I got a small sample of Japanese cosmetics brand Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water in a bag of samples from Lovelyskin.com about a month ago. It seemed good, but there was only enough for one or two usage occasions. After I mentioned it in my review of the sample bag, Koh Gen Do sent me a generous 12.85 fl. oz./380 ml size bottle as well as a box of their Pure Cotton pads to really try it out. I’ve been using the duo for a little over two weeks, and I am in love.
Just a bit of background first. I found out about Koh Gen Do from Norah, a sister blogger from norahlovesmakeup.com, who is a professional makeup artist based in the NY/NJ area. She loves Koh Gen Do foundation and uses it frequently in her professional work. Koh Gen Do started in Tokyo in 1986 as a professional cosmetics brand often used on movie sets to keep actors’ skin looking fresh and radiant without the stress of the heavy makeup used previously. In fact, when I was watching an episode of Japanese TV show “Midnight Diner” on Netflix recently, Koh Gen Do was listed in the credits! Koh Gen Do’s extensive product line is based on cutting edge Japanese skincare technology and techniques and plant-based essences and ingredients.
Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water
Before I forget, Koh Gen Do is hosting a Cleansing SPA Water giveaway today online, June 25. To celebrate their 10 year anniversary of their iconic Cleansing SPA Water is giving away a jumbo size (680 ml) bottle to the first 25 people who order $100+ of Koh Gen Do products. If you’re a KGD fan, you know what a great deal this is. Head over and take a look.
Plus for a limited time only, the jumbo size will be available through Koh Gen Do’s partnership with Nordstrom. It will become available to Nordstrom cardholders on July 12 and to the public on July 20. I’m not sure how long the jumbo size Cleansing SPA Water priced at $65 will be sold. But if you’re already a fan of their best selling makeup remover, you know what a great deal this is.
Rather than paraphrase the info, here’s what Koh Gen Do has to say about Cleansing SPA Water because their description nails it:
“As gentle as removing makeup with pure water, Cleansing Spa Water relies on our signature blend of soothing thermal mineral water and conditioning botanical extracts to effectively dissolve even stubborn waterproof makeup with ease. Infused with six essential herbs including rosemary, sage and lavender to balance and nurture skin, this refreshing cleansing fluid also contains white birch sap to deeply replenish the complexion with brightening minerals. A makeup remover and gentle cleanser in one, this moisturizing formula leaves skin fresh and clean without any oily or tacky residue.”
I have very sensitive, easily irritated dry eyes and I am unable to use a number of micellar waters and makeup removers because they sting, but I have no problem using Cleansing SPA Water. It truly is so gentle, like using “pure water”. Of course, it’s alcohol-free. Also, as a contact lens wearer, makeup removers that use oil are a no-no for me because they create a coating on my lenses even though I always remove my lenses when removing my eye makeup. No oily residue at all with KGD Cleansing SPA Water. In fact, rinsing isn’t even necessary.
Cleansing SPA Water does an excellent job removing my face and eye makeup quickly and easily. It is at the pinnacle for me in terms of both efficacy and gentleness. Plus it leaves my skin feeling soft and not at all stripped. I usually use it as a first step in a double cleansing routine, but on occasion, I just use this and my skin feels clean and ready for serum and moisturizer.
Cleansing SPA Water comes in a variety of sizes, and I noticed that the available sizes can depend on where you buy it. As I mentioned above, I was sent the 12.85 fl.oz./380 ml pump bottle to try, and that size is sold at Sephora and Lovelyskin.com along with 300 ml and 480 ml sizes. In addition, Sephora sells a $15 travel size with 3.38 fl.oz./100 ml. Right now, Lovelyskin.com has a July 4 sale with 25% of Koh Gen Doh Cleansing SPA Water and free shipping in the U.S.
Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Onsen-Sui (JTN Hot Springs Water), Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Lactic Acid, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Betula Alba Juice, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Glycerin.
Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton Pads
Koh Gen Do also sent me a box of their 100% pure cotton pads. I thought it was a nice gesture, but I didn’t realize that there is a demonstrable advantage of using them instead of my usual beloved Swisspers Cotton Rounds. The KGD Pure Cotton pads are not chemically treated, bleached or pigmented, and they must absorb the Cleansing SPA Water better than Swisspers that feel smooth and like they have a coating. I tried using Cleansing SPA Water with Swisspers and with KGD Pure Cotton Pads, and the efficacy of the Cleansing SPA Water is noticeably better with the Pure Cotton Pads. Well, I’ll be!
The Pure Cotton Pads at 2.4 x 3.2 inches are larger than my Swisspers rounds, so all I need is one pad to clean my entire face. There are 60 pads in the box, priced at $14. You can find them at Sephora. During the sale, they’re $10.50 at Lovelyskin.com.
Koh Gen Do products are available on the Koh Gen Do website where you’ll find more information, at Sephora, Lovelyskin.com, Dermstore, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and more.
I am truly delighted with Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water and Pure Cotton Pads. Yes, they are more expensive than my regular brands, but stocking up during sales like the one at Lovelyskin.com put these excellent and efficacious cleansing products within reach.
Have you tried Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water or their foundation or any other of their products yet?
I love cleansing waters, but have never tried anything from Koh Gen Do. This one sounds very nice and I LOVE the size of those cotton pads. I need to get some bigger ones like that!
On Lovelyskin.com, the Pure Cotton Pads are on sale for about $10 with free shipping for a 2 month supply. Definitely pricier than my regular Swisspers but I was shocked at how much better they work because they’re not coated.
Interesting review. I have never tried any of their products. Going to their website now to check it out but at those prices doubt if it will be in my budget.
Koh Gen Do is definitely a pricey brand, but if anything is tempting you, Lovelyskin.com has 25% off now and free shipping. Someday when there’s another sale, I’ll try one of the foundations because my MUA friend swears by it. But I just ordered the new foundation from ColourPop and bought a backup for my beloved Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint so I’ve shot my foundation budget for a few months.
Lovely review, I’ve never tried anything by this company. But I do love a good cleansing water.
I didn’t even think of trying this Cleansing Water because I have my eyes on the Aqua Foundation. It’s crazy pricey though hence it’s just sitting pretty in my list to buy. LOL!
Lovelyskin.com has 25% off Koh Gen Do now. Do they ship to Canada?
I’ve never tried Koh Gen Do either, though I’ve eyed their foundation. Good to know the cleansing water didn’t sting!
The foundation is next on my to try list. The Cleansing SPA Water is the gentlest ever!
I’m eying their foundations as well. I need to determine which of their liquids would best suit my skin. Have you checked out the Aqua Foundation?
Such a lovely review, Allison! I have, and love, these as well!
Oh Helen, my bad memory! I had meant to credit you for the head’s up on the KGD giveaway today. So sorry
This stuff is so nice, but it’s definitely on the pricey side.
The fact that this is slightly acidic is exiting to me. I always try to find cleansers with a low pH, so this sounds like a good fit.
I had no idea about the history of the company. Now I understand more about why people love these cotton pieces.
The KGD Pure Cotton Pads are untreated and unbleached, and they’re fluffier. They absorbed the Cleansing SPA Water so well, and the combination is amazingly efficacious
I also wear contacts. I have the same experience with you concerning micellar waters I have used in the past.
There are a few micellar waters that I can use with no problem at all, and others that absolutely kill my eyes. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to figure out which are the offending ingredients so I can avoid them. Fortunately, Koh Gen Do Cleansing SPA Water is delightful for my sensitive, dry eyes but it is amazingly efficacious as well.
I’m surprised that these are okay on your sensitive eyes. I wondered if it was fragranced. I’ve used the pads and they definitely do pick up more and clean easier. For some reason I didn’t realize it was because they weren’t coated.
