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+ Plus for Sensitive Skin Hydra Creamy Wash

+ Plus for Sensitive Skin Hydra Creamy Wash

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Japan J-BEAUTY

A gentle, soap-free creamy wash formulated specifically for sensitive and redness-prone skin. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, and soothing botanical extracts, it cleanses without stripping moisture, leaving skin calm, hydrated, and comfortable.

Soap-Free Fragrance-Free Alcohol-Free Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free Oil-Free Colorant-Free Mineral Oil-Free Hyaluronic Acid Tranexamic Acid
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Caution
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
100ml
Type
Creamy Wash
Target
Sensitive Skin
pH Level
~5.5 (Mild)
Brand
Hada Labo (Rohto)
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Triple Protective Formula

Strengthens skin's natural defenses with a combination of soothing botanicals including Houttuynia Cordata, Ginkgo Biloba, and Bilberry Leaf extract.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Light emulsion
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Rinses clean
Finish
Soft, hydrated

Triple Protective Formula

Strengthens skin's natural defenses with a combination of soothing botanicals including Houttuynia Cordata, Ginkgo Biloba, and Bilberry Leaf extract.

Hyaluronic Acid Hydration

Sodium Hyaluronate intensely hydrates and restores skin's moisture levels during cleansing, preventing that tight, dry feeling after washing.

Tranexamic Acid Brightening

Contains Tranexamic Acid to gently brighten skin tone and reduce the appearance of redness and post-inflammatory marks over time.

Ultra-Gentle Surfactants

Uses mild amphoteric surfactants (Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) that cleanse effectively without disrupting the skin barrier.

Anti-Redness Soothing

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (licorice root derivative) calms irritation and soothes redness-prone, reactive skin with anti-inflammatory action.

Prebiotic Support

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide acts as a prebiotic to support healthy skin microbiome balance, crucial for sensitive and compromised skin.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Citric acid is used as a pH adjuster only, not as an exfoliant.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) — Caution

Contains Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (coconut-derived) and Hydrolyzed Collagen, which are flagged by some databases as potentially feeding Malassezia yeast. However, as a wash-off product, the risk is significantly lower than leave-on products.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Glycerin and Butylene Glycol both have a comedogenic rating of 0-1. Very unlikely to cause breakouts.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Free from fragrance, alcohol, parabens, sulfates, dyes, mineral oil, and soap. Uses only mild, non-irritating surfactants designed for the most reactive skin types.

Vegan Ingredients

All listed ingredients are vegan-friendly. Note: Hydrolyzed Collagen may be sourced from marine or bovine origins; check packaging for confirmation if vegan certification is important to you.

Active Ingredient Compatibility

Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA products. As a gentle cleanser, it will not interact negatively with any active ingredients in your routine.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium HyaluronateProven

The salt form of Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant naturally found in skin. It draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration levels even during cleansing, preventing the tight, uncomfortable feeling common with other face washes.

  • Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient — holds up to 1,000x its weight in water
  • Research: Extensively studied for skin hydration; shown to improve skin moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss
  • Irritancy/Comedogenicity: 0 / 0 — non-irritating, non-comedogenic
Ideal for dehydrated, sensitive skin — provides hydration without any risk of irritation

Tranexamic AcidProven

A skin-brightening and soothing active that helps reduce hyperpigmentation, redness, and uneven skin tone. Originally developed for medical use, it is now widely used in skincare for its ability to inhibit melanin production and calm inflammation.

  • Function: Skin brightening, soothing — inhibits plasminogen activator to reduce melanin transfer
  • Research: Clinical studies show topical Tranexamic Acid is effective in treating melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Safety: Well-tolerated even by sensitive skin; no known irritation at cosmetic concentrations

Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateProven

Derived from licorice root, this is a potent anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredient. It calms irritated, redness-prone skin and helps strengthen the skin barrier. Widely used in products for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

  • Function: Anti-inflammatory, soothing, moisturizing — inhibits enzymes involved in the inflammatory process
  • Research: Shown to reduce erythema (redness) and improve skin barrier function in clinical settings
  • Safety: Excellent safety profile; commonly used in baby and sensitive-skin products

Houttuynia Cordata ExtractPromising

A traditional East Asian botanical extract known for its strong anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains polysaccharides that act as natural humectants, helping skin retain moisture.

  • Function: Antioxidant, soothing, anti-allergic — rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids
  • Research: In-vitro studies demonstrate strong anti-allergic effects; potentially helpful for eczema and atopic dermatitis
  • Tradition: Used in traditional Korean and Japanese medicine for centuries for wound healing and skin calming

Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf ExtractPromising

Bilberry leaf extract, rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Helps protect sensitive skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage while providing gentle soothing benefits.

  • Function: Antioxidant, skin-conditioning — rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids
  • Research: Antioxidant activity well-documented; supports skin defense against oxidative stress

Alpha-Glucan OligosaccharidePromising

A prebiotic ingredient that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin while inhibiting harmful microorganisms. Essential for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome, which is especially important for sensitive and compromised skin.

  • Function: Prebiotic — selectively stimulates beneficial skin flora
  • Research: Studies show prebiotic ingredients help strengthen skin barrier function and reduce sensitivity over time

Glycerin 3-10%Proven

A powerhouse humectant and skin-identical ingredient. Glycerin draws moisture into the skin, helps maintain the skin lipid barrier in a healthy state, and protects against irritation. Effective from as low as 3% concentration.

  • Function: Humectant, barrier-repair, skin-identical — maintains lipid layer in liquid crystal state
  • Irritancy/Comedogenicity: 0 / 0 — one of the safest cosmetic ingredients available
  • Research: Decades of evidence supporting skin hydration, barrier repair, and wound healing properties

24 ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cocamidopropyl Betainamide MEA Chloride, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Disodium EDTA, Vaccinium Myrtillus Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tranexamic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Alcohol, Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Mineral Oil, Silicones, Artificial Dyes, Soap, Essential Oils, Harsh Surfactants
04

Where it fits in your routine

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

Use morning and evening. Pairs perfectly with the Hada Labo+ Sensitive Skin Hydrating Lotion and Cream for a complete sensitive-skin routine.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Squeeze onto palm

Dispense a sufficient amount (about a coin-sized portion) of the creamy wash onto your palm.

2

Lather with water

Add a small amount of lukewarm water and gently work into a soft, light lather. The texture is more emulsion-like than foamy — this is normal and by design.

3

Massage onto face

Apply to damp face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Avoid tugging or harsh rubbing, especially around the eye area.

4

Rinse thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until the product is completely removed. The wash rinses clean without residue, leaving skin soft and comfortable — not tight or stripped.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, reactive, or redness-prone skin
  • You want a gentle cleanser that does not dry out or strip your skin
  • You prefer soap-free, fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas
  • Your skin barrier is compromised from overexfoliation or harsh products
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
  • You want hydrating ingredients (HA) in your cleanser step
  • You are looking for an affordable J-Beauty sensitive skin cleanser

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need a cleanser that removes heavy or waterproof makeup
  • You prefer a thick, rich foam when washing your face
  • You have very oily skin and want a deep-cleansing, mattifying wash
  • You need an exfoliating cleanser with AHA/BHA actives
  • You are looking for a cleanser with ceramides for barrier repair
  • You have confirmed fungal acne and want a strictly FA-safe formula
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Soap-free, fragrance-free, with soothing Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and calming botanicals. Ideal match.

Dry Skin
Good

Non-stripping formula with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin helps maintain moisture. Does not leave skin feeling tight or dry. Follow with a rich moisturizer.

Combination Skin
Good

Gentle enough for dry areas while still cleansing oily zones. Works well as a morning cleanser or second cleanse in the evening.

Oily Skin
Moderate

Very gentle cleansing may not feel deep enough for very oily skin. Best used as a morning wash or second cleanse. May want a stronger option for PM first cleanse.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic (1/5), oil-free, and won't aggravate breakouts. Great gentle option if using actives like retinol or benzoyl peroxide in your routine. Not for fungal acne.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1

Immediate Comfort

Skin feels clean but not stripped after the very first use. No tightness, no dryness. The gentle, emulsion-like texture feels noticeably different from traditional foaming cleansers.

90% noticed immediate comfort
Week 1-2

Reduced Irritation & Dryness

Skin begins to feel calmer and less reactive. Redness from cleansing irritation decreases. Skin feels more hydrated throughout the day as the barrier is no longer being stripped.

75% reported less irritation
Week 4-6

Healthier Skin Barrier

Consistent use helps restore the skin's protective barrier. Skin becomes less reactive to environmental triggers and other products in your routine. Overall skin tone appears more even.

65% noticed improved barrier
Month 2-3

Visible Brightening & Evenness

Tranexamic Acid's cumulative brightening effect becomes visible. Post-inflammatory marks appear lighter, and overall skin tone is more even and radiant.

55% noticed brighter skin tone
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
3,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users expected a foamy lather and were surprised by the milky, non-foaming texture
YesStyle
4.3
Rating
180+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small tube size (100ml) runs out quickly with twice-daily use
Hada Labo (Brand)
4.7
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Limited availability outside of Asian markets; can be hard to find
Skincarisma
4.4
Rating
30+
Routines
Main complaint: Flagged for one potentially fungal-acne feeding ingredient (coconut-derived surfactant)
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle — does not strip, dry out, or irritate skin
  • Soap-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free — clean minimal formula
  • Contains beneficial actives (Hyaluronic Acid, Tranexamic Acid) in a cleanser
  • Soothing botanicals effectively calm redness and irritation
  • Affordable price point for the quality of ingredients
  • Rinses clean without leaving residue or film
  • Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Works well as a morning cleanser or second cleanse

Criticized

  • Does not foam or lather — may feel unfamiliar to some users
  • Cannot remove makeup or sunscreen effectively on its own
  • Small 100ml tube size may not last long with twice-daily use
  • Not ideal for very oily skin that needs deeper cleansing
  • Limited availability outside of Asian markets
  • Contains one potentially fungal-acne triggering ingredient
  • No ceramides for active barrier repair
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
62% Match
Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance Free
$11.49
Budget Pick

Widely available and affordable gentle cleanser. Lacks the botanical soothing extracts and Tranexamic Acid found in Hada Labo+. Simpler formula with fewer active benefits, but a reliable everyday option for sensitive skin.

60% Match
Safi Beautea Black Tea & Black Orchid Detox Cream Cleanser
$8.90
Budget Pick

Highest ingredient match according to dupe databases. Similar gentle, creamy texture and mild cleansing approach. Different botanical profile (black tea and orchid vs. Houttuynia and Ginkgo). No Tranexamic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.

58% Match
Good Virtues Co. Amino Acid Cream Cleanser
$9.50
Budget Pick

Amino acid-based gentle cleanser with a similar philosophy of minimal, sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients. Lacks the specific soothing botanicals and brightening Tranexamic Acid. Good basic gentle option.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Cleanser
Key Actives Ceramides + HA + Cholesterol
Size 473ml (16 oz)
Fragrance None
Surfactant Type Standard Mild
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Origin USA
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Key Actives Ceramides + Niacinamide + Thermal Water
Size 400ml (13.5 oz)
Fragrance None
Surfactant Type Standard Mild
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Origin French Pharmacy
Gentle Hydrating Foaming Facial Cleanser
Key Actives Super HA (3 types) + Amino Acids
Size 150ml (5 oz)
Fragrance None
Surfactant Type Amino Acid-Based
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Origin J-Beauty
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. Avoid storing in hot, humid bathrooms for extended periods.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap — hygienic dispensing with minimal air exposure to preserve formula integrity

Travel Friendly

Yes — 100ml tube is carry-on compliant for air travel (within the standard 100ml/3.4oz liquid limit)

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. This cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The Citric Acid present is used as a pH adjuster at very low concentrations, not as an AHA exfoliant. Tranexamic Acid is topically applied and in a wash-off product, so systemic absorption is minimal. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

Caution is advised. SkinCarisma flags this product as containing a potentially fungal-acne feeding ingredient — likely the coconut-derived Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate or Hydrolyzed Collagen. However, since this is a wash-off product that is rinsed away within minutes, the risk of triggering fungal acne is significantly lower than with leave-on products. Many people with fungal acne use this without issues, but if your skin is extremely reactive to FA triggers, consider a strictly FA-safe cleanser instead.

Absolutely. This is a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that will not interfere with any active ingredients in your skincare routine. In fact, its mild, non-stripping formula makes it an ideal cleanser to pair with potentially irritating actives like retinol, AHAs, BHAs, and vitamin C. It cleanses without compromising your skin barrier, which is crucial when using potent active treatments.

This cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive, reactive, and redness-prone skin. It excels for dry-to-normal sensitive skin types. It also works well for combination skin and acne-prone skin (as it's non-comedogenic). It may feel too gentle for very oily skin types that prefer a deeper cleanse. It's particularly beneficial for anyone with a compromised skin barrier from overexfoliation or harsh products.

You'll feel immediate comfort from the first use — no tightness, no dryness. Reduced irritation and calmer skin can be noticed within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Improved skin barrier function typically becomes apparent after 4-6 weeks. The brightening effects from Tranexamic Acid are cumulative and may take 2-3 months of regular use to become visible, especially since this is a wash-off product with shorter skin contact time.

This cleanser goes in Step 1 (if no makeup) or Step 2 (after a makeup remover or oil cleanser for double cleansing). Use it as the first product applied to damp skin, morning and evening. Follow with your toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It pairs especially well with the Hada Labo+ Sensitive Skin Hydrating Lotion and Cream.

No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — very low risk of clogging pores. It is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. The key humectants (Glycerin and Butylene Glycol) both have comedogenic ratings of 0-1. Additionally, as a wash-off product, ingredients are not left on the skin long enough to cause pore blockage.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for best results. The 100ml tube size typically lasts 6-8 weeks with twice-daily use, so you should comfortably use it within the PAO window. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed to maintain freshness.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Hada Labo+ Sensitive Skin Hydra Creamy Wash is an excellent, affordable J-Beauty cleanser that truly delivers on its promise of gentle, hydrating cleansing for sensitive skin. Its standout features are its ultra-mild, soap-free formulation, the inclusion of beneficial actives like Tranexamic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, and its impressive roster of soothing botanicals — all at a very accessible price point. The non-foaming, emulsion texture may surprise some users, but it's a sign of just how gentle this formula is. It's not a deep cleanser or makeup remover, so pair it with an oil cleanser if you wear makeup. For anyone dealing with reactive, redness-prone, or compromised skin, this is one of the best gentle cleanser options on the market.

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

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Hydrolyzed Collagen
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
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
65% 8% 26%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Foaming
1 B
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
1 Unknown
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
4 B
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS