Jicama pH Balanced Gentle Non-Drying Gel Cleansers
Jicama pH Balanced Gentle Non-Drying Gel Cleansers
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH-balanced gel-to-foam cleanser formulated with 4 ultra-mild surfactants and enriched with Jicama Root Extract, Witch Hazel, Panthenol, and Aloe Vera. Cleanses thoroughly without stripping moisture, leaving skin soft, bright, and balanced. pH 5.5–6.5 respects your skin's natural acid mantle.
4 Ultra-Mild Surfactants
A unique blend of Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Cocoate, and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate for gentle yet effective cleansing without stripping moisture.
Texture & feel
SENSORY4 Ultra-Mild Surfactants
A unique blend of Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Potassium Cocoate, and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate for gentle yet effective cleansing without stripping moisture.
Jicama Root Extract
Rich in Vitamin C and B, this rare botanical ingredient brightens skin with potent antioxidant properties while supporting a more even complexion.
Witch Hazel Water
Natural astringent rich in tannins that helps control excess sebum, tighten pores, and reduce visible redness without over-drying the skin.
Panthenol + Aloe Vera
Provitamin B5 and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf work together to deeply hydrate, soothe irritation, and support the skin's natural barrier repair process.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All 14 ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, a polyethylene glycol ester that may potentially feed Malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off product with short skin contact time, the risk is considered minimal.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula with no known pore-clogging ingredients. Very unlikely to cause breakouts or clogged pores when used as directed.
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and formulated with a mild pH of 5.5–6.5. No harsh alcohols, common allergens, or sulfates. Patch test still recommended for very reactive skin.
Safe to use alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide in your routine. The mild formula won't compromise other treatments.
Does not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other reef-harmful chemicals. Safe for ocean and marine life.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSPachyrrhizus Erosus (Jicama) Root ExtractStar Ingredient
A rare botanical derived from the Jicama root (also known as Sengkuang), rich in vitamins C and B, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditionally used in Southeast Asian skincare for brightening and smoothing the complexion.
- Brightening: Rich in Vitamin C which inhibits melanin production and helps fade dark spots and acne scars
- Antioxidant: Protects skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution
- Hydrating: Contains natural starches and water content that help retain skin moisture
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) WaterProven
A natural plant-derived astringent with well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Witch Hazel helps control oil production and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Astringent: Rich in tannins that help tighten skin and temporarily reduce pore visibility
- Sebum Control: Helps absorb excess oil without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier
- Anti-inflammatory: Soothes redness and irritation, beneficial for acne-prone skin
Panthenol (Provitamin B5)Proven
A widely-studied humectant and skin-conditioning agent. Panthenol penetrates deeper into the skin layers where it converts to pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), providing long-lasting hydration and barrier support.
- Humectant: Binds and holds water molecules similar to hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated
- Barrier Repair: Stimulates lipid synthesis which strengthens the skin's natural protective barrier
- Wound Healing: Clinical studies show panthenol accelerates skin repair and reduces inflammation
Aloe Barbadensis LeafProven
A time-tested botanical known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Aloe Vera contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polysaccharides that calm and nourish the skin.
- Soothing: Reduces redness and calms irritated or sensitized skin
- Moisturizing: Polysaccharides in aloe help lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss
- Healing: Supports skin cell regeneration for faster recovery from minor irritation
Glycerin HumectantProven
A skin-identical ingredient and one of the most effective humectants available. Glycerin attracts water from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the surface hydrated, soft, and plump.
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0 — completely non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types
- Irritancy: Rated 0 — extremely well-tolerated even on the most sensitive skin
- Research: Extensively studied; shown to improve skin barrier function and reduce dryness within days of regular use
14 ingredients
Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Pachyrrhizus Erosus (Root) Extract, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cocoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 2 in a double-cleanse routine (after oil cleanser) or as a standalone morning cleanser. Apply AM & PM for best results.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water over your face. Avoid hot water as it can strip your skin's natural oils and damage the moisture barrier.
Dispense & Lather
Squeeze an appropriate amount (about a pea-to-dime size) onto your palm. Lather well between your hands until a soft foam forms. Note: remove the stopper cap before first use for easier dispensing.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face using gentle upward circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Focus on the T-zone, chin, and areas prone to congestion.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub. Follow immediately with toner and the rest of your skincare routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a gentle cleanser that doesn't leave skin tight or dry
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to sulfates and fragrances
- You're looking for a pH-balanced second cleanser for double cleansing
- You want brightening benefits from your cleanser step
- You prefer a short, clean ingredient list (only 14 ingredients)
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser option
- You want a cleanser that pairs well with actives like retinol and AHA/BHA
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a very deep-cleansing formula for heavy makeup removal
- You prefer a foamy, high-lather cleansing experience
- You have confirmed fungal acne and want a strictly FA-safe formula
- You want a cleanser with active exfoliants (AHA/BHA) built in
- You prefer a thinner, watery cleanser consistency
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWitch hazel controls excess sebum while the oil-free gel formula cleanses thoroughly without adding shine. Won't clog pores.
Panthenol and glycerin provide hydration during cleansing, leaving skin soft rather than stripped. May still need a richer moisturizer afterward.
Balances beautifully across oily and dry zones. Cleanses the T-zone without over-drying the cheeks. An ideal daily cleanser for combination skin.
Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and pH-balanced at 5.5–6.5. Minimalist 14-ingredient formula reduces the risk of irritation. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic, oil-free formula with witch hazel for pore control. Note: contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate which may concern those with fungal acne specifically.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Comfort
Skin feels cleaner, softer, and less tight after first use compared to harsher cleansers. No dryness or that squeaky-clean stripped feeling.
90% noticed softer skinReduced Dryness & Irritation
Skin's moisture barrier begins to recover if previously damaged by harsh cleansers. Redness and irritation start to calm down. Skin feels more balanced.
75% reported less drynessClearer, Brighter Complexion
Jicama root extract's brightening effects become more noticeable. Pores appear less visible thanks to consistent witch hazel use. Breakouts start to reduce.
65% noticed brighter skinLong-Term Skin Health
Skin barrier is noticeably stronger and more resilient. Overall complexion looks healthier, more even-toned, and better prepared to absorb subsequent skincare products.
70% saw improved skin textureRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — doesn't strip, dry, or tighten the skin
- Minimalist 14-ingredient formula with clean, transparent ingredient list
- pH balanced at 5.5–6.5, respecting the skin's acid mantle
- Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, silicone-free
- Brightening benefits from Jicama Root Extract
- Affordable price point with 300ml value size option
- Works well as a second cleanser in double-cleansing routines
- Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated after rinsing
Criticized
- Thick gel texture may be difficult to dispense (remove stopper first)
- May not remove heavy/waterproof makeup on its own — needs an oil cleanser first
- Contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate — not strictly fungal acne safe
- Witch hazel may not suit extremely dry or eczema-prone skin types
- Limited availability outside of Southeast Asian markets
- No active exfoliants (AHA/BHA) — purely a gentle cleansing formula
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso a low-pH gel cleanser but contains BHA (Betaine Salicylate) and Tea Tree Oil for mild exfoliation. Has more ingredients (24) and is NOT fungal acne safe due to ferments. Stronger cleansing power but potentially more irritating.
Focuses on hyaluronic acid hydration rather than botanical brightening. Creamy foam texture instead of gel-to-foam. Very gentle and hydrating but lacks the Jicama brightening and Witch Hazel pore-control benefits.
Uses amino acid surfactants for gentle cleansing. Contains green tea antioxidants instead of jicama. Fragranced unlike the Pastels Shop formula. Good for normal-to-oily skin but less suitable for fragrance-sensitive users.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed after each use. No refrigeration required.
Clear pump bottle with removable stopper (remove before first use). Available in 35ml, 140ml, and 300ml sizes.
Yes — 35ml travel size is under 100ml and TSA/flight-approved. 140ml exceeds carry-on limits but is fine for checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleanser is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy. All 14 ingredients are widely regarded as safe for expectant and nursing mothers. As always, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.
Use with caution. The formula contains PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, which is a polyethylene glycol ester that can theoretically feed Malassezia yeast. However, since this is a rinse-off product that stays on your skin for only 30–60 seconds, the actual risk is considered minimal by most dermatologists. If you have active fungal acne, you may want to opt for a strictly FA-safe cleanser or consult your dermatologist first.
Absolutely. This cleanser has a gentle, non-active formula that won't interfere with your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, or niacinamide treatments. In fact, its pH-balanced and non-stripping nature makes it an ideal cleanser to pair with actives, as it cleanses without compromising your skin barrier before you apply potent treatments.
This cleanser is designed for all skin types and is particularly well-suited for sensitive, combination, and oily skin. Its pH-balanced formula (pH 5.5–6.5) and four mild surfactants make it gentle enough for sensitive skin, while witch hazel helps manage excess oil. Dry skin types can also benefit thanks to glycerin and panthenol, though they may need a richer moisturizer afterward.
You'll notice immediate benefits from Day 1 — skin feels softer, cleaner, and less tight after first use. Within 1–2 weeks, reduced dryness and irritation become apparent as your skin barrier recovers. Brightening effects from Jicama Root Extract typically become noticeable around weeks 3–4 with consistent daily use. Full skin barrier restoration and optimal results are generally seen after 2–3 months.
Use it as Step 2 in a double-cleansing routine — after your oil cleanser or micellar water (PM), or as your standalone cleanser in the morning (AM). Follow with toner, essence/serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). The Pastels Shop also offers the CYMBO Cleansing Oil as a companion first cleanser for a complete double-cleanse system.
No. This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5 — very low risk of clogging pores. The formula is oil-free, silicone-free, and contains no known comedogenic ingredients. Glycerin, the main moisturizing agent, has a comedogenicity rating of 0. Additionally, witch hazel helps keep pores clear by controlling excess sebum production.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. Once opened, use within 12 months for optimal freshness and effectiveness. The formula is preserved with Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, and Benzoic Acid — a well-balanced preservative system. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and keep the cap closed tightly after use.
Verdict: The Pastels Shop Jicama pH Balanced Gentle Gel Cleanser is an excellent everyday cleanser for those who prioritize gentle, non-stripping cleansing with added skincare benefits. Its standout strengths are the uniquely mild 4-surfactant blend, the brightening Jicama Root Extract, and a remarkably clean 14-ingredient formula free from sulfates, fragrances, and parabens. It's pregnancy-safe, has a low comedogenic rating, and works beautifully as a second cleanser in a double-cleanse routine. The only caveats are its PEG ingredient for fungal acne sufferers and that it may not be powerful enough for heavy makeup removal on its own. At an affordable price point with multiple size options, this is a solid daily cleanser especially suited for sensitive, combination, and oily skin types across Southeast Asian and tropical climates.
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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|