No fragrance that I’m aware of. I often forget to mention that there’s no discernible fragrance if I don’t notice anything – my bad! I can use Garnier and Bioderma MW with no problem on my sensitive eyes also. Simple MW and some other MWs and makeup removers absolutely kill my eyes. I would rate KGD on par with Bioderma Hydrabio in terms of gentleness and good for dry skin. In terms of efficacy, they are almost equivalent though I would say that KGD has a slight edge especially paired with the KGD Pure Cotton Pads. Next, I have to try the Bioderma Hydrabio with a KGD Pure Cotton Pad and see if the efficacy of Bioderma improves – haven’t done it yet. The Swisspers cotton rounds that I use are smooth on one side and have ridges on the other side, but both sides seem to be pressed by a machine that gives them a sheen/coated feeling. KGD Pure Cotton Pads are unbleached and untreated and they’re fluffier. They seem to absorb more and better, both the MW and the makeup residue.
I’ve only heard good things about Koh Gen Do, especially their aqua foundation.
I need to read up about the Aqua Foundation and their other liquid foundation. Both are so intriguing.
I think I’ve tried the cotton but not the water.
The two together are a dynamic duo for sure 🙂
I need to try this. I also have extremely dry eyes that are sensitive to a lot of the micellar waters too. I’m always looking for something good and gentle for taking off my eye makeup.
If you decide to give them a try, don’t forget the 25% off sale at Lovelyskin.com for July 4th.
Great review! I haven’t tried anything from Koh Gen Do but now they are on my radar!
Check out the Koh Gen Do website sometime, Kristi. My friend, Norah the MUA, truly loves this brand, and I trust her opinion completely when it comes to both makeup and skincare. Plus Japanese skincare seems to have an edge with regard to cosmetics technology with a tradition of using herbs and traditional but effective ingredients. I’ve had an excellent experience with this makeup remover and the pure cotton pads. I would love to try their foundation next.
I’ve not tried anything by Koh Gen Do although their foundation is on my list! I’m a Swisspers girl so I’m intrigued by your results with the KGD pads!
I buy Swisspers at Costco, 8 sleeves at a time, so I have a ton of them and have for years. I was shocked by how much better the pricier KGD Pure Cotton Pads worked with the KGD Cleansing SPA Water. What to do???
I’d really like that there’s not an oily residue with this spa water… and the cotton pads sounds great! I just recently ran out of my go-to rounds and need to buy something so I’m going to go check out the sale!
This does sound nice. No oily residue to so important! Thats my least fave thing about these sorts of things!
I’m so behind on trying Asian skincare! Especially since they get such great reviews! Must get on that!
Oh, you must try the Japanese and Korean brands! They are incredible!
I’ve been meaning to try this! Will definitely be adding this to my cart now!
I am loving both the Cleansing SPA Water and the Pure Cotton Pads that definitely help it work incredibly effectively. If you do try it, hope you like it as much as I do!
I’ve been wanting to try this cleansing water for ages! I wonder how different it feels from my favorite micellar waters.
I don’t know which are your favorite MW, but Koh Gen Do is similar to Bioderma Hydrabio but using KGD with the Pure Cotton Pads, I have found it to be even more effective in removing makeup. Next, I have to try my Bioderma Hydrabio with the KGD Pure Cotton Pads and see if Bioderma works even better too. KGD Cleansing SPA Water is very gentle (I have very sensitive eyes and somewhat sensitive, dry skin). I don’t think it has a fragrance, or none that I perceive. It’s sold at Sephora and Nordstrom so try a sample!
I have not tried anything from the brand yet. But this duo seems to be expensive than my regular ones. I guess I’ll have to wait for discounts
Yes, Koh Gen Do products are definitely splurge material. There’s a sale now at Lovelyskin.com, and I’m trying to decide if I should buy more of the cotton pads now even though I have a lot left – coz it would net out to $5/month for cotton pads. The ones I use now I buy in bulk at Costco, and they end up costing me 89 cents a month. But the KGD pads work better and are bigger. Decisions, decisions
Those cotton pads look really nice! Perfect for travel and on the go!