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Mild & Sensitive Face Wash

Mild & Sensitive Face Wash

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Japan J-BEAUTY

A gentle, pH-balanced cream cleanser enriched with Thermal Spring Water from France, Hyaluronic Acid, and soothing botanical extracts including Ginkgo Biloba and Licorice Root. Designed specifically for sensitive and easily irritated skin, it removes impurities without stripping essential moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, calm, and hydrated after every wash.

Fragrance-Free Colorant-Free Alcohol-Free Mineral Oil-Free Soap-Free pH 5 Balanced Dermatologically Tested Vegan Ingredients
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
100g
pH Level
~5.0
Brand
Hada Labo
Type
Cream Cleanser
Skin Type
Sensitive / Normal
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Hyaluronic Acid Hydration

Sodium Hyaluronate deeply hydrates and retains moisture while cleansing, so skin never feels tight or stripped after washing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Soft cream
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinses instantly
Finish
Soft, clean

Hyaluronic Acid Hydration

Sodium Hyaluronate deeply hydrates and retains moisture while cleansing, so skin never feels tight or stripped after washing.

Soothing Botanical Extracts

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract provides antioxidant protection while Licorice Root (Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate) calms redness and irritation.

Thermal Spring Water

Mineral-rich Thermal Spring Water from France helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier and protects against environmental irritants.

Ultra-Gentle Surfactants

Uses mild amino acid-based and amphoteric cleansing agents like Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate that are gentle enough for baby products.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Use with Caution

Contains Stearic Acid (C18 fatty acid) and PEG-14M which may potentially feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off product with short skin contact time, the risk is minimal for most users.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Non-comedogenic formula. As a wash-off cleanser, ingredients have minimal time to clog pores. Stearic Acid (rated 2-3 in leave-on products) poses negligible risk when rinsed away.

Rosacea-Friendly

pH-balanced at 5.0 with no fragrance, alcohol, or harsh surfactants. Multiple reviewers with rosacea report no irritation or stinging.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI) Preservative

Contains MI, a preservative that can sensitize very reactive skin. It is considered acceptable in rinse-off products at low concentrations but is restricted in leave-on products in the EU.

Retinol & Active Compatible

Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. A gentle, non-active cleanser is ideal when using potent treatment products in your routine.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)Proven

The sodium salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a naturally occurring molecule in skin that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. In this cleanser, it helps maintain skin hydration during and after cleansing, preventing the tight, dry feeling common with foaming washes.

  • Function: Humectant that binds water to skin, maintaining moisture balance during cleansing
  • Research: Extensively studied; recognized as one of the most effective hydrating ingredients in dermatology
  • Benefit: Skin feels soft and supple after rinsing rather than stripped and tight
Hada Labo's signature ingredient — the brand is renowned for its hyaluronic acid formulations as Japan's #1 selling skincare line.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root)Proven

A potassium salt derived from Glycyrrhizinic Acid found in the licorice plant. It is a well-documented anti-inflammatory and soothing agent that helps calm redness, irritation, and sensitivity while also providing mild sebum-regulating properties.

  • Function: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, and sebum-regulating agent
  • Research: Licorice root extracts have been widely studied for their anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties
  • Benefit: Helps soothe irritated and sensitive skin while reducing visible redness

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf ExtractPromising

An antioxidant-rich botanical extract from the ancient Ginkgo tree. It helps protect skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress that contributes to premature aging, while also supporting the skin's natural defense mechanisms.

  • Function: Antioxidant protection and anti-aging support
  • Research: Contains flavonoids and terpenoids with documented antioxidant activity
  • Benefit: Protects sensitive skin from environmental pollutants and signs of aging

Thermal Spring WaterProven

Mineral-rich water sourced from natural thermal springs in France. Contains a complex of minerals and trace elements that help soothe, calm, and strengthen the skin's natural barrier function, providing an additional layer of protection for sensitive skin.

  • Function: Skin barrier support, soothing, and mineral replenishment
  • Research: Thermal spring waters have been used in dermatology for centuries; clinical studies support their calming effects on sensitive skin
  • Benefit: Strengthens skin's defenses against irritation and environmental pollutants

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateProven

A coconut-derived, amino acid-based surfactant known for being one of the mildest cleansing agents available. It provides effective cleansing with a soft, non-drying after-feel and is biodegradable.

  • Function: Primary mild cleansing agent with excellent foaming properties
  • Safety: Rated among the gentlest surfactants; does not disrupt the skin barrier at typical concentrations
  • Benefit: Effectively removes dirt and impurities without stripping essential skin oils

GlycerinProven

A skin-identical humectant naturally present in your skin. A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and even hyaluronic acid. It draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain the skin's hydration levels.

  • Function: Humectant and skin-identical moisturizing ingredient
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0 — completely non-comedogenic
  • Benefit: Maintains skin moisture balance and strengthens the skin barrier

19 ingredients

Water, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Citric Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, PEG-14M, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glucose, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Colorants/Dyes, Alcohol (Ethanol), Mineral Oil, Soap, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Silicones
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Makeup Remover
2
Face Wash
3
Toner / Lotion
4
Serum / Essence
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your daily cleanser morning and night. For double cleansing, use an oil-based makeup remover first, then follow with this face wash as your second cleanse. Pairs perfectly with Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion (Light) as the next step.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water to dampen the skin and prepare it for cleansing.

2

Squeeze & Lather

Squeeze a small coin-sized amount onto your palm. Add a little water and work it into a gentle, creamy lather between your hands.

3

Massage Gently

Apply the lather to your face and massage using gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid harsh scrubbing — let the surfactants do the work.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel — never rub.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, easily irritated, or rosacea-prone skin
  • You want a gentle second cleanser that won't strip moisture
  • You use active treatments (retinol, AHAs, BHAs) and need a non-irritating cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-free, low-ingredient skincare
  • You want an affordable, no-fuss daily cleanser
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe face wash

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need a heavy-duty makeup remover — this is a gentle cleanser, not a first cleanse for waterproof makeup
  • You have very oily skin and prefer a strong foaming cleanser
  • You are extremely sensitive to Methylisothiazolinone (MI) preservative
  • You want a cleanser with active exfoliating ingredients like BHA or AHA
  • You need deep pore cleansing for stubborn blackheads
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically designed for sensitive skin. pH 5 balanced, fragrance-free, with soothing licorice and ginkgo biloba. Won't cause stinging, redness, or irritation.

Normal Skin
Excellent

An ideal everyday cleanser that effectively removes daily impurities while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance.

Dry Skin
Good

Gentle enough to avoid stripping dry skin. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin help maintain hydration. Follow with a rich moisturizer for best results.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well across different face zones without over-drying cheeks or under-cleansing the T-zone. Light cream texture balances both areas.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May feel too gentle for very oily skin types. Produces a low amount of foam and may not feel "clean enough" for those who prefer a deep cleanse. Best as a second cleanser.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic (1/5) and won't aggravate breakouts. Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients. However, does not contain active acne-fighting ingredients like BHA.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2–3
Day 1

Immediate Comfort

Skin feels noticeably softer and calmer right after the first wash. No tightness, dryness, or stinging — just clean, comfortable skin.

90% noticed
Week 1–2

Reduced Irritation & Redness

Users with sensitive or reactive skin report a noticeable decrease in everyday redness and irritation as the gentle formula allows the skin barrier to begin recovering.

70% noticed
Week 3–4

Improved Skin Texture

Consistent use leads to smoother, more hydrated skin texture. The skin barrier strengthens, making skin feel more resilient and less reactive to environmental triggers.

60% noticed
Month 2–3

Stabilized Sensitive Skin

Long-term users report significantly fewer flare-ups and a more balanced, comfortable complexion. Skin is better prepared to tolerate other active products in the routine.

55% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

5K+ REVIEWS
Shopee Malaysia
4.8
Rating
5,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Does not remove heavy makeup — needs a separate makeup remover first
Female Daily
4.2
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small tube runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Watsons
4.7
Rating
800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Low foam production may feel insufficient for oily skin users
Beauty Review Blogs
4.3
Rating
50+
Reviews
Main complaint: Contains Methylisothiazolinone preservative, which some reviewers flagged
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle — does not sting, burn, or cause tightness even on very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
  • Creamy texture feels luxurious despite the affordable price point
  • Skin feels soft, smooth, and hydrated after rinsing — not stripped
  • Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and soap-free with a short ingredient list
  • Excellent value for money — comparable to premium cleansers at a fraction of the cost
  • pH 5 balanced to respect the skin's natural acid mantle
  • Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Criticized

  • Very low foam production — may feel unsatisfying for those who prefer foaming cleansers
  • Not effective at removing heavy or waterproof makeup on its own
  • 100g tube may feel small and runs out within 4–6 weeks with twice-daily use
  • Contains Methylisothiazolinone (MI) preservative, which is controversial for very sensitive skin
  • Does not help with pore cleansing or deep exfoliation
  • May not feel "clean enough" for oily skin types
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Gentle Skin Cleanser
$11.33
Budget Pick

A globally trusted gentle cleanser with an even simpler formula. Non-foaming, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. Lacks hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts but is widely dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin.

75% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.49
Budget Pick

Ultra-minimalist formula free from dyes, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers. No MI preservative — better for those with preservative sensitivities. Less hydrating but safer for extremely reactive skin.

70% Match
Blueberry Rebalancing 5.5 Cleanser
$12.00
Similar Pick

A K-beauty option with pH 5.5 balance and antioxidant blueberry extract. Slightly more foaming action but equally gentle. Contains fragrance — not ideal for ultra-sensitive or fragrance-averse users.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients 3 Ceramides + HA + Glycerin
Size 473ml (16oz)
pH Level ~5.5
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Ceramides Yes (NP, AP, EOP)
Best For Dry, Normal, Eczema
Price/ml $0.03/ml
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides + Niacinamide + Thermal Water
Size 400ml (13.5oz)
pH Level ~5.5
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Ceramides Yes
Best For Sensitive, Reactive
Price/ml $0.04/ml
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Key Ingredients Glycerin + Panthenol + Niacinamide
Size 473ml (16oz)
pH Level ~6.5
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Ceramides No
Best For All skin types, Eczema
Price/ml $0.02/ml
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination.

Packaging

Plastic squeeze tube with flip-top cap and hygiene seal

Travel Friendly

Yes — 100g tube is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit for flights

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. This face wash contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreen filters — all ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. The formula uses only gentle surfactants, humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid), and soothing botanicals, making it safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your doctor if you have specific concerns.

Use with caution. The formula contains Stearic Acid (a C18 fatty acid) and PEG-14M, which could theoretically feed Malassezia yeast. However, since this is a rinse-off product with very short skin contact time, the risk is considered minimal for most users. If you have active fungal acne, you may prefer a strictly FA-safe cleanser like Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.

Absolutely. This is an ideal cleanser to pair with active treatments. It contains no actives itself, so there's zero risk of over-exfoliation or irritation from combining ingredients. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser like this is actually recommended by dermatologists when using potent treatments like retinol or chemical exfoliants, as it allows the actives to work without additional stress on the skin barrier.

This cleanser is best suited for sensitive and normal skin types. It's also a good choice for dry and combination skin. Those with oily skin may find it too gentle and may prefer a foaming cleanser. It works exceptionally well for people with rosacea, eczema-adjacent sensitivity, or those recovering from over-exfoliation.

Most users notice immediate comfort — softer, calmer skin after the very first wash with no tightness or stinging. Within 1–2 weeks, you should see reduced redness and irritation. After 3–4 weeks of consistent use, expect improved skin texture and a healthier-looking complexion as your skin barrier recovers and strengthens.

Use it as Step 1 (or Step 2 if you double cleanse with an oil cleanser first). Apply it to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse. Follow with your toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). For the Hada Labo routine, the brand recommends following with Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion (Light) as the next step.

No. With a comedogenic rating of 1/5, this cleanser poses very low pore-clogging risk. The only potentially comedogenic ingredient is Stearic Acid (rated 2-3 in leave-on products), but since this is a rinse-off product, it washes away before it can accumulate in pores. The formula is non-comedogenic for the vast majority of users.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. In terms of physical usage, the 100g tube typically lasts 4–6 weeks with twice-daily use (a small coin-sized amount per wash). Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap closed to maximize shelf life and hygiene.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Hada Labo Mild & Sensitive Face Wash is a genuinely gentle, no-nonsense cleanser that lives up to its name. Its combination of Hyaluronic Acid, Thermal Spring Water, and soothing botanicals delivers a comfortable cleansing experience that respects even the most reactive skin barriers. At its affordable price point, it offers outstanding value — comparable in gentleness to premium European pharmacy cleansers at a fraction of the cost. The only notable drawbacks are the inclusion of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) preservative, which may concern those with extreme preservative sensitivities, and the small 100g tube size. If you have sensitive, normal, or dry skin and want a reliable daily cleanser that won't interfere with your active treatments, this is an excellent choice from Japan's #1 skincare brand.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Disteardimonium Hectorite
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Kaolin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
41% 16% 4% 37%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 24 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
1 A
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS