Hy! Amino Contr-Oil Oil Control Facial Wash
Hy! Amino Contr-Oil Oil Control Facial Wash
Product Description
Product overview
An oil-control facial wash powered by 5D Hyaluronic Acid, 4 Amino Acids, and an Oil-Control Complex of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Volcanic Soil. Deeply cleanses pores and removes excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable — not stripped or tight. Award-winning formula (Best Facial Wash, Female Daily 2023) designed for tropical oily skin.
5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Five types of hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights work together to hydrate from surface to deeper epidermal layers, preventing post-wash tightness.
Texture & feel
SENSORY5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex
Five types of hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights work together to hydrate from surface to deeper epidermal layers, preventing post-wash tightness.
4 Amino Acid Blend
Histidine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, and Threonine mimic the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) to support barrier function and retain moisture.
Oil-Control Complex
Salicylic Acid (BHA) + Glycolic Acid (AHA) + Volcanic Soil combine to unclog pores, gently exfoliate dead skin cells, and absorb excess sebum for up to 8 hours.
Moringa Seed Extract
Rich in antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Helps protect skin from environmental pollutants while providing nourishment.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Glycolic Acid (AHA). While concentrations are likely below 1% and it is a wash-off product with minimal skin contact time, consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycol Distearate, and Cocamide MEA — ingredients that can potentially feed malassezia yeast.
Very low risk of clogging pores. This is a rinse-off cleanser so even potentially comedogenic ingredients have minimal contact time with skin.
Contains SLES, SLS, and Peppermint Oil which can be irritating for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers. Patch test recommended. The formula does include milder co-surfactants to balance overall mildness.
No drying alcohols in the formula. Will not strip or dehydrate skin with regular use.
Preserved with Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate instead of parabens. Dermatologically tested formula.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTS5D Hyaluronic Acid ComplexProven
Five forms of Hyaluronic Acid at different molecular weights — Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, and standard Sodium Hyaluronate. Together they provide multi-layer hydration from the skin surface down to the deeper epidermis.
- Research: Combining multiple HA molecular weights hydrates significantly better than a single-weight HA of equal total concentration.
- Function: Prevents the tight, dry feeling commonly associated with oil-control cleansers by replacing lost moisture during cleansing.
- Acetylated HA: Enhanced skin-binding ability compared to regular HA, providing longer-lasting moisture even after rinsing.
Salicylic Acid (BHA) <1%Proven
A well-researched beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into pores to dissolve sebum buildup and dead skin cells. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it especially effective for acne-prone and oily skin.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble structure lets it penetrate sebum-filled pores more effectively than water-soluble AHAs.
- Evidence: Extensively studied for acne treatment; effective at clearing blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
- In this formula: Concentration is likely below 1% (listed after preservatives in INCI), providing gentle daily exfoliation suitable for a wash-off product.
Glycolic Acid (AHA) <1%Proven
The smallest AHA molecule, allowing it to penetrate the epidermis most easily among alpha hydroxy acids. Exfoliates the skin surface to promote cell turnover and smoother texture. Also helps balance the formula's pH.
- Research: The most extensively studied AHA with proven efficacy for surface exfoliation, texture improvement, and skin renewal.
- Synergy: Works alongside Salicylic Acid — AHA exfoliates the surface while BHA works deeper inside pores for comprehensive pore care.
Volcanic SoilPromising
Mineral-rich volcanic earth that acts as a natural absorbent for excess sebum. Rich in minerals that can help nourish skin and support its natural healing processes.
- Function: Physical oil-absorbing agent that works mechanically to draw out impurities and excess oil from pores.
- Minerals: Contains trace minerals that may support skin repair and provide mild detoxifying properties.
4 Amino AcidsProven
Histidine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, and Threonine — amino acids that are key components of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). They help maintain hydration, support barrier integrity, and soothe the skin.
- Histidine: Boosts antioxidant activity and helps calm and soothe the skin.
- Serine: A water-binding amino acid that helps maintain proper skin hydration.
