The Face Foam Facial Cleanser Moist
The Face Foam Facial Cleanser Moist
Product Description
A gentle, self-foaming Japanese facial cleanser that dispenses whipped-cream-like foam directly from the pump. BiorΓ©'s Moist formula cleanses without friction, protecting your skin's moisture barrier while lifting away impurities β leaving skin feeling clean yet comfortably hydrated.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Friction-Free Foam Technology
BiorΓ©'s proprietary Pump Former dispenser infuses extra air to create ultra-fluffy whipped-cream foam with 1.5x more volume, so you cleanse by gently pressing β not rubbing β the foam onto your skin.
Barrier-Protecting Formula
Mild surfactants like lauryl hydroxysultaine and decyl glucoside cleanse gently without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, keeping skin hydrated after every wash.
Moisture-Retaining Cleanse
Glycerin and arginine work as humectants to attract and hold moisture in the skin, so your face feels clean yet never tight or dry after rinsing.
Gentle Enough for Baby Skin
The mild, alcohol-free and paraben-free formula is tested safe for delicate skin β even suitable for washing a baby's face, making it ideal for sensitive and reactive skin types.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains lauric acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid (fatty acids that can potentially feed malassezia). However, as a wash-off product with short skin contact time, the risk is significantly reduced.
Rated 1/5 for comedogenicity. While lauric acid has a high individual comedogenic rating, its concentration in a rinse-off cleanser greatly minimizes pore-clogging potential.
No drying alcohols, no parabens, and no silicones. Gentle enough for sensitive and reactive skin types, including children's skin.
This formula includes synthetic fragrance (parfum). While most users tolerate it well, those with extreme fragrance sensitivity should patch test first.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA treatments. As a gentle cleanser, it won't interfere with or deactivate your actives.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Glycerin ~5β8% Proven
One of the most effective and well-researched humectant ingredients in skincare. Naturally present in human skin, glycerin attracts water to the upper layers of the epidermis, keeping skin hydrated and plump even after cleansing.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid at comparable concentrations.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical ingredient. Comedogenic rating: 0. Irritation rating: 0.
𧬠Arginine ~0.5β1% Proven
A naturally occurring amino acid that plays a key role in skin repair and hydration. Arginine helps maintain the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and supports the moisture barrier even in a wash-off product.
- Function: Amino acid humectant, pH adjuster. Helps buffer the formula's alkalinity for a gentler cleanse.
- Benefit: Supports the skin's natural defense mechanisms and aids in wound healing and skin conditioning.
𫧠Lauryl Hydroxysultaine ~1β3% Proven
An amphoteric (dual-charge) surfactant known for being exceptionally mild. It boosts the foaming power of the formula while significantly reducing the irritation potential of other cleansing agents.
- Function: Mild co-surfactant, foam booster. Helps create the signature dense whipped-cream texture.
- Safety: Widely used in baby shampoos and sensitive-skin formulations due to its extremely low irritation profile.
πΏ Decyl Glucoside ~0.5β1.2% Proven
A plant-derived, non-ionic surfactant made from coconut and corn glucose. It is one of the gentlest cleansing agents available and is commonly used in organic and baby skincare products.
- Function: Gentle cleansing agent, foam stabilizer. Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Safety: Comedogenic rating: 0. Low irritation for most skin types.
π§ͺ Polyquaternium-39 <1% Promising
A conditioning polymer that leaves a silky, smooth film on the skin after rinsing. It helps counteract the drying effects of surfactants, contributing to the "clean but moisturized" after-feel that defines this cleanser.
- Function: Skin conditioning agent, anti-static. Improves the sensory profile of the cleanser.
- Benefit: Creates a non-stripping finish that makes skin feel soft and supple post-wash.
19 ingredients
Water, Propylene Glycol, PEG-150, Glycerin, Lauric Acid, Laureth-6 Carboxylic Acid, Myristic Acid, Arginine, Lauryl Hydroxysultaine, Potassium Hydroxide, Decyl Glucoside, Laureth-4 Carboxylic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Polyquaternium-39, Acrylates Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your second cleanser (after oil cleanser) in the PM, or as your only cleanser in the AM. Apply to damp skin and rinse thoroughly.
π How to Use
Prime the Pump
For first use, remove the stopper and press the pump a few times until foam begins to dispense evenly.
Wet Your Face
Lightly moisten your face with lukewarm water. You do not need to create a lather in your hands β the foam comes ready from the pump.
Dispense & Apply
Pump 4β5 times into your palm. Place the foam directly onto your face and gently press it in β do not rub or massage. Let the foam draw out impurities on its own.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse well with lukewarm water until all foam is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with your toner or serum.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have normal, combination, or slightly dry skin
- You want a gentle, non-stripping daily cleanser
- You prefer self-foaming pumps over tube cleansers
- You have sensitive or reactive skin (including children)
- You want a cleanser that protects your moisture barrier
- You enjoy the convenience of a friction-free cleansing method
β Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use an oil cleanser first)
- You have severe fungal acne (contains fatty acid triggers)
- You are extremely sensitive to synthetic fragrance
- You want a completely fragrance-free cleanser
- You prefer a deep-cleansing, squeaky-clean feel
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Ideal match. Cleanses effectively without disrupting your skin's natural balance. Leaves skin feeling fresh and comfortable.
Balances well across different face zones β removes oiliness from the T-zone without drying out the cheeks.
Hydrating formula won't strip moisture, but very dry skin may benefit from the Deep Moist variant or a richer moisturizer after cleansing.
Cleanses well without over-drying, but very oily skin may prefer the Oil Control variant for a more mattifying finish.
Mild surfactant system and no alcohol or parabens. Contains fragrance, so patch test if you're extremely reactive.
Low comedogenic risk as a wash-off product. Lauric acid has antimicrobial properties. For active acne, consider the Acne Care variant.
π Results Timeline
Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness. The whipped-cream foam provides a noticeably gentle, luxurious cleansing experience compared to traditional face washes.
95% noticed softer skin after first useImproved Skin Balance
Skin begins to feel more balanced as the moisture barrier is no longer compromised by harsh cleansing. Dryness and post-wash tightness reduce significantly.
80% reported less post-wash drynessHealthier Skin Texture
With consistent barrier-friendly cleansing, skin appears smoother and more even-toned. Subsequent skincare products (toners, serums) absorb more effectively.
70% noticed improved product absorptionLong-Term Barrier Health
Continued use supports a healthier skin barrier over time. Skin may produce less excess oil as it is no longer overcompensating for stripped moisture.
65% saw reduced oiliness over timeβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Ultra-fluffy whipped-cream foam feels luxurious and gentle
- Friction-free cleansing method β no need to rub or massage
- Skin feels clean but never tight or stripped
- Alcohol-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free formula
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and even babies
- Affordable price point for a Japanese quality cleanser
- Convenient self-foaming pump β no need to lather manually
- Protects the skin's moisture barrier while cleansing
β Criticized
- Contains synthetic fragrance (not suitable for fragrance-free seekers)
- Not effective for removing heavy or waterproof makeup alone
- 200ml bottle runs out relatively fast with recommended 4β5 pumps
- Pump dispenser may clog in very humid conditions
- Contains fatty acids that may trigger fungal acne in susceptible individuals
- May not feel deeply cleansing enough for very oily skin types
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also a self-foaming J-Beauty pump cleanser. Features hyaluronic acid instead of glycerin/arginine as key humectant. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe, but less dense foam texture.
K-Beauty gel cleanser with tea tree oil and BHA. More active formula targeting acne-prone skin. Different texture (gel vs foam) and requires manual lathering. Contains BHA β not pregnancy safe.
Ceramide-based cream cleanser (not foaming). Better for dry skin with barrier repair benefits. Fragrance-free but much thicker, non-foaming texture. Larger 473ml size offers better value per ml.
π Comparison with Competitors
BiorΓ© The Face Foam Moist
~$12.00Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser
~$14.00CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
~$16.00COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
~$11.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving in a very humid shower area to prevent pump clogging.
Self-foaming pump bottle (Pump Former dispenser) β dispenses pre-foamed whipped cream-like lather directly.
No β 200ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Refill pouches (340ml) are available separately but also exceed the limit. Consider decanting for travel.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This cleanser is free from retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreen filters β the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. All of its surfactants and humectants (glycerin, arginine, decyl glucoside) are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. The formula contains lauric acid (C12), myristic acid (C14), and palmitic acid (C16) β fatty acids that can potentially feed malassezia yeast. However, since this is a wash-off product that stays on the skin for only 30β60 seconds, the actual risk is significantly lower than with leave-on products. Many users with fungal acne use it without issues, but if you are highly sensitive, consider the Hada Labo Gokujyun Foaming Cleanser as a fungal acne-safe alternative.
Yes, absolutely. As a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser, it pairs well with all active ingredients. It does not contain any actives that would interact with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. In fact, its mild formula is ideal for people using potent actives because it won't further irritate sensitized skin. Simply cleanse first, then apply your actives as directed on damp or dry skin.
The Moist variant is designed primarily for normal to combination skin. It provides a balanced cleanse that removes impurities without over-drying. If you have very dry skin, consider the Deep Moist variant. For very oily skin, the Oil Control variant may be a better fit. For acne-prone skin, the Acne Care variant includes antibacterial ingredients. The Moist version is the most versatile option in the lineup.
You'll notice softer, more comfortable skin from the very first use β the difference is especially apparent if you're switching from a harsh, stripping cleanser. After 1β2 weeks of consistent use, expect reduced post-wash tightness and improved skin balance. By 3β4 weeks, many users report smoother texture and better absorption of their following skincare products as the moisture barrier strengthens.
Use it as Step 2 in a double-cleanse routine (after an oil cleanser) in the evening, or as your sole cleanser in the morning. Apply to damp skin, press the foam gently without rubbing, then rinse. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). It works as a second cleanser and is not designed to remove heavy makeup or sunscreen on its own.
Very unlikely. While the formula contains lauric acid (comedogenic rating of 4 individually), this is a wash-off product with a contact time of under 60 seconds. The actual comedogenic risk for rinse-off products is significantly lower than for leave-on products. We rate this cleanser 1/5 for comedogenicity. Most users, including those with acne-prone skin, do not experience clogged pores from this product.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. At the recommended usage of 4β5 pumps twice daily, a 200ml bottle typically lasts 4β6 weeks. Refill pouches (340ml) are available and are more economical for long-term use. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing the pump to running water to prevent clogging.
Verdict: BiorΓ© The Face Foam Facial Cleanser Moist is an excellent everyday cleanser that delivers on its promise of gentle, friction-free cleansing. The self-foaming pump technology produces a uniquely dense, whipped-cream foam that genuinely removes impurities without stripping your moisture barrier β a standout feature backed by Kao's 40+ years of facial cleansing research. It's ideal for normal to combination skin types who want a simple, effective cleanser that won't interfere with their active treatments. The only drawbacks are the inclusion of synthetic fragrance and fatty acids that may concern fungal-acne-prone individuals. At its price point, it offers outstanding value for a well-formulated Japanese cleanser.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-150
Humectant, Solvent
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|