Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
Hero Cosmetics Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser is a daily jelly-to-foam face wash from the makers of Mighty Patch, formulated with a gentle blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA acids plus dissolving konjac jellies to unclog pores, smooth texture, and brighten dull skin without stripping the moisture barrier.
Konjac Jelly Beads
Plant-based exfoliating beads dissolve as you cleanse to physically buff dead skin without harsh microbeads or scrubs.
Texture & feel
SENSORYKonjac Jelly Beads
Plant-based exfoliating beads dissolve as you cleanse to physically buff dead skin without harsh microbeads or scrubs.
Triple Acid System
Glycolic (AHA), mandelic (AHA), salicylic from willow bark (BHA), and gluconolactone (PHA) work in synergy for balanced exfoliation.
7 Forms of Hyaluronic Acid
A multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic complex offsets the drying effect of acids and surfactants for hydrated post-cleanse skin.
Tropical Superfruits
Yuzu, pineapple, and witch hazel deliver natural enzymes, vitamin C, and antioxidant brightening for a glowy finish.
Microbiome Support
Bifida ferment lysate and lactobacillus rice ferment help maintain a balanced skin microbiome during cleansing.
No Strip, No Squeak
Sulfate-free decyl glucoside surfactants clean thoroughly without that tight, dry, post-wash feeling.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid (from willow bark) and AHAs. Topical low-dose AHAs are generally considered low-risk in rinse-off form, but consult your OB-GYN before use during pregnancy.
Contains bifida ferment lysate, lactobacillus/rice ferment, arginine, and pentylene glycol — NOT safe for those actively battling fungal acne.
No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or chemical UV filters. Cleanser does not contain oceanic-harmful ingredients.
Fragrance-free formulation with no listed EU 26 allergens or essential oils that commonly trigger reactions.
AHAs increase UV sensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ is essential during use and for one week after stopping.
Avoid pairing with retinoids, BHA serums, or vitamin C in the same routine on starting weeks. Alternate to prevent over-exfoliation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycolic Acid ~2-4%Proven
The smallest molecule of the AHA family, glycolic acid penetrates the skin most rapidly to dissolve the bonds holding dead cells together — revealing fresher, brighter skin underneath.
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018): Glycolic acid demonstrably improves skin texture, reduces hyperpigmentation, and stimulates collagen synthesis with continued use.
- Position in INCI: 6th out of 35 — a clinically meaningful concentration for daily exfoliation.
- pH-dependent: Active at pH 3-4. Hero buffers with sodium hydroxide and tromethamine for tolerability.
Mandelic Acid ~1-2%Proven
A larger AHA derived from bitter almonds. Its bigger molecular size means slower, gentler skin penetration — making it ideal for sensitive or melanin-rich skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2020): Mandelic acid offers similar exfoliating benefits to glycolic with significantly lower irritation potential.
- Antibacterial action: Helps reduce Cutibacterium acnes bacteria implicated in breakouts.
- Hyperpigmentation: Effective at fading dark spots and acne scars without barrier damage.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract TracePromising
Natural source of salicin, which converts to salicylic acid (BHA) in the skin. Targets oily, congested pores by dissolving sebum-trapped debris from inside the follicle.
- Lipid-soluble: Unlike AHAs, BHA penetrates oil to clean blackheads and prevent comedones.
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps calm active breakouts thanks to salicin's natural aspirin-like properties.
Gluconolactone (PHA) TraceProven
A polyhydroxy acid considered the gentlest of all chemical exfoliants. Its larger molecule stays on the surface, providing gradual exfoliation while drawing in moisture.
- Sensitive skin friendly: Studies show PHAs cause less stinging and redness than AHAs/BHAs.
- Antioxidant: Provides additional free-radical protection beyond exfoliation.
Yuzu & Pineapple Fruit Extracts TracePromising
Citrus junos (yuzu) provides vitamin C for brightening, while ananas sativus (pineapple) supplies bromelain enzyme for additional gentle exfoliation and a tropical antioxidant boost.
- Antioxidant load: Combats environmental oxidative stress on dull skin.
- Enzyme exfoliation: Bromelain works alongside acids without acid-related irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid Complex (7 forms) MultipleProven
A multi-molecular-weight hydration system featuring sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, potassium hyaluronate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer for surface to deep hydration.
- Multi-depth hydration: Different molecular sizes target different skin layers for sustained moisture.
- Acid-buffer: Counteracts the dehydrating effect of glycolic acid during cleansing.
Konjac Root Powder ~0.5-1%Promising
Amorphophallus konjac forms tiny dissolvable jelly beads that physically polish the skin. Far gentler than walnut shells or sugar, it dissolves on contact with water rather than scratching.
- Eco-friendly alternative: Natural plant-based replacement for plastic microbeads.
- Mechanical exfoliation: Works alongside chemical acids for a multi-modal approach.
Bifida Ferment Lysate TracePromising
A probiotic-derived ingredient famous in K-beauty essences. Supports the skin microbiome and helps reinforce barrier function compromised by exfoliating acids.
- Microbiome: Helps maintain healthy skin flora during cleansing.
- Barrier support: Studies link bifida ferment to improved skin recovery.
Zinc PCA TracePromising
A mineral-amino acid complex that helps regulate sebum production and offers mild antimicrobial action — making it a smart addition to acne-targeting cleansers.
- Sebum control: Helps balance oil production for combination/oily skin.
- Antibacterial: Helps reduce surface acne bacteria.
35 ingredients
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Tromethamine, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Gluconolactone, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Zinc PCA, Maltitol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Arginine, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEAs a chemical exfoliating cleanser, this is your second cleansing step (PM) or first step (AM). Avoid layering with strong actives like retinol on the same evening when starting out.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet face with lukewarm water
Avoid hot water — it strips the moisture barrier and amplifies acid sensitivity.
Pump a coin-sized amount
One full pump (about a nickel-sized dollop) onto wet fingertips is sufficient for the entire face and neck.
Massage gently for 30-60 seconds
Watch the jelly transform into a soft foam as you work it in. Focus on T-zone and chin where pores tend to clog.
Rinse thoroughly
Splash with cool water until all foam is gone. Pat (don't rub) dry with a soft towel.
Follow with hydrating skincare
Lock in moisture with toner, serum, and moisturizer immediately. Apply SPF 30+ in the morning.
Start slow if sensitive
If new to acids, begin 2-3 nights per week and build up to daily use as your skin adapts.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or normal skin with congested pores
- You struggle with blackheads, breakouts, or rough texture
- You want to brighten dull, uneven skin without prescription products
- You prefer fragrance-free, sulfate-free formulas
- You want a gentle multi-acid intro without committing to leave-on serums
- You appreciate dual physical (konjac) and chemical exfoliation
- You want a vegan, cruelty-free, and reasonably priced acne-friendly cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have a compromised or actively damaged skin barrier
- You suffer from fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're already using strong actives (tretinoin, daily BHA serum)
- You have rosacea or extremely reactive sensitive skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding without doctor approval
- You have very dry skin that needs cream or oil cleansers only
- You can't commit to daily SPF use
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESBHA from willow bark and zinc PCA help control sebum and clear congested pores effectively.
Balances oily T-zone while the hyaluronic acid complex prevents dry cheeks from feeling tight.
Triple-acid formula targets blackheads, whiteheads, and post-acne marks. Non-comedogenic surfactants.
May be too active for very dry skin. Consider using only 2-3 times a week and follow with rich moisturizer.
Fragrance-free helps, but multiple acids may irritate. Patch test first and start with 2-3 weekly uses.
AHAs help cell turnover and brighten dullness. Pair with a richer evening moisturizer for best results.
Results timeline
MONTHS 3+Immediate Smoothness
Skin feels visibly smoother and softer right after the first wash. Konjac jellies provide instant tactile polish without irritation.
85% noticedBrighter Tone Emerges
Surface dullness fades. Makeup applies more evenly and skin reflects more light. Some users report initial purging of congestion.
68% noticedPore Visibility Reduces
Blackheads loosen and clear, especially around nose and chin. Breakouts decrease in frequency and severity.
72% noticedTexture Refinement
Post-acne marks (PIH/PIE) start fading. Overall texture becomes more uniform with reduced fine lines and rough patches.
61% noticedLong-Term Glow
Sustained brightness and even tone. Cumulative collagen-stimulating effects of glycolic acid become apparent in firmness and radiance.
54% noticedRatings by platform
14K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Multi-acid (AHA + BHA + PHA) approach in a daily cleanser
- Dissolving konjac jellies are satisfying and gentle
- No tightness or squeaky-dry feeling after rinsing
- Visible brightening and texture improvement within 2-4 weeks
- Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free
- Affordable for the size and active ingredient quality
- Vegan and cruelty-free certified
- Sleek, sturdy pump bottle that travels well
Criticized
- Not safe for fungal acne sufferers (contains ferments and arginine)
- Some users report initial purging in first 2 weeks
- Can be too active for very sensitive or dry skin types
- Requires daily SPF commitment due to AHAs
- Pump can dispense too much product if pressed firmly
- Not ideal as sole makeup remover for heavy foundation
- Pregnancy-safe status requires doctor consultation
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar 5% glycolic acid action in a gel cleanser. Lacks PHA and the konjac bead exfoliation, plus contains aloe and ginseng for added soothing.
Targets the same acne-prone audience with a 2% salicylic acid focus. Less brightening, more sebum-control. No konjac beads.
More barrier-supportive with ceramides and niacinamide. Single-acid (BHA) approach without the AHA brightening or konjac exfoliation.
Leave-on treatment rather than rinse-off cleanser. Higher mandelic concentration but requires more careful introduction and isn't a daily wash.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Use within 3 years from manufacture date when sealed.
Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Avoid hot bathrooms above 30°C / 86°F.
Sturdy plastic bottle with a precise pump dispenser — minimizes air exposure and contamination.
150ml exceeds TSA carry-on limits. For air travel, decant into a smaller bottle or buy a travel-size mini.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser contains glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid). While topical AHAs in rinse-off cleansers are generally considered low-risk during pregnancy due to minimal absorption, the BHA content places it in a "consult your doctor" category. Most OB-GYNs allow gentle exfoliating cleansers, but always confirm with your healthcare provider before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. The formula contains bifida ferment lysate, lactobacillus/rice ferment, arginine, and pentylene glycol — all of which can feed malassezia yeast. If you're battling active fungal acne (small uniform bumps on forehead, chest, or back), avoid this product and look for ferment-free alternatives like sulfur-based washes or simple BHA cleansers.
Yes, but with care. Since this is a wash-off cleanser, the acids have less contact time than serums — making layering more forgiving. However: (1) Avoid layering with leave-on AHA/BHA serums in the same routine when starting out. (2) Vitamin C in the morning is fine since the cleanser is rinsed off. (3) On retinol nights, consider switching to a gentle non-acid cleanser to reduce irritation risk. Always introduce new actives one at a time.
It excels for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types — particularly those dealing with blackheads, congestion, dullness, or post-acne marks. It's moderately suitable for normal and mature skin. Dry, sensitive, or rosacea-prone skin should approach with caution and start with 2-3 uses per week, monitoring for any irritation.
Smoothness: immediate (after first use). Brightness: 1-2 weeks. Reduced blackheads and clearer pores: 2-4 weeks. Fading of post-acne marks (PIH): 6-8 weeks. Full skin texture transformation: 8-12 weeks of consistent use. Some users may experience initial purging in the first 2-3 weeks as skin turnover accelerates.
Step 1 of your morning routine, or step 2 of your evening routine after an oil cleanser. Apply to wet skin, massage 30-60 seconds, rinse, then immediately follow with your toner, serum, moisturizer, and (in the morning) SPF 30 or higher. Daily sunscreen is non-negotiable when using AHA/BHA products.
No. With a comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5, the formula is well-suited for acne-prone skin. It contains no heavy oils, butters, or known pore-clogging emollients. The exfoliating actives actively help unclog existing pores while the gentle surfactants cleanse without leaving residue.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — indicated by the "12M" symbol on the packaging. The pump dispenser helps minimize air exposure and contamination. With twice-daily use, a 150ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months. Store away from direct heat and sunlight to maintain the integrity of the acids and ferments.
Verdict: Hero Cosmetics Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser earns its cult following with a thoughtful trio of AHA, BHA, and PHA wrapped in a gentle, fragrance-free, hydration-supportive formula. The dissolving konjac jellies add a fun sensorial touch without the harshness of physical scrubs, and the 7-form hyaluronic acid complex offsets typical acid-induced dryness. It's an excellent value for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin seeking visible brightening and pore refinement without prescription strength. Two caveats: it's not fungal-acne safe due to ferments and arginine, and pregnancy/breastfeeding users should consult their doctor. Pair with daily SPF 30+ for safe, glow-boosting results.
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 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|









