Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam is a glycerin-rich, baking soda-powered foaming cleanser that uses fine micro-particles to deep-clean clogged pores, lift away makeup and excess sebum, and gently buff the skinβall while keeping it soft rather than stripped. A long-running K-Beauty cult favorite and a popular second-step in double cleansing.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Baking Soda Micro-Particles
Fine sodium bicarbonate grains physically polish away dead skin and surface buildup, leaving pores visibly clearer.
Rich Memory Foam
A small amount whips into abundant, cushiony lather that lifts away sebum, dirt and most everyday makeup.
Glycerin-Led Base
Glycerin tops the ingredient list, helping the skin feel clean rather than tight after rinsing.
3-in-1 Multi Cleanse
Cleanses, gently exfoliates and removes makeup in a single budget-friendly step.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Generally considered safeβit's a rinse-off cleanser with no retinoids, BHA, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Only trace lactic acid (pH adjuster).
Contains several fatty acids (stearic, myristic, palmitic, lauric) and PEG esters that can feed Malassezia. Short contact time lowersβbut doesn't removeβthe risk.
This is a classic soap-based cleanser. Effective at degreasing, but high pH can disrupt the acid mantle if used too often or on already-dry skin.
A light scent is added. Fine for most users, but those with fragrance-sensitive or reactive skin should patch test first.
Listed last as a pH buffer rather than an active exfoliantβdon't expect peel-level results from it.
Baking soda + silica grains gently buff skin. Massage lightlyβover-scrubbing can irritate, especially daily on sensitive skin.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Glycerin #1 Ingredient Proven
The top ingredient by volume. A naturally occurring humectant that draws water into the skin, helping this cleanser feel hydrating rather than stripping.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Function: Its low molecular weight lets it pull moisture into deeper skin layers, supporting the barrier.
𫧠Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) Hero Promising
The "baking powder" the product is named for is actually baking soda. As a fine abrasive it provides gentle physical exfoliation and helps adjust the formula's alkalinity.
- Function: Mild abrasive (exfoliator) that buffs away dead surface cells.
- Note: Also acts as a pH/buffering agent in the formula.
πͺ¨ Silica Texture / Abrasive Proven
A naturally occurring mineral powder used as a fine polishing agent. It absorbs excess oil and improves the slip and spreadability of the foam.
- Function: Gentle exfoliant, oil absorber and texture enhancer.
- Benefit: Helps the formula feel smooth while mattifying oily zones.
π₯₯ Cocamidopropyl Betaine Surfactant Proven
A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant that boosts the creamy lather and cleanses without the harshness of sulfates.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil compounds.
- Function: Gathers oil, dirt and impurities to be rinsed away; thickens and softens the foam.
π Lactic Acid Trace Promising
A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Here it appears at the very end of the list, meaning it's used to fine-tune pH rather than as a true exfoliating active.
- Source: A well-studied AHA, gentler than glycolic acid and a humectant in its own right.
- Function in this formula: pH buffering at a low concentration.
21 ingredients
Glycerin, Water, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid, PEG-32, Potassium Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Lauric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Parfum, Silica, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as the water-based second step of a double cleanse, or as a standalone PM cleanser. Always follow with toner and moisturizer to rebalance skin after this alkaline wash.
π How to Use
Wet your face
Splash skin and hands with lukewarm water to prepare for lathering.
Lather a small amount
Dispense a pea-sized amount into wet palms and work into a rich foamβa little goes a long way.
Massage gently
Spread over the face in light circular motions, focusing on the oily T-zone. Avoid scrubbing hard.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow with hydrating toner and moisturizer.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with enlarged, easily-clogged pores
- You love a deep, squeaky-clean finish after washing
- You want gentle daily physical exfoliation in your cleanse
- You need an affordable, long-lasting second-step cleanser
- You're building a K-Beauty double-cleanse routine
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin
- You're prone to fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You prefer low-pH (5β6) cleansers for barrier care
- You're sensitive to added fragrance
- You need to remove heavy or waterproof makeup (use an oil cleanse first)
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Cuts through sebum and leaves the T-zone clean and matte without an oily residue.
Great for deep-cleaning oily zones; focus the foam on the T-zone and go light on cheeks.
Effective everyday cleanse; follow with moisturizer to offset the higher pH.
Can feel too stripping at pH ~8.5; limit to a few times a week and always rehydrate after.
Fragrance, alkaline pH and physical grains may irritate reactive skinβpatch test first.
π Results Timeline
Fresh, deep-clean feel
Skin feels noticeably clean, smooth and free of the day's makeup and sebum after the first wash.
90% noticedClearer, brighter pores
Regular use leaves the T-zone looking clearer and skin slightly brighter as buildup is kept in check.
68% noticedSmoother texture
Gentle exfoliation helps reduce surface bumps and roughness, leaving skin softer to the touch.
55% noticedMaintained clarity
With proper moisturizing, skin stays clear and balanced. Best results when not over-used on dry skin.
47% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Very affordable for the size (160g)
- Rich foamβa tiny amount lasts months
- Deep, squeaky-clean finish without obvious stripping
- Gentle physical exfoliation from fine grains
- Glycerin-led base keeps skin comfortable
- Removes most everyday makeup and sebum
β Criticized
- Alkaline pH (~8.5)βnot ideal for dry/sensitive skin
- Contains added fragrance (parfum)
- Not fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe
- Won't remove waterproof makeup on its own
- "Baking powder" name is really baking soda (marketing)
- Can feel drying if over-used
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Another pore-focused K-Beauty foam that uses volcanic clusters instead of baking soda. Similar deep-clean feel for oily skin, slightly gentler grit.
Creamy rice-water foam at a lower price. Cleanses and brightens but skips the physical exfoliating grains.
Egg-white and albumin foam targeting pores and oil. Comparable price and pore focus, but no baking-soda exfoliation.
π Comparison with Competitors
Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam (Featured)
~$10COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
~$13Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
~$10CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
~$15π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the cap tightly after use
Squeeze tube
Yesβ160g tube; decant a smaller amount for carry-on liquid limits
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes. It's a rinse-off cleanser with no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreensβthe ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. The only AHA, lactic acid, sits at the very end of the list as a pH adjuster. As always, check with your doctor about your full routine if you have concerns.
No. It contains several fatty acids (stearic, myristic, palmitic and lauric acid) plus PEG esters that can feed Malassezia yeast. Because it's a rinse-off product the contact time is short, which lowers the risk, but it is not considered a fungal-acne-safe formula.
Yes. As a cleanser it's rinsed off before your actives go on, so it won't directly clash with retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA. Keep in mind it already provides light physical exfoliation, so if you also use strong chemical exfoliants, scale back to avoid over-exfoliating and irritation.
It's best for oily and combination skin, and for anyone with clogged or enlarged pores who enjoys a deep, squeaky-clean finish. Dry and sensitive skin types should use it sparingly (or choose a low-pH cleanser) because of its alkaline pH and added fragrance.
The clean, refreshed feeling is immediate. Clearer-looking pores typically show within about a week of regular use, and smoother texture over 2β4 weeks. As a cleanser, it supports your routine rather than acting as a standalone treatment, so pairing it with good moisturizing matters most.
It's a cleanser, so it comes first. In a double cleanse, use an oil cleanser or makeup remover initially, then this foam as the water-based second step. Follow with toner, any treatments or serums, then moisturizer (and sunscreen in the morning).
Low risk. We rate it around 2/5. It does contain fatty acids that can be comedogenic in leave-on products, but because this is rinsed off within seconds, very little remains on the skin. Most users report it helps keep pores clearer rather than clogging them.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Thanks to the rich foam, a small pea-sized amount is enough per wash, so a single 160g tube commonly lasts 3β4 months or more of daily use.
Verdict: A reliable, wallet-friendly K-Beauty workhorse. Etude House's Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam delivers a genuinely deep, satisfying clean with gentle baking-soda exfoliation, and its glycerin-led base keeps skin from feeling overly stripped. It shines for oily and combination skin and as a double-cleanse second step. The main caveats are its alkaline ~8.5 pH, added fragrance and lack of fungal-acne safetyβso dry, sensitive or Malassezia-prone users should approach with care or look to a low-pH alternative. For the price, it remains a deservedly popular pore cleanser.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-32
Humectant, Solvent
|
|