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"My skin feels fresh right after washing, but a few minutes later it suddenly feels tight." "I feel like I need to apply moisturiser straight away." "My cheeks feel tight when I smile." Have you ever experienced this after cleansing? Skin tightness is often explained as: "The cleanser removed too much sebum." or "Your skin became dry." Both are certainly possible contributors. However, recent research suggests that the feeling of tightness may be linked not simply to dryness itself, but to the changes that occur as the skin dries. Let's take a look at what current research tells us.
Hiroaki Kaga · 1 Jul 2026
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When choosing a facial cleanser, have you ever heard things like: "Amino acid-based cleansers are gentler." "Soap-based cleansers have stronger cleansing power." There is some truth to these ideas. In fact, it is possible to estimate a cleanser's cleansing power to a certain extent by looking at the ingredient list. If you could use the ingredient list to choose a cleanser that better matches your current skin condition, selecting the right product would become much easier. In this article, we'll look at how cleansing power is commonly estimated from cosmetic ingredient lists, based on ingredient-labelling rules. We'll also explore both the general rules and some important exceptions, drawing on experience from cleanser formulation and development.
Hiroaki Kaga · 10 Jun 2026
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"My skin has been feeling a bit oilier lately, so I'd like something that leaves my skin feeling fresher." "My skin seems more sensitive than usual at the moment, so I'd prefer a gentler cleanser." Have you ever wanted to adjust your facial cleanser according to the season or your skin's current condition? Cleansing is an important step in any skincare routine. It helps remove excess sebum, dirt, and other impurities while supporting overall skin health. That's why choosing a cleanser with a level of cleansing power that suits your skin's current needs can be an important part of finding the right product. However, when researching cleansing power, you may come across various claims, such as: ・Can you tell how strong a cleanser is just by reading the ingredient list? ・Are amino acid-based cleansers always gentler? ・Are soap-based cleansers always stronger? ・Does tightness after cleansing mean your skin has been thoroughly cleaned? So, how should we actually think about the cleansing power of facial cleansers? In this article, we'll explore the topic from a cosmetic research and development perspective and explain it as clearly as possible.
Hiroaki Kaga · 29 May 2026
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When refilling a foaming facial cleanser, have you ever thought, “It should be fine as long as I use the same bottle”? In reality, it is not just about the formula itself. In cosmetic research and development, quality is assessed not only for the formula, but also for its compatibility with the packaging used. Foaming cleansers in particular can be sensitive because the condition and structure of the pump can affect the quality of the foam. Depending on how the product is refilled, the cleanser may not perform as originally intended. As these are products used on your skin every day, it is worth paying attention to how they are refilled. In this article, we will explain the key points to consider when refilling foaming cleansers, from a cosmetic R&D perspective, in as simple and practical a way as possible.
Hiroaki Kaga · 2 Jun 2026
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The pH of cleansing product is often discussed in skincare science and product formulation. You often hear that “weakly acidic pH is best for the skin.” But does that mean weakly alkaline cleansers should be avoided altogether? In a previous article, it was explained why the pH of the healthy skin surface (often referred to as “skin pH”) is maintained at a weakly acidic level, and how— from a formulation perspective — many weakly acidic cleansers are designed to minimize changes in skin pH during and after washing. For clarity, the term “skin pH” in this article refers to the pH of the skin surface. At the same time, many cleansers — including traditional soaps — are weakly alkaline. So is being weakly alkaline, in itself, a problem?
Hiroaki Kaga · 7 Mar 2026
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Healthy skin naturally maintains a weakly acidic pH of around 4–6. This article explains, from a skin science perspective, how sebum, sweat, enzymes, and skin microorganisms work together to maintain this acidity, and why it supports moisture retention, barrier function, and microbial balance.
Hiroaki Kaga · 6 Feb 2026
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Is that facial cleanser really right for your skin? Even highly rated products can sometimes leave your skin feeling tight or dry — and the reason might lie somewhere else. This article takes a closer look at pH as a helpful guide for choosing a facial cleanser, explains the thinking behind developing weakly acidic and weakly alkaline formulas, and shows you how to look up the pH of products you’re curious about and compare different cleansers.
Hiroaki Kaga · 6 Feb 2026
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