- Threonine & Aspartic Acid: Support protein synthesis and skin barrier repair.
Moringa Oleifera Seed ExtractPromising
Extracted from the moringa tree, known for its potent antioxidant profile including Vitamin E, catechins, and ferulic acid. Also exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Antioxidants: Protects skin from free radical damage caused by pollution and UV exposure.
- Antibacterial: Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties help keep skin clean and healthy.
37 ingredients
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sekken Soji-K, Sodium Chloride, Glycol Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Laureth Phosphate, Distearyl Phthalic Acid Amide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Cocamide MEA, Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Volcanic Soil, Pentylene Glycol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Histidine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 42090.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in both your AM and PM routine. If wearing heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider using an oil cleanser first (double cleansing), then follow with this wash. For optimal results, use with the full Hy! Amino skincare series.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face to pre-wet the skin. Avoid hot water as it can strip natural oils excessively.
Lather in Palms
Squeeze an appropriate amount (about a pea-sized to dime-sized drop) onto wet palms and rub together to create a rich foam.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face using gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on the T-zone and areas prone to excess oil. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no residue is left. Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub. Follow with toner and the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin that gets shiny by midday
- You want a cleanser that controls oil without feeling dry or tight
- You live in a hot, humid tropical climate
- You want gentle AHA/BHA exfoliation built into your cleanser step
- You prefer a refreshing, minty cleansing experience
- You need a budget-friendly cleanser with multiple active ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin that needs a cream cleanser
- You have very sensitive skin or a compromised skin barrier (contains SLS/SLES)
- You are looking for a fungal acne safe cleanser
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains Salicylic Acid — consult doctor first)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products (contains Peppermint Oil)
- You need a sulfate-free formula
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis product was specifically designed for oily skin. The BHA + AHA + Volcanic Soil combo effectively controls sebum while the 5D HA prevents over-drying. The refreshing peppermint finish is a bonus.
Great for managing the oily T-zone without stripping drier cheek areas, thanks to the hydrating amino acid and hyaluronic acid blend in the formula.
Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts. However, not fungal acne safe due to certain emulsifiers. Good for regular acne, not for malassezia-related concerns.
May be too stripping for dry skin types despite the hyaluronic acid content. The sulfate surfactants and oil-control focus can leave dry skin feeling uncomfortable. Better to use only 2–3 times per week if at all.
Contains SLS, SLES, BHA, AHA, and Peppermint Oil — all potentially irritating for sensitive skin. Some users reported redness and stinging after prolonged use. Patch test strongly recommended.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Oil Control & Freshness
Skin feels noticeably cleaner and less oily immediately after washing. The peppermint provides a cool, refreshing sensation. Pores appear somewhat cleaner.
85% noticed cleaner feelingReduced Shine & Smoother Texture
With consistent twice-daily use, midday oiliness begins to decrease. The gentle AHA/BHA exfoliation starts to smooth skin texture. Some users report skin feels softer and looks healthier.
70% noticed reduced oilinessClearer Pores & Fewer Breakouts
Consistent BHA use helps prevent new clogged pores and minor breakouts. Blackheads may begin to diminish, especially in the T-zone area. Skin should look healthier and more balanced overall.
60% noticed fewer breakoutsBalanced, Healthy-Looking Skin
Long-term use helps maintain oil balance and pore clarity. Skin adapts to the AHA/BHA exfoliation and should appear smoother and more refined. Best results when paired with a complete skincare routine.
55% saw lasting improvementRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent oil control — noticeably reduces midday shine
- Rich, satisfying foam that rinses clean without residue
- 5D Hyaluronic Acid prevents the tight, dry feeling after washing
- Refreshing peppermint cooling sensation
- Contains both AHA and BHA for gentle daily exfoliation
- Very affordable price point with premium active ingredients
- Award-winning formula (Best Facial Wash, Female Daily 2023)
- Skin feels smooth and soft after just a few days of use
Criticized
- Contains SLS and SLES — not suitable for very sensitive skin
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Peppermint oil may cause irritation or stinging for reactive skin
- Some users experienced dryness with prolonged daily use
- Oil control may not last the full claimed 8 hours for extremely oily skin
- Limited international availability — mainly Southeast Asian markets
- A few users reported initial breakouts in the first 1–2 weeks
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESUses Betaine Salicylate (gentler BHA alternative) and Tea Tree Oil for oil control. Lower pH, milder surfactant base (no SLS). Lacks the 5D HA complex and volcanic soil but is fungal acne safe and better for sensitive skin.
