Should You Wash Your Face With A Carbonated Cleanser? | CoolJapan

Still water or sparkling? No, we’re not talking about for drinking. Would you use carbonated water to wash your face? Carbonated cleansers and carbonated water cleansing was first made popular in Japan but has now spread as a commonly used method in South Korea and parts of Europe. Because of the rise in its popularity, more brands have come up with carbonated cleansers that deliver the same results as carbonated water. Wondering how it all works? Here’s how.

It unclogs pores

Cleansing with carbonated water unclogs your pores. The carbonation process works to break up dirt, oil, and impurities found within your skin. Because of this, the gentle ‘agitation’ results in deeper clean and fewer breakouts. Similarly, carbonated cleansers work to draw out the built-up impurities while leaving your skin feeling moisturised (more on that later).


It promotes blood circulation

With carbon dioxide working its magic, this brings blood and oxygen to your skin, creating the appearance of healthier-looking skin. At room temperature, sparkling water can trigger your blood vessels to open up. It then boosts the supply of nutrients brought to your skin. With this better circulation, your system also improves and your skin looks better. It also leaves a subtle flush — no need to add more blush later on.

It has the same pH balance as your skin

Aside from this, sparkling water also has the same pH as your skin (it has a pH of 5.5) so it doesn’t irritate your face. Tap water is typically found to have a pH of 7, which can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, a barrier on the skin’s outermost layer. Washing with tap water can cause dryness, creating tiny cracks in your skin where bacteria can grow and cause acne breakouts. Eep!

However, you should think twice about using it every day. This is especially true for sensitive skin. It also depends on the way you apply carbonated water. You can soak cotton pads and gently wipe on your skin or soak a towel and cover your face with it for several minutes. If you don’t want to invest in a soda maker, you should consider using carbonated cleansers. It’s easier and faster to use. Some ingredients you should look out for are baking soda, carbon dioxide, and carbonic acid. Ahead are some suggestions for you to try.

Bioré Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser

This gentle cleanser deeply penetrates into your skin to target your clogged pores while gently exfoliating. While it clears away the grime, it doesn’t strip your skin of moisture in the process. The end product: smooth and clear skin all day long.

Bifesta Carbonated Facial Foam

Bifesta is a popular face wash and cleansing brand in Japan. Their Carbonated Facial Foams come out as a rich, dense, fine mousse that can go deep inside the pores to draw away dirt and sebum. These facial foams contain hyaluronic acid as well, so your skin gets moisturised even while it's getting cleansed.

Hada Nature Rich Moist Cleansing Foam

Hada Nature is known for its carbonated skincare. If you want firm, supple and silky skin, their Rich Moist Cleansing Foam will do the trick. It helps minimise the appearance of blackheads with its cleansing powers. Its active ingredient is carbonic acid, which gives it the foamy texture when released from the bottle.

For some more quirky items in your skincare, read about cork for skincare.