Product information checked: 12 October 2026 | Japanese-market products
Two white IHADA pots, two blue packages: which one belongs on your shopping list? Start with the 20 g Medicated Balm if your priority is moisture protection for dry, rough-feeling skin. Compare the 18 g Clear Balm if you also want its labelled acne-prevention and dark-spot-prevention benefits. Clear has a different formula and purpose; the name does not establish that it is a stronger version.
Both are Japanese quasi-drug skincare products, not OTC medicines for treating eczema or existing acne. If your skin repeatedly becomes red, itchy or rash-prone, or you are receiving skin treatment, ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable skincare rather than relying on a different balm to manage the condition.
I’m Irene, a Taiwan-born, Japan-licensed pharmacist working in a Japanese drugstore. Let’s match the full names on the boxes, then separate the ingredients, feel and application amounts so you can make a practical choice at the shelf.
Match the name before the colour
Medicated Balm: 20 g for dryness and roughness prevention
- Full Japanese name: イハダ 薬用バーム
- Package cues: the deeper-blue panel, バーム and 肌荒れ・乾燥を防ぐ
- Contents: 20 g
- Japanese suggested retail price: ¥1,485 including tax; store prices vary
This is the starting point to compare if you want a final moisturising layer and your main concern is preventing dryness and skin roughness.
Clear Balm: 18 g with an additional dark-spot-prevention claim
- Full Japanese name: イハダ 薬用クリアバーム
- Package cues: the lighter-blue panel, 美白バーム and シミ・肌荒れ・ニキビを防ぐ
- Contents: 18 g, not 20 g
- Japanese suggested retail price: ¥1,760 including tax; store prices vary
For this product, the Japanese claim 美白 means suppressing melanin production to help prevent dark spots and freckles. It does not promise to remove existing pigmentation, erase acne scars or treat inflamed spots.
Both jars are white, so “the white one” is not a reliable shopping description. Shiseido’s packaging-change notice says that its illustrated redesign changes neither ingredients nor price, with replacement as earlier packaging sells out. Match the full name, size and ingredient label when an older shopping photo looks different. This is not confirmation of any individual store’s stock.
What changes in the formula and feel?
| Comparison | Medicated Balm | Clear Balm |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | 20 g | 18 g |
| Active ingredients | Stearyl glycyrrhetinate | Tranexamic acid; dipotassium glycyrrhizinate |
| Main selection point | Dryness and skin-roughness prevention | Skin-roughness and acne prevention, plus the defined dark-spot-prevention claim |
| Shiseido’s texture description | Melts at skin temperature and spreads smoothly, like a facial oil | Melts into a fresh, moisturising feel, like a face cream |
Both contain highly purified petrolatum to help protect the skin and retain moisture. Their bases differ: the regular balm also lists squalane, while Clear Balm includes purified water, humectants and a different blend of base ingredients. The number of active ingredients, or the length of the ingredient list, cannot tell you which is more effective, safer or better for every sensitive skin type.
These official texture photographs show the products’ appearance. They cannot establish how either balm will feel on your own skin.
Both are fragrance-free, colourant-free, ethanol-free and paraben-free. Fragrance-free does not mean allergy-free; paraben-free does not mean free of every preservative. For example, Clear Balm lists phenoxyethanol. Shiseido also cautions that allergy testing and a formulation designed to be less likely to cause acne do not guarantee that nobody will develop an allergy or breakouts.
Similar skincare order, different amount guidance
Both may be used after cleansing, or after lotion and emulsion. Here, Japanese “lotion” means a watery skincare product, and “emulsion” means a moisturising milk. If you use those steps, Shiseido recommends finishing your moisturising routine with the balm for surface moisture protection. Buying the whole range is not a prerequisite.
Medicated Balm: a small-pearl amount is the official guide
Take a suitable amount on a fingertip; Shiseido gives a small pearl as a guide. Dot it onto both cheeks, forehead and chin, then gently spread from the centre of the face outwards. It may also be applied to particularly dry areas. Add a little more to dry skin around the eyes or mouth if needed.
Clear Balm: the maker says a suitable amount
Take a little on a fingertip and gently spread over the face or the areas that need it, working from the centre outwards. The instructions do not specify a pearl-sized amount for this version. Do not transfer the regular balm’s amount guide, or use the texture photograph as a dose guide.
Both spread easily, so take small amounts and adjust for the area. “Around the eyes or mouth” refers to the surrounding skin: avoid getting the product into your eyes or mouth. Neither balm carries an SPF rating and neither replaces sunscreen.
When to stop, and how to store the pots
If you develop stinging, redness, swelling or itching, stop using the product. Wash it off with water or lukewarm water without rubbing. Seek dermatology advice for significant or continuing symptoms. Clear Balm’s product precautions also specifically say to stop if skin abnormalities appear after exposure to direct sunlight.
- Close the lid firmly after use and keep out of reach of infants and young children. Clear Balm also instructs you to wipe the container opening clean.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, including a hot car or sunny windowsill.
- Shiseido says heat can cause surface oil droplets or a whitish haze without affecting quality. That specific explanation is not a blanket reassurance about every change in smell, colour or cleanliness.
- Clear Balm can leave white marks on clothing; wash affected clothing promptly and carefully.
“Designed for sensitive skin” is not a guarantee of suitability. For an infant or young child, a known ingredient allergy or a skin condition, ask a pharmacist or clinician with the exact product name and ingredients to hand. A broad brand description is not enough to establish suitability.
Quick questions before buying
Will Clear Balm remove acne marks or existing dark spots?
Its labelled benefits are prevention of skin roughness and acne, plus suppressing melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles. Those claims do not establish scar removal or treatment of existing pigmentation. Get advice if your main concern is persistent inflammatory acne or a pigmentation change that needs assessment.
Do I need both balms?
There is no need to treat the pair as two required steps. Choose according to your skincare aim and how your skin tolerates the product.
What should I save on my shopping list?
The full name, size and purpose. Medicated Balm is 20 g. Clear Balm is 18 g and carries the 美白 wording. If your priority is simply an extra moisturising layer for dry areas, Clear is not an automatic upgrade.
Related guides
For other Japanese moisturiser comparisons, see Curél’s three face creams and the current d program EX skincare lines. Each range needs to be assessed against its own product labels.
Official information and image sources
- Shiseido IHADA Medicated Balm: ingredients, contents and directions
- Shiseido IHADA Medicated Clear Balm: ingredients and claim definition
- Shiseido Medicated Balm product details and precautions
- Shiseido Medicated Clear Balm product details and precautions
- Shiseido IHADA packaging-change notice
- Shiseido IHADA Night Pack product information
- Shiseido advice on itching or irritation after cosmetic use
- Shiseido doctor-reviewed information on recurring skin redness
Ingredients and packaging may change. Check the label on the item you buy.
