrated skin
- Some users report severe breakouts
- Not fungal acne safe
- Can cause burning sensation around eyes
- May cause redness in reactive skin types
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Gentler surfactants with ceramides to protect skin barrier. Fragrance-free and better for sensitive skin. No charcoal but equally effective at removing oil.
Contains 2% salicylic acid for stronger acne-fighting power. Similar deep-cleaning feel without charcoal. Also has menthol cooling sensation.
Gentler alternative for sensitive skin. No charcoal or menthol. Fragrance-free, dye-free. Better choice if BiorΓ© irritates your skin.
French pharmacy formula with zinc pidolate for oil control. Gentler than BiorΓ©, dermatologist recommended. No charcoal but excellent for oily/acne-prone skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
BiorΓ© Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser
$7.99CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
$15.99Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
$7.99La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel
$15.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. Check for changes in color, texture, or smell.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Bathroom storage is fine. Keep cap closed between uses.
Pump bottle dispenser for hygienic, mess-free application. Easy to control amount dispensed.
No - 6.77 fl oz exceeds TSA liquid limit of 3.4 oz (100ml). Purchase travel size or decant into smaller container.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. This cleanser contains salicylic acid, which is generally considered safe in low concentrations (under 2%) for topical use during pregnancy according to ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists). However, since the exact concentration isn't disclosed and it's a rinse-off product with minimal absorption, risk is low. If you're concerned, consult your healthcare provider or switch to a salicylic acid-free cleanser during pregnancy. Avoid using multiple products containing salicylic acid simultaneously.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which falls within the C8-C10 fatty acid range that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, we recommend choosing alternatives like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, or other fungal acne-safe options verified through tools like Sezia.co or Folliculitis Scout.
Yes, but with care. Since this cleanser already contains salicylic acid (BHA), avoid layering additional BHA products immediately after. You can safely use this cleanser in a routine with retinol or vitamin C, as the cleanser is rinsed off. However, if you experience irritation or over-drying, consider alternating days or using a gentler cleanser when using potent actives. AHA products can be used in the same routine but apply after cleansing and allow skin to dry first.
This cleanser is BEST for oily and combination skin types. It excels at removing excess oil, deep cleaning pores, and controlling shine. Normal skin can also use it daily. It's NOT recommended for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin as the SLS, menthol, and fragrance can be stripping and irritating. Those with rosacea, eczema, or highly reactive skin should choose a gentler, fragrance-free alternative.
Results timeline varies: You'll feel an immediate "deep clean" sensation and see pores appear smaller right after the first use. Oil control improvements typically appear within 1-2 weeks of daily use. Visible reduction in blackheads usually takes 3-4 weeks. Overall skin clarity and fewer breakouts may take 1-2 months of consistent use. Note: Some users experience initial purging (temporary increase in breakouts) as pores clear out, which typically subsides within 2-3 weeks.
This cleanser is your FIRST step (or second if double cleansing). Use it morning and evening on wet skin before applying any other products. Routine order: (1) Oil cleanser for makeup removal - optional, (2) BiorΓ© Charcoal Cleanser, (3) Toner, (4) Essence/Serum, (5) Moisturizer, (6) Sunscreen (AM only). The cleanser preps your skin to better absorb subsequent products.
No, this cleanser has a LOW comedogenic rating (1/5) and is unlikely to clog pores. In fact, it's designed to do the opposite - the charcoal and salicylic acid actively work to unclog pores and remove impurities. The oil-free formula ensures no pore-clogging residue is left behind. However, individual reactions vary, and some users have reported breakouts, which may be due to purging, irritation response, or sensitivity to specific ingredients rather than pore clogging.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness and safety. The 6.77 fl oz bottle typically lasts 2-4 months with twice-daily use (1-2 pumps per wash). Signs the product has expired: changes in color (should be black), unusual smell, altered texture, or separation. Store with cap closed in a cool, dry place to maximize shelf life.
Verdict: BiorΓ© Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser is an excellent budget-friendly option for those with oily or combination skin seeking a deep, satisfying clean. The charcoal effectively draws out impurities while salicylic acid helps prevent breakouts. The refreshing menthol tingle and black-to-white foam transformation make it a pleasant daily ritual. However, it's not for everyone - sensitive skin types should steer clear due to SLS, fragrance, and menthol. Those with fungal acne need to look elsewhere. For its target audience though, this Japanese-heritage drugstore staple delivers impressive pore-cleansing results at an unbeatable price point.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
Sorbitol
Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Plasticizer, Masking
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 0 |
Laureth-4 Carboxylic Acid
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling
|
|