Shiseido • The Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam • Cleansers

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Tirje980 on 5/18/2012 10:05:00 AM more reviews by Tirje980

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

It is an amazing cleanser. I was using The Skincare from shiseido and i really love this cleanser. I am still using this even thou i switched my skincare regime to lancome. It cleans perfectly well and my face is brighter and softer. However i think it is too expensive for a cleanser. I can never justify spending so much on something you rinse off your face. After i finish this i will go back to the the combination of Nivea makeup remover and LUSH angels which work just fine.

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mimepanda on 3/4/2012 1:06:00 PM more reviews by mimepanda

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This has been my go-to cleanser for several years now. It's not the cheapest so I tend to switch back between this one, the Vichy acne cleanser and and Estee Lauder one. This cleanser foams up really well so you only need a little bit at a time and one tube lasts a long time. It cleans quite thoroughly and I always feel as if I could slough off a layer of dead skin every time I use this. However in the winter this can be a little drying and my face feels a bit tight afterwards. In the summer though this is absolutely perfect. It's gentle and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, helped to balance everything out while trying to handle my acne last year. Overall an excellent cleanser.

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Zoeyxx on 2/28/2012 2:07:00 PM more reviews by Zoeyxx

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I switch back and forth a few times a month with this cleanser and my other Shiseido pureness cleanser, when i have quite bad break outs i would use the pureness one and when i have good skin days i would use this cleanser. Amazing and gentle cleanser, foams up nicely and one tube goes a long way. definitely worth the money, i will not repurchase because i would like to try other cleansers after this...but who knows i might come crawling back to this once in a while!

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rebonjour on 1/30/2012 1:42:00 PM more reviews by rebonjour

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Me: Acne-prone, easily irritated skin, prone to dehydration, tending towards cyst-like breakouts when using oil-based products, scars easily.


A cosmetician gave me a sample of this cleanser a few months ago when I was dealing with acne-prone skin that had been severely dehydrated from regular benzoyl peroxide use without an effective moisturizer. A friend, who is also a cosmetician, warned me that the Shiseido line cause her to break out with huge acne cysts, and instead encouraged me towards Avene's gentle cleanser. I found that product to wreck havoc on my skin, causing oiliness, cysts, and stinging. After discontinuing my use of the Avene product and normalizing my skin with a good moisturizer and the BP, I went off in search of a better cleansing product and decided I would give the Shiseido sample a try.


The product comes in a pearlescent tube, with a neutral scent and very creamy and rich feel. I was initially concerned about the product causing acne, as most creamy cleansers I have used have resulted in one or two cyst-like pimples around my chin area. Surprisingly, after two months of using this product, I have not experienced any breakouts aside from a single blackhead that turned into a very tiny white pimple (about the size of the eye of an embroidery needle) on the side of my nose.


From the first use, I was amazed at how balanced my skin felt. Most cleansers have either left my skin feeling oily and dirty, or squeaky clean and stripped of softness. This is very much akin to shampoos - sulfate-free ones tend to leave my hair greasy and flat, while ones with sulfate make my hair "too" clean and have a drying effect. However, this cleansing foam produced a beautifully clean sensation that I had not experienced before in a cleanser.


I initially applied the product using a loofah to exfoliate my skin and product a rich foamy lather. Although some people may argue that it is too harsh for the skin, I currently use a Salux cloth (very gently) to exfoliate my skin and make this cleanser foam. Shiseido also makes a skincare brush that can be used for the same purpose, though it looks a lot like a scrub brush for dishes to me, and isn't particularly appealing for this reason. I'd imagine this would also work wonderfully with a Clarisonic. Hot water has produced the best results for me in terms of removing all of the cleanser from my face, and I feel that exfoliating is a necessary step in the cleansing process when using this cleanser to avoid any clogged pores. It produces a nice, dense foam with a relatively neutral scent. I am able to use the cleanser directly on top of my eyelids and eyelashes without irritating my eyes.


It is somewhat expensive for a tube, about $35, which will last about two months based on twice-daily use. This is the only cleanser that has kept my skin appropriately balanced and prevented the dehydration that occurs with most other cleansers I've tried. If you haven't gone the Cetaphil route, I'd recommend you try it first and see if the basic cleanser works for you, instead of spending the amount of money required for the Shiseido brand. However, if you've tried several cleansers without success and are in need of something pure, simple, and soothing, I'd recommend spending the extra $10 - $15 on this product.


BOTTOM LINE: A perfect cleanser for all skin types. Doesn't cause acne, as long as you are being proactive about treating your pimples with benzoyl peroxide, salycilic acid, or whatever anti-acne agent works best for you. Expensive but worth the price in how long the product lasts for (about 2 months on 2x daily use), and the rich skinfeel of the cleanser. Produces a luxurious lather rather than a runny, watered-down couple of bubbles. The closest to "as soft as a baby's bottom" as my face has ever been. I get several compliments (weirdly) on how soft my skin looks and feels as a result of using this cleanser. Potential HG.

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renastar on 1/27/2012 3:02:00 AM more reviews by renastar

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love this cleanser but it's too pricey. I've been looking for cheaper drugstore alternatives; however, I have yet to find one that measures up.

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*TOP REVIEWER* xtinahb on 9/29/2011 9:17:00 AM more reviews by xtinahb

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Expensive, yes. But gentle and creamy with very mild foaming that leaves my skin clean and soft. I use it with other Shiseido products and Renova and my skin has never been better. I am a 31 year old combo skin light tan Asian with fine lines, not prone to breakouts. I use a dime size amount and rub gently for 60 secs on my wet face before rinsing clean. This removes every molecule of foundation (from TM to Revlon Colorstay) and sunscreen without leaving my face dry. I will repurchase again and again since I find value in the $29 cleanser that lasts 4 months, contributes to my current skin condition (I am VERY happy with my skin right now!), and compliments my current regimen. I recommend to other combo skin guys and girls out there!

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*TOP REVIEWER* dioraddict84 on 9/20/2011 11:58:00 PM more reviews by dioraddict84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I love Shiseido skincare, especially their cleansers! They foam so nicely with just a little, and leave the skin feeling squeaky clean (but not tight and dry). Love love love!!

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RainbowMun on 5/28/2011 11:10:00 PM more reviews by RainbowMun

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I've switched to Olay Cleanser - this does too good a job, leaving my face a bit dry afterwards. It does help tone the skin.

Edit: switched back to this. Addicted to the glowy effect after i use it. However, I only cleanse once every 5 days now.

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diosam on 5/12/2011 3:51:00 PM more reviews by diosam

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Smells great, you only need a little bit to make a rich foam, but it dries my skin very much. Got the tester because somewhere it was written that it's suitable for sensitive skin. Didn't suit me.

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ichibandie on 4/25/2011 2:06:00 AM more reviews by ichibandie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have used Shiseido products for nearly two years and it used to work great.. however.. these past few months, my face seems to be breaking out, more than ever especially in the T-zone. This cleanser used to tame acne around my cheeks and chin area but now it dries a bit and I don't get that same refreshing feeling that I used to. Perhaps this is a sign that I must move on to a different cleanser, as I have with moisturisers. Anyone else have any recommendations?

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maggieinlove on 4/3/2011 6:32:00 PM more reviews by maggieinlove

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Frist off, it's a very gentle, great cleanser. But it won't remove your make up though. It does leaves your skin feel great, tighten, and very clean. I use it in the morning only, since I use pro activ at night. I do love it, it last 4EVER really, I'm not sure if i'm gonna be buying it again, cause i think there are other cleanser that would work as well but a lot cheaper at the drug store. And since I have a clarsonic, I don't think I need an extemely expensive cleanser

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w04hh on 3/29/2011 10:08:00 PM more reviews by w04hh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I only use this cleanser at night in conjunction with Shiseido's "The Skincare Cleansing Massage Brush", and the two work perfectly together. It takes off light face makeup and my sunscreen. I actually can use less product because the brush lathers up the cleanser surprisingly well. This cleanser is really gentle, I know because I've gotten it in my eye before and it did not burn, haha. Overall, the cleanser does everything it claims to do.

