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Master Gentle Recipe Foam Cleanser

Master Gentle Recipe Foam Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in South Korea K-BEAUTY

A gentle, low-pH gel-to-foam cleanser from Mixsoon's Master Line that transforms from a jelly-like gel to a soft lather. Formulated with amino-acid surfactants, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Madecassoside, and a mild PHA/LHA duo (Gluconolactone + Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) to cleanse, lightly exfoliate, and soothe sensitive, reactive, or barrier-compromised skin without stripping.

Fragrance-Free Low pH (Mildly Acidic) Vegan Cruelty-Free Fungal Acne Safe Amino Acid Surfactants PHA + LHA Centella Complex Essential Oil Free Sulfate-Free
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
0/5
Size
150 ml / 5.07 fl oz
pH Level
~5.5 (Low)
Category
Gentle Cleanser
Skin Type
All, Sensitive
Origin
South Korea
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Gentle Exfoliation Duo

PHA (Gluconolactone) + LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) sweep away dead cells and sebum without the sting of traditional AHAs.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Gel-to-Foam
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Lathering
Soft, Low-Foam
Finish
Soft, Non-Stripping

Gentle Exfoliation Duo

PHA (Gluconolactone) + LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid) sweep away dead cells and sebum without the sting of traditional AHAs.

Centella Soothing Complex

Centella Asiatica Extract, Madecassoside, and Houttuynia Cordata calm redness and support barrier recovery.

Hydrate While You Cleanse

Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Ceramide NP leave skin soft and never tight after rinsing.

Amino-Acid Surfactant Base

Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate replaces harsh sulfates for a barrier-friendly cleanse that respects skin's natural lipids.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, no hydroquinone, and no chemical UV filters. Capryloyl Salicylic Acid is a rinse-off LHA derivative used at low levels and is generally considered safe, but always confirm with your OB/GYN.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

No fatty acids (oils), esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed Malassezia yeast — a reliable pick for pityrosporum folliculitis.

Non-Comedogenic (0/5)

No known pore-clogging ingredients. The surfactant and humectant base rinses cleanly without residue.

Sulfate & Fragrance Free

No SLS/SLES, no added fragrance, no essential oils, no alcohol denat. — ideal for reactive and barrier-compromised skin.

Mild Acid Exfoliation

Contains PHA + LHA. If you also use a strong AHA/BHA toner or retinoid at night, consider alternating days to avoid over-exfoliation.

SPF Recommended

Studies on Gluconolactone show no increase in sun sensitivity, but daily SPF is still advised when using any exfoliating product.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Centella Asiatica Extract HighProven

A star K-beauty botanical (also called cica or tiger grass) rich in asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — the "centelloids" responsible for its calming and wound-supportive reputation.

  • Mechanism: Supports collagen synthesis and modulates inflammatory cytokines, helping reduce redness and reinforce barrier recovery.
  • Clinical use: Widely studied for post-procedure recovery, sensitive skin, and stretch-mark prevention.

Houttuynia Cordata Powder Finely groundProven

"Heartleaf" — a traditional East Asian botanical delivered here as a fine powder for added anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

  • Active compounds: Quercetin, quercitrin, and hyperoside — flavonoids with documented antioxidant and soothing effects.
  • Role: Complements Centella by calming redness and balancing oil without irritation.

Madecassoside ActiveProven

The most-studied single molecule isolated from Centella. Used in dermatological repair creams (e.g., Cicaplast-style formulas) for its reparative action.

  • Research: Peer-reviewed studies show it accelerates barrier repair and reduces trans-epidermal water loss.
  • Benefit here: Even in a rinse-off, it leaves skin visibly calmer after cleansing.

Gluconolactone (PHA) Mild %Proven

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) — the gentler, next-generation cousin of AHAs. Its larger molecule penetrates less deeply, so it exfoliates the surface without the sting.

  • Benefits: Exfoliates dead cells, attracts water to the skin's surface, and offers antioxidant protection.
  • Sun sensitivity: A 2004 study found Gluconolactone may actually protect against UV damage rather than increase photosensitivity.
Well tolerated even by rosacea-prone and sensitive skin in rinse-off formats.

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) Mild %Proven

A lipophilic derivative of salicylic acid with a fatty chain attached. LHA penetrates more slowly and more selectively than regular BHA, targeting the pore lining.

  • pH-friendly: Works at skin-neutral pH, reducing irritation risk vs. traditional BHA.
  • Best for: Smoothing texture, refining pores, and managing mild congestion without over-drying.

Ceramide NP Barrier lipidProven

A bio-identical skin ceramide (formerly Ceramide 3) that mirrors the lipids in your own stratum corneum.

  • Function: Replenishes intercellular lipids, locking in moisture and blocking irritants.
  • Why it matters in a cleanser: Helps offset the mild barrier disruption that any cleansing step causes.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) HumectantProven

Converts to pantothenic acid in the skin. A well-documented humectant and soother used across dermatological brands.

  • Effects: Improves hydration, reduces itch and redness, and supports wound healing.

Hyaluronic Acid HumectantProven

A natural moisturizing factor capable of binding many times its weight in water — helps reduce the post-cleanse "tight" feeling.

  • Role in cleanser: Surface hydration rebound; leaves skin plump rather than squeaky.

Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate Primary surfactantProven

An amino-acid-derived (alanine + coconut fatty acid) surfactant. One of the mildest cleansing agents available, commonly used in baby washes.

  • Why it matters: Replaces sulfates as the cleansing workhorse, preserving skin's acid mantle and lipid barrier.

23 ingredients

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Potassium Cocoate, Coco-Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Powder, Madecassoside, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Gluconolactone, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Dextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Potassium Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Essential Oils, Added Fragrance, Artificial Colorants, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol, Animal-Derived Ingredients.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser (PM)
2
This Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (AM)

Use AM as the first step, or PM as the second step of a double cleanse after an oil cleanser or balm.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin barrier.

2

Dispense & Lather

Squeeze a small amount (about a chickpea-sized dollop) into damp hands and work into a soft lather with water.

3

Massage Onto Skin

Apply in upward circular motions for 30–60 seconds, avoiding the immediate eye and mouth area. No scrubbing needed.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water and pat (don't rub) skin with a soft towel. Follow with toner while skin is still slightly damp.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin
  • You want gentle daily exfoliation without a dedicated acid product
  • Your skin feels tight or stripped after regular cleansers
  • You follow a fungal-acne-safe routine
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-free, minimalist formulas

Consider alternatives if:

  • You wear heavy waterproof makeup or sunscreen (double cleanse first)
  • You love a rich, creamy, high-foam texture
  • You're already using strong daily AHAs/retinoids and feel sensitized
  • You dislike any tingling from PHA/LHA actives
  • You need a deep-clean formula for very oily, acneic skin (stronger BHA may suit you better)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Amino-acid surfactants, no fragrance, and soothing Centella complex make this one of the gentlest exfoliating cleansers available.

Dry Skin
Good

Non-stripping and hydrating thanks to glycerin, HA, and ceramide. Very dry skin may still prefer a cream cleanser in the morning.

Oily Skin
Good

LHA gently refines pores and manages sebum. For very oily skin that needs deep cleansing, a stronger BHA foam may work better.

Combination
Excellent

Balances the T-zone without drying out cheeks — a great daily-use option for most combination skin.

Acne-Prone
Excellent

Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne-safe, and includes gentle LHA/PHA — supports clearer skin without barrier damage.

Mature Skin
Good

Mild exfoliation helps with dullness and uneven texture while supporting the barrier — pair with a rich moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Day 1

Immediate Softness

Skin feels clean, smooth, and comfortable — no tightness or squeaky feeling after rinsing.

~85% noticed
Week 1

Less Irritation & Redness

Centella + Madecassoside start calming sensitivity. Many users report reduced post-cleanse redness.

~70% noticed
Weeks 2–4

Refined Texture

PHA + LHA progressively smooth rough patches. Skin looks brighter and more even.

~65% noticed
Month 2+

Clearer Pores & Fewer Sebaceous Filaments

Long-term consistent use helps decongest pores and maintain a balanced, healthy-looking complexion.

~55% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.3
Rating
1,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Low-foam texture takes some getting used to vs. traditional foaming cleansers.
iHerb
4.6
Rating
400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users with very dry skin say daily use felt mildly drying after several weeks.
YesStyle
4.7
Rating
600+
Reviews
Main complaint: Won't fully remove waterproof makeup or heavy SPF — better as a second cleanse.
Brand Website (Mixsoon)
4.8
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few reviewers mentioned the subtle, somewhat earthy natural scent of the botanical extracts.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Exceptionally gentle — well-loved by rosacea and sensitive-skin users
  • Doesn't leave the face feeling tight or stripped
  • PHA/LHA combo gives mild exfoliation without irritation
  • Fungal-acne safe and pregnancy-friendly
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free
  • Decent 150 ml size lasts 2–3 months with daily use

Criticized

  • Low-foam gel texture polarizes fans of rich, bubbly cleansers
  • Won't replace an oil cleanser for heavy makeup or waterproof SPF
  • Daily use can feel slightly drying on very dehydrated skin
  • Earthy botanical note may not appeal to all users
  • Mid-range price vs. simpler K-beauty basics
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
$12.00
Budget Pick

Similar low-pH gel format with BHA (Betaine Salicylate) and tea tree oil. A bit more astringent and not fragrance-free, but significantly cheaper and easier to find.

80% Match
Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
$16.00
Similar Feel

Shares the Houttuynia Cordata (heartleaf) concept plus Salicylic Acid. A denser foam texture for slightly oilier skin, with triple HA and less emphasis on PHA.

72% Match
Wonder Releaf Centella Serum
$14.00
Budget Pick

Centella- and panthenol-centric foam without the PHA/LHA duo. Very gentle and barrier-friendly, but without the mild exfoliating benefit.

68% Match
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
$16.00
Similar Feel

Gel-type cleanser with AHA/BHA instead of PHA/LHA. Focused on pore refinement and brightening rather than soothing sensitive skin.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Key Actives BHA + Tea Tree Oil
Size 150 ml
Texture Gel
Fragrance Tea tree scent
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Caution (BHA)
Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Key Actives Heartleaf + BHA + Triple HA
Size 150 ml
Texture Dense foam
Fragrance Light natural scent
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Caution (BHA)
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Key Actives AHA + BHA + Green Plum
Size 200 ml
Texture Gel
Fragrance Light plum scent
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Caution (AHA/BHA)
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is typically 30 months from manufacture date.

Storage

Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap closed tightly between uses.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with screw cap — hygienic, easy to dose, and made largely of recyclable plastic.

Travel Friendly

150 ml exceeds the standard 100 ml carry-on limit — decant into a travel-size bottle or pack in checked luggage.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, it's generally considered safe. The formula contains no retinoids, no hydroquinone, no chemical UV filters, and no high-percentage salicylic acid. Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) is used at very low levels in a rinse-off product, so systemic absorption is minimal. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have concerns.

Yes. It contains no free fatty acids, no fatty alcohols that trigger Malassezia, no esters that feed the yeast, no polysorbates, and no fermented ingredients. The surfactant base (amino-acid and glucose-derived) is safe for people managing fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis.

Yes, but introduce it gradually. Because it already contains mild PHA and LHA, stacking it daily with a strong retinoid or a high-% AHA/BHA toner may over-exfoliate some users. If your skin feels sensitized, alternate your strong actives to every other night and keep this cleanser as your daily wash.

It's formulated for all skin types but truly shines on sensitive, reactive, combination, and mildly dehydrated skin. Rosacea-prone and acne-prone users often do especially well with it. Very oily skin may prefer a stronger BHA foam; very dry skin may want a cream cleanser on top in the morning.

Most users notice softer, more comfortable skin from the very first wash. Reduced redness and smoother texture usually appear within 1–2 weeks of daily use, and clearer pores plus a more even tone typically develop over 4–8 weeks of consistent use.

In the morning, use it as the very first step on a bare face. In the evening, use it as the second step of a double cleanse after an oil cleanser or balm has dissolved makeup and sunscreen. Follow with toner while the skin is still slightly damp.

No. It has a comedogenic rating of 0/5 — meaning it contains no known pore-clogging ingredients. The surfactant base rinses cleanly, and the included LHA actually helps keep pores clear. It's also confirmed non-comedogenic by the brand and widely recommended for acne-prone skin.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Stored upright in a cool, dry spot with the cap tightly closed, one 150 ml tube typically lasts 2–3 months of daily AM/PM use, so you'll finish it well within its shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Mixsoon Master Gentle Recipe Foam Cleanser is one of the smartest "everyday gentle" K-beauty cleansers on the market — combining mild amino-acid surfactants with a soothing Centella complex, barrier-supporting Ceramide NP, and a very low-irritation PHA + LHA exfoliating duo. It earns its place in the daily routines of sensitive-skin, rosacea, and acne-prone users who want cleaner skin without a stripped feeling. The main trade-offs are a low-foam gel texture that won't satisfy lather lovers, and the need for an oil cleanser on heavy-makeup days. For everyone else, it's a reliable daily upgrade that punches above its price bracket.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 5 ingredient(s):
Centella Asiatica Extract Madecassoside Ceramide NP Gluconolactone Hyaluronic Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Hyaluronic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Centella Asiatica Extract Madecassoside Panthenol Hyaluronic Acid
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb 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.

muscle 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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
69% 30%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting, Hydrotrope, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS