My face wash of choice has always been the foaming variety — Japanese ones to be exact as they contain no sulphates, foam up much better, and leave no residue behind. One of my all-time favourites is Biore Skin Care Facial Foam (Acne Care), which was released last year in February 2012. Actually, the entire Facial Foam line is fantastic — a far cry from its previous formulas that strip the hell out of skin.
For those looking a cleansing foam that leaves skin very clean and fresh yet gentle and non-stripping, this Medicated Acne Care version could just be your thing. You may have read my post on Japanese Skincare Routine: Double Cleansing, which you use a makeup remover to remove your makeup before using a cleanser; this cleanser fits step 2 perfectly.
It’s a little lighter and fresher than the other 3 cleansing foams in the line without being drying — in fact, I find this to be the gentlest. Unlike many acne cleansers in the market, this promises to prevent (rather than to treat) acne by reducing skin irritation, which can lead to acne. It is one of the least drying, least stripping (and most pleasant smelling) cleansing foams I’ve ever tried. (I actually prefer cleansers to be scented as I always find fragrance-free cleansers to have an unpleasant chemical smell.)
If you have used Japanese cleansing foams like the popular FT Shiseido’s Sengan Senka Perfect Whip, which work to a very foamy lather and rinse off easily; the Biore facial foam’s texture is of that ilk. The foam glides on to lift up grim to leave the skin thoroughly cleansed, but it doesn’t feel stripping either — even on winter skin. Personally, because this (like most Japanese face washes) is designed for “double Cleansing” (again, be sure to read my Double Cleansing post if you haven’t already), I’d remove the majority of my makeup first. However, it does do a good job at removing (non-waterproof) BB cream. Can it completely remove full-face makeup or tenacious sunscreen on its own? Highly doubtful as it is meant to complement rather than replace a makeup remover.
Although this is marketed for “Acne Care”, the Medicated Acne Care is an excellent choice for all skin types. It’s a basic, gentle foaming face wash that keeps the skin clear and fresh. A 130g tube costs less than 400 Japanese Yen. Not bad, not bad at all.
130g tube of Biore Skin Care Facial Foam (Acne Care) retails for ¥448 in Japan.