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innerchild on 3/20/2011 7:56:00 AM more reviews by innerchild

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

(Overall: 4, Price: 5, Packaging: 5, Repurchase: No)

I remember I tried this years ago using hard water and it dried out my skin like crazy. But now, with soft water, it didn't dried out my skin like before. It just cleansed my skin thoroughly without stripping or irritating it. I even used my Clarisonic Mia on it. It's a cream-type foaming cleanser with a floral scent. It's not going to get a perfect score from me since it burns my eyes. For that and the price, I won't be repurchasing.

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bambooflower on 3/18/2011 3:16:00 PM more reviews by bambooflower

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I really like this face wash. It cleanses really well, removes all my makeup, and does not dry out my face. An added bonus is the scent - I am in love with the light tea scent! I am sad that it is so expensive because I like it so much. I wish they sold travel-sized ones (like a <3 oz bottle) because I need one for when I travel!

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MulanDoll on 2/25/2011 2:40:00 AM more reviews by MulanDoll

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

If you have Dry and/or Sensitive skin type, I would not recommend this. I have dry cheeks (depending on what I use) and sensitive under eyes, and this totally dried them out until they flaked :(

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*TOP REVIEWER* Xxkonixx on 2/14/2011 2:56:00 AM more reviews by Xxkonixx

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is the most expensive face wash i had tried but i think it's worth every penny....it saved me from having tight skin throughout harsh winter weather in canada......it moisturizes well without any residues on your face....and smells so lovely.........anyone out there who has been looking for a good face wash must try thiss outtt.......

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jomckey on 1/30/2011 12:53:00 PM more reviews by jomckey

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Dark   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love this cleansers, it remove my make up, and it make me feel really clean when im done using it. a little dot is all you need to clean your entire face. yes it is expensive but you would have it for 2 yrs because you dont need a lot. so your are getting a bang for your buck. it smells great and it not harsh. it does leave my face feeling dry.

However, it is meant to be use with the soften lotion, after i put that on it makes my face feel so soft and supple. read reviews on the toner/ lotion for those who feel thier face felt too dry. great product and i dont mind the money because it last for ever and gives great results

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*TOP REVIEWER* ValentinaRUS on 1/8/2011 7:20:00 AM more reviews by ValentinaRUS

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This 'extra gentle' foam was very tough on my skin. It did clean it well, but dried it out like crazy, which is a pity since I really like the consistency of the product. WIll not repurchase

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blushkittie on 12/31/2010 8:58:00 PM more reviews by blushkittie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Shiseido has to be one of the best skincare brands I've ever tried. My best friend introduced me to the brand while I was in college, and I've been impressed ever since. It's tempting to try new and exciting products, but I always go back to this formula!

The Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam is very gentle to the skin (though you shouldn't rub it in your eyes, as with most lathering products) and takes off makeup, dirt, and oils from your skin. Due to its gentle formulation, however, this isn't a product that will guarantee the removal of extremely heavy or waterproof makeup, especially in the eyes. A second makeup remover would be recommended for that purpose.

In terms of packaging and product application, the cleanser comes in a flip-top tube, and only a small (pea-sized) amount is required to generate enough lather for the entire face. Massaging the whole face with the foam allows the dirt and makeup to come clean, and rinsing with water leaves your skin gently cleansed, with no tautness or feeling of dryness. This is great for morning and night.

If you have sensitive skin, and are looking for a gentle, all-purpose cleanser for day and night, this is a definite recommendation. (The product is also lightly fragranced, and should appeal to everyone with sensitive noses.) Using this product in conjunction with the softener and moisturizers will also complete your regimen. One of my all time favorites, an HG:)!

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skymovie on 11/19/2010 2:36:00 PM more reviews by skymovie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

This is my HG cleanser. This one is really gentle. But it does perfect cleaning job. My skin is dry to sensitive type. So I have tried the highly recommended products, like the Cetaphil cleanser for dry skin and also the one for oily skin. The first is too gentle to clean anything and the latter is too harsh. I got the break out after using the Cetaphil product. However, when I switch to this Shiseido cleanser, my break out was under control. And my face feels really soft and clean after rinsing my face with water. I love it very very much!

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