Low pH Rice Face and Body Cleansing Bar
Low pH Rice Face and Body Cleansing Bar
Product Description
Product overview
The Beauty of Joseon Low pH Rice Face and Body Cleansing Bar is a gentle, slightly acidic solid cleanser that pairs ultra-mild coconut-derived surfactants with rice bran extract and glycerin. It washes away dirt, oil, sweat, and sunscreen on both face and body without stripping the skin, leaving it soft, comfortable, and never tight.
Barrier-Friendly Low pH
Formulated around skin's natural acid mantle (~5.5) so it cleanses thoroughly without disrupting the protective barrier the way high-pH soaps can.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier-Friendly Low pH
Formulated around skin's natural acid mantle (~5.5) so it cleanses thoroughly without disrupting the protective barrier the way high-pH soaps can.
Rice Bran Nourishment
Oryza sativa bran extract delivers antioxidants like ferulic acid and light conditioning while you cleanse, a nod to traditional Korean rice rituals.
One Bar, Face & Body
A single multi-use bar for face, body, and hands. Ideal for minimalist routines and travel where you want to pack light.
Low-Waste Format
Solid bar in minimal paper packaging means far less plastic than a bottled body wash or cleanser.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The only acid is citric acid, used in a small amount as a pH buffer.
Contains coconut and olive oil, which can theoretically feed malassezia. As a rinse-off the contact time is short, but very FA-prone users may prefer an oil-free cleanser.
Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, and AHA/BHA. It is only a cleanser, so cleanse first, then apply your treatments to clean, dry skin.
Decyl glucoside belongs to the alkyl glucoside family (ACDS "Allergen of the Year" 2017). Prevalence is low, but patch test if you've reacted to "gentle" cleansers before.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Cocoyl Isethionate Primary surfactantProven
A coconut-derived cleansing agent prized as one of the gentlest surfactants available. It produces a rich, creamy foam and lifts away dirt and oil without stripping the skin or compromising the barrier.
- Source: A staple of syndet (synthetic detergent) bars, chosen for its very low irritation profile compared with traditional soap.
- Foam: Lather quality scales with how much SCI a formula contains.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract Hero extractPromising
Sourced from the outer layer of the rice kernel, this signature ingredient is rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. It adds light conditioning and antioxidant support during cleansing.
- Source: Contains ferulic acid and polysaccharides studied for antioxidant and moisturizing activity.
- Benefit: Helps counter free-radical damage and supports a soft, conditioned after-feel.
Glycerin Humectant · 0/0 comedogenicProven
A powerhouse humectant naturally found in skin that pulls water into the stratum corneum. It is the reason this bar can clean while still feeling hydrating rather than drying.
- Source: One of the most studied humectants in dermatology; supports hydration, elasticity, and barrier repair.
- Compatibility: Non-irritating and works across all skin types.
Decyl Glucoside Co-surfactantProven
A plant-derived sugar surfactant that boosts the creamy foam while keeping irritation low. Because it has a neutral charge, it stays stable across a broad pH range.
- Source: Made by reacting glucose with plant fatty acids; one of the lowest-irritation surfactants in patch testing.
- Use level: Typically 5–20% in rinse-off cleansers.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil EmollientPromising
Olive oil is a nourishing emollient high in oleic acid and squalene. Here it offsets the cleansing surfactants so skin doesn't feel stripped after washing.
- Source: Olive polyphenols show antioxidant and anti-aging activity in clinical studies.
- Role: Adds slip and conditioning to the lather.
14 ingredients
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Zea Mays Starch, Water, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEAs a cleanser, this is your very first step — morning and/or evening. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, oil cleanse first, then follow with this bar as your second cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet
Dampen your face or body and the bar itself with lukewarm water.
Lather
Rub the bar between your palms (or directly onto damp skin) to build a soft, creamy foam.
Massage
Apply the foam in gentle circular motions, avoiding direct contact with the eyes.
Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want one gentle cleanser for both face and body
- You have normal, oily, or combination skin
- You prefer fragrance-free, low-pH formulas
- You're building a minimalist or travel-friendly routine
- Harsh, high-pH soaps leave your skin feeling tight
Consider alternatives if:
- You are highly fungal-acne prone and avoid all oils
- You have very dry skin and want a non-foaming cream cleanser
- You dislike bar formats and prefer pumps
- You want a treatment cleanser with active acids
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLow-pH gentle surfactants clean thoroughly without over-stripping or triggering rebound oil.
Glycerin and oils soften the cleanse; follow with a richer moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Balanced cleanse that won't leave tight patches or greasy zones across the face.
Fragrance-free and low-pH; patch test recommended due to the decyl glucoside surfactant.
Gentle and non-stripping, but it does contain coconut and olive oil — watch it if you break out very easily.
Results timeline
WEEK 4Immediate Clean, Soft Feel
Skin feels genuinely clean but soft, without the tight, squeaky after-feel of ordinary high-pH soap.
85% noticedBalanced Comfort
Less tightness and dryness after cleansing as the barrier stays calmer and better hydrated.
70% noticedSmoother, Calmer Skin
Consistent gentle cleansing supports smoother texture and more comfortable, less reactive skin.
55% noticedRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely gentle, non-stripping cleanse
- Low pH that respects the skin barrier
- Fragrance-free with a short, clean ingredient list
- Works for both face and body — great for travel
- Affordable with low-waste packaging
Criticized
- Contains coconut & olive oil (not ideal if very FA-prone)
- 100g bar is small and can wear down quickly
- Softens if not stored on a draining dish
- Light lather may feel insufficient to deep-clean fans
- Not a treatment cleanser — no active acids
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Shares the same SCI surfactant base and adds ceramides plus hyaluronic acid. Fragrance-free, larger (~128g), and easy to find, but less of a low-pH K-beauty story.
A direct K-beauty rival — a 100g low-pH face & body bar centered on rosemary and soothing actives. Very close concept at a similar price point.
An extremely cheap, fragrance-free syndet bar that is mild on skin. Higher pH and far less skincare-focused, but unbeatable on price for the body.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after first use
Keep on a draining soap dish in a cool, dry place; let it air-dry between uses and avoid standing water.
Solid bar in recyclable paper/card box — minimal plastic.
Yes — solid format with no liquid limit, fully TSA / carry-on friendly.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The only acid present is citric acid, used in a small amount as a pH buffer. As always, confirm with your own doctor or OB-GYN if you have concerns.
Mostly, with a caveat. It contains coconut oil and olive oil, which can feed malassezia yeast. Because it is a rinse-off product, contact time is very short, so most people tolerate it fine. If you are severely fungal-acne prone, an oil-free cleanser is the safer choice.
Yes. It is just a cleanser, so it won't conflict with active ingredients. Cleanse first, rinse well, then apply your retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids to clean, dry skin afterward.
It is best suited to oily, combination, and normal skin, and works well for sensitive skin too. Dry skin can use it but should follow with a richer moisturizer. Its low pH and gentle surfactants make it a versatile, everyday choice.
Because it is a cleanser, the main result is immediate — clean, soft, non-tight skin from the very first wash. Comfort and barrier benefits, like less tightness and calmer skin, tend to build over roughly 1 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
It is your first step, used morning and/or evening before toner, serum, and moisturizer. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, use an oil cleanser first and this bar as your second cleanse.
Low risk overall (around 2/5). It does contain coconut oil, which rates 4/5 on its own, but as a rinse-off product it rarely clogs pores in practice. If you are very acne-prone, patch test and monitor how your skin responds.
About 12 months after you start using it (PAO). To make it last, store it on a draining dish away from standing water so it can dry out fully between washes rather than turning soft.
Verdict: A standout budget K-beauty cleanser that does exactly what it promises — gentle, low-pH, fragrance-free cleansing for both face and body without stripping the skin. The short, thoughtful ingredient list and rice bran plus glycerin combination make it ideal for oily, combination, and sensitive skin, while the solid format is travel- and eco-friendly. The only real caveats are the small 100g size and the presence of coconut and olive oil, which the very fungal-acne-prone may prefer to avoid. For the price, it is hard to beat.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 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 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Zea Mays Starch
Absorbent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Decyl Glucoside
Surfactant, Emulsion Stabilising, Cleansing
|
|