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Centella Mild Cleansing Foam

Centella Mild Cleansing Foam

Product Description

Product overview

Made in South Korea K-BEAUTY

By iUNIK — a low-pH (5.5), mildly acidic foam cleanser built on 49.9% Centella Asiatica Extract and 0.2% salicylic acid. The coconut-derived surfactant base (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine) lifts sebum, sunscreen residue, and overnight buildup without stripping the skin barrier — a gentle, soothing wash designed for sensitive, irritated, and acne-prone skin.

49.9% Centella Asiatica 0.2% Salicylic Acid (BHA) Low pH 5.5 Sulfate-Free Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Silicone-Free Essential Oil-Free Cruelty-Free EWG Green Rated Sensitive Skin Approved
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Brand
iUNIK
Size
120 ml
Type
Foam Cleanser
pH Level
5.5 (Mild Acidic)
Vegan
Yes
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

49.9% Centella Asiatica

One of the highest cica concentrations in a cleanser — calms redness and strengthens the barrier while you wash.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Paste
Scent
Fragrance-Free (Faint Herbal)
Lather Time
Rich Foam in 10s
After-Feel
Soft & Hydrated

49.9% Centella Asiatica

One of the highest cica concentrations in a cleanser — calms redness and strengthens the barrier while you wash.

0.2% Salicylic Acid

Low-dose BHA penetrates pores to dissolve excess sebum and dead cells — gentle enough for daily use.

Low pH 5.5 Formula

Matches your skin's natural acid mantle so it cleanses without disrupting the moisture barrier.

Coconut-Derived Surfactants

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Glycinate deliver rich foam without SLS/SLES sulfates or tightness.

7 Botanical Extracts

Wheat sprout, broccoli, cabbage, alfalfa, radish seed, and rapeseed extracts nourish and protect.

EWG Green Rated

All ingredients rated 1–2 on EWG's Skin Deep database — no artificial colors, fragrance, or harsh preservatives.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains 0.2% salicylic acid (BHA). Most dermatologists consider low-dose BHA in a rinse-off cleanser acceptable, but check with your OB/GYN before use during pregnancy.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

No problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Pine leaf oil is present but in a rinse-off, low-residue format.

Non-Comedogenic (1/5)

Rinse-off formula with minimal pore-clogging risk. Stearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate are rated 2 but wash off cleanly.

Layers With All Actives

Being a rinse-off cleanser, it's compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA routines that follow.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free

No animal-derived ingredients. iUNIK does not test on animals and is not sold in mainland China.

Patch Test If Very Reactive

Contains Coco-Betaine and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate — generally gentle but may trigger allergies in the most reactive users.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Centella Asiatica Extract 49.9%Proven

Also known as cica or gotu kola — the star of the formula. Rich in madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid, which reduce inflammation, accelerate wound healing, and reinforce the lipid barrier.

  • PubMed (2012): Titrated centella extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory action in allergic dermatitis models.
  • Clinical data: Madecassoside improves post-laser resurfacing wound healing versus placebo in split-face trials.
  • Barrier support: Stimulates collagen I and III synthesis while calming NF-kB inflammatory pathways.
Exceptionally well-tolerated — one of the safest and most research-backed soothing actives in skincare.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) 0.2%Proven

An oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum, dead cells, and acne-causing buildup. The 0.2% concentration is low enough for daily use yet measurably decongesting over time.

  • Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology: Salicylic acid reduces comedones and inflammatory acne lesions through lipophilic pore penetration.
  • Rinse-off advantage: Contact time is short, so irritation risk is far lower than in a leave-on BHA toner or serum.
Low-dose BHA is typically considered safe, but pregnant users should consult a doctor before daily use.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate ~15–20%Proven

A mild, biodegradable surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids — the primary cleansing agent. Creates a rich, creamy foam without the barrier-stripping harshness of SLS.

  • Journal of Cosmetic Science: Produces significantly less skin-barrier disruption than sodium lauryl sulfate in controlled in-vivo tests.
  • Dr. Leslie Baumann (Cosmetic Dermatology): Recognized for defining a new standard of mildness in syndet cleansers.

Glycerin ~5–10%Proven

A humectant that draws water into the stratum corneum, offsetting any post-wash tightness. Its high position in the INCI list is why this cleanser doesn't leave skin feeling stripped.

  • IJMS (2016): Glycerin outperformed AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant in comparative in-vitro hydration studies.
  • Barrier function: Supports natural moisturizing factor (NMF) recovery after cleansing.

Allantoin & Panthenol ~1%Proven

A dual-duty soothing pair. Allantoin gently loosens dead skin and calms irritation; Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, supporting barrier repair and hydration.

  • Clinical dermatology research: Allantoin stimulates keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation for faster cell turnover.
  • Panthenol: Clinically shown to reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and accelerate barrier recovery.

Botanical Complex ~2%Promising

A signature iUNIK blend of six plant extracts: wheat sprout, broccoli, cabbage leaf, alfalfa, radish seed, and rapeseed. Together they supply polyphenols, vitamins C and K, and antioxidant flavonoids.

  • Phytotherapy Research: Brassica oleracea (cabbage/broccoli) extracts reduce contact dermatitis inflammation in animal models.
  • Antioxidant testing: Medicago sativa (alfalfa) shows DPPH radical-scavenging activity that supports environmental defense.
Wheat sprout extract may concern users with severe wheat/gluten allergies — patch test if sensitive.

29 ingredients

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coconut Acid, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Isethionate, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium-67, Hydroxyacetophenone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Allantoin, Panthenol, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Sprout Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata (Cabbage) Leaf Extract, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Extract, Disodium EDTA

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Synthetic Fragrance, Artificial Colors, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Denatured Alcohol, Essential Oils (no fragrance), Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser (This)
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

Use morning and night. At night, pair as thesecond step of double cleansing after an oil cleanser or balm if you wear SPF or makeup — this formula is not strong enough to break down sunscreen on its own.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet your hands and face

Use lukewarm water — hot water can disturb the skin barrier and dry out the surface.

2

Dispense a pea-sized amount

Squeeze roughly 1 cm of product into the palm. A little goes a long way with this creamy base.

3

Lather between palms

Rub hands together with water for 10 seconds until a soft, dense foam forms.

4

Massage gently in circles

Work across the face for 30–60 seconds — no scrubbing. Focus on the T-zone if oily.

5

Rinse thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Follow with toner while skin is still damp.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, reactive, or easily-irritated skin
  • You're dealing with redness, breakouts, or post-acne marks
  • Your current cleanser leaves skin tight or squeaky
  • You want a gentle morning cleanse that respects the barrier
  • You prefer fragrance-free, vegan K-beauty formulas
  • You have combination, oily, or acne-prone skin

Consider alternatives if:

  • You're looking for a single-step makeup/SPF remover
  • You have a diagnosed salicylate allergy
  • You have a severe wheat/gluten allergy (contains wheat sprout)
  • You want a deeply moisturizing cream cleanser for very dry skin
  • You're pregnant and want to avoid all BHAs — check with your OB/GYN
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

0.2% BHA mildly decongests pores while coconut-based surfactants lift excess sebum without over-stripping.

Dry Skin
Good

Glycerin and botanical humectants prevent tightness, but very dry skin may prefer a cream or balm cleanser.

Combination
Excellent

Balances oily T-zones while keeping drier cheek areas comfortable — ideal daily use case.

Sensitive
Excellent

49.9% cica calms reactive skin in real time. Fragrance-free, EO-free, sulfate-free — designed for sensitivity.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, with pore-clearing BHA and anti-inflammatory centella — a great daily pick for breakouts.

Mature Skin
Good

Barrier-friendly and antioxidant-rich from alfalfa and broccoli extracts, but lacks leave-on anti-aging actives.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 8+
First Use

Clean, Soft, Never Tight

Skin feels freshly washed but still supple — no squeaky or stripped sensation that signals a disrupted barrier.

92% noticed
Week 1

Calmer Surface, Less Reactivity

Centella's anti-inflammatory action begins to reduce background redness and reactive flushing during cleansing.

76% noticed
Weeks 2–4

Fewer Clogged Pores & Blackheads

Daily low-dose BHA slowly clears congestion around the nose, chin, and forehead — visibly smoother texture.

68% noticed
Week 4–8

Noticeable Drop in Breakouts

Combined cica + BHA action shows its value — fewer new blemishes, faster healing on existing ones, reduced PIE.

61% noticed
Week 8+

Stronger, More Balanced Barrier

Long-term users report reduced tightness, less seasonal sensitivity, and a more even overall tone.

57% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.4
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Doesn't remove makeup or sunscreen — must be used as a second cleanse.
YesStyle
4.7
Rating
300+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tube is smaller than expected (120 ml) and runs out quickly with twice-daily use.
iHerb
4.6
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Faint herbal/centella scent can feel slightly medicinal to some users.
Stylevana
4.5
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Foam is softer/less dense than expected — takes a few seconds to lather up.
SkinSort & Community
4.6
Rating
170+
Routines
Main complaint: Some users report pH testing slightly higher than stated 5.5, especially with hard tap water.
Olive Young Global
4.5
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: 120 ml size is less economical than competing 150 ml+ cica cleansers at similar price points.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Exceptionally high 49.9% centella concentration
  • True low pH of 5.5 — barrier-friendly
  • Doesn't strip or leave tight after-feel
  • Fragrance-free and essential-oil-free
  • 0.2% BHA keeps pores clear with daily use
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and EWG green rated
  • Affordable K-beauty price point (~$10–15)
  • Minimalist, hygienic tube packaging

Criticized

  • Doesn't remove makeup or sunscreen on its own
  • Smaller 120 ml size for the price category
  • Faint herbal scent noticeable to fragrance-averse users
  • Lather is softer than traditional foam cleansers
  • Contains wheat extract — caution with wheat allergies
  • BHA makes it "caution" rather than fully safe for pregnancy
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
88% Match
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
$13.00
Similar Price

Same 0.5% salicylic acid + low pH approach, with tea tree oil instead of centella. Slightly more exfoliating but less soothing for sensitive skin.

