Translation guide
A cleanser is a product used for cleaning, especially the face or skin. In Japanese, the word varies depending on the type (foam, oil, cream, etc.) and context (cosmetic vs. household).
The most common meaning: a product for washing the face, typically in a skincare routine.
General term for facial cleanser, often used on product labels. Can refer to foam, cream, powder, etc.
この洗顔料は敏感肌にも使えます。
This cleanser can be used on sensitive skin.
Specifically a foaming facial cleanser, the most common type in Japan.
洗顔フォームを泡立てて使います。
Lather up the facial cleanser foam and use it.
A product specifically designed to remove makeup, often oil-based.
Cleansing oil, very common in Japanese skincare.
クレンジングオイルでしっかりメイクを落とす。
Thoroughly remove makeup with cleansing oil.
Cleansing balm, a solid oil-based cleanser that melts on skin.
このクレンジングバームは肌に優しい。
This cleansing balm is gentle on the skin.
General term for makeup remover, can be oil, cream, or wipes.
メイク落としを忘れずに。
Don't forget to use makeup remover.
A cleaning product for surfaces, bathrooms, kitchens, etc., often containing abrasives or strong chemicals.
Loanword from 'cleanser', specifically means abrasive powder or cream cleaner for sinks, stoves, etc.
クレンザーでシンクを磨く。
Scrub the sink with cleanser.
General word for detergent or cleaning agent, but can be used for liquid cleansers.
A gentle, milky or creamy cleanser that doesn't foam, often for dry skin.
Cleansing milk, a lotion-like cleanser.
乾燥肌にはクレンジングミルクがおすすめです。
Cleansing milk is recommended for dry skin.
Cleansing cream, thicker than milk, often used for massage cleansing.
クレンジングクリームで優しくマッサージする。
Gently massage with cleansing cream.
クレンザー (kurenzā) is an abrasive household cleaner, not for skin. Using it on your face would cause injury. For facial products, use 洗顔料 or クレンジング.
洗顔 (sen gan) refers to washing the face with a foaming or water-based cleanser, usually as the second step after makeup removal. クレンジング (kurenjingu) is the first step to remove makeup and sunscreen, often with oil or balm. Many Japanese women double cleanse: クレンジング then 洗顔.
Often refers to makeup remover or cleansing oil/cream, but can be used broadly for 'cleansing' step in skincare.
クレンジングでメイクを落とします。
I remove my makeup with a cleanser.
台所用洗剤で油汚れを落とす。
Remove grease with kitchen cleanser.