Japanese Drugstore Cleansers Worth Trying: Personal Thoughts on 3 Popular Picks

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Why I’m Writing This

Simple reason: I love trying different cleansers, and these three keep coming up in conversations with friends and online reviews. As someone living in Tokyo who visits drugstores way too often, I thought it might be helpful to share what I’ve learned about MelanoCC Enzyme Cleanser, Cow Brand Additive-Free Foam, and SENKA Perfect Whip. These aren’t revolutionary discoveries—just three products that seem to work well for many people.

The Three Products

Product Type Main Appeal Best For
MelanoCC Enzyme Cleanser Enzyme foam cleanser Convenient tube packaging Those wanting enzyme cleansing
Cow Brand Additive-Free Foam Pump foam cleanser Gentle, no-fuss formula Sensitive skin concerns
SENKA Perfect Whip Foam cleanser Consistent foaming Daily cleansing routine

What I Found Interesting

MelanoCC Deep Clear Enzyme Cleanser

This one caught my attention because most enzyme cleansers come in individual powder packets, but this comes in a regular tube. According to the product information, it contains protease enzyme for breaking down protein-based impurities, plus vitamin C and clay.

What the Product Claims

The manufacturer (Rohto Pharmaceutical) says they’ve developed a way to keep enzymes stable in tube form, which is apparently patented technology. The formula includes pure vitamin C and clay (kaolin) for additional cleansing benefits.

User Feedback Patterns

Based on online reviews, many users mention the citrus fragrance and appreciate the convenience compared to powder enzyme cleansers. Some note that it creates a firm, bouncy foam that doesn’t collapse easily. Users with oily skin seem particularly happy with the results.

Cow Brand Additive-Free Foam Cleanser

This pump cleanser markets itself as being free from six common additives: colorants, fragrances, parabens, stabilizers, mineral oils, and alcohol. It’s made by the same company that makes Cow Brand milk soap, which has been around for decades.

The Formula Approach

According to the ingredient list, it uses plant-based amino acid cleansing agents and includes ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids for moisture. The pump dispenses pre-formed foam, so no manual lathering required.

What Users Say

Reviews often mention that it doesn’t cause tightness after cleansing. People with sensitive skin frequently mention using it successfully. Many appreciate the simple, no-frills approach and the fact that the foam comes out ready to use.

SENKA Perfect Whip

This has been a bestseller in Japan for many years. The company describes it as creating “micro beauty foam” that gets into pores and skin texture lines. It contains silk essence and dual moisturizing components.

The Consistent Performance

What seems to make this popular is its reliability—users report getting the same foam quality every time. The product contains silk essence (sericin) and two types of hyaluronic acid according to the ingredients.

Long-term User Feedback

Many reviews mention repurchasing this product multiple times. Users appreciate the consistent foaming and the fact that it’s widely available. The white floral fragrance gets mixed reactions—some love it, others prefer unscented options.

Real User Comments

40-year-old with dry skin on MelanoCC: “The texture is softer than I expected. Good fragrance. Using a foaming net creates bouncy, firm foam. Less slippery feeling than other enzyme cleansers I’ve tried.”

58-year-old with dry skin on Cow Brand: “I was doing water-only morning cleansing because of dryness, but sometimes you need actual cleanser. This doesn’t make my skin tight, and the foam comes out ready to use.”

26-year-old with combination skin on SENKA: “Good foam quality and leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped. The soft, bouncy foam feels nice to use.”

Things to Consider

About Enzyme Cleansers

Enzyme cleansers like MelanoCC work by breaking down proteins, which can help with texture issues. However, some people find them too strong for daily use, especially if they have sensitive skin.

About Additive-Free Products

Cow Brand’s “additive-free” approach appeals to people who prefer simpler formulations. However, “additive-free” doesn’t automatically mean better—it just means fewer potential irritants for sensitive individuals.

About Popular Products

SENKA’s popularity in Japan doesn’t guarantee it will work for everyone, but the consistent user feedback suggests it’s a reliable option for many people’s daily cleansing needs.

My Personal Take

As someone who enjoys trying different cleansers, I find these three interesting for different reasons. The MelanoCC solves the inconvenience problem with enzyme cleansers, the Cow Brand offers simplicity for sensitive skin, and SENKA provides reliable daily cleansing.

None of these are miracle products, but they each seem to do their intended job well based on the feedback I’ve seen. Your experience might be different depending on your skin type and preferences.

FAQ

Are these products suitable for all skin types?

Based on user reviews, the Cow Brand foam seems most universally gentle. The MelanoCC enzyme cleanser appears better suited for oily or normal skin. SENKA gets positive feedback from various skin types, though some very dry skin users prefer gentler options.

Can I use the enzyme cleanser every day?

The manufacturer says it’s designed for daily use, but some users with sensitive skin report using it every other day. It’s probably best to start gradually and see how your skin responds.

Where can I find these products?

All three are common in Japanese drugstores and available through various online retailers that ship internationally. Availability and pricing may vary by location.

Do these replace more expensive cleansers?

That depends on your specific needs and preferences. These products offer good value for their price range, but everyone’s skin is different. Some people prefer luxury formulations for various reasons—texture, fragrance, packaging, or specific ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These three cleansers represent different approaches to daily cleansing, and all have earned positive reputations in the Japanese market. Whether they’re right for you depends on your individual skin needs, preferences, and budget considerations.

The best cleanser is ultimately the one you’ll use consistently and that makes your skin feel comfortable and clean.

About This Review

About the Author: MIYABI, GlowCache Editor
Tokyo-based beauty enthusiast who enjoys exploring Japanese drugstore finds. All opinions are personal and based on available product information and user feedback research.

Last Updated: September 2025 | Product information based on manufacturer descriptions and user reviews.

 

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