Soy Milk Whitening Foam Face Wash
Soy Milk Whitening Foam Face Wash
Product Description
SANA's Soy Milk Whitening Foam Face Wash is a gentle, fragrance-free Japanese cleanser that whips into a dense, fluffy lather to lift away makeup, oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Powered by Hokkaido fermented soy milk, licorice-derived Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and a stable Vitamin C derivative, it cleanses while supporting a brighter, more even-looking, "translucent" complexion. "Whitening" here follows the J-Beauty meaning of brightening and tone-evening โ it does not bleach the skin.
โจ Texture & Feel
Dense, Fluffy Lather
Whips into a rich, cloud-like foam that cushions the skin and lifts away dirt and makeup without rough rubbing.
Hokkaido Fermented Soy Milk
Soy isoflavones and soy extracts deliver antioxidants and a moisturized, "translucent" after-feel unique to the Nameraka line.
Stable Vitamin C Derivative
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate supports a brighter, more even tone and is gentler and more stable than pure ascorbic acid.
Licorice-Powered Brightening
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, the first listed ingredient, soothes irritation and helps calm redness while supporting even tone.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. The Vitamin C derivative is widely considered fine. Always confirm with your doctor.
No problematic esters, polysorbates or fatty acids in the formula. Verified malassezia-safe by ingredient analysis.
Cleansing is led by Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate and Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate โ sulfate-free and milder than SLS/SLES.
Alcohol appears near the bottom of the INCI (12th of 15). Most tolerate it well, but very dry or reactive skin should patch test.
As a rinse-off cleanser it pairs with virtually any routine โ retinol, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA and niacinamide can all follow afterward.
Free from common allergens, added fragrance, oils, parabens, silicones and sulfates โ a strong pick for sensitive skin.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ผ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate #1 in INCI Proven
A water-soluble licorice root derivative and the very first ingredient on this label โ unusual for a cleanser and a sign of its central role in this brightening formula.
- Soothing: Glycyrrhizin offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits that help calm visible redness and irritation.
- Brightening: Licorice compounds such as glabridin and liquiritin help interrupt the melanin pathway, supporting a more even tone.
- Antioxidant: Licorice flavonoids provide antioxidant protection against environmental stress.
๐ Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate Vitamin C Proven
A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative (MAP) that is gentler than pure L-ascorbic acid and far less prone to oxidation.
- Brightening: Shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and the look of dark spots.
- Collagen support: Like other Vitamin C forms, it can help stimulate collagen and improve texture.
- Stability: Stable up to roughly pH 7, making it more air- and light-resistant than ascorbic acid.
๐ฑ Glycine Soja (Soy) Germ & Extract Soy Isoflavones Promising
The brand's signature fermented Hokkaido soy milk complex, rich in isoflavones, soy protein and antioxidants.
- Antioxidant: Soybeans are rich in antioxidants that may help defend against signs of aging.
- Tone: Studies suggest soy can help fade UVB-induced hyperpigmentation by disrupting melanin production.
- Comfort: Adds a moisturized, smooth after-feel that softens the typical "tight" cleanser finish.
๐งผ Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate Primary Surfactant Proven
An amino-acid-based, coconut- and glycine-derived surfactant that does the gentle cleansing heavy-lifting here.
- Mild: Amino-acid surfactants are notably gentler on the skin barrier than sulfates.
- Foaming: Naturally produces a soft, abundant foam without harsh detergents.
- Sulfate-free: No SLS or SLES, lowering the risk of over-stripping.
๐ง Glycerin & Sorbitol Humectants Proven
A duo of humectants that draw moisture to the skin to offset the natural drying effect of cleansing.
- Glycerin: One of the most effective humectants available; pulls water into deeper skin layers.
- Sorbitol: A sugar-alcohol humectant that also acts as a prebiotic to support the skin microbiome.
- Barrier: Better-hydrated skin maintains a healthier protective barrier.
15 ingredients
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Water, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as your morning first-step and as the second step of an evening double cleanse, after an oil cleanser or balm. Always follow PM cleansing with SPF the next day when using Vitamin C and brightening actives.
๐ How to Use
Wet & Dispense
Wet your face with lukewarm water and squeeze a pearl-sized amount into damp hands.
Lather
Add a little water and work into a rich foam โ a foaming net or sponge builds an even denser, fluffier lather.
Massage Gently
Massage the foam over the face in light circular motions for 15โ20 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse & Follow
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, pat dry, and continue with toner and the rest of your routine.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You want a gentle, fragrance-free daily cleanser
- You're looking to brighten and even your tone over time
- You have normal, combination or sensitive skin
- You prefer sulfate-free, fungal-acne-safe formulas
- You enjoy a dense, satisfying Japanese-style foam
- You want excellent value for a large 150g tube
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin that finds foaming washes tightening
- You have a known soy allergy
- You expect a leave-on Vitamin C treatment level of results
- You strictly avoid all forms of alcohol in skincare
- You want a cream or balm rather than a foam cleanser
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Removes excess oil and makeup thoroughly while leaving a clean, non-greasy finish.
Balances oilier zones without over-drying drier cheeks, thanks to added humectants.
Fragrance-free with soothing licorice; patch test recommended due to low-level alcohol.
Cleanses well, but some very dry users find foaming washes tight โ follow with a rich moisturizer.
Low comedogenic rating and fungal-acne-safe, with soothing licorice for breakout-prone skin.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, Soft Skin
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed yet comfortable โ most users notice it doesn't leave the usual tight, squeaky feel.
88% noticedSmoother Texture
Regular use leaves the surface feeling smoother and looking fresher, with makeup removed more easily.
71% noticedBrighter, More Even Tone
With consistent daily use alongside SPF, the soy, licorice and Vitamin C derivative support a more radiant, even-looking complexion.
58% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Rich, dense, satisfying foam
- Cleanses makeup and oil effectively
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
- Great value for a large 150g tube
- Brightening soy + licorice + Vitamin C complex
- Doesn't leave a tight, stripped feeling for most
โ Criticized
- Can feel drying for very dry skin types
- Contains a small amount of alcohol
- "Whitening" label confuses Western shoppers
- Mostly Japanese-language packaging
- Brightening from a rinse-off is gradual, not dramatic
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same brand and soy base, tuned for moisture rather than brightening. Skips the Vitamin C focus but is even gentler for dry skin.
Another J-Beauty foam famous for cloud-like lather and silk extracts. Brightens less but is wildly popular and inexpensive.
Hyaluronic-acid-rich Japanese foam focused on hydration. Lacks the soy/Vitamin C brightening angle but very gentle.
Low-pH K-Beauty gel with tea tree. A gentle daily option, though it's a gel rather than a dense whipped foam.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
SANA Soy Milk Whitening Foam (Featured)
~$12Senka Perfect Whip
~$8COSRX Low pH Good Morning
~$12Hada Labo Gokujyun Wash
~$9.50๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.
Squeeze tube
Yes โ 150g tube is under the 100ml liquid limit equivalent and TSA-friendly for checked or carry-on.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Generally considered low-risk. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens โ the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. Its Vitamin C derivative (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is widely regarded as fine. As always, confirm with your OB-GYN or doctor before adding any product.
Yes. Ingredient analysis confirms it is fungal-acne (malassezia) safe โ it contains no problematic fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. It's a solid daily cleanser choice for those managing fungal acne.
Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser it doesn't stay on the skin, so it pairs with virtually any active. Cleanse first, then apply your retinol, Vitamin C serum, or AHA/BHA afterward as your routine directs. There are no layering conflicts to worry about.
It performs best on oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin. Very dry skin can use it too but should follow with a richer moisturizer, since some dry-skinned users find foaming cleansers slightly tightening.
Cleaner, softer skin is immediate. Smoother texture typically appears within 1โ2 weeks of daily use. Brightening and a more even tone develop gradually over 4โ8 weeks โ and only with consistent SPF use, since it's a supportive rinse-off rather than a leave-on treatment.
Use it as your morning cleanser and as the second step of an evening double cleanse (after an oil cleanser or balm). Follow with toner, treatments, moisturizer and โ in the morning โ sunscreen.
No. It has a very low comedogenic rating (about 1/5) and is oil-free, so it's unlikely to clog pores. As a rinse-off product, contact time is minimal anyway, making pore-clogging risk low.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and keep the tube closed. Discontinue use if the texture, color or smell changes noticeably.
Verdict: The SANA Soy Milk Whitening Foam Face Wash is an outstanding value gentle cleanser that punches above its price. A sulfate-free amino-acid base produces a luxuriously dense foam, while soy isoflavones, licorice and a stable Vitamin C derivative add real brightening and soothing credentials โ all fragrance-free and fungal-acne safe. Just remember "whitening" means tone-brightening, not bleaching, and very dry skin should pair it with a nourishing moisturizer. For oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin, it's an easy daily recommendation.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 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 |
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Flavoring Agent
|
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbitol
Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Plasticizer, Masking
|
Hydrating
|