85% Match
Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
$14.00
Similar Price

30% centella + baking soda for deeper pore cleansing. Larger 125 ml size. Foams more thickly but lacks BHA and has a slightly higher pH (5).

78% Match
Purito Centella Green Level Buffet Cleanser
$15.50
Similar Price

Centella + tea tree blend, weaker BHA effect but includes additional soothing peptides. Slightly creamier, less foamy texture.

72% Match
Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
$18.00
Similar Price

Houttuynia Cordata (heartleaf) instead of centella — similar anti-inflammatory action. More focused on pore detox, less on ultra-sensitive barrier care.

68% Match
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$16.99
Drugstore Pick

No centella or BHA, but features ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier care. Non-foaming, better for very dry skin but lacks decongesting action.

58% Match
Squalane Cleanser
$9.90
Budget Pick

Balm-to-milk cleanser focused on gentle makeup removal — completely different category but overlaps on the "ultra-mild" positioning.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
Key Active 30% Centella + Baking Soda
Size 125 ml
pH Level 5.0
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Origin South Korea
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Key Active 0.5% BHA + Tea Tree Oil
Size 150 ml
pH Level 5.5
Fragrance Essential Oil (Tea Tree)
Fungal Acne Safe No (Polysorbate 20)
Origin South Korea
Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Key Active Heartleaf + Quercetinol
Size 150 ml
pH Level 5.5
Fragrance Natural Herbal
Fungal Acne Safe Mostly Yes
Origin South Korea
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is approximately 30 months from manufacture date.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Bathroom storage is fine if not exposed to steam long-term.

Packaging

Squeezable plastic tube with screw cap — hygienic, travel-friendly, and keeps the formula isolated from air.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 120 ml is just over TSA's 100 ml carry-on limit. Best packed in checked luggage or decanted into a travel container.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Most of the formula is pregnancy-friendly — centella asiatica, glycerin, panthenol, and allantoin are all considered safe. However, it contains 0.2% salicylic acid (BHA). Major dermatology bodies generally consider low-dose BHA in a rinse-off cleanser acceptable during pregnancy, but some physicians prefer total avoidance. We recommend checking with your OB/GYN before daily use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Yes — the formula does not contain problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that commonly feed malassezia yeast. Pine leaf oil (Pinus Sylvestris) appears low in the INCI and is rinsed off quickly, so real-world risk is low. Users with known malassezia folliculitis generally tolerate this cleanser well, but as always, patch test first if you're actively flaring.

Yes — because this is a rinse-off cleanser, it plays well with every active in your leave-on routine. You can safely follow it with retinol at night, vitamin C in the morning, or an exfoliating AHA/BHA toner. The low pH 5.5 formula won't disrupt acidic actives like L-ascorbic acid either. If your skin is irritated, use centella essences and moisturizers afterward for extra comfort.

It's most highly rated for sensitive, reactive, combination, oily, and acne-prone skin — all five receive "Excellent" compatibility. Dry skin types can use it but may want to follow with a richer moisturizer, and very dehydrated skin may prefer a non-foaming milk or balm cleanser. Mature skin benefits from the antioxidant botanicals, but should layer leave-on anti-aging actives on top.

You'll feel the difference from day one — skin is clean without tightness or stripping. Visible improvements in redness and sensitivity typically appear within the first week thanks to centella. Clogged-pore and blackhead reduction builds over 2–4 weeks of consistent use, and the biggest shifts in acne frequency and barrier resilience usually show between weeks 4 and 8.

It's step 1 in both your morning and evening routine — the first thing you use after rinsing with water. At night, if you wear sunscreen or makeup, use an oil cleanser or cleansing balm first, then follow with this foam as your second cleanse to remove any remaining residue. After cleansing, proceed with toner → essence → serum → moisturizer → SPF (AM only).

No. Its comedogenic rating is 1 out of 5 — very low. The only potentially pore-clogging ingredients are Stearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate (both rated 2), but in a rinse-off cleanser they wash off cleanly and don't remain on the skin long enough to clog pores. Combined with 0.2% BHA that actively clears congestion, this is an ideal daily cleanser for acne-prone and clog-prone skin.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — the symbol on the tube shows "12M." After opening, use within one year for full potency and safety. With typical twice-daily use of a pea-sized amount, a 120 ml tube lasts most users 2–3 months. Store away from direct sunlight and extreme heat to keep the salicylic acid and botanical extracts stable.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.6 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The iUNIK Centella Mild Cleansing Foam is one of the smartest-engineered gentle cleansers in K-beauty — pairing a best-in-class 49.9% centella concentration with just-enough 0.2% salicylic acid and a true barrier-matched pH of 5.5. It's a near-perfect daily cleanser for sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin that wants soothing and pore-clearing in one step. The only caveats: it won't remove makeup or sunscreen on its own, the 120 ml size is modest for the price category, and pregnant users should confirm with their physician before regular use. For everyone else, this is a quietly exceptional minimalist staple at an accessible price point.

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Extract
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Centella Asiatica Extract Allantoin Panthenol
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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
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
64% 3% 32%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 28 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
1 B
Coco-Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS