Bulk Homme vs DUO — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
The Cleansing Balm
8.8/10 · DUO
| THE FACE WASH | The Cleansing Balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Bulk Homme | DUO |
| Category | cleanser | cleanser |
| Editor Rating | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 ★ |
| Category | cleanser | cleanser |
| Texture | Dense, structured foam — the kind you can sculpt | Buttery balm → silky oil → milky emulsion |
| Finish | Genuinely clean, slightly tightening | Clean nourished |
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| Verdict | The cult Japanese men's-grooming brand whose minimalist black bottles became the J-beauty answer to Aesop. THE FACE WASH foams to a structured, dense lather (the brand sells a separate foaming net for the full ritual) and cleanses with confidence — bergamot oil for a subtle aromatic finish, panthenol underneath for barrier support. Marketed for men but works for any skin type that wants serious cleansing without harsh stripping. | Japan's #1 cleansing balm by units sold, winner of six consecutive Cosme Awards, and the product that singlehandedly built the Premier Anti-Aging empire. DUO's formula changes texture three times in use (balm → oil → emulsion) as water emulsifies the product — which sounds like marketing but is genuinely satisfying. Removes waterproof makeup, leaves skin nourished, doubles as a gentle exfoliant via fruit enzymes. The J-beauty cleansing balm to beat. |
