Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser
Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A self-foaming, pH-balanced daily cleanser by Pyunkang Yul, developed for sensitive, acne-prone, and reactive skin. Formulated with 5 types of Centella Asiatica extracts, 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, tea tree, honeysuckle, and willow bark (natural AHA/BHA) to gently dissolve sebum and impurities without stripping the skin barrier. Dermatologically tested with a zero-irritation result and entirely EWG Green Grade.
5× Centella Asiatica Complex
Centella Asiatica Extract plus its four key actives — Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid — for targeted soothing and barrier support.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5× Centella Asiatica Complex
Centella Asiatica Extract plus its four key actives — Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid — for targeted soothing and barrier support.
5× Hyaluronic Acid Layers
Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Hydroxypropyltrimonium HA, HA Crosspolymer, and Sodium Acetylated HA draw and lock in moisture at multiple skin depths.
Skin-Matched Low pH
Acidic formula around 5.5 mirrors the skin's natural acid mantle, cleansing without disrupting the moisture barrier.
Natural BHA from Willow Bark
Salix Alba Bark Extract provides a plant-derived salicin that gently dissolves excess sebum and decongests pores without the sting of synthetic acids.
Zero-Irritation Tested
Dermatologically tested and certified with a zero-irritation result; all ingredients fall within the EWG Green Grade safety range.
Self-Foaming Dispenser
Pre-whipped pump delivers airy, ready-to-use foam, reducing mechanical friction during cleansing for calmer, reactive skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Formula is free of known pregnancy-restricted actives.
Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate and some esters that can feed malassezia. However, as a rinse-off cleanser, contact time is very short, minimizing risk.
Rinse-off format and low-comedogenic ingredients make it suitable for clog-prone and acne-prone skin.
No added fragrance, citrus oils, or menthol. Tea tree is present as leaf extract, not essential oil, keeping irritation potential low.
As a morning/evening cleanser, pairs well with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. Rinses off before actives are applied.
Uses Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, and Coco-Glucoside — gentler on the barrier than SLS/SLES.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella Asiatica Complex (5 forms) ~2–3%Proven
A full-spectrum cica blend featuring the whole-plant extract along with its four isolated bioactives — Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, and Asiatic Acid — to calm redness, support wound healing, and reinforce the skin barrier.
- Clinical Research: Madecassoside has been shown in peer-reviewed studies to boost collagen I synthesis and reduce inflammatory cytokines.
- Dermatology Use: Cica extracts are routinely used in post-procedure and eczema-prone skincare for their barrier-repairing effects.
5-Layer Hyaluronic Acid Blend ~1–2%Proven
Combines Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, Hydroxypropyltrimonium HA, Sodium HA Crosspolymer, and Sodium Acetylated HA — a multi-molecular-weight system designed to hydrate from deeper layers to the surface.
- Molecular Weight Science: Lower-weight HA penetrates more deeply, while higher-weight forms create a surface hydration film.
- Unusual for a Cleanser: Most foaming cleansers strip moisture; the HA stack here helps counteract trans-epidermal water loss.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract ~0.5–1%Promising
A natural source of salicin, the plant precursor to salicylic acid. Helps gently dissolve sebum, loosen dead cells, and keep pores clear — without the irritation potential of synthetic BHA in a rinse-off product.
- Mechanism: Salicin is metabolized into salicylic acid on contact with skin, delivering a mild exfoliating action.
- Tolerance: Better tolerated by sensitive skin than 0.5–2% salicylic acid formulas.
Tea Tree & Honeysuckle Extracts ~0.5–1%Promising
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract (tea tree) and Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (honeysuckle) contribute mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, useful for breakout-prone and congested skin.
- Leaf Extract vs Oil: The leaf extract is significantly less irritating than tea tree essential oil while retaining some bioactive compounds.
- Honeysuckle: Traditionally used in Eastern medicine; contains chlorogenic acid with antioxidant activity.
Sulfate-Free Surfactant System ~10–15%Proven
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, and Coco-Glucoside form the cleansing base — all mild, non-sulfate surfactants commonly used in baby and sensitive-skin washes.
- Barrier-Friendly: These surfactants have lower skin-barrier disruption scores than SLS/SLES in patch tests.
- EWG Green Grade: All three rank in the low-hazard range on the EWG Skin Deep database.
34 ingredients
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Coco-Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Polyquaternium-67, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in the morning and as the second step (after an oil cleanser) in the evening if you wear makeup or sunscreen.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet your face with lukewarm water
Hot water can strip the barrier — stick to room-temperature or slightly warm water to open pores without over-drying.
Dispense 2–3 pumps of foam
The pump pre-whips the foam, so there's no need to lather in your hands. Start with 2 pumps for normal cleansing, 3 for heavier sunscreen or light makeup.
Massage gently for 30–60 seconds
Use small circular motions across the face, avoiding the eye area. The mild formula needs contact time to lift impurities without scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
Make sure no foam residue lingers along the hairline or jaw. Pat — don't rub — with a clean towel.
Follow immediately with toner or essence
Apply the next step within 60 seconds while skin is still slightly damp to trap hydration.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You're acne-prone and need a gentle daily cleanser
- Your barrier is compromised from over-exfoliation or retinoids
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimalist formulas
- You want a low-pH cleanser that won't strip the acid mantle
- You're looking for an EWG Green Grade K-beauty staple
Consider alternatives if:
- You wear heavy, long-wear makeup (use an oil cleanser first)
- You have very oily skin that craves a squeaky-clean feel
- You're sensitive to tea tree, even in leaf-extract form
- You're strictly fungal-acne-safe (FA-safe) in every product
- You prefer cream, balm, or milk cleanser textures
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDesigned specifically for reactive skin — zero-irritation tested, fragrance-free, and packed with 5 soothing cica actives.
Natural willow bark BHA and tea tree leaf extract help decongest pores without triggering irritation-induced breakouts.
5-layer hyaluronic blend mitigates dryness, but very dry skin may prefer a cream or milk cleanser for extra richness.
Balances well — the willow bark controls T-zone oil while cica and HA keep drier cheek zones comfortable.
Cleanses effectively and gently, but very oily skin seeking a deep, matte finish may want a stronger purifying cleanser.
Barrier-supporting formula is well suited to mature skin; the 5 HA layers help preserve hydration during cleansing.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Comfortable, non-stripped feel
Skin feels clean without the tight, squeaky sensation typical of drugstore foaming washes. No residue, no film.
~85% notice immediatelyCalmer redness, less reactivity
Users with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin often report visibly reduced flushing after cleansing, thanks to the cica complex.
~60% notice improvementSmoother texture, fewer clogs
Willow bark extract gently loosens trapped sebum; skin looks more refined and small bumps begin to ease.
~55% notice improvementStronger barrier, balanced hydration
Consistent use helps maintain barrier function — less sensitivity, more even hydration, and better tolerance of actives in your routine.
~70% see long-term benefitRatings by platform
10K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptionally gentle — safe for compromised barriers and post-procedure skin
- Zero-irritation dermatology test results
- Leaves skin soft, never tight or stripped
- Fragrance, sulfate, and essential-oil-free
- Rich ingredient deck (5 cica + 5 HA) uncommon in a cleanser
- Low pH matches the skin's natural acid mantle
- Minimalist packaging and clean brand philosophy
- Affordable given the active ingredient count
Criticized
- Pump mechanism can break or clog with extended use
- Runs out fast with twice-daily use
- Not strong enough to remove heavy/waterproof makeup alone
- Contains esters and Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate — not strictly fungal-acne safe
- Foam texture may feel too airy for those who prefer dense lather
- Tea tree may still bother the most reactive skin types
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCult-classic low-pH K-beauty cleanser with tea tree oil and BHA. Gel texture you foam yourself. Slightly less gentle (has tea tree essential oil) and without the extensive cica/HA stack.
Mild, low-pH, fragrance-free foaming cleanser with heartleaf and PHA. Similar soothing philosophy; focuses more on pore decongestion than multi-layer HA hydration.
Also a self-foaming, centella-based K-beauty cleanser at a similar price. Uses fewer actives overall and skips the willow bark BHA, but offers comparable gentle cleansing.
Low-pH cica-based cleanser with a 5D hyaluronic acid concept — very close in positioning. Creamier texture and a slightly different surfactant system.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDETorriden DIVE-IN Low pH Cica Cleanser
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid temperature extremes and humidity.
Self-foaming pump bottle (plastic) — dispenses pre-whipped foam, reducing contamination from fingers.
Yes, 150 ml — exceeds the TSA 100 ml liquids limit for carry-on; fine for checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (synthetic), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or essential oils commonly flagged during pregnancy. The willow bark extract contains naturally occurring salicin, but in a rinse-off cleanser at low concentration it's generally considered safe. As always, confirm with your OB/GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.
Not strictly. The formula contains Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate and some ester ingredients (Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate) that can feed malassezia yeast. That said, because this is a rinse-off product with very short contact time, many people with fungal acne tolerate it well. If you're strictly following an FA-safe routine, you may want to swap in a simpler surfactant-only cleanser.
Yes. As a mild rinse-off cleanser it leaves no residue that would interact with actives. In fact, its low pH (~5.5) and cica/HA support actually make it an ideal base for routines that include retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA, since it doesn't over-strip or disrupt the skin barrier before you layer stronger products on top.
Sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin benefit the most. It's also an excellent choice for compromised or post-procedure skin, rosacea-prone complexions, and anyone rebuilding a damaged moisture barrier. Very dry skin may want a creamier cleanser; very oily skin may prefer something slightly more purifying, though this still works well.
Most users notice immediate differences in comfort — no tight, stripped feeling after the very first wash. Reduced redness and calmer skin typically show within 1 week. Smoother texture and fewer clogged pores emerge over 2–4 weeks, with long-term barrier improvements visible after 2 months of consistent use.
It's the cleansing step. In the morning, use it as your first step on damp skin. In the evening, use it as step 2 of a double-cleanse (after an oil cleanser or cleansing balm to remove makeup and sunscreen). Follow with toner, treatments, serum, moisturizer, and — in the AM — sunscreen.
No, it's rated approximately 1 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. As a rinse-off product, even its mildly comedogenic ingredients have negligible contact time. It's widely used by acne-prone users without reports of clogging, and it's explicitly formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
The standard Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Check the jar-shaped symbol on the packaging for the exact number (typically written as "12M"). With twice-daily use, a 150 ml bottle usually lasts around 2–3 months, so you'll finish it well before any shelf-life concern.
Verdict: A standout gentle cleanser that punches well above its price point. The combination of 5 types of Centella Asiatica actives, 5 forms of hyaluronic acid, a low pH, and an EWG Green Grade ingredient list makes it one of the most thoughtfully formulated rinse-off cleansers on the K-beauty market. It's not meant to remove heavy makeup and isn't strictly fungal-acne safe, but for sensitive, acne-prone, and barrier-compromised skin, it's an easy everyday recommendation.
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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 2 |
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing, Foaming, Hydrotrope, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|





