Honest Cleansing Foam
Honest Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
Benton Honest Cleansing Foam is a creamy, soap-based Korean foam cleanser that lathers into a rich, cushiony foam to wash away daily dirt, makeup and excess oil. Built on plant oil-derived fatty acids and bolstered with glycerin, ceramide NP, camellia, green tea and centella extracts, it aims to cleanse thoroughly without leaving skin feeling stripped. With a higher pH around 8.0, it gives a satisfying deep-clean finish best suited to normal, combination and oily skin.
Rich Cushiony Foam
A pearl-cream texture whips into a dense, satisfying lather that lifts dirt, sebum and light makeup with a small pea-sized amount.
Texture & feel
SENSORYRich Cushiony Foam
A pearl-cream texture whips into a dense, satisfying lather that lifts dirt, sebum and light makeup with a small pea-sized amount.
Botanical Soothing Blend
Centella asiatica, green tea, licorice root and purslane extracts help calm and condition skin during the cleanse.
Barrier-Support Lipids
Ceramide NP, squalane, shea butter and camellia oil aim to limit the post-wash tight feeling common to foam cleansers.
Vegan & Clean Formula
Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones and harsh drying alcohols; certified vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. As a rinse-off cleanser it is generally considered safe — confirm with your doctor.
Contains fatty acids, plant oils, shea butter, lecithin and squalane that can feed malassezia. Not recommended if you manage fungal acne.
The alkaline soap base gives a deep clean but can disrupt the acid mantle. Follow with a low-pH toner; less ideal for very dry skin.
A light rosy-soapy scent comes from added parfum. Fragrance-sensitive or highly reactive skin should patch test first.
Compatible before retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and AHA/BHA — simply cleanse first, then apply your treatment steps.
No parabens, sulfates, silicones or harsh alcohols, lowering irritation risk for most users despite the added fragrance.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPotassium Soap Base (Saponified Fatty Acids) ~40%+Proven
Myristic, lauric, palmitic and stearic acids reacted with potassium hydroxide form the gentle potassium-soap surfactant system that does the actual cleansing and creates the rich foam.
- Function: Surfactants gather oil, dirt and makeup so they rinse away easily.
- Note: Saponification consumes the potassium hydroxide, leaving a mild fatty-acid soap rather than caustic alkali.
Glycerin High (3rd listed)Proven
A naturally occurring humectant that draws water into the skin, helping offset the drying tendency of soap-based cleansers and leaving skin feeling less tight.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs or hyaluronic acid.
- Benefit: Supports the moisture barrier, which helps protect against irritants.
Centella Asiatica Extract ExtractProven
The famous "cica" herb, rich in madecassoside and asiaticoside, prized for soothing, hydrating and barrier-supporting properties that calm skin during cleansing.
- Source: Traditional medicine ingredient long used to support skin recovery.
- Benefit: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce visible irritation.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract ExtractProven
Packed with polyphenol antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help soothe; research suggests topical tea extract may also help moderate sebum.
- Actives: Polyphenols and L-theanine provide antioxidant and calming effects.
- Benefit: May help improve skin elasticity and hydration over time.
Ceramide NP Low (skin-identical lipid)Proven
A skin-identical ceramide (formerly ceramide 3) that helps reinforce the barrier and hold water, an uncommon and welcome addition in a wash-off cleanser.
- Function: Ceramides bond skin cells to form a stronger protective barrier.
- Benefit: Supports firmer, more hydrated-looking, less reactive skin.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract ExtractPromising
A botanical brightener whose key compounds (glabridin, liquiritin) offer antioxidant, soothing and tone-evening benefits with anti-inflammatory potential.
- Actives: Glabridin shown to help limit UVB-induced pigmentation in studies.
- Benefit: Liquiritin can help interrupt excess melanin formation.
35 ingredients
Water, Myristic Acid, Glycerin, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyquaternium-10, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Phytosterols, Lecithin, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceramide NP, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the second step of a double cleanse (after an oil cleanser) in the PM, or as a standalone morning wash. Because of the higher pH, follow with a low-pH toner to help rebalance skin quickly.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet your face
Splash your face and hands with lukewarm water to prep the skin and help the foam build.
Lather a small amount
Squeeze a pea-to-dime-sized amount into wet palms and work into a rich foam — a little goes a long way.
Massage gently
Apply to the face in light circular motions for 15–20 seconds, focusing on oilier zones like the T-zone.
Rinse & follow up
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, pat dry, then go straight into a hydrating toner and the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or normal skin
- You like a deep-clean, fresh, slightly squeaky finish
- You double cleanse and want a reliable second step
- You want a vegan, budget-friendly K-beauty wash
- You don't mind a light floral-soap scent
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin
- You manage fungal acne (malassezia)
- You need a fragrance-free formula
- You prefer a low-pH (5–6) cleanser
- You want to remove heavy or waterproof makeup in one step
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe deep-cleansing soap base removes excess sebum and leaves a fresh, shine-free finish.
Clears the oily T-zone effectively while glycerin and lipids help keep drier cheeks comfortable.
Cleanses well for most; following with a hydrating toner keeps the higher pH in check.
The alkaline pH can feel stripping; dry skin may prefer a creamier, lower-pH cleanser.
Soothing botanicals help, but the added fragrance and high pH mean a patch test is wise.
Good oil control for general acne, but not malassezia (fungal acne) safe due to fatty acids and oils.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate clean feel
Skin feels notably fresh and clear of oil and grime right after the first wash, with a soft post-rinse finish.
88% noticedSmoother texture & less shine
Daily use helps keep the T-zone balanced; many find a small amount lathers richly and lasts a long time.
72% noticedComfortable, well-prepped base
With a follow-up toner, skin stays comfortable and makes a clean canvas for serums and moisturizer.
64% noticedReliable everyday staple
Repeat buyers cite consistent results and long-lasting value, with the 150g tube stretching for months.
58% noticedRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Rich, dense, satisfying foam from a tiny amount
- Thorough, fresh deep clean without harsh stripping for most
- Affordable and long-lasting 150g tube
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens/sulfates/silicones
- Soothing botanical extracts plus ceramide NP
- Great oil control for oily and combination skin
Criticized
- Higher pH (~8.0) can feel drying, especially for dry skin
- Contains added fragrance (parfum)
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Doesn't remove waterproof makeup on its own
- Some users report breakouts when switching from low-pH cleansers
- Shorter 6-month shelf life after opening
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar creamy foam but with a skin-friendly pH 5.5, fragrance-free formula, plus panthenol and madecassoside. Gentler choice for dry or sensitive skin.
A creamy, affordable Korean foam cleanser with rice extracts. Comparable lather and clean feel at a lower price, though less of a barrier-support focus.
Benton's own green-tea cleanser offers a milder, lower-pH alternative within the same brand — a good swap if Honest Foam feels too alkaline for you.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
ETUDE SoonJung pH 5.5 Foam Cleanser
Storage & shelf life
6 MONTHS6 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; close the cap tightly after use
Squeeze tube with screw cap
150g tube exceeds the 100ml carry-on limit — pack in checked luggage or decant a small amount
Frequently asked questions
FAQIt contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens — the ingredients most often flagged during pregnancy. As a rinse-off cleanser with brief skin contact, it is generally considered low-risk. It does contain added fragrance and licorice root extract, so if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to confirm with your doctor or OB-GYN.
No. The formula is built on fatty acids (myristic, lauric, palmitic, stearic) and also contains olive fruit oil, shea butter, lecithin, squalane and camellia oil — ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast. If you actively manage fungal acne, choose a fungal-acne-safe cleanser instead. Because it rinses off, contact time is short, but it is not classified as FA-safe.
Yes. As a cleanser it's used first and rinsed off, so it won't conflict with your actives. Simply cleanse, pat dry, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide or AHA/BHA step. Because of the higher pH, applying a low-pH toner after cleansing can help your skin be ready for acid-based treatments.
It performs best on oily and combination skin, where the deep-cleansing soap base controls excess oil and leaves a fresh finish. Normal skin does well too. Dry and very sensitive skin may find the ~8.0 pH a little stripping and might prefer a lower-pH, fragrance-free cleanser.
The clean, refreshed feeling is immediate after the first wash. Over the first week of daily use, oily and combination skin types typically notice a more balanced, less shiny complexion. As a cleanser, its main job is keeping skin clean and prepped rather than delivering long-term active treatment.
It's a step-two cleanser. In the evening, use it after an oil cleanser as the second step of a double cleanse; in the morning it works as a standalone wash. Follow with toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). A low-pH toner afterward helps rebalance skin quickly.
It rates around 2/5 — low comedogenic risk for most people, since it's a wash-off product with limited skin contact. That said, it does contain fatty acids and oils, so a minority of users (especially those switching from gentle low-pH cleansers) have reported congestion or breakouts. Patch testing is a good idea if your skin is reactive.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is about 6 months. Since a small pea-sized amount foams generously, the 150g tube can still last many months of daily use — just aim to finish it within the 6-month window for best freshness, and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Verdict: Benton Honest Cleansing Foam is a dependable, affordable K-beauty soap-based foam that delivers a rich lather and a satisfying deep clean, lifted by soothing botanicals and a rare-for-a-cleanser dose of ceramide NP. It shines for oily and combination skin and offers excellent value at 150g. The trade-offs are its higher ~8.0 pH, added fragrance and lack of fungal-acne safety, which make it less ideal for dry, sensitive or malassezia-prone skin. Pair it with a low-pH toner and it earns a comfortable spot in most oily/combination routines.
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
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
|
|