Dokdo Cleansing Water
Dokdo Cleansing Water
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, low-pH micellar cleansing water enriched with mineral-rich Ulleungdo deep sea water and triple hyaluronic acid. Effectively removes makeup and impurities while maintaining skin's moisture balance, leaving it clean, hydrated, and refreshed without any tightness.
Ulleungdo Deep Sea Water
Sourced from 5,000 feet below sea level, rich in 90+ minerals including magnesium and calcium for intense hydration.
Texture & feel
SENSORYUlleungdo Deep Sea Water
Sourced from 5,000 feet below sea level, rich in 90+ minerals including magnesium and calcium for intense hydration.
Triple Hyaluronic Acid
Three forms of hyaluronic acid penetrate different skin layers for multi-level hydration and plumping effects.
Barrier-Supporting Ceramides
Ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and protects against environmental stressors.
Soothing Complex
Panthenol and Allantoin calm irritation, reduce redness, and promote skin healing for sensitive skin comfort.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains no ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast.
Oil-free formula with comedogenic rating of 0-1. Unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and formulated with soothing ingredients for reactive skin types.
No animal-derived ingredients. Never tested on animals. Reef-safe formula.
Free from harsh alcohols, parabens, sulfates, silicones, artificial fragrances, and common allergens.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSUlleungdo Deep Sea WaterHero Ingredient
Mineral-rich water extracted from 5,000 feet below the East Sea near Ulleungdo Island. Contains over 90 natural minerals including magnesium, calcium, and zinc that help maintain skin's moisture balance and strengthen the barrier.
- Mineral Content: Over 72 types of natural minerals essential for skin health
- Purity: Free from organic contaminants due to absence of sunlight at extraction depth
- Benefits: Intense hydration, mineral replenishment, skin barrier support
Triple Hyaluronic Acid ComplexProven
Three forms of hyaluronic acid (Regular HA, Hydrolyzed HA, Sodium Hyaluronate) work at different skin depths. The varied molecular weights ensure comprehensive hydration from surface to deeper layers.
- Mechanism: Attracts and binds up to 1000x its weight in water
- Hydrolyzed HA: Smaller molecules penetrate deeper for long-lasting hydration
- Clinical Evidence: Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improves skin elasticity
Ceramide NPProven
A naturally occurring lipid that makes up over 50% of the skin barrier. Helps repair and strengthen the protective layer, preventing moisture loss and environmental damage.
- Function: Fills gaps between skin cells to create a protective seal
- Anti-Aging: Supports skin firmness and elasticity
- Barrier Repair: Restores compromised skin barriers in sensitive and dry skin
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Proven
A powerful humectant and skin-conditioning agent that penetrates deep into the skin. Converts to vitamin B5 to help repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Hydration: Attracts moisture and improves skin's water-holding capacity
- Healing: Accelerates wound healing and skin regeneration
- Soothing: Reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation
Allantoin SoothingProven
A gentle, non-irritating compound known for its soothing and healing properties. Helps calm sensitive skin while promoting cell regeneration and moisture retention.
- Keratolytic: Softens skin and promotes natural exfoliation
- Anti-Irritant: Calms and soothes irritated or inflamed skin
- Healing: Promotes tissue repair and new cell growth
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Antioxidant
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. Also helps stabilize other ingredients in the formula.
- Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress
- Moisturizing: Strengthens skin's natural lipid barrier
- Synergy: Works with Vitamin C to enhance photoprotection
19 ingredients
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sea Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, Pentylene Glycol, C12-14 Pareth-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in your routine to remove makeup and sunscreen. Can be used alone for light cleansing in the morning or as a first cleanser in a double-cleansing routine at night.
How to use
HOW TO USESaturate Cotton Pad
Dispense a generous amount of cleansing water onto a soft cotton pad until it's fully saturated.
Gentle Wiping Motion
Gently wipe across face following skin texture from inner to outer motions. Avoid harsh rubbing.
Eye & Lip Makeup
For stubborn waterproof makeup, hold the soaked cotton pad on the area for 5-10 seconds, then gently wipe away.
No Rinse Required
No need to rinse off. Continue with your skincare routine. For double cleansing, follow with a foam cleanser.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a gentle, non-stripping makeup remover
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe products
- You struggle with fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer fragrance-free skincare
- You want hydrating cleansing without tightness
- You need a morning cleanser that's gentle enough for daily use
Consider alternatives if:
- You wear heavy, long-wearing, or theatrical makeup
- You prefer oil-based cleansers for deep pore cleansing
- You want a foaming cleanser sensation
- You're looking for active ingredients like AHA/BHA
- You prefer strongly scented products
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free formula cleanses without adding excess moisture. Won't leave greasy residue or contribute to shine.
