Mild Acidic Foam Cleanser
Mild Acidic Foam Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH-balanced foam cleanser formulated with coconut-derived surfactants and deep sea water minerals. This hypoallergenic cream-to-foam formula respects your skin barrier while effectively removing daily impurities, leaving skin clean and hydrated without tightness.
Deep Sea Water Minerals
Enriched with Hawaiian deep sea water providing trace minerals that help maintain skin hydration and glow after cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Sea Water Minerals
Enriched with Hawaiian deep sea water providing trace minerals that help maintain skin hydration and glow after cleansing.
Coconut-Derived Surfactants
Uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate — ultra-gentle cleansing agents that cleanse without stripping the skin barrier.
pH-Balanced Formula
Mild acidic pH close to 5.5 matches healthy skin pH, helping maintain the acid mantle and prevent post-cleansing tightness or irritation.
Botanical Plant Extracts
Contains Quillaja bark, Soapberry fruit, Moringa seed, and Rose hip extracts for gentle natural cleansing and antioxidant support.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains bergamot, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. While present in small amounts, some healthcare providers advise caution with essential oils during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before use.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains Stearyl Alcohol (fatty alcohol), Glyceryl Stearate (ester), and Glyceryl Caprylate — ingredients that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast.
Glyceryl Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 2. All other ingredients are rated 0–1. Low risk of clogging pores for most skin types.
Free from harsh sulfate surfactants. Uses gentle coconut-derived cleansing agents (SCI, SCG, SMCT) that respect the skin barrier.
Dermatologically tested and formulated to minimize allergic reactions. Suitable for most sensitive skin types.
Contains Bergamot, Lavender, and Rosemary essential oils. May cause sensitivity in very reactive skin. Bergamot oil contains phototoxic furanocoumarins (though many cosmetic versions are furanocoumarin-free). Contains Limonene and Linalool fragrance allergens.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Cocoyl Isethionate ~15-20%Proven
A coconut-derived anionic surfactant widely regarded as one of the gentlest cleansing agents available. Creates rich, creamy lather while barely impacting the skin barrier — often called the "baby foam" ingredient.
- Study: Dermatologists note SCI has defined a new standard of mildness in cleansing formulations (Cosmetic Dermatology, Dr. Leslie Baumann).
- Fact: Biodegradable and vegetable-derived; one of the most popular ingredients in syndet (synthetic detergent) bars.
Sea Water ~2-5%Promising
Deep sea water sourced from mineral-rich ocean reserves. Provides natural trace minerals including magnesium, calcium, zinc, and potassium that support skin hydration and barrier function.
- Source: Deep sea water minerals have been shown to enhance skin hydration and provide a natural humectant effect.
- Fact: Mineral-rich sea water is commonly used in K-beauty for its skin-conditioning properties.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate ~3-5%Proven
An amino acid-based cleansing agent derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. Classified as one of the mildest surfactants, it leaves skin feeling soft and smooth after rinsing.
- Source: Vegetable-based co-surfactant recognized for producing mild, creamy cleansing formulas with excellent skin compatibility.
- Fact: Helps reduce the harshness of other surfactants when used in combination formulas.
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract <1%Promising
A natural saponin-rich extract from the Soapbark tree. Acts as a gentle, plant-based foaming and cleansing agent with antimicrobial properties.
- Source: Saponins from Quillaja bark have natural foaming and mild cleansing properties, used in traditional cleansing preparations for centuries.
- Fact: Also possesses antioxidant activity that can help protect skin from environmental stress.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract <1%Promising
Known as the "miracle tree" extract, Moringa seed provides anti-pollution and antioxidant benefits. Helps cleanse skin of pollutants and fine particulate matter.
- Source: Moringa seed proteins have been studied for their ability to bind to and remove impurities, acting as a natural purifying agent.
- Fact: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E for additional skin-conditioning benefits.
27 ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sea Water, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Coco-Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second step cleanser (water-based) in a double cleanse routine, or as a standalone morning cleanser. Ideal for both AM and PM routines.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face with lukewarm water to prepare your skin for cleansing. Avoid hot water, which can strip natural oils.
Lather the Cleanser
Squeeze a small amount (about a cherry-sized drop) onto damp hands and work into a rich, creamy foam between your palms.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face and massage in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds, paying attention to the T-zone and areas with buildup.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with toner immediately for best results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You want a gentle, non-stripping daily cleanser
- You prefer cream-to-foam textures with a hydrating finish
- You are looking for a low-pH, barrier-friendly formula
- You enjoy a light herbal/botanical scent
- You need a second-step cleanser for double cleansing
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a fragrance-free formula (contains essential oils)
- You want a deep, thorough cleanse for heavy makeup
- You prefer a gel or micellar water texture
- You are very sensitive to bergamot or lavender oils
- You need a larger size for value (only 120ml)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESGentle formula cleanses without over-stripping oil. May not provide the deep clean oily skin types sometimes prefer; ideal as a morning cleanser.
Hydrating cream-to-foam formula with sea water minerals leaves skin moisturized, never tight or stripped. Ideal daily cleanser for dry skin.
Balances cleansing power across different face zones. Removes excess oil from T-zone while keeping cheeks hydrated.
Hypoallergenic tested with mild surfactants. However, contains essential oils (bergamot, lavender, rosemary) — patch test recommended for very reactive skin.
Low comedogenic rating (2/5), but not fungal acne safe. No active acne-fighting ingredients. Consider the Abib Heartleaf variant with salicylic acid instead.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean and hydrated right after first wash. No tightness, dryness, or squeaky-clean sensation. Creamy foam rinses off easily.
95% noticed immediatelyImproved Skin Texture
Skin barrier starts to stabilize with consistent pH-balanced cleansing. Less post-wash irritation and redness compared to harsher cleansers.
80% noticed within 2 weeksBalanced Hydration
Skin appears more balanced and less reactive. Morning skin feels smoother. Dry patches and tightness are reduced noticeably.
70% noticed within a monthHealthier Skin Barrier
Long-term gentle cleansing supports a stronger, more resilient acid mantle. Skin looks healthier and more radiant with consistent use alongside a complete routine.
65% noticed long-term improvementRatings by platform
930+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle — no tightness or dryness after cleansing
- Rich, creamy foam that feels luxurious on skin
- pH-balanced formula respects the skin barrier
- Coconut-derived surfactants are among the mildest available
- Deep sea water provides mineral-rich hydration
- Elegant, minimal packaging with clean design
- Hypoallergenic tested — suitable for sensitive skin
Criticized
- Contains essential oils — not truly fragrance-free
- Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe
- Small tube (120ml) may not last long for daily use
- May not remove heavy makeup or sunscreen alone
- Higher price per ml compared to drugstore alternatives
- Bergamot oil may cause photosensitivity concerns
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Also low-pH and gentle, but gel texture instead of cream foam. Contains BHA (Betaine Salicylate) for mild exfoliation. Larger size (150ml) at a lower price. Tea tree oil scent may not suit everyone.
Fragrance-free with ceramides and niacinamide for barrier support. Much larger size (236ml). Uses different surfactant system — effective but may feel slightly more stripping for very dry skin.
Another K-beauty low-pH cleanser with deep sea water from Ulleungdo. Slightly more watery texture. Fragrance-free and fungal acne safe — better for sensitive and FA-prone skin. Larger 200ml tube.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed to prevent the product from drying out. Avoid storing in humid bathrooms.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap — hygienic dispensing with minimal air exposure, easy to control product amount
Yes — 120ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit, but the compact tube fits easily in checked luggage. Decant into a travel container for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This cleanser contains bergamot, lavender, and rosemary essential oils. While present in small concentrations typical of a rinse-off product, some healthcare professionals advise minimizing essential oil exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the primary pregnancy-unsafe ingredients. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have concerns.
No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Stearyl Alcohol (a fatty alcohol), Glyceryl Stearate (an ester), and Glyceryl Caprylate — all of which have been flagged as potentially feeding Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser or a verified FA-safe cleanser instead.
Yes. This is a rinse-off cleanser with no active exfoliants or strong actives, so it pairs well with virtually any treatment product in your routine. Its mild acidic pH actually prepares skin well for pH-dependent actives like vitamin C and AHA/BHA. Simply cleanse first, then apply your actives after patting dry.
This cleanser works best for dry, combination, and normal skin types. It is especially popular with those who find most cleansers too stripping. It is also suitable for sensitive skin, though the presence of essential oils means you should patch test first if you are highly reactive. Oily skin types may prefer something with stronger cleansing power for PM use.
You will feel the difference immediately — the creamy foam and hydrating rinse are noticeable from the first wash. For skin barrier improvement and reduced irritation, most users report visible improvements within 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use. Long-term benefits like a stronger, less reactive skin barrier typically develop over 1–2 months.
Use it as Step 2 in a double cleanse routine (after an oil cleanser) in the evening, or as your sole cleanser in the morning. Apply to a damp face, massage for 30–60 seconds, and rinse with lukewarm water. Follow immediately with toner, then essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only).
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. The primary potentially comedogenic ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate (rated 2). Since this is a rinse-off product that stays on skin for less than a minute, the risk of pore clogging is minimal for most people. However, if you are extremely acne-prone, monitor your skin during the first week of use.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. The 120ml tube typically lasts 6–8 weeks with twice-daily use, or 10–12 weeks with once-daily use. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the cap closed to maintain optimal freshness and efficacy.
Verdict: The Abib Mild Acidic Foam Cleanser is an excellent gentle cleanser for anyone prioritizing skin barrier health. Its coconut-derived surfactants and deep sea water minerals deliver a luxurious, hydrating cleansing experience that leaves skin feeling soft — never tight. However, the presence of essential oils (bergamot, lavender, rosemary) and ingredients that are not fungal acne safe prevent it from scoring higher. At $18 for 120ml, it is also on the pricier side compared to alternatives like Round Lab Dokdo or CeraVe. Best suited for dry to combination skin types seeking a gentle, pH-balanced K-beauty foam cleanser.
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 |
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 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Foam Boosting, Masking, Opacifying, Refatting, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient, Emulsifying
|
|