1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm
1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm
Product Description
Product overview
A 3-stage moisturizing cleansing balm that transforms from a solid sherbet balm into a silky oil, then into a soft milky emulsion when water is added. Enriched with deep sea water from Ulleungdo Island and five nourishing plant-derived oils, it melts away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping or drying the skin.
Ulleungdo Deep Sea Water
Mineral-rich sea water drawn from 5,000 feet below the East Sea delivers calcium, magnesium, and iron to hydrate and balance the skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYUlleungdo Deep Sea Water
Mineral-rich sea water drawn from 5,000 feet below the East Sea delivers calcium, magnesium, and iron to hydrate and balance the skin.
3-Stage Texture Transformation
Transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil on contact with skin, then emulsifies into a soft milky rinse with water for effortless removal.
5 Nourishing Plant Oils
Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Grape Seed, Meadowfoam, and Bergamot oils nourish, soothe, and protect the skin barrier during cleansing.
Protease Enzyme Exfoliation
A gentle enzyme that dissolves dead skin cells and excess sebum, leaving skin refreshed and radiant without harsh physical scrubbing.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Bergamot Fruit Oil and Sage Oil (essential oils). No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Consult your doctor as some essential oils are advised against during pregnancy. This is a rinse-off product with brief skin contact.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, and fatty acid-rich oils (Evening Primrose, Grape Seed) that may feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off product, risk is lower than leave-on formulas.
Rated 3/5. Isopropyl Palmitate (comedogenic rating 3-4) and Ethylhexyl Palmitate (2-4) are present. Since this is a rinse-off cleanser, actual pore-clogging risk is significantly reduced compared to leave-on products.
Dermatologically tested and cleared for sensitive skin. Free from sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, and drying alcohol. Contains soothing plant oils and gentle surfactants.
Contains Bergamot Fruit Oil, Sage Oil, Limonene, and Linalool. These are naturally derived fragrant components that may cause sensitivity in reactive skin types. Patch test recommended.
Contains no drying alcohols. Only fatty alcohol-related emollients which are non-irritating and help condition skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSDeep Sea Water (Ulleungdo)Key Ingredient
Mineral-rich sea water sourced from 5,000 feet below the East Sea near Ulleungdo Island. Packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron to support hydration and skin's natural moisture balance.
- Function: Humectant and mineral delivery system
- Benefit: Helps maintain the skin's optimal oil-water balance and delivers trace minerals that support barrier function
Sunflower Seed Oil Top 5Proven
A widely used plant oil rich in linoleic acid (50-74%) and oleic acid (14-35%). An excellent emollient that protects and enhances the skin barrier. Comedogenic rating of 0.
- Study: A single application of sunflower oil significantly speeds skin barrier recovery within one hour and sustains results for five hours
- Composition: High in linoleic acid, making it suitable even for oily and acne-prone skin types
Evening Primrose OilProven
A nourishing plant oil exceptionally rich in linoleic acid (66-76%) and the healing superstar gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, 7-12%). Reduces inflammation, supports cell regeneration, and deeply hydrates.
- Key Fatty Acid: Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) helps soothe irritation and initiate structural changes within the skin
- Benefit: Supports skin cell regeneration and helps heal dry, easily irritated skin
Grape Seed OilProven
A light emollient oil from polyphenol-rich grape seeds. Rich in antioxidant polyphenols, barrier-repairing linoleic acid (55-77%), and skin-protectant vitamin E.
- Antioxidant: Polyphenols provide free radical protection during the cleansing process
- Texture: Lightweight oil that does not leave a heavy residue on skin
Meadowfoam Seed OilPromising
A unique plant oil with 95% long-chain fatty acids, making it extraordinarily stable and resistant to oxidation. Non-greasy and rapidly absorbed with a silky skin feel similar to jojoba oil.
- Stability: Contains eicosenoic acid (61%), docosenoic acid (16%), and docosadienoic acid (18%) for exceptional oxidative stability
- Contains: Vitamin E and phytosterols for added antioxidant protection
ProteaseActive
A gentle enzyme that breaks down protein bonds in dead skin cells and excess sebum. Part of Round Lab's HATCHING EX-07 complex that promotes gentle exfoliation without harsh physical scrubbing.
- Function: Enzymatic exfoliation that dissolves dead skin cells on contact
- Benefit: Leaves skin smoother and more radiant after each cleanse
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)Proven
The primary fat-soluble antioxidant naturally found in human skin. Provides significant photoprotection against UVB rays and works synergistically with vitamin C.
- Protection: Shields skin from free radical damage during and after the cleansing process
- Emollient: Also functions as a skin-softening agent
20 ingredients
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Synthetic Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sea Water, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Protease, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step of your PM double cleanse on dry skin. Follow with a water-based cleanser like the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser for a complete double-cleansing routine. Can also be used as a standalone cleanse on light makeup days.
How to use
HOW TO USEScoop the Balm
Use the included spatula to scoop out a small, adequate amount of balm onto dry hands. A pea-to-almond-sized amount is sufficient for the full face.
Massage onto Dry Skin
Apply the balm to a completely dry face and gently massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. The balm will melt into a silky oil and dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Emulsify with Water
Wet your hands with lukewarm water and continue massaging. The oil will transform into a soft, milky emulsion, lifting away all dissolved impurities.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Follow with a water-based cleanser if you are double cleansing, or proceed to your toner if using as a single cleanse.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You wear sunscreen, base makeup, or waterproof cosmetics daily
- You want a first cleanser that does not leave skin feeling stripped or tight
- You enjoy a multi-texture cleansing experience (balm to oil to milk)
- You have normal, dry, or combination skin that benefits from nourishing oils
- You prefer a cleansing balm over a cleansing oil for its travel-friendly solid form
- You want gentle enzymatic exfoliation built into your cleansing step
Consider alternatives if:
- You have active fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) and need a fully FA-safe cleanser
- You are highly sensitive to essential oils or fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products with zero scent
- You have extremely oily skin and prefer a lighter, gel-based first cleanser
- You are pregnant and your doctor advises avoiding all essential oils
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively dissolves excess sebum and sunscreen. Rinses clean without oily residue. Some may prefer a lighter oil cleanser format for daily use.
Five nourishing plant oils leave skin feeling hydrated and soft after cleansing. Does not strip natural moisture. Ideal for dry skin types.
Balances well across oily and dry zones. Removes T-zone buildup while keeping cheeks comfortable and hydrated.
Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin. However, contains essential oils (Bergamot, Sage) and fragrance allergens. Patch test first if very reactive.
Contains comedogenic esters (Isopropyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate). Risk is lower as a rinse-off product, but those highly prone to clogged pores should monitor closely.
Results timeline
6-8 WEEKSImmediate Clean Feel
Makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities are fully dissolved. Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated without any tight or stripped sensation.
95% noticed immediatelySmoother Skin Texture
The Protease enzyme gently removes dead skin cells with each use. Users notice smoother, more refined skin texture and fewer rough patches.
80% noticed improvementClearer Pores & Balanced Skin
Consistent double cleansing helps reduce blackheads and clogged pores. Skin's oil-water balance improves thanks to mineral-rich deep sea water and nourishing oils.
70% noticed clearer poresHealthier Skin Barrier
Regular use of non-stripping, oil-based cleansing supports long-term barrier health. Skin is more resilient, less reactive, and retains moisture better throughout the day.
65% noticed barrier improvementRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Melts away heavy makeup, waterproof sunscreen, and sebum effortlessly
- Skin feels soft, hydrated, and nourished after rinsing - never tight or stripped
- Satisfying 3-stage texture transformation from balm to oil to milk
- Short, clean ingredient list with only 20 ingredients
- Protease enzyme provides gentle exfoliation without scrubbing
- Compact twist-up jar is travel-friendly and TSA-approved under 100ml
- Free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and drying alcohol
- Affordable for the quality of plant-based oils included
Criticized
- Contains fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool) from essential oils
- Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe due to fatty acid esters
- Comedogenic rating of 3/5 may concern highly acne-prone users
- 100ml jar may feel small for daily PM double-cleansing use
- Twist-up container can be hard to use with wet or oily hands
- Bergamot oil may cause photosensitivity (though used in rinse-off product)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESComparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid humid environments like shower areas to maintain balm consistency. Keep the lid tightly closed after each use.
Twist-up jar with spatula. The solid balm is dispensed by twisting the base clockwise. Includes a hygiene spatula for scooping.
Yes, 100ml / 3.38 fl oz is under the TSA limit. Solid balm format is spill-proof and easy to pack in carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone, which are the primary ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. However, it does contain Bergamot Fruit Oil and Sage Oil, which are essential oils that some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Since this is a rinse-off product with very brief skin contact, the risk is generally considered low, but we always recommend consulting with your OB-GYN or midwife before use.
No, this product is not considered fungal acne safe. The first two ingredients, Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Isopropyl Palmitate, are fatty acid esters known to potentially feed Malassezia yeast. Additionally, it contains Evening Primrose Oil and Grape Seed Oil, which contain oleic and other fatty acids that can aggravate fungal acne. While the rinse-off nature of the product reduces the risk compared to leave-on formulas, those with active Malassezia folliculitis should look for a FA-safe alternative like a micellar water or an oil cleanser formulated without these esters.
Yes, absolutely. As a first-step oil cleanser that is fully rinsed off, this balm does not interact with active ingredients you apply afterwards. In fact, a gentle, non-stripping first cleanser like this is ideal for skin using retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA), as it removes sunscreen and makeup without compromising the skin barrier before applying actives. Just ensure you follow with a water-based cleanser (double cleanse) and wait for your skin to dry before applying actives.
This cleansing balm works best for normal, dry, and combination skin types. The five nourishing plant oils (sunflower, evening primrose, grape seed, meadowfoam, and bergamot) leave skin feeling hydrated and soft rather than stripped. Oily skin types can also use it effectively as a first cleanser, but may prefer the lighter texture of the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil instead. Sensitive skin types should patch test first due to the presence of essential oils and fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool).
You will notice cleaner, softer skin from the very first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent PM use, the Protease enzyme's gentle exfoliation will begin to refine skin texture and reduce rough patches. By 3-4 weeks, many users notice fewer blackheads, clearer pores, and improved oil-water balance. Full barrier health benefits typically develop over 6-8 weeks of consistent use as the nourishing oils support long-term skin resilience.
This cleansing balm is the very first step of your PM skincare routine. Apply it to dry skin to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based impurities. After rinsing, follow with a water-based cleanser (like the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser) to complete your double cleanse. Then continue with toner, serum/essence, moisturizer, and any treatment products. It is not typically needed in your AM routine unless you used heavy occlusive products overnight.
The formula has a comedogenic rating of approximately 3 out of 5 due to Isopropyl Palmitate (rated 3-4) and Ethylhexyl Palmitate (rated 2-4), which are the base emollients. However, comedogenic ratings were originally designed for leave-on products. Since this is a rinse-off cleanser that stays on skin for only 30-60 seconds before being completely washed away, the actual pore-clogging risk is significantly lower than the ingredient ratings suggest. Most users, including those with combination skin, report no issues with clogged pores.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. With daily PM use, the 100ml jar typically lasts 2-3 months depending on how much product you scoop per use. A pea-to-almond-sized amount is recommended per cleansing session. Store in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed to maintain the balm's texture and efficacy throughout its shelf life.
Verdict: The Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm is a well-formulated, nourishing first cleanser that excels at dissolving makeup and sunscreen while leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated. Its unique 3-stage texture transformation, mineral-rich deep sea water, and blend of five plant oils make it a standout in the K-beauty cleansing balm category. The Protease enzyme adds gentle exfoliation that competitors lack. It loses points for not being fungal acne safe, containing fragrance allergens from essential oils, and its relatively high comedogenic rating. However, as a rinse-off product, these concerns are significantly mitigated. Best suited for normal, dry, and combination skin types who want a luxurious, nourishing double-cleanse experience.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|
|
| 1 |
Isopropyl Palmitate
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding, Masking
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Synthetic Wax
Masking, Emollient, Fragrance, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Antistatic Agent, Binding Agent, Binding
|
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