Triple hyaluronic acid and ceramides maintain hydration during cleansing. No tight, stripped feeling afterward.
Balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overloading oily T-zone.
Fragrance-free, dermatologically tested formula with panthenol and allantoin to soothe reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe, and oil-free. Won't clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Results timeline
MONTH 1+Clean, Refreshed Skin
Makeup and impurities removed without any tightness or dryness. Skin feels clean and comfortable.
95% noticed immediatelyImproved Hydration
Skin feels more hydrated throughout the day. Less need for heavy moisturizers as skin barrier strengthens.
85% noticed improvementCalmer, Balanced Skin
Reduction in sensitivity and redness. Skin feels more balanced with fewer irritation episodes.
78% reported calmer skinStrengthened Barrier
Consistent use supports long-term skin barrier health. Better tolerance to other skincare products.
70% noticed barrier improvementRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle - no stinging or irritation
- Leaves skin hydrated, not tight or dry
- Fragrance-free formula perfect for sensitive noses
- Large 400ml size offers great value
- Safe for fungal acne and pregnancy
- Effectively removes sunscreen and light makeup
- Low pH respects skin's natural barrier
- Clean, minimal ingredient list
Criticized
- May struggle with heavy waterproof makeup
- Goes through product quickly for full face cleansing
- No pump dispenser (flip cap only)
- Some find the texture too watery
- Not widely available in physical stores outside Korea
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar gentle, low-pH formula. Adds niacinamide for sebum control and brightening. Fungal acne safe. Slightly less hydrating than Dokdo.
The original micellar water. Excellent for sensitive skin. Lacks the mineral-rich deep sea water and triple HA complex. French pharmacy classic.
Focuses on low-molecular HA for deeper hydration. Very similar gentle approach. Also K-beauty and fungal acne safe. Comparable hydration levels.
Most affordable option. Basic but effective cleansing. Less hydrating, simpler formula without ceramides or HA. Good for beginners.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed.
Plastic bottle with flip-top cap for easy dispensing
400ml exceeds TSA limits. Decant into smaller container for travel or use cleansing tissues alternative.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleansing water is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients typically advised against during pregnancy. The gentle, fragrance-free formula makes it an excellent choice for expectant and nursing mothers.
Yes, this product is fungal acne safe. It contains no ferments, problematic fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or other ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast. The oil-free, minimal ingredient formula makes it a safe choice for those prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.
Yes, this gentle cleansing water pairs well with all types of active ingredients. Since it's a rinse-off product used at the beginning of your routine, it won't interfere with actives applied afterward. In fact, its gentle nature helps prepare skin without over-stripping before you apply potent treatments.
This cleansing water is excellent for all skin types but particularly shines for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin. The gentle, hydrating formula with ceramides and triple hyaluronic acid makes it ideal for anyone who finds regular cleansers too stripping. It's also perfect for those with combination skin who need balanced cleansing.
You'll notice immediate results - skin feels clean and refreshed without tightness right after first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you'll likely notice improved hydration levels. After 3-4 weeks, many users report calmer, less reactive skin with a stronger moisture barrier.
Use it as the very first step in your skincare routine. In the morning, it can be your only cleanser. In the evening, use it first to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a foam cleanser for double cleansing if desired. Apply subsequent skincare (toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen) after cleansing.
No, this product has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 out of 5, meaning it's highly unlikely to clog pores. It's completely oil-free and contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. The micellar formula actually helps remove pore-clogging impurities while the gentle surfactants clean without leaving residue.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain effectiveness. The 400ml bottle typically lasts 2-4 months with twice-daily use, well within the recommended usage period.
Verdict: The Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a gentle, hydrating makeup remover that respects sensitive skin. Its standout features include the mineral-rich Ulleungdo deep sea water, triple hyaluronic acid complex, and barrier-supporting ceramides - all packed into a clean, fragrance-free formula that's safe for pregnancy and fungal acne. While it may not tackle heavy theatrical makeup, it excels at daily cleansing without compromising your skin's moisture barrier. An excellent K-beauty staple for the mindful skincare enthusiast.
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 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|








