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Moisturizing Cleansing Oil

Moisturizing Cleansing Oil

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Japan J-BEAUTY

A gentle, creamy brightening face wash enriched with Arbutin and triple Hyaluronic Acid that effectively removes impurities while leaving skin hydrated, soft, and visibly more radiant without any tightness.

Arbutin Brightening 3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid pH Balanced Alcohol-Free Fragrance-Free Formula Mineral Oil-Free Colorant-Free Low Irritation
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
100g
Price
~$8-12
pH Level
~5.5-6.0
Key Active
Arbutin
Brand
Rohto
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Double Whitening Effect

Arbutin combined with botanical extracts helps brighten dull skin and even out skin tone for a radiant complexion.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Foam
Scent
Light Citrus
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Soft, No Tightness

Double Whitening Effect

Arbutin combined with botanical extracts helps brighten dull skin and even out skin tone for a radiant complexion.

Triple Hyaluronic Acid

Three types of HA (Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate) provide multi-layer hydration.

Botanical Complex

Features Mulberry Bark, Moringa, Peony Root, and 8+ traditional Asian plant extracts for skin-soothing benefits.

Gentle Amino Acid Cleansing

Uses mild amino acid-based surfactants (Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate) for low-irritation cleansing.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains Arbutin which converts to hydroquinone on skin. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy/nursing. Consult your healthcare provider.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

NOT safe for fungal acne. Contains Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid which can feed Malassezia yeast and trigger breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

pH-balanced, alcohol-free, fragrance-free base formula. Uses gentle amino acid surfactants. However, patch test recommended.

Retinol/Vitamin C Compatible

Safe to use in the same routine. As a wash-off product, ingredient interactions are minimal. Follow with your preferred actives.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Alpha-ArbutinProven

A naturally-derived brightening agent from bearberry plants that inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, reducing melanin production for a more even skin tone without the harshness of hydroquinone.

  • Mechanism: Blocks tyrosinase to slow melanin synthesis
  • Safety: Gentler alternative to hydroquinone with gradual release
  • Efficacy: Studies show visible brightening results in 4-8 weeks
Arbutin breaks down to trace amounts of hydroquinone on skin. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding as a precaution.

Triple Hyaluronic Acid ComplexProven

A sophisticated blend of three molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid that work together to hydrate multiple skin layers, from the surface to deeper within.

  • Sodium Hyaluronate: Standard size HA for surface hydration and moisture barrier
  • Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate: Super HA with enhanced skin adhesion for longer-lasting moisture
  • Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate: Cationic HA that bonds to skin for all-day hydration
This cleanser leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated rather than tight—a signature benefit of Hada Labo's HA technology.

Morus Alba (Mulberry) Bark ExtractPromising

A traditional Asian botanical ingredient known for its natural skin-brightening properties. Contains compounds that help suppress melanin production.

  • Traditional Use: Used in Asian medicine for centuries for skin clarity
  • Active Compounds: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds
  • Synergy: Works alongside Arbutin to enhance brightening effects

Moringa Seed ExtractPromising

A powerful antioxidant-rich botanical that helps protect skin from environmental stressors while providing purifying and nourishing benefits.

  • Antioxidants: Fights free radicals that contribute to dullness
  • Purifying: Helps draw out impurities from pores
  • Nourishing: Contains vitamins and minerals for skin health

42 ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sorbitol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamide DEA, Myristic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Lauric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyglycerin-6, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Glycerin, Arbutin, Phytic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Angelica Polymorpha Sinensis Root Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Bletilla Striata Root Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Ampelopsis Japonica Root Extract, Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Syringa Oblata Bark/Leaf Powder, Phenoxyethanol, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

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

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This Product)
2
Toner/Lotion
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your first step (or second cleanser after oil cleansing). Pairs perfectly with Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion for enhanced brightening benefits.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin. This helps the cleanser lather properly.

2

Dispense Product

Squeeze a small amount (about rice grain to pea-sized) onto your palm. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.

3

Create Lather

Add a few drops of water and work the product between your palms to create a rich, creamy foam.

4

Massage Gently

Apply the foam to your face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on areas prone to dullness or uneven tone.

5

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with your toner/lotion.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want to brighten dull, tired-looking skin
  • You have uneven skin tone or dark spots
  • You need a hydrating cleanser that won't strip moisture
  • You prefer gentle, low-irritation formulas
  • You love J-Beauty products with proven ingredients
  • You want value for money with quality ingredients

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (contains fatty acids that feed Malassezia)
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (Arbutin caution)
  • You need a completely oil-free formula
  • You have extremely oily skin (may prefer gel cleansers)
  • You're sensitive to citrus essential oils
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Normal Skin
Excellent

Ideal balance of cleansing and hydration. Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and comfortable.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Triple HA complex prevents the tight, stripped feeling. Leaves skin hydrated and supple after cleansing.

Oily Skin
Moderate

Contains Lauric and Myristic Acid which may not suit very oily skin. Some users report it's too rich.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well for most combination types. Hydrates dry areas without over-moisturizing the T-zone.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Gentle amino acid surfactants and pH-balanced formula. Contains citrus oils—patch test first if very reactive.

Acne-Prone Skin
Moderate

NOT suitable for fungal acne. For regular acne, comedogenic rating of 2/5 is acceptable but not ideal.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 3+
Week 1-2

Immediate Hydration & Comfort

Skin feels softer and more hydrated immediately after use. No tightness or dryness. Initial adjustment period for new users.

85% noticed softer skin
Week 3-4

Improved Skin Texture

Skin begins to feel smoother and more balanced. Some users report a subtle glow and improved clarity starting to appear.

70% noticed improved texture
Week 6-8

Visible Brightening

Arbutin's brightening effects become noticeable. Skin tone appears more even, and dullness is reduced. Dark spots may start to fade.

60% noticed brighter complexion
Month 3+

Cumulative Brightening Benefits

Consistent use shows maximum brightening results. Best results when paired with Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion and sunscreen.

75% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

950+ REVIEWS
Amazon Singapore
4.3
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Uncertain if it actually brightens when using with other brightening products
YesStyle
4.5
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Different formulations between regions can be confusing
Home Tester Club
4.7
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Price is higher than other cleansers but worth it
GoPicky
4.2
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not suitable for fungal acne due to Lauric/Myristic Acid content
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, never tight
  • Creamy foam texture is gentle and pleasant
  • Contains proven brightening ingredient (Arbutin)
  • Triple Hyaluronic Acid for multi-layer hydration
  • pH-balanced and low-irritation formula
  • Free from alcohol, mineral oil, and artificial colorants
  • Small amount creates sufficient lather (economical)
  • Clean, non-greasy finish after rinsing

Criticized

  • Not safe for fungal acne (contains FA-triggering fatty acids)
  • Contains Arbutin—avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding
  • May be too rich for very oily skin types
  • Brightening results are gradual, not dramatic
  • Contains citrus peel oils (potential sensitivity)
  • Different regional formulations can be confusing
  • Tube packaging makes it hard to get last bit of product
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$12.00
Similar Price

pH-balanced gel cleanser with tea tree and BHA. Better for oily/acne-prone skin. Fungal acne friendly option. Less focus on brightening, more on gentle cleansing.

70% Match
Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Face Wash
$10.00
Budget Pick

Same brand, same HA technology but without brightening actives. Ideal if you just want hydrating cleansing without Arbutin. Also not FA-safe.

65% Match
Kose Sekkisei White Washing Cream
$25.00

Japanese brightening cleanser with oriental herb extracts. More premium positioning with traditional Japanese botanical complex. Different active approach.

60% Match
Squalane Cleanser
$8.00
Budget Pick

Gentle, hydrating cleanser with squalane. No brightening ingredients but excellent for sensitive/dry skin. Minimal, clean formula.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Brightening Agent None (BHA focus)
Hydration Technology Basic humectants
Size 150ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes

Kose Sekkisei White Washing Cream

Key Brightening Agent Oriental Herb Complex
Hydration Technology Standard moisturizers
Size 130g
Fungal Acne Safe No
Pregnancy Safe Check ingredients

POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear

Key Brightening Agent Proprietary Whitening Complex
Hydration Technology Advanced moisturizing
Size 120g
Fungal Acne Safe Check formula
Pregnancy Safe Check ingredients
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 use.

Packaging

Opaque plastic squeeze tube with flip-cap. Protects formula from light degradation.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 100g is under the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage. Compact tube design.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This product contains Arbutin, which converts to small amounts of hydroquinone on the skin. While Arbutin is generally considered gentler than hydroquinone, most dermatologists recommend avoiding both during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution due to limited safety data. Consult your healthcare provider before using any brightening products during this time. Consider pregnancy-safe alternatives like Vitamin C or Azelaic Acid instead.

No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne. It contains Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid, which are fatty acids in the C12-C14 carbon chain length that can feed Malassezia yeast and trigger or worsen fungal acne breakouts. If you have fungal acne, consider COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or other verified FA-safe cleansers instead.

Yes! As a wash-off product, this cleanser has minimal interaction with other actives in your routine. You can safely use it before applying retinol, Vitamin C serums, or AHA/BHA exfoliants. The gentle, pH-balanced formula prepares your skin well for subsequent treatments. Just ensure you rinse thoroughly before applying your actives.

This cleanser is excellent for normal, dry, and combination skin types. The triple Hyaluronic Acid complex provides hydration that prevents the tight, stripped feeling after cleansing. It may be too rich for very oily skin types, who might prefer gel-based cleansers. Sensitive skin can generally tolerate it well due to the amino acid surfactants, but patch test first if you're reactive to citrus oils.

You'll notice immediate hydration benefits from the first use—skin feels softer and more comfortable. For visible brightening results from the Arbutin, expect to wait 6-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Maximum brightening benefits appear around 3 months. Results are enhanced when paired with the full Hada Labo Premium Whitening line and daily sunscreen use.

Use this as your first step in the morning, or as your second cleanser in the evening (after oil cleanser/makeup remover). Apply to damp skin, massage gently for 30-60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your toner/lotion (try Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion for synergistic brightening), then essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).

This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5, meaning it has a low-to-moderate likelihood of clogging pores. It contains some potentially comedogenic fatty acids (Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid), but as a wash-off product, these have less time to affect pores than leave-on products. Most users with normal-to-dry skin don't experience clogging, but those with very acne-prone skin should patch test first.

The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination and maintain product efficacy. A 100g tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, as only a small amount is needed per wash.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Hada Labo Premium Whitening Facewash is an excellent choice for those seeking a hydrating, gentle cleanser with brightening benefits. The combination of Arbutin and triple Hyaluronic Acid delivers on the promise of cleaner, softer, and gradually brighter skin. The affordable price point and quality Japanese formulation make it great value. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin or those who are pregnant/breastfeeding. If you want a reliable daily cleanser that leaves skin feeling soft (never tight) while working to even out your skin tone over time, this is a solid choice—just know the brightening results are gradual rather than dramatic.

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

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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
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
64% 11% 23%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
1 Unknown
Sorbitol
Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Plasticizer, Masking
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS