Cleansing Foam
Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam is a gentle, soap-based foaming face wash built around Saposhnikovia Divaricata (Siler Root) extract, which sits at the very top of the ingredient list in place of plain water. It whips into a dense, stretchy lather that lifts away sebum, sunscreen and daily grime without leaving skin tight or stripped — a low-fuss, budget-friendly daily cleanser from a Korean brand born in a dermatology hospital that specialises in sensitive and atopic skin.
Siler Root (Fangfeng) Base
Uses Saposhnikovia Divaricata extract instead of plain water as the #1 ingredient, prized in traditional Korean medicine for soothing, calming skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSiler Root (Fangfeng) Base
Uses Saposhnikovia Divaricata extract instead of plain water as the #1 ingredient, prized in traditional Korean medicine for soothing, calming skin.
Dense, Stretchy Lather
Whips into a thick, gummy foam that grips onto sebum, sunscreen and grime to lift it out of pores and rinse clean.
Non-Stripping Clean
Saponified fatty acids cleanse thoroughly while glycerin keeps skin feeling soft and comfortable, not tight.
Everyday Value
Around $12 for a 150 ml tube that typically lasts 3–4 months of daily use — a true budget staple.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters. Generally considered safe to use — always confirm with your doctor.
Contains fatty acids (lauric, myristic, oleic and more). As a rinse-off these are largely saponified and washed away, but very FA-reactive skin should patch test.
Reviewers consistently note it cleanses without that tight, squeaky feeling, helping preserve the skin's moisture barrier.
Formula includes Parfum plus the allergens Linalool and Limonene (a light coconut/soap scent). Fragrance-sensitive users should patch test.
Because it rinses off, you can follow with retinol, vitamin C, AHA or BHA in the same routine without any layering conflicts.
Contains beeswax. The product is cruelty-free, but it is not suitable for a strictly vegan routine.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSaposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract #1 / BasePromising
The hero. Also known as Siler Root or Fangfeng in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine, Pyunkang Yul uses it in place of plain water as the formula's base. It is valued for soothing, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make the cleanse feel calming rather than harsh.
- Source: Traditional East-Asian herbal medicine; studied for anti-inflammatory chromone compounds.
- Brand note: Used as the very first ingredient, an unusual and premium-feeling choice for a budget cleanser.
Glycerin High (#2)Proven
A skin-identical humectant that draws and holds water in the skin. Sitting at second on the list, it offsets the potential dryness of a soap cleanser so skin feels soft and comfortable after rinsing.
- Source: Irritancy 0, comedogenicity 0 — one of the most studied, best-tolerated skincare ingredients.
- Effective: Works from concentrations as low as 3%, with extra benefit for drier skin.
Fatty-Acid Soap Complex Surfactant SystemProven
The cleansing engine: Myristic, Lauric, Palmitic and Stearic Acids react with Potassium Hydroxide (a process called saponification) to form a mild potassium soap. This is what creates the signature thick, stretchy foam and gives the deep-cleansed, residue-free rinse.
- Source: Potassium Hydroxide is consumed during saponification and is not present in the finished product.
- Function: Fatty acids double as foam-builders, emulsifiers and emollients.
Glyceryl Caprylate & 1,2-Hexanediol Multi-taskerPromising
A gentle emollient and a humectant-solvent that together keep the formula fresh and stable without traditional harsh preservatives, while adding a touch of skin-conditioning slip.
- Source: 1,2-Hexanediol is a widely used, well-tolerated preservative booster and texture enhancer.
- Bonus: Glyceryl Caprylate adds light moisture and helps the foam feel smooth.
28 ingredients
Saposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Water, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-100 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ozokerite, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Beeswax, Sodium Chloride, Stearyl Stearate, Hydrogenated Palm Acid, Capric Acid, Oleic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your water-based (second) step in a PM double cleanse, or as a standalone morning wash. Always follow with toner and moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen
Wet your face and hands with lukewarm water.
Lather
Squeeze a small amount onto your palms, add a little water and rub to build a rich, dense foam.
Massage
Work the foam over your face in gentle circles for 20–30 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use morning and/or evening.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle daily foam that rinses clean without tightness
- You have oily, combination or normal skin
- You enjoy a rich, bubbly, satisfying lather
- You want effective cleansing on a small budget
- You like minimalist, sensitive-skin-oriented K-beauty brands
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a soap-free, low-pH cleanser for a very compromised barrier
- You are strictly fragrance-free or allergic to Linalool/Limonene
- You follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine
- You want a vegan formula (this contains beeswax)
- You expect it to remove heavy makeup on its own (double cleanse instead)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESCuts through excess sebum and leaves a fresh, clean finish without an oily film.
Balances oily zones while staying gentle enough for drier cheeks.
A reliable, no-drama daily wash that keeps skin clean and comfortable.
Soothing and glycerin-rich, but the soap base can feel slightly tight; follow with a richer moisturizer.
Soothing Siler Root and hospital heritage help, but the added fragrance means a patch test is wise.
Results timeline
3–4 MONTHSClean, Soft Skin
Skin feels freshly cleansed and smooth, not squeaky or tight, from the very first wash.
90%+ noticedComfortable Balance
Daily use removes buildup and excess oil without triggering dryness for most users.
80% noticedClearer, Smoother Texture
Consistent gentle cleansing supports clearer-looking pores and more balanced oil.
65% noticedOne Tube Lasts
A single 150 ml tube typically lasts a full season of daily use — reinforcing its value.
Value pickRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Rich, dense, stretchy foam that feels satisfying to use
- Cleanses without stripping or leaving skin tight for most
- Soothing Siler Root base with sensitive-skin heritage
- Excellent value at around $12 for 150 ml
- Cruelty-free and free of parabens, sulfates and silicones
Criticized
- Contains fragrance (Linalool/Limonene) — not for fragrance-avoiders
- Sits at a neutral pH (~7), higher than dedicated low-pH gels
- Contains fatty acids — not strictly fungal-acne-safe
- Not vegan (contains beeswax)
- Won't remove heavy makeup alone — needs a first cleanse
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Another gentle, soap-based Korean foaming cleanser with a rich lather and brightening rice extracts. Slightly more basic and no Siler Root, but a very similar non-stripping clean for less.
Lower pH (5.5) and fragrance-free, making it kinder to sensitive and dry skin. The trade-off is a less dense lather and no traditional herbal hero ingredient.
An inexpensive foaming cleanser with botanical extracts and a comparable price and foam. The formula is simpler and also fragranced, but it's an easy everyday swap.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed.
Squeezable tube with flip cap
The 150 ml tube exceeds the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit — pack it in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQGenerally, yes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters — the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The only consideration is the light added fragrance. As always, run any product by your OB or healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Not strictly. It contains fatty acids (lauric, myristic, palmitic and oleic) that can feed malassezia. However, as a rinse-off cleanser these are largely saponified into soap and washed away, so the real-world risk is low. Still, if you follow a strict fungal-acne-safe routine, patch test or choose a dedicated FA-safe wash.
Yes. Because it's a rinse-off cleanser, it doesn't interfere with leave-on actives. Cleanse first, pat dry, then apply your retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acid as you normally would.
Oily, combination and normal skin get the most from it. Dry or very sensitive skin can use it too, but may want to follow with a richer moisturizer since the soap base sits at a neutral pH and can feel slightly tight.
Cleansing results are immediate — skin feels clean and soft from day one. Over 2–4 weeks of consistent use, many people notice clearer-looking pores and more balanced oil, but remember a cleanser is a supporting step rather than a treatment.
It's your water-based cleanse. In the morning, use it on its own. At night, use it as the second step after an oil cleanser or balm to remove makeup and sunscreen. Always follow with toner and moisturizer.
Low risk (rated about 2/5). While it contains some fatty acids that rank as mildly comedogenic on charts, it rinses off rather than staying on the skin, so pore-clogging is unlikely for most users.
Around 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Unopened, check the manufacture/expiry date printed on the tube. Store it in a cool, dry place with the cap closed, and most people finish a tube in 3–4 months of daily use anyway.
Verdict: A well-loved, no-nonsense daily foaming cleanser that punches well above its ~$12 price. The soothing Siler Root base and glycerin keep skin comfortable, while the dense, stretchy lather rinses away oil and grime without that stripped feeling. It loses a little ground for fragrance-sensitive users and for those chasing strict fungal-acne or low-pH formulas, and it won't replace a first cleanse for heavy makeup. But for oily-to-combination skin wanting an effective, gentle, budget K-beauty wash, it's an easy recommend.
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 skin’s 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 «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.
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
Brightening from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Saposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract
Antimicrobial
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|