Shiseido is a well-known Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand that has been around for over 140 years. One of their popular skincare lines is the Shiseido Waso line, which features ingredients inspired by Japanese botanicals. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may be wondering if Shiseido Waso products are non-comedogenic. Keep reading to find out!
What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean?
Non-comedogenic means that a product is formulated not to clog pores. Comedogenic ingredients can get lodged in pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts. People with oily and acne-prone skin need to use non-comedogenic products to prevent worsening their skin issues.
There are a few well-known highly comedogenic ingredients that you’ll often find in skin and hair care products, like coconut oil, cocoa butter, and lanolin. However, almost any ingredient could clog pores for someone. “Non-comedogenic” is not a regulated label, so whether a product lives up to that claim depends on the specific formula.
Analyzing Key Shiseido Waso Ingredients
To determine if Shiseido Waso products are non-comedogenic, we need to look at some of the key ingredients:
- Rice Ferment Filtrate – Rice water is used as a natural beauty treatment in many Asian cultures. Rice ferment filtrate contains antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids that soothe and hydrate skin without clogging pores.
- White Lily – White lily extract is anti-inflammatory and helps control excess sebum production, making it suitable for oily skin.
- Royal Jelly – Royal jelly is a humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture. It is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
- Japanese Wild Rose – Rose oil and extract is known to help refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores without causing congestion.
Based on these key ingredients, Shiseido Waso products are formulated with oily and acne-prone skin in mind. The botanical ingredients that make up their formulas are gentle, light, and largely non-comedogenic.
Examining the Shiseido Waso Line
Now that we’ve looked at some of the main ingredients, let’s examine a few of the most popular Shiseido Waso skincare products specifically:
Shiseido Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream
This oil-free moisturizer contains white lily and Japanese wild rose to hydrate skin without clogging pores. It has a lightweight gel texture that absorbs quickly. The formula is dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic.
Shiseido Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser
A gentle glycerin-based cleanser that rinses away completely and leaves skin soft. It does not contain soap, oil, or any comedogenic ingredients. The pH balanced formula is safe for sensitive skin.
Shiseido Waso Fresh Jelly Lotion
A refreshing jelly toner infused with white lily and royal jelly extract. It hydrates and preps skin to better absorb subsequent products. The oil-free formula is non-comedogenic and gentle enough for daily use.
Comedogenic Ratings of Key Shiseido Waso Ingredients
In addition to looking at specific products, we can analyze some key Shiseido Waso ingredients using a comedogenic rating scale. This system rates ingredients from 0 to 5, with 0 being non-comedogenic and 5 being very comedogenic.
| Ingredient | Comedogenic Rating |
|---|---|
| Rice Ferment Filtrate | 0-1 |
| White Lily Extract | 0-1 |
| Royal Jelly | 0-1 |
| Japanese Wild Rose Oil | 1 |
This data shows that key ingredients in Shiseido Waso products have low comedogenic ratings of 0 or 1. This further confirms the non-comedogenic nature of the formulas.
User Reviews
In addition to analyzing ingredients, looking at user reviews is also helpful for determining if products cause breakouts or clogged pores for real-life users. Here are some examples of reviews for popular Shiseido Waso items:
“I’ve been using the Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream for 3 weeks and haven’t experienced any new breakouts, which is rare for me with new products.”
“This quick gentle cleanser rinses so clean and doesn’t leave any oily residue or make me break out.”
“The fresh jelly lotion is perfect for oily skin as it hydrates without being too heavy or causing clogged pores and breakouts.”
Based on multiple reviews, Shiseido Waso customers with acne-prone skin are very pleased with the non-comedogenic formulas that don’t congest or worsen breakouts.
The Bottom Line
After analyzing key ingredients, examining specific products, looking at comedogenic ratings, and reading user reviews, the verdict is that Shiseido Waso products are non-comedogenic. The brand uses botanical extracts suited for oily and acne-prone skin. The lightweight gel textures also don’t contain heavy oils, butters, or thick creams.
However, those with highly reactive skin may still find certain ingredients irritating or pore-clogging. It’s impossible to guarantee any line will work for every single user. As with any skincare product, patch testing is recommended, especially if you have severe acne or sensitivities. But Shiseido Waso is an excellent line to try for those struggling with oily, clogged, and acne-prone skin.
Other Tips for Clogged Pores
While using non-comedogenic skincare can prevent clogged pores, there are other tips that may also be helpful:
- Use oil-free, gel-based moisturizers
- Cleanse skin twice a day
- Exfoliate 2-3 times a week
- Use clay masks weekly
- Wear non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen
- Remove makeup thoroughly each night
- Avoid touching or picking at face
- Use oil-blotting sheets throughout the day
With a regular skincare routine involving non-comedogenic products like Shiseido Waso and these additional tips, clogged pores and breakouts can be reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shiseido good for oily skin?
Yes, many Shiseido skincare products are formulated with oily and acne-prone skin in mind, including their popular Waso line. The oil-free gel textures absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. They use ingredients suited for clogged pores and breakouts.
Is Shiseido comedogenic?
No, most Shiseido products are non-comedogenic and oil-free. However, those with highly reactive skin may still find certain ingredients irritating. It’s a good brand to try for oily and acne-prone skin, but patch testing first is recommended.
What is the best Shiseido product for acne?
Some top Shiseido products for acne and clogged pores include the Waso Clear Mega-Hydrating Cream, the Waso Fresh Jelly Lotion, and the Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser. Their Benefiance line also offers products with anti-aging ingredients suited for breakout-prone skin.
Is Shiseido cruelty free?
No, Shiseido is not a cruelty-free brand. They do test on animals where required by law. Leaping Bunny has not certified Shiseido as cruelty-free. Those looking for cruelty-free options may want to consider other non-comedogenic Japanese skin care brands.
Conclusion
Shiseido offers high quality skincare from Japan that is specially formulated for oily, clogged, and acne-prone skin. Their Waso line in particular uses ingredients like rice ferment, white lily, and Japanese rose that are non-comedogenic and suited for breakout prevention. While not guaranteed for those with sensitivities, Shiseido Waso is a great option to try if you’re seeking non-clogging hydration and care for congested skin.