Also uses volcanic minerals for oil absorption and pore cleansing. Richer foam texture. Does not contain BHA/AHA or hyaluronic acid complex. K-beauty brand with wider international availability. Contains fragrance.
Dermatologist-recommended gentle formula for oily skin. Much simpler ingredient list with no active exfoliants (no AHA/BHA). Better tolerated by sensitive skin but less effective for deep pore cleansing and exfoliation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEY.O.U Hy! Amino Contr-Oil
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Easy to dispense the right amount and hygienic — no jar dipping required.
Yes — 100g tube is under the 100ml carry-on liquid limit for most airlines. Compact and leak-resistant design.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This facial wash contains Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Glycolic Acid (AHA), which are generally advised to be avoided or limited during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, both actives are present at very low concentrations (likely under 1%) and this is a wash-off product with minimal skin contact time, which significantly reduces absorption. Still, it is best to consult your obstetrician or dermatologist before using this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
No, this product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycol Distearate, and Cocamide MEA. If you have fungal acne concerns, consider alternatives such as the Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser or a simple, FA-safe cleanser verified through tools like SkinSort or Folliculitis Scout.
Yes, you can, but with care. Since this cleanser already contains low concentrations of both AHA (Glycolic Acid) and BHA (Salicylic Acid), layering additional strong exfoliants immediately after may over-exfoliate your skin. If you use retinol or separate AHA/BHA treatments, consider using those in the PM and this cleanser in the AM, or alternate days. Vitamin C serums are generally fine to layer after this cleanser once your skin is dry.
This facial wash is best suited for oily and combination skin types, especially those living in hot, humid climates. It is specifically designed to control excess sebum while keeping skin hydrated. It can also work for acne-prone skin (non-fungal). It is not ideal for dry, very sensitive, or compromised barrier skin types due to the sulfate surfactants and active acids in the formula.
You should notice an immediate clean, refreshed, less-oily feeling from the first use. Reduced daily shine and smoother skin texture typically develop within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Clearer pores and fewer minor breakouts usually become noticeable within 3–4 weeks. For best results, pair with a complete skincare routine including moisturizer and sunscreen.
This is your cleansing step — it goes first in your routine, both morning and night. In the PM, if you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, use an oil-based cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with this facial wash as your second cleanse (double cleansing method). After cleansing, continue with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
This facial wash has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. As a rinse-off product, even ingredients with moderate comedogenic potential have minimal contact time with the skin. The BHA and AHA in the formula actually work to unclog pores rather than block them. However, individual reactions can vary — if you notice breakouts, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 100g tube, when used twice daily with a pea-to-dime-sized amount, typically lasts about 2–3 months depending on usage.
Verdict: The Y.O.U Hy! Amino Contr-Oil Oil Control Facial Wash is an impressive budget-friendly cleanser that delivers genuine oil control backed by a well-thought-out formula. The combination of BHA, AHA, and Volcanic Soil for oil control with a 5D Hyaluronic Acid and 4 Amino Acid hydration system is a smart approach that sets it apart from basic foaming cleansers. It earned its Best Facial Wash award for good reason — it effectively controls shine without the dreaded tight, stripped feeling. However, it loses points for containing SLS/SLES (which limits its suitability for sensitive skin), not being fungal acne safe, and the peppermint oil that may irritate reactive skin. For oily and combination skin types in tropical climates, this is an excellent value pick. For sensitive or dry skin, look elsewhere.
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
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
|
|
|
| 0 |
Sekken Soji
Cleansing, Emulsifying
|
|




