Mild Face Soap
Mild Face Soap
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, minimalist Japanese face wash enriched with natural orange juice and olive oil to cleanse without stripping moisture. Formulated for daily use with a simple, no-fuss approach to clean skin — fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and free of artificial colors.
Natural Orange Juice
Contains real orange juice as a natural moisturizing component, rich in vitamin C and citric acid to gently brighten and hydrate while cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYNatural Orange Juice
Contains real orange juice as a natural moisturizing component, rich in vitamin C and citric acid to gently brighten and hydrate while cleansing.
Olive Oil Moisture
Enriched with olive fruit oil to help replenish moisture lost during cleansing, leaving skin feeling softer and less stripped after washing.
Rich Foaming Lather
Creates a dense, bouncy foam when used with a foaming net. The fine lather cleanses pores effectively while feeling gentle on the skin surface.
Minimalist J-Beauty Formula
True to MUJI philosophy — only 20 ingredients with no fragrance, artificial colors, mineral oils, or alcohol. A simple, functional cleanser.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains multiple fatty acids (myristic, stearic, palmitic, lauric acid), glycol distearate, sorbitan stearate, and olive oil — all known to feed malassezia yeast.
Formula includes methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives. While considered safe by most regulatory bodies, some users prefer paraben-free products.
This is an alkaline cleanser. Healthy skin pH is around 4.5–5.5. Follow with a low-pH toner to rebalance skin after use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
No synthetic fragrance or denatured alcohol, reducing the risk of irritation and sensitivity reactions for most users.
MUJI states this product is allergy tested. However, it contains citrus extract which may cause sensitivity in some individuals. Patch test recommended.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin ~4-6%Proven
One of the most effective and well-studied humectants in skincare. Naturally present in skin, glycerin draws water to the upper skin layers, improving hydration and maintaining softness after cleansing.
- Function: Humectant — attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Research: Extensively studied; proven to improve skin hydration, barrier function, and mechanical properties
- Safety: Considered one of the safest cosmetic ingredients with an excellent tolerance profile
Myristic Acid Surfactant BaseProven
A 14-carbon saturated fatty acid found naturally in coconut and palm kernel oils. Serves as the primary cleansing and foam-building agent in this formula, creating the rich lather.
- Function: Surfactant and emulsifier — lifts oil and dirt from skin surface
- Research: A 2021 study identified anti-inflammatory properties in myristic acid
- Note: Can be mildly drying to some skin types due to strong cleansing action
Olive Oil (Olea Europaea) TraceProven
Rich in oleic acid (55–83%), olive oil is a nourishing emollient that helps replenish skin moisture. Also contains antioxidant polyphenols and vitamin E for protective benefits.
- Function: Emollient and occlusive — softens skin and helps prevent moisture loss
- Research: Found to be as effective as mineral oil for moisturizing dry skin
- Antioxidants: Contains polyphenols and tocopherols that protect against oxidative stress
Orange Juice (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) TracePromising
Natural sweet orange juice used as a moisturizing component. Contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and citric acid which may offer mild brightening and antioxidant benefits.
- Function: Natural moisturizer with antioxidant and mild exfoliating properties
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits are rich in ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and alkaloids
- Note: May provide very mild AHA-like exfoliation from naturally occurring citric acid
Butylene Glycol SolventProven
A multi-functional colorless liquid that acts as a solvent, humectant, and texture enhancer. Helps other ingredients dissolve and penetrate effectively while providing light hydration.
- Function: Solvent and humectant — helps deliver ingredients and attract moisture
- Safety: Generally well-tolerated and considered safe for cosmetic use
- Note: Some individuals with very sensitive skin may experience mild reactions
20 ingredients
Water, Myristic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Lauric Acid, Disodium Lauryliminodiacetate, Sodium PEG-4 Cocamide Sulfate, Lauramide DEA, Sorbitan Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Methylparaben, Etidronic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Juice
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second cleanser (water-based step) in a double-cleansing routine, or as a standalone morning cleanser. Follow immediately with a low-pH toner to rebalance skin.
How to use
HOW TO USESqueeze Out Product
Take approximately 1 cm of product onto your palm. A little goes a long way — you do not need a large amount for effective cleansing.
Lather with Warm Water
Add a small amount of lukewarm water and work into a rich foam. For best results, use a foaming net or ball to create a dense, bouncy lather.
Massage onto Face
Apply the foam to your entire face using gentle circular motions. Start with oily areas like the T-zone and chin, then move to drier areas like cheeks.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Make sure no residue remains, especially around the hairline and jawline. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that needs thorough cleansing
- You prefer minimalist, no-fragrance J-beauty products
- You want an affordable daily face wash with simple ingredients
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
- You love a rich, foamy lather for your cleansing routine
- You follow a double-cleansing method and need a good second step
Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry or dehydrated skin (high pH may feel stripping)
- You suffer from fungal acne (formula contains multiple triggers)
- You strictly avoid parabens in your skincare routine
- You need a low-pH cleanser for compromised or very sensitive skin
- You want ceramides or advanced barrier-repair ingredients
- You have active eczema, rosacea, or severely irritated skin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean. The foaming lather cuts through oil without being harsh.
Works well on T-zone oiliness. Follow with a hydrating toner to replenish drier cheek areas that may feel slightly tight after use.
Gentle enough for daily use on normal skin. The olive oil and glycerin help maintain comfortable hydration levels after cleansing.
High pH and strong surfactants may leave dry skin feeling tight and dehydrated. Requires a thorough hydrating routine afterward.
Fragrance-free is a plus, but the alkaline pH and strong cleansing agents may irritate reactive skin. Patch test first.
Thorough cleansing helps keep pores clear. However, olive oil is comedogenic for some, and it is not safe for fungal acne.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Clean Feeling
Skin feels noticeably clean and refreshed after first use. The rich foam lifts away oil, dirt, and light makeup effectively. Some users may notice slight tightness.
95% noticedSkin Adjusts to Formula
Skin begins to adjust to the cleansing strength. Oily skin types notice reduced excess oil throughout the day. Dry skin types should establish a solid hydrating routine to compensate.
80% noticedClearer, Less Congested Skin
With consistent daily use, pores appear cleaner and skin texture improves. The gentle orange extract and olive oil contribute to a slightly brighter, softer complexion.
65% noticedStable, Maintained Cleanliness
Long-term users report consistently clean skin with fewer breakouts from daily dirt and oil buildup. Best results when paired with a balanced hydrating routine.
60% noticedRatings by platform
810+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Minimalist formula with only 20 ingredients — simple and functional
- Completely fragrance-free, no artificial colors, and alcohol-free
- Creates a rich, dense, bouncy foam that feels satisfying to use
- Leaves skin feeling genuinely clean without heavy residue
- Available in travel size (30g) — perfect for trying before committing
- Affordable price point for a quality Japanese skincare product
- Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Criticized
- High pH (~9) can disrupt skin barrier and leave skin feeling tight
- Not fungal acne safe — contains multiple malassezia triggers
- Contains parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben)
- Can be too drying for dry or dehydrated skin types
- Olive oil may cause breakouts in clog-prone individuals
- No ceramides or advanced barrier-repair ingredients
- Price per gram is higher than some Western drugstore alternatives
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Much larger bottle (473ml vs 120g) with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair. Lower pH, non-foaming gel texture. Better for dry and sensitive skin, but lacks the satisfying foam.
Fellow J-beauty foaming cleanser with hyaluronic acid for hydration. Similar minimalist approach but with a lower pH and better moisture retention. Closer texture match to MUJI.
Non-foaming, cream-based cleanser that is gentler on skin. pH-balanced and dermatologist-recommended. Less satisfying lather but significantly less drying. Better for sensitive skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is 3 years from manufacture date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep cap tightly closed after use.
Soft plastic squeeze tube with screw cap. Minimalist transparent/semi-transparent MUJI design. Available in 30g, 120g, and 200g sizes.
Yes — the 30g travel size is under 100ml and TSA/airline compliant. Compact squeeze tube fits easily in travel pouches.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. MUJI Mild Face Soap does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters — the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. It is fragrance-free and alcohol-free. The parabens present (methylparaben, propylparaben) are used at preservative-level concentrations considered safe by regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU SCCS. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No. This product contains several ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne. These include myristic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, glycol distearate, sorbitan stearate, and olive oil. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Hada Labo Gokujyun Face Wash which has a cleaner ingredient profile for this concern.
Yes, but with caution. Since this cleanser has a high pH (~9), it can temporarily disrupt the skin's acid mantle. If you use active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA), apply a low-pH toner after cleansing to restore your skin's natural pH before applying actives. This ensures your actives work at their optimal pH range. Avoid using this cleanser immediately after strong chemical peels or if your skin barrier is compromised.
MUJI Mild Face Soap is best suited for oily to combination skin types. Its strong foaming surfactants effectively remove excess sebum and daily grime. Combination skin types will also benefit, especially if paired with a hydrating toner and moisturizer afterward. It can work for normal skin but may be too stripping for dry, very sensitive, or eczema-prone skin due to its higher pH level.
You will feel the cleansing effect immediately — skin feels clean and refreshed from the first use. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily use, you should notice reduced oiliness and fewer clogged pores. After 3–4 weeks, skin texture generally appears smoother and clearer. As a cleanser, this product primarily maintains skin cleanliness rather than treating specific concerns like hyperpigmentation or aging.
Use it as Step 2 in a double-cleansing routine (after oil cleanser) in the evening, or as your standalone cleanser in the morning. Apply to damp skin, massage gently, then rinse off. Follow immediately with toner, then serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The key is to not leave skin bare for too long after washing — apply your next product within 30–60 seconds.
The comedogenic rating is approximately 2 out of 5. While it is a rinse-off product (meaning ingredients have limited contact time with skin), it does contain potentially comedogenic ingredients like olive oil, myristic acid, stearic acid, and lauric acid. For most people this is not an issue since the product is washed off quickly. However, if you are very clog-prone, you may want to monitor your skin during the first few weeks of use.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Unopened, the product has a shelf life of approximately 3 years from the manufacture date printed on the packaging. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal shelf life. Replace if you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell.
Verdict: MUJI Mild Face Soap is a solid, no-frills Japanese cleanser that does exactly what it promises — gently cleanse while keeping things simple. Its minimalist 20-ingredient formula, fragrance-free formulation, and natural orange juice and olive oil moisturizers make it a trustworthy daily cleanser, especially for oily and combination skin types. However, the high pH level, fungal acne triggers, and paraben content hold it back from being a universal recommendation. If you value J-beauty simplicity and want an effective foam cleanser at an affordable price, this is a reliable choice. For dry, sensitive, or fungal acne-prone skin, alternatives like Hada Labo or CeraVe offer better-suited formulations.
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
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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxylated Lanolin
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
|
|