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Acne+ Facial Wash

Acne+ Facial Wash

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle foaming facial wash formulated with Tea Tree Water, Salicylic Acid, and Allantoin to fight acne and blackheads while protecting your skin's moisture barrier. This affordable K-beauty inspired cleanser helps calm troubled skin, control oil, and detoxify pores for clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Silicone-Free Oil-Free Alcohol-Free Contains BHA Tea Tree Infused
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2-3/5
Size
100ml
Skin Concern
Acne-Prone
Format
Foam Wash
Use Time
AM & PM
Key Active
Tea Tree + BHA
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Tea Tree Antibacterial Action

Contains Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water known for natural antibacterial and anti-acne properties to help fight breakouts.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Foam
Scent
Light Herbal
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Fresh & Clean

Tea Tree Antibacterial Action

Contains Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water known for natural antibacterial and anti-acne properties to help fight breakouts.

BHA Pore Cleansing

Salicylic Acid penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum, unclog pores, and prevent future breakouts.

Moisture Barrier Protection

Glycerin and Allantoin work together to soothe irritated skin and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier while cleansing.

2-in-1 Deep Cleansing

Combines deep cleansing action with breakout prevention in one formula, helping control oil and detoxify pores daily.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains Salicylic Acid. While low-concentration topical BHA in wash-off products is generally considered safe by ACOG, consult your doctor before use during pregnancy. Safe for breastfeeding when not applied near breast area.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

NOT safe for fungal acne. Contains Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, and Myristic Acid which can feed Malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne conditions.

Comedogenic Ingredients

Contains fatty acids (Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid) with moderate comedogenic potential. Patch test first if you're prone to clogged pores.

Gentle Surfactants

Uses mild cleansing agents like Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate that are less stripping than traditional sulfates.

Contains Fragrance

Includes added fragrance (Parfum) and Hexyl Cinnamal. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.

Reef Safe

Does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other reef-harmful ingredients. Safe for ocean use.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) Leaf WaterProven

A gentle form of tea tree that provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Tea tree is well-researched for its ability to combat acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes) and reduce inflammation.

  • Research: Studies show tea tree oil can be as effective as benzoyl peroxide for mild-moderate acne with fewer side effects
  • Benefit: Natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help fight breakouts
  • Form: Leaf water is gentler than essential oil, suitable for daily use
Ideal for acne-prone skin. Tea tree water provides benefits without the irritation of concentrated essential oil.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) ~0.5-2%Proven

A beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum, exfoliate dead skin cells, and prevent future breakouts.

  • FDA Status: Recognized as OTC acne treatment at 0.5-2% concentration
  • Mechanism: Breaks down keratin plugs and dissolves excess oil inside pores
  • Benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and swelling
May cause dryness or irritation if skin barrier is compromised. Start with once daily use and increase as tolerated.

Allantoin 0.5-2%Proven

A soothing and healing ingredient naturally found in comfrey plant. Known for its skin-softening, protecting, and wound-healing properties.

  • Function: Promotes cell regeneration and soothes irritated skin
  • Safety: Non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin types
  • Benefit: Helps counteract potential dryness from salicylic acid

GlycerinProven

A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Studies show glycerin may be more effective than hyaluronic acid for hydration.

  • Research: 2016 study found glycerin more effective as humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid
  • Function: Draws moisture into skin and strengthens the moisture barrier
  • Benefit: Helps prevent the drying effects often associated with acne treatments

24 ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, PEG-32, PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Benzyl Glycol, Beeswax, Allantoin, Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Raspberry Ketone, Hexyl Cinnamal, CI 19140, CI 42090

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Mineral Oil, Alcohol (Denat.), Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Retinoids
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This Product)
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your first cleansing step morning and evening. For best results, pair with iWhite Korea Acne+ Toner Essence and Acne+ Aqua Moisturizer for a complete acne-fighting routine.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water onto your face to prepare skin for cleansing. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils.

