Centella Mild Cleansing Foam
Centella Mild Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
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
One of the highest cica concentrations in a cleanser — calms redness and strengthens the barrier while you wash.
Texture & feel
SENSORY49.9% 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.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 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.
No problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Pine leaf oil is present but in a rinse-off, low-residue format.
Rinse-off formula with minimal pore-clogging risk. Stearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate are rated 2 but wash off cleanly.
Being a rinse-off cleanser, it's compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA routines that follow.
No animal-derived ingredients. iUNIK does not test on animals and is not sold in mainland China.
Contains Coco-Betaine and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate — generally gentle but may trigger allergies in the most reactive users.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCentella 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.
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.
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.
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
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 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.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet your hands and face
Use lukewarm water — hot water can disturb the skin barrier and dry out the surface.
Dispense a pea-sized amount
Squeeze roughly 1 cm of product into the palm. A little goes a long way with this creamy base.
Lather between palms
Rub hands together with water for 10 seconds until a soft, dense foam forms.
Massage gently in circles
Work across the face for 30–60 seconds — no scrubbing. Focus on the T-zone if oily.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Follow with toner while skin is still damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect 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
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPES0.2% BHA mildly decongests pores while coconut-based surfactants lift excess sebum without over-stripping.
Glycerin and botanical humectants prevent tightness, but very dry skin may prefer a cream or balm cleanser.
Balances oily T-zones while keeping drier cheek areas comfortable — ideal daily use case.
49.9% cica calms reactive skin in real time. Fragrance-free, EO-free, sulfate-free — designed for sensitivity.
Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe, with pore-clearing BHA and anti-inflammatory centella — a great daily pick for breakouts.
Barrier-friendly and antioxidant-rich from alfalfa and broccoli extracts, but lacks leave-on anti-aging actives.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Clean, Soft, Never Tight
Skin feels freshly washed but still supple — no squeaky or stripped sensation that signals a disrupted barrier.
92% noticedCalmer Surface, Less Reactivity
Centella's anti-inflammatory action begins to reduce background redness and reactive flushing during cleansing.
76% noticedFewer Clogged Pores & Blackheads
Daily low-dose BHA slowly clears congestion around the nose, chin, and forehead — visibly smoother texture.
68% noticedNoticeable Drop in Breakouts
Combined cica + BHA action shows its value — fewer new blemishes, faster healing on existing ones, reduced PIE.
61% noticedStronger, More Balanced Barrier
Long-term users report reduced tightness, less seasonal sensitivity, and a more even overall tone.
57% noticedRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- 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
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame 0.5% salicylic acid + low pH approach, with tea tree oil instead of centella. Slightly more exfoliating but less soothing for sensitive skin.
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).
Centella + tea tree blend, weaker BHA effect but includes additional soothing peptides. Slightly creamier, less foamy texture.
Houttuynia Cordata (heartleaf) instead of centella — similar anti-inflammatory action. More focused on pore detox, less on ultra-sensitive barrier care.
No centella or BHA, but features ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier care. Non-foaming, better for very dry skin but lacks decongesting action.
Balm-to-milk cleanser focused on gentle makeup removal — completely different category but overlaps on the "ultra-mild" positioning.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is approximately 30 months from manufacture date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Bathroom storage is fine if not exposed to steam long-term.
Squeezable plastic tube with screw cap — hygienic, travel-friendly, and keeps the formula isolated from air.
Yes — 120 ml is just over TSA's 100 ml carry-on limit. Best packed in checked luggage or decanted into a travel container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQMost 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.
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
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 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|







