The 26 Best Japanese Shampoos Reviews & Guide
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How are the best Japanese shampoos different from American shampoos?
For one, Japanese shampoos are lightweight, clear, and clean. Rarely will you find creamy, heavy products.
Next, they are abundant in natural ingredients that rejuvenate damaged hair. They also protect the hair from breaking.
Plus, many Japanese shampoos are good at cleansing oily hair without being over-drying.
You’re likely to find they have benefits like a cooling sensation and an attractive fragrance, too.
LebeL Cosmetics | Seaweed Shampoo
- Lemon-scented powerful shampoo
- Infused with jojoba and peach kernel oil
- Works great with hair loss and breakage
MARO Deo Scalp Hair Shampoo
- Long-lasting effects
- Packed with beneficial vitamins and nutrients
- Combies 3 types of clays
OSHIMATSUBAKI Camellia Premium Shampoo
- Gentle formula for sensitive skin
- Works great by using once a week
- Removes the buildup of excessive sebum
Top Japanese Shampoos
Let’s review these products from Japan to see if they are the best shampoos in the world.
1. LebeL Cosmetics | Seaweed Shampoo
Product Overview
The popular seaweed shampoo from LebeL promises to leave hair glossy and hydrated.
It’s sulfate-free and gentle. Yet, it also provides SPF 15 to defend your hair and head from sun damage.
- Infused with jojoba oil
- Contains peach kernel oil
- Lemon-scented shampoo
- Prevents hair loss and breakage
With egg, wheat, soy, and chamomile, it strengthens damaged hair. Meanwhile, the vitamins and minerals from seaweed nourish the scalp.
Pros
- Repairs broken locks
- Deep cleanses your hair and scalp
- Gets rid of the greasy appearance
The Cons
- Has silicones
2. MARO Deo Scalp Hair Shampoo
Product Overview
If you have greasy hair, this shampoo will fix the problem.
It not only eliminates dirt and excess oil, but it also deodorizes. As a result, you’ll feel fresh and clean all day long.
It also adds volume to fine, thin hair.
- 3 different types of clay
- Long-lasting effects
- Healthy-looking hair
- Combines a shampoo and a conditioner
A hint of menthol provides a delicious tingle on the scalp while herbal ingredients hydrate the skin and strands.
Japanese customers love to use this cooling shampoo in the summertime.
Pros
- Soaks up all the excessive oils
- Gets rid of dried ends
- Reduces the moisture
The Cons
- Causes loosening in your curls
3. OSHIMATSUBAKI Camellia Premium Shampoo
Product Overview
You’re likely to find a variety of Japanese shampoos with Tsubaki in them. It’s Japanese camellia from the tea family.
Camellia oil is packed with fatty acids and polyphenols with lots of antioxidants. Although it’s an “oil,” it’s not greasy. Instead, it’s an excellent moisturizer for the hair and skin.
- Gentle formula
- Perfect for sensitive scalp
- Designed to be non-irritating
- Can be used once a week
This shampoo repairs damage from the inside of the hair fiber to the outside of the strand. It contains ceramides to boost moisture, plus camellia to smooth the exterior.
Wash with it regularly, and you’ll have glossy, bouncy, thick tresses.
Pros
- Removes all build-ups
- Makes your hair good-looking
- Doesn’t strip all natural moisture
The Cons
- Has silicones
4. Kaminomoto Japan Medicated Scalp Hair Growth B&P Shampoo
Product Overview
When you see a Japanese shampoo with the designation “B&P,” it stands for two key ingredients. These are Piroctone Olamine and β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid.
These are usually dandruff shampoos. Often, they are promoted as hair growth solutions, too.
- Infused with apple cider vinegar
- Contains oat milk
- Uses no harsh chemicals
- Natural remedy for oily scalps
The Piroctone Olamine sanitizes the scalp and prevents microbes from reproducing. Then, β-Glycyrrhetinic acid clears up dandruff and inflammation. Together, they stop the itching and flaking.
Although this is not a sulfate-free shampoo, it is an effective treatment for dandruff. It contains menthol alongside moisturizers to heal the scalp.
Pros
- Cleanses your scalp and hair
- Removes all residue buildups
- Soothes the scalp properly
The Cons
- Can dry out your hair
5. ICHIKAMI SMOOTH AND SLEEK SHAMPOO
Product Overview
Some say that the Ichikami Smooth and Sleek is their Holy Grail shampoo. It’s excellent for reviving over-processed hair.
It’s based on “Waso,” Japanese botanicals like rice bran, rice germ oil, and japonica seed oil.
- Suitable for all types of hair
- Charcoal-infused formula
- Works great for color-treated hair
- Doesn’t strip your hair from natural oil
The ingredients ensure that your hair ends up tangle-free and lustrous.
Moreover, it’s something to look forward to each time you take a shower. The mild lather has a delicious fragrance of cherry blossoms.
Pros
- Makes your hair vibrant again
- Purifies and deeply cleanses
- Gets rid of buildups and sebum
The Cons
- Can cause hair falling
6. Shiseido Super Mild Hair Care Shampoo
Product Overview
One of the first and best-known brands from Japan is Shiseido. Their Super Mild shampoo is ideal for those with sensitive skin and noses.
It has a mild peach fragrance that won’t overwhelm you in the bath.
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Contains argan oil
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients
- Contains lavender oil
Next, it’s overflowing with Vitamin E to prepare your hair and pamper your scalp. It gently lathers away grime without stripping the natural oil.
If you’re treating your hair for dandruff, use this mild shampoo on alternating days to keep your scalp healthy.
Pros
- Repairs damaged hair
- Deeply nourishes your hair
- Fights dandruff and itchy scalps
The Cons
- Has sulfates
7. &honey Deep Moist Shampoo
Product Overview
Use this shampoo to make your frizzy, or limp, coarse, and dry hair manageable once more. It contains three types of honey from all over the world to make the magic happen.
First, there’s 20% Japanese raw honey. Second, there’s 30% acacia honey from Hungary. And third, there’s 50% Manuka honey from New Zealand.
- Perfec for color-treated hair
- Removes residue buildups
- Doesn’t excessively dry your scalp
Honey is a superior moisturizer that nourishes the scalp as well. It’s also antibacterial to treat acne and inflammation.
But that’s not all that makes this Japanese shampoo unique. It also has organic Moroccan argan oil, an effective moisturizer in its own right.
The natural blend is free of artificial preservatives and chemicals. There are no sulfates or parabens in the bottle.
Pros
- Moisturizes and nourishes your hair
- Works best with dried out scalps
- Protects against sun and heat-styling
The Cons
- Contains paraffin
8. MyKirei By Kao Japanese Tsubaki & Rice Water Nourishing Shampoo
Product Overview
Rice water is a traditional treatment for the hair. It encourages growth and improves the health of each strand, starting at the follicle.
Then, there’s Tsubaki extract from the Camellia japonica tree. It conditions without weighing down the hair.
- pH balanced formula
- All-natural ingredients used
- Reduces the appearance of greasy hair
All hair types can benefit from this Japanese shampoo. It’s crammed with protein, glycerides, oleic acid, and vitamins.
Furthermore, it’s safe for the environment and your well-being. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and biodegradable. It doesn’t contain artificial dyes, parabens, or phthalates, either.
Pros
- Moisturizes and cleanses your skin
- Leaves your hair nice and soft
- Improves your hairs manageability and body
The Cons
- Works bad with oily hairs
9. TAMANOHADA 004 Gardenia Natural Hair Shampoo
Product Overview
If you like the smell of gardenias, you might love this shampoo. It features Ylang Ylang and lime, too.
The plant-based cleansers and conditioners include avocado oil to give your hair a frizz-free sleek texture.
- Infused with charcoal
- Removes all the impurities
- Makes your hair beautiful
- Perfect for oily har
Unfortunately, it’s not sulfate-free. Follow up with the matching conditioner for the best experience.
Pros
- Provides immediate comfort for dried out scalps
- Leaves an amazing scent
- Leaves your hair bouncy and lustrous
The Cons
- Has parabens, artificial dyes and fragrances
10. LUX Luminique Happiness Bloom Shampoo
Product Overview
LUX makes more than one type of shampoo. I picked the Happiness Bloom as it’s very popular.
It has a water lily and lavender fragrance.
- Infused with peppermint
- Contains pyrithione zinc
- Purifies and deeply cleanses
- Fights dandruff and flakes
After you wash with it, you might not even need conditioner as it’s ultra-smoothing and conditioning.
Pros
- Reduces inflammation and irritation
- Leaves your hair silky smooth
- Prevents hair loss and encourages hair growth
The Cons
- Makes your hair frizz
11. Moist Diane Botanical Refresh and Moist Shampoo
Product Overview
Here’s a Japanese shampoo with 90% naturally-derived ingredients. Some users say that they look forward to the fruity jasmine fragrance so much that it gets them out of bed in the morning.
The moisturizing formula is based on argan oil, seaweed, cherry blossom, rice, and green peas.
- Gently purifies and cleanses
- Doesn’t strip natural oils
- Hydrating and nourishing properties
It lathers away dirt and leaves the hair clean and soft, never dry or squeaky.
Pros
- Has an antimicrobial and healing effect
- Protects and nourishes the scalp
- Helps keeping a natural balance of the scalp
The Cons
- An unpleasant fragrance
12. Ichikami Soft Volume (NEW2017!) Shampoo
Product Overview
How about cherry blossoms and pomegranate for fragrance? This shampoo smells delightful, and it’s very pleasing to use.
It increases the volume of the hair while decreasing oiliness. If you hate to wash your hair every day, this is a good choice for you.
- pH balanced formula
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Contains high level of vitamins
It’s sulfate-free and conditioning with fatty acids from coconut oil and rice bran.
Pros
- Works great with color-treated or relaxed hair
- Moisturizes the scalp
- Refreshes your dull, dry hair
The Cons
- Overwhelming perfume
13. Komenuka Bijin Moisturizing Hair Shampoo
Product Overview
InStyle Magazine says this Japanese shampoo is a “Best Beauty Buy.” Plus, Liv Tyler and Jamie Lee Curtis enjoy using it.
It’s safe for color-treated hair and suitable for all hair types.
- Packed with beneficial nutrients
- Deep moisturizing effects
- Works great with sensitive skin
It purifies the scalp with ginseng and seaweed while infusing the follicles with sea minerals and collagen. Consequently, it doesn’t just leave the hair sleek and shiny, but it also encourages hair growth.
Lastly, it doesn’t contain parabens or sulfates.
Pros
- Boosts shine and moisturize
- Repairs damaged hairs
- Can be used before getting a weave
The Cons
- Has sulfates and artificial fragrance
14. KAMINOMOTO Charge Shampoo B&P
Product Overview
Here’s another hair growth shampoo with Piroctone Olamine and β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid.
Longtime fans say that they’ve never had a problem with their hair as long as they wash with this product. It leaves the hair silky soft and healthy.
- Suited for all types of hair
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Contains peppermint oil
- Deep nourishing and soothing properties
It also treats dandruff and reduces oiliness.
Pros
- Perfectly moisturizes and nourishes your skin
- It’s safe for color-treated hair
- Works great with sensitive skin
The Cons
- Uses silicones
15. Lion PRO Mouhatsuryoku | Hair Regrowth Shampoo
Product Overview
If your hair is thinning, you need the Lion.
This hair growth shampoo penetrates into the follicles to stimulate production. It unclogs blockages and strengthens the strands.
- Infused with apple cider vinegar
- Protects against damage and breakage
- Stops excessive oil production
- Improves the texture of your hair
At the same time, it clears up dandruff.
Pros
- Does great with frizziness
- Works great with any hair type
- Protects against sun and heat damage
The Cons
- Can strip the natural oils
16. SHISEIDO ROSARIUM Rose Shampoo
Product Overview
The rich foamy lather of the Rosarium shampoo leaves your curls perfumed with roses. It only takes a small amount to cleanse long hair.
It has arginine with amino acids to heal damage and smooth the cuticle.
- Deep cleansing properties
- Gentle enough for sensitive scalps
- Can be used on daily basis
- Reduces damage and breakage
On the downside, it also contains parabens.
Pros
- Has detox effects
- Leaves a nice, pleasant scent
- Realives itchy and irritated scalps
The Cons
- It makes your hair flat
17. Moist Diane-010 Bonheur (Grasse Rose)
Product Overview
I love the tagline of this product. It goes, “Shampoo made by farming, not chemistry.”
It’s not a lie, as this shampoo is 98% organic.
It improves moisture levels for 24 hours after you wash with it.
- Formulated with 98% organic ingredients
- Fresh looking hair for 48 hours
- Reduces the oil production
- Purifies and detoxifies
The rose fragrance is attractive but not overwhelming. It comes from real roses raised in France. What’s interesting is that it takes 300 roses to make just 1 gram of perfume.
Pros
- Cleans your hair and makes it better-looking
- Moisturizes and nourishes your scalp
- Provides all the nutrients for a healthy scalp and hair
The Cons
- Needs a nice conditioner
18. Clay Esthe Shampoo EX
Product Overview
Here’s a Japanese shampoo with squalane, an exceptional moisturizer that attracts hydration into the hair and scalp.
What’s more, it has natural clay and minerals from deep sea water. These impart relaxation and relieve itching due to dandruff and too much styling product.
- Unique formula
- Reduces static hair
- Controls the production of oil
It unclogs pores and lathers away oil, dirt, and sweat.
Pros
- Leaves your hair easy to detangle
- Fixes split ends and broken hairs
- Helps with itchy, flaking scaps
The Cons
- Not the best choice for dry hair
19. POLA FORM SHAMPOO
Product Overview
The lavish POLA shampoo turns dry, damaged hair into silky, glossy tresses. Rumor has it that it’s popular with celebrities in Japan.
But it’s not in demand just because it’s trendy. I believe it’s a combination of how pleasant it is to use and how nice it leaves the hair.
- Uses no harsh chemicals
- Vegan-friendly option
- Infused with aloe vera
- Reduces the production of natural oil
For example, it contains menthol and has an attractive herbal fragrance. The satisfying lather tingles on the scalp while it removes impurities.
Meanwhile, grapeseed, peony, and Roman chamomile energize and moisturize the scalp. They leave the hair silken and manageable.
Pros
- Gently cleanses your scalp
- Leaves no excessive oil
- Repairs damaged hair
The Cons
- Can be too drying
20. Shiseido SEA BREEZE | Hair Care Shampoo
Product Overview
It’s hard to resist the cult classic Sea Breeze shampoo. I think everyone should try it at least once.
The addictive formula refreshes the scalp with menthol. It feels fabulous on a hot, sticky day.
- Infused with tea tree oil
- Has an unique formula
- Non-irritating ingredients only
The fragrance also has a hint of orange to uplift your mind.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses your skin
- Doesn’t leave your hair looking greasy
- Controls and balances oil production
The Cons
- Doesn’t have a pleasant smell
21. Kracie Dear Beaut’e Oil In Shampoo
Product Overview
This sulfate-free shampoo has an intriguing fragrance that’s suitable as cologne. It’s a mix of apple, rose, peach, jasmine, and musk.
It’s based on organic Himawari, or sunflower. It contains extracts from the petals, the seeds, and the oil as well. These mend split ends and tame frizzy hair.
- Contains organic extracts and oils
- Organic green tea usage
The intensive repair ensures that you’ll notice a definite difference after only one wash.
Pros
- Revives your hair
- Prevents your hair from split ends
- Works great with sensitive skin
The Cons
- Can cause acne
22. Sulfate-Free Amino Mason Moist Shampoo
Product Overview
Unlike many the lightweight, transparent Japanese shampoos, the Mason Moist is creamy. Its ultra-conditioning with 18 amino acids, Manuka honey, and botanical ingredients.
It’s guaranteed to revive dried-out hair damaged by heat-styling, perms, and color treatments.
- Rich in aloe vera and citrus extracts
- Infused with chamomile and jojoba protein
- Freagrance-free formula
- Plant-based formula
It smooths the cuticle and fortifies each strand. Moreover, it’s free of salt (sodium chloride), silicone, and parabens.
Pros
- Deeply cleanses your hair
- Improves the quality of your hair
- Improves scalp circulation
The Cons
- Doesn’t help much with hair growth
23. SHISEIDO TSUBAKI Smooth Moist Anti-Frizz Shampoo
Product Overview
Give knots the slip and untangle those tresses with this shampoo.
It blends Japanese camellia, royal jelly, soy protein, and lemon water to smooth and soothe your hair. Plant oils sink into the strands and the scalp to restore shine and softness.
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Suited for sensitive scalps
- Infused with calming chamomile
- Has soothing aloe vera
What’s more, the fruity, flowery scent is scrumptious.
Pros
- Enhances hair growth
- Makes your hair healthier
- Repairs and prevents hair damage
The Cons
- Can dry your natural hair out
24. Lux Luminique Botanical Pure Shampoo
Product Overview
Those with sensitive scalps need the Luminique Pure Shampoo. It’s free from silicone, artificial dyes, and parabens.
But what makes it stand out is the dual aroma. That’s right, the fragrance changes depending on whether it’s night or day. And this delectable scent comes from 7 essential oils that soothe away stress.
- pH balanced formula
- Contains chamomile and argan oil
- Is rich in aloe vera
- Contains soapberry and other botanicals
Six other botanical ingredients provide the thick lather and moisturizing properties.
Pros
- Is useful with all types of hair
- Works great with curly and colored hair
- Successfully tackles dry scalp
The Cons
- Doesn’t make a lot of lather
25. Pelican Clay & Charcoal Shampoo
Product Overview
Do you want to detoxify your scalp?
Then, there’s nothing like the Pelican shampoo. It’s potent and unique.
Sumi charcoal soaks up excess oil and impurities from your scalp. Meanwhile, purifying mud pampers your skin and hair as if you’d gone to the spa.
- Made with bladderweack seaweed
- Provides more than 65 vitamins
- Infused with jojoba, coconut and argan oil
- Has aloe vera
The relaxing cypress herbal fragrance is a perfect match for the cleansing action.
Who knew that basic ingredients like these could leave your hair so healthy and fluffy?
Pros
- Deeply cleanses your scalp
- Helps with detangling
- Makes your hair more manageable
The Cons
- Can be to hydrating
26. QUO Hair Bath Anti-Aging Shampoo
Product Overview
Have you ever gotten a perm or had your hair straightened or colored, then realized that it felt like straw? Then you could benefit from the QUO Hair Bath.
The same is true if you don’t want your hair to turn gray.
- Infused with apple cider
- Formulateed with a lot of attention
- pH balanced formula
- Makes your hair shiny and healthy
The shampoo activates the melanin to darken the pigment in the hair. It also contains hematin, a natural pigment.
The formula neutralizes the alkali from chemical processing to save your scalp and strands from damage. Plus, it has fulvic acid to reduce inflammation and apple amino to repair the hair.
All of these essential components arrive where they’re needed because of Liquid Crystal Lamellar Technology. It’s a patented treatment that helps them penetrate deep into the scalp and follicles.
Pros
- Deeply nourishment and hydration
- Makes your hair softer and smoother
- Leaves your hair hydrated
The Cons
- Can make your hair to oily
Conclusion
Let yourself experience the luxurious world of Japanese shampoos.
These exotic hair care products offer essential nutrients and superior hydration. You’ll look forward to each time you wash with one.
If you found your new favorite shampoo here today, please return and tell us about it.
LebeL Cosmetics | Seaweed Shampoo
Lemon-scented powerful shampoo
Infused with jojoba and peach kernel oil
Works great with hair loss and breakage
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!