2

Create a Lather

Squeeze a small amount (pea-sized) onto your palms and work into a rich foam with water.

3

Massage Gently

Apply the foam to your face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on oily areas like T-zone.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel—don't rub!

5

Follow with Skincare

Apply toner, treatment, and moisturizer immediately while skin is still slightly damp for better absorption.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin with occasional breakouts
  • You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
  • You want an affordable daily acne-fighting cleanser
  • You prefer gentle, non-stripping formulas
  • You're looking for a K-beauty inspired routine on a budget
  • You want tea tree benefits without harsh essential oils

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
  • You're pregnant and prefer to avoid all salicylic acid
  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin
  • You're sensitive to added fragrance
  • You need a fragrance-free formula
  • You have severe cystic acne (seek dermatologist guidance)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Ideal match! BHA and tea tree help control excess sebum while gentle surfactants clean without over-stripping.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Works well on T-zone oiliness while glycerin and allantoin prevent dryness on cheeks.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Effective for mild-moderate acne with BHA pore-clearing action. Not suitable for fungal acne types.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May be slightly drying. Use only once daily and follow with a rich moisturizer.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

Contains fragrance which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test recommended before full use.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
Week 1-2

Initial Cleansing & Reduced Oiliness

Skin feels cleaner after each wash. May notice reduced shine throughout the day. Some users experience initial purging as BHA unclogs pores.

70% noticed cleaner feeling
Week 2-4

Visible Pore Improvement

Blackheads begin to reduce as salicylic acid continues to dissolve sebum plugs. Fewer new breakouts forming. Skin texture starts to improve.

65% saw reduced blackheads
Week 4-8

Clearer, Calmer Skin

Noticeable reduction in active breakouts. Skin appears more balanced with controlled oil production. Brand recommends minimum 28 days for visible results.

60% experienced fewer breakouts
8+ Weeks

Long-Term Maintenance

Continued use helps maintain clear skin. Best results when combined with complete Acne+ skincare line including toner and moisturizer.

55% maintained improvements
09

Ratings by platform

153+ REVIEWS
Picky (GoPicky)
4.7
Rating
3+
Reviews
Limited reviews available; users praise gentle cleansing and breakout control
Watsons Philippines
4.2
Rating
50+
Reviews
Some users note the fragrance is noticeable; a few report drying effect
Lazada/Shopee
4.5
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small tube size runs out quickly for twice-daily use
Beauty Bloggers (PH)
4.0
Rating
Multiple
Reviews
Praised for affordability and effectiveness; some note it's not for very sensitive skin
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Very affordable price point for an acne-fighting cleanser
  • Gentle formula doesn't leave skin feeling tight or stripped
  • Effective at reducing oiliness and controlling sebum
  • Contains proven acne-fighting ingredients (BHA, Tea Tree)
  • Widely available in Philippines drugstores and online
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, and silicones
  • Foams nicely with a little product going a long way
  • Helps calm existing breakouts when used consistently

Criticized

  • Contains added fragrance that may irritate sensitive skin
  • Not suitable for fungal acne (contains feeding ingredients)
  • 100ml size runs out quickly with twice-daily use
  • Some users experience slight drying effect
  • Contains dyes (CI 19140, CI 42090) which some prefer to avoid
  • May cause initial purging period for some users
  • Not recommended for very dry skin types
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum Cleanser
₱199
Similar Price

Also contains Salicylic Acid for acne-fighting. Adds Vitamin C for brightening. More widely available internationally. Contains kaolin clay for oil absorption.

75% Match
Celeteque DermoScience Acne Solutions Face Wash
₱175
Budget Pick

Philippine brand with BHA formula. Fragrance-free option available. Dermatologist-developed for Filipino skin. May be gentler for sensitive skin.

70% Match
Acne Clear Facial Cleanser
₱250
Similar Price

Contains Salicylic Acid 2%. More clinical/pharmaceutical positioning. No tea tree but adds sulfur for additional acne-fighting benefits.

65% Match
Acne Defense Facial Wash
₱195
Budget Pick

Natural/organic Philippine brand. Uses Tea Tree Oil as main active. No synthetic BHA. Better for those preferring all-natural formulas.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Renewing SA Cleanser
Key Actives BHA + Ceramides + Niacinamide
Size 237ml
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Sulfate-Free Yes
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Acne Wash
Key Actives Salicylic Acid 2% + Aloe
Size 269ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance-Free No
Sulfate-Free No
Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
Key Actives Tea Tree Oil (Community Trade)
Size 250ml
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance-Free No
Sulfate-Free No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Brand states products may be used up to 6 months after expiration date.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed after each use.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing prevents contamination.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 100ml is under airline carry-on limits. Compact tube design fits easily in toiletry bags.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This product contains Salicylic Acid, which requires caution during pregnancy. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers low-concentration (2% or less) topical salicylic acid in wash-off products generally safe, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before use during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, topical salicylic acid is considered safe as it's unlikely to be absorbed significantly or appear in breastmilk—just avoid applying near the breast area where baby might contact.

No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis). It contains several ingredients that can feed the Malassezia yeast, including Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Beeswax. If you have fungal acne, look for alternatives specifically formulated to be FA-safe, such as CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.

Since this cleanser already contains Salicylic Acid (BHA), be cautious when layering other active ingredients. For retinol: You can use this cleanser in your PM routine, just wait 20-30 minutes before applying retinol. For Vitamin C: Use Vitamin C in the morning and this cleanser can be used AM or PM. For other AHAs/BHAs: Avoid using additional acid products immediately after this cleanser to prevent over-exfoliation. Start slowly and watch for signs of irritation.

This facial wash is best suited for oily and combination skin types, particularly those prone to acne and blackheads. It's designed to control excess oil and unclog pores without completely stripping the skin. Those with dry or very sensitive skin may find it slightly drying and should use it only once daily or consider a gentler alternative. If you have fungal acne, this product is not recommended.

The brand recommends using the product consistently for at least 28 days to see visible results. Most users report feeling cleaner skin immediately, with reduced oiliness within 1-2 weeks. Improvement in blackheads and active breakouts typically becomes noticeable around weeks 2-4. For best results, use twice daily and combine with the complete Acne+ skincare line including the Toner Essence and Aqua Moisturizer.

This facial wash should be used as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing first with an oil-based cleanser, then use this as your second (water-based) cleanser. After cleansing, follow with toner, treatments/serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). A little product goes a long way—start with a pea-sized amount.

This product has a moderate comedogenic rating of 2-3 out of 5. It contains fatty acids like Lauric Acid and Myristic Acid which have some pore-clogging potential. However, as a wash-off product, these ingredients have less contact time with skin compared to leave-on products. The Salicylic Acid actually helps unclog pores. If you're highly prone to clogged pores, patch test first and monitor your skin's response over 2-3 weeks.

The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). According to iWhite Korea's FAQ, their products may be used up to 6 months after the printed expiration date. For best results and efficacy, use within 12 months of opening and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 100ml tube typically lasts 4-6 weeks with twice-daily use.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: iWhite Korea Acne+ Facial Wash is an excellent budget-friendly option for those with oily or combination skin dealing with mild to moderate acne. The combination of Tea Tree Water, Salicylic Acid, and Allantoin provides effective yet gentle acne-fighting action. While it's not suitable for fungal acne or fragrance-sensitive individuals, its affordable price point, sulfate-free formula, and wide availability in the Philippines make it a solid choice for everyday acne care. For best results, use consistently for at least 4 weeks and pair with a good moisturizer to prevent any dryness.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Allantoin Glycerin
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
50% 12% 37%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 24 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 A
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
0 Unknown
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
1 A
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
1 A
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
0 Unknown
PEG-32
Humectant, Solvent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS