If there’s one item I’m faithful to, it’s to my face wash. I know, strange. But I’ve yet to find a worthy substitute to what I’d probably term my HG (holy grail) face wash, which is unfortunately by Vichy. Unfortunately, because I can’t get it locally anymore. While I do still keep bottles of it on standby, I thought I’d try something new after finishing my last bottle.
I decided to give the new Hada Labo Deep Clean & Anti-Acne Face Wash aka Deep Clean & Blemish Control Face Wash a go. If you’ve been trawling the pharmacies lately, you will have noticed that Hada Labo has introduced 3 new face washes. They are this anti-acne one, a Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash and a Hydra & Whitening Face Wash.
I picked this, because I thought it was the closest in function to the Vichy Normaderm Purifying Cleansing Gel. I’m not so fussed about the acne bit because sporadic breakouts do happen, but it’s not a primary concern of mine anymore. However, I do like having salicylic acid in my face wash because it keeps my skin clear and clean and also spot free. Well, considering that I’ve been using this one nightly for a couple of months now, I suppose it’s working, right? 😛
Well, it is, but not without a few gripes.
There isn’t much I can tell you about a face wash you know. This new Hada Labo face wash series contains mineral clay from volcanic ash or bentonite clay and their key ingredient of hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin isn’t dried out from all that clay.
I was interested to see that the anti-acne ingredient wasn’t salicylic acid, but Wild Pansy Extract which is supposed to contain natural salicylic acid that helps control blemishes. Interestingly, doing a little bit of research turned up the interesting fact that pansy extract has anti-inflammatory actions, to alleviate skin irritations and increased sebum production. Not quite the functions performed by salicylic acid, I might say, but an interesting bit of trivia I learned.
Bentonite clay is a common ingredient in clay masks or deep cleansing face products, as they naturally draw impurities from the skin. However, the drawback to this benefit is that it can be very drying especially if you already have dry skin. I suppose this is where the hyaluronic acid bit comes in.
Texture-wise, this has got to be one of the most creamy face washes I’ve ever used. I mean it! One little dollop lathers up into a very thick creamy foam which feels like a thick cushion on your skin. It is actually quite nice and comforting to massage it in, but that means it has SLS for those of you paying attention.
When I rinse it off my skin, I love the incredibly smooth and clean feeling. So clean, it squeaks. Literally.
I attribute it to the bentonite clay that gives my skin that smooth clean feeling, but I do also feel that it does make my skin feel dry. It isn’t uncomfortable or tight, but I feel it. That said, I do have combination-dry skin so it might explain why I may feel this dryness more than someone who has oily skin but it is something to note.
I always ensure that I follow up my cleansing with a facial mist, toner or moisturising serum or even all 3 at once. As far as I’m concerned, this has been the only drawback. I cannot vouch for its anti-acne properties. I did not break out from using this, and during this time, I have not been plagued by spots or acne either, but I’d take it with a pinch of salt.
I do have a concern that using this twice a day may actually cause skin to dry out more than it should so I’d caution against that for anyone. Skin that is too dry can break out too. I personally only use this once a day in the evening as the last step of my double (or is it triple?) cleanse routine. In the mornings, I use a light cleanser which is still the Antipodes Juliet Gel Cleanser. Love that stuff!
I can’t say I love this, but I think it’s ok and I’ll be finishing up this tube. But I’ll ultimately go back to my Vichy, or move on and try something else 🙂
In a nutshell
The new Hada Labo Deep Clean & Anti-Acne Face Wash contains bentonite clay to deep cleanse and wild pansy extract as an anti-inflammatory ingredient for acne and spots. Whilst I can’t vouch for the latter, I can attest to the fact that this face wash does cleanse my skin very thoroughly and upon rinsing, leaves my skin feeling very smooth and clean. Almost squeaky clean. You only need very little product for it to lather up into a very thick plush foam. I do feel that it’s a little drying so following up with proper skincare is a must. I’d also caution against using this twice a day for this reason of dryness. If you have dry skin, it’s best to avoid this one.
Pros: Affordable, Only very little product is needed, Skin feels very clean after washing
Cons: Feels a little drying especially if you have drier skin, Not advisable to use this twice a day
Who will like this: Anyone who enjoys using a face wash with thick creamy foam, Anyone who has oily skin
Here is the ingredient list if you’re interested to know what’s in there.
It is interesting to note that the wild pansy extract (Viola Tricolor Extract) is far down the list of ingredients which means it is all but useless, to be honest. If I were looking for a face wash to combat acne problems, I’d just go for one that has salicylic acid in the ingredient list, and look for it towards the top of the list.
Have you tried this new Hada Labo face wash or any of the new Hada Labo face washes? Are you faithful to your face washes?
I never used to be faithful but ever since I found the Vichy Normaderm one I just can’t seem to let it go. I’m not too impressed by this one and I’m not sure if I’ll try any of the other 2 but if you have, please let me know what you think of them? I do like the Hada Labo Gokujyun Face Wash though but I found the very popular Tamagohada AHA/BHA Face Wash too drying.
Paris B
Hada Labo Deep Clean & Anti-Acne Face Wash Price: RM20.90 Availability: Major pharmacies especially Guardian Pharmacy
I find that hada labo did not work for me. It is not moisturizing enough for me. I wish it worked though, and I can save my pennies on skincare. Hehehe.
I’ve actually come across quite a few people who didn’t take to the brand or the products so it’s ok not to like it Liyeun 🙂 I do like their lotion and their whitening sunscreen but those have been the only real stars for me. That said, I eventually stopped using the SHA lotion because the patting thing didn’t gel with the rest of my routine!
I tried hAda labo long time ago. And didn’t quite like it…I want to love many of the facial wash from drugstore because they are much more affordable. But most of the foaming cleanser are not moisturizing enough: ( after so many trial and error, I found estee Lauder cleanser, the one in pink tube. But recently they changed their formulation and price! I asked for a sample, and the el staff gave me the most similar cleanser to the one I’m using. I just don’t like it.. Argh! Now I have to go back to the mall and hunt for another perfect cleanser: (
Generally speaking Nicole, foaming cleansers will never be moisturising. It usually needs SLS or some similar ingredient to foam up and that is what makes it drying. It’s part of the reason I go for gel cleansers because even if they foam up, they don’t go all crazy foamy the way foaming cream cleansers do 🙂 I never liked Estee Lauder cleansers. Stripped my skin something awful! 🙁 Try the Antipodes Juliet cleanser. I love it and am planning to replenish!
Somehow the Hada Labo cleansers and I do not quite gel – at least the ones that come in tubes. No oomph. However, Hada Labo has a nice (light) foaming cleanser – can’t quite remember the name but it come with a standing (very) fat bottomed bottom and a pump – good for morning washes. I alternate that with the Neutrogena hydrating foaming wash.
But I still am loyal to Cetaphil – works great as the round up to double/triple cleansing.
You know, despite my experiments, Cetaphil is one brand I”ve never used! 😛
Not just you JK 🙂 I remember the pump one and yes, that’s quite gentle. I have the one in the ES formula which is as you have said useful in the mornings. At least you cut short one skincare prep step of having to foam your cleanser! 😀
I’m currently using this as well. Been a loyal Hada Labo fan since I was 16.
However, this cleanser did not work out for me at all. I have a very sensitive and eczema as well. This stings my face pretty bad. I went out and gave it several tries, it still stings my face as well. & yes, it somehow feels rather dry. I somehow wished it would work T_T
Personally I find this one too drying, Vivian, which might explain why you felt the sting, especially when you have eczema. I don’t think this range was made for anyone with anything less than oily skin 😛
I have been using the Hada Labo Gokujyun Face Wash for over a month at night and it is not bad. I am not sure I will repurchase it though because I am not a big fan of foaming cleansers and prefer gel cleansers. I am still trying to find a suitable cleanser to use at night. If I cannot find one, I will just use the REN cleanser both day and night 🙂
I think it’s a nice affordable face wash for when I want something quick and easy and non irritating, for me at least. I remember trying the REN Rosa Centifolia face wash a long time back but didn’t take to it because of the strong rose smell. Did you get that and is it still smelling strongly of roses?
I have the one for combination skin and will be using it soon once I have used up my current salon brand cleanser. I don’t think I will like my cleanser to be rose scented. LOL.
Ah ok, its the rose scent in the cleansing balm that bugs me enough that although I do like it, I won’t repurchase 🙁
I previously used hada labo tamagohada and arbutin cleanser, but both doesnt work well for me either (T_T) the only cleanser that really helped my skin combat all the blemishes was Yadah Bubble Deep Cleanser. I’ve been trying a lot of cleansers, not very loyal of me but still, I think I’ll go back to Yadah 🙂
I’ve read of many people for whom the Hada Labo products don’t work but it might be because they have a lot of hyaluronic acid and some people are actually sensitive to that! Good to know you’ve found one to work for you though. I think that’s nice and affordable too right?
I have all 3, and they are quite drying even on my normal combination skin. Like you said, SQUEAKY clean. LOL! My husband seems to like them though 🙂
That squeaky clean effect really bugs me but I don’t hate it enough to toss so I’ll use it up but not use the other 2 that I have. Can’t justify liking them that much. But good that your husband likes them. At least they won’t go to waste LOL!
When I first saw these new cleanser, strangely the first thought that came to mind was that they looked drying somehow…Because Hada Labo remains one of my favourite drugstore brands, I try their products selectively just so that the good impression will not be tarnished lol. Talk about strange brand loyalty that I have. I still have a tube of the Hada Labo Moisturizing face wash which I bought to stand in for the Estee Lauder cleanser that went bad (product somehow disintegrated into squishy oily secretion after just using a brand new tube for 6 months or so). I am intrigued by the Antipodes Juliet cleanser though 🙂 I can’t wait for my current cleanser stash to be cleared!
Erugh! Sounds like a horrible experience with the EL cleanser! I never had any luck with EL cleansers. They all stripped my skin silly! The Antipodes Juliet cleanser is really really nice. Pricey, but lasts so long and feels so amazing on skin. Definitely look out for it when you next want a new cleanser 🙂
Quite tempting, since I recently ran out of my face wash and just purchased some sample-sized one to try out. I have combo-oily skin and constantly have one or two acne on my face, this might be a nice one. Meanwhile, I’m also interested in trying out some La Roche-Posay products.
Btw, Vichy is readily available in Hong Kong and your HG Vichy face wash gel is HKD170, that is USD21~22. I can buy them for you if you need me to.
Aww Emma that’s such a sweet offer, thank you! But I won’t trouble you. I buy my Vichy online from the UK now whenever I see a sale on at escentual.com and the shipping is affordable so I don’t mind so much. La Roche Posay makes good products based on the few I’ve tried. Definitely worth giving them a go!
I recently picked up St. Ives’ green tea anti-acne cleanser and I do think that if acne control is the name of the game, that might be a better option than this. With combination/oily skin, this may actually be a good option for me to check out if it weren’t for the SLS! The things people do for bubbles!
LOL indeed, soft foamy bubbles get people everytime. I’m not too fussy about SLS myself, but when it gets too drying, it’s going to be hard to actually like anything about it!
Hmm… Is it OK to use anti-acne products when we don’t have acne problems? I always thought anti-acne must have stuff that is “stronger” than normal products to cure acne. It’s a bit similar to anti-dandruff shampoos, isn’t it?
Actually if you have no acne problems, then why use anti-acne? I use something with salicylic acid because I do still get some odd spots and salicylic acid helps exfoliate skin a little so I use it for that reason also. But if you don’t have a spotty problem, lay off the anti acne 😉
Yes, ma’am! 🙂
I do love a good pharmacy brand like Hada Labo… I thought I can use it mah… :p Oh yes I still can use it on special times of the month!! 😀
LOL! You don’t need all these anti-acne things I’m sure Ting!
Me too! If there is something I have not changed in my skincare routine for the past 5 years, it is my facial wash. I have dry skin, and can’t take foaming washes, so most Japanese brands are out for me. The squeaky clean touch just does not appeal to my skin I guess.
Japanese brands are so drying aren’t they? I do wonder, considering the dry weather in Japan, how the Japanese manage to get by. Oh and everytime I feel that squeaky clean feeling on my skin, I think of washing dinner plates 😛
May I know where is this product made from? Thanks.
I believe it’s Made in China.
I was just wondering, where can one purchase Vichy Normaderm purifying gel cleanser?
Hi, in Malaysia, nowhere since they pulled out a couple of years back. It’s still available in neighbouring countries or if online, try escentual.com 🙂
I’ve been using this product for like a week. But I think, this face wash don’t really work. It does breakout my skin and I’m about to cry. Haha.. actually I don’t know if this face wash or my other skincare did breakout my skin. Because I just start using another skincare by the time I use this hada labo face wash.