Milk Cleanser Bengkuang
Milk Cleanser Bengkuang
Product Description
Product overview
A legendary Indonesian milk cleanser by Viva Cosmetics, formulated with Bengkuang (Jicama) root extract and sunflower seed oil to gently lift makeup, dirt, and environmental impurities while brightening dull skin. This budget-friendly creamy emulsion has been a staple of Indonesian beauty routines for decades, particularly loved for normal-to-dry skin types seeking an affordable, halal-certified daily makeup remover.
Bengkuang Brightening
Pachyrhizus Erosus (Jicama) root extract is rich in vitamin C and natural enzymes traditionally used to brighten dull skin and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBengkuang Brightening
Pachyrhizus Erosus (Jicama) root extract is rich in vitamin C and natural enzymes traditionally used to brighten dull skin and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hydrating Emollient Formula
Mineral oil and cetyl alcohol create a soft, conditioning film that prevents skin from feeling stripped or tight after cleansing — ideal for dry skin.
Sunflower Seed Oil
Helianthus Annuus oil is high in linoleic acid and vitamin E, helping support the skin barrier and dissolve makeup without harsh surfactants.
Indonesian Heritage Beauty
Viva Cosmetics has been an Indonesian skincare staple since 1962, with the Bengkuang Milk Cleanser as one of its most iconic, multi-generational products.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Considered safe to use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Polysorbate 80 and fatty acids that may feed Malassezia yeast — avoid if you struggle with fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis).
Stearic Acid and Triethanolamine have moderate comedogenic potential. Some users report breakouts with prolonged use on oily skin.
The added Parfum and BHT preservative may trigger reactions in very sensitive or fragrance-allergic skin. Patch test recommended.
As a rinse-off cleanser, it works fine before retinol, vitamin C, AHA, and BHA serums. No active conflicts.
All ingredients are vegan-friendly, and the product carries official Indonesian halal certification (MUI).
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSWater (Aqua) ~50%Base
Purified, deionized water serves as the primary solvent and the main carrier base of the formula, allowing all other ingredients to disperse evenly across the skin during application.
- Function: Solvent, carrier base
- Note: Cosmetic-grade water is purified to remove minerals and bacteria for product stability.
Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) 15-20%Proven
Highly refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil acts as the primary cleansing agent in this formula. It dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and sebum while creating an occlusive layer that locks in hydration on dry skin.
- Source: A 2005 dermatology study concluded that cosmetic-grade mineral oil is non-comedogenic in humans.
- Source: A 2017 review in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology found cosmetic mineral oils pose no systemic risk to consumers.
Stearic Acid 5-10%Proven
A naturally derived fatty acid that thickens the milky texture, stabilizes the oil-water emulsion, and softens the skin. It also gives the cleanser its characteristic creamy white appearance.
- Function: Emollient, viscosity controller, emulsion stabilizer
- Comedogenicity: Rated 2/5 — moderately pore-clogging on acne-prone skin
Cetyl Alcohol 3-5%Proven
A fatty alcohol (the good, non-drying kind) derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. It thickens the formula, helps water and oil blend smoothly, and leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned rather than tight.
- Function: Emollient, emulsifier, viscosity builder
- Note: Despite the name, fatty alcohols do NOT dry out the skin like simple alcohols (denat, isopropyl).
Triethanolamine (TEA) 1-3%Proven
A pH adjuster that neutralizes acidic ingredients and balances the formula to a skin-friendly level. It also functions as a co-emulsifier, helping keep the milk cleanser stable on the shelf.
- Function: pH adjuster, emulsifier
- Safety: Considered safe in rinse-off products at standard concentrations per CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).
Pachyrhizus Erosus Root Extract ~1-2%Promising
The signature Bengkuang (Jicama) extract — a treasured ingredient in traditional Indonesian beauty rituals. Naturally rich in vitamin C, phytoestrogens (daidzein, genistein), and starch, it has long been used to brighten dull complexions and fade dark spots.
- Tradition: Used for centuries in Javanese "lulur" body scrubs as a natural skin-brightening agent.
- Research: Studies on Pachyrhizus erosus extract show antioxidant and tyrosinase-inhibiting activity, supporting its brightening reputation.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil <1%Proven
Sunflower seed oil is high in linoleic acid (omega-6) and vitamin E, both of which support the skin barrier and offer mild antioxidant protection. It also helps dissolve oil-based grime during cleansing.
- Source: A 2008 Pediatric Dermatology study found sunflower oil enhances skin barrier function in infants without disrupting the lipid balance.
- Comedogenicity: Rated 