Moisturizing Cleansing Oil
Moisturizing Cleansing Oil
Product Description
Product overview
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.
Double Whitening Effect
Arbutin combined with botanical extracts helps brighten dull skin and even out skin tone for a radiant complexion.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDouble 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Arbutin which converts to hydroquinone on skin. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding during pregnancy/nursing. Consult your healthcare provider.
NOT safe for fungal acne. Contains Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid which can feed Malassezia yeast and trigger breakouts.
pH-balanced, alcohol-free, fragrance-free base formula. Uses gentle amino acid surfactants. However, patch test recommended.
Safe to use in the same routine. As a wash-off product, ingredient interactions are minimal. Follow with your preferred actives.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAlpha-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
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
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
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step (or second cleanser after oil cleansing). Pairs perfectly with Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion for enhanced brightening benefits.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to dampen the skin. This helps the cleanser lather properly.
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.
Create Lather
Add a few drops of water and work the product between your palms to create a rich, creamy foam.
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.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with your toner/lotion.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal balance of cleansing and hydration. Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and comfortable.
Triple HA complex prevents the tight, stripped feeling. Leaves skin hydrated and supple after cleansing.
Contains Lauric and Myristic Acid which may not suit very oily skin. Some users report it's too rich.
Works well for most combination types. Hydrates dry areas without over-moisturizing the T-zone.
Gentle amino acid surfactants and pH-balanced formula. Contains citrus oils—patch test first if very reactive.
NOT suitable for fungal acne. For regular acne, comedogenic rating of 2/5 is acceptable but not ideal.
Results timeline
MONTH 3+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 skinImproved 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 textureVisible 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 complexionCumulative Brightening Benefits
Consistent use shows maximum brightening results. Best results when paired with Hada Labo Premium Whitening Lotion and sunscreen.
75% would repurchaseRatings by platform
950+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESpH-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.
Same brand, same HA technology but without brightening actives. Ideal if you just want hydrating cleansing without Arbutin. Also not FA-safe.
Japanese brightening cleanser with oriental herb extracts. More premium positioning with traditional Japanese botanical complex. Different active approach.
Gentle, hydrating cleanser with squalane. No brightening ingredients but excellent for sensitive/dry skin. Minimal, clean formula.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEKose Sekkisei White Washing Cream
POLA Whitissimo Wash Clear
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed after use.
Opaque plastic squeeze tube with flip-cap. Protects formula from light degradation.
Yes, 100g is under the 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage. Compact tube design.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitol
Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Plasticizer, Masking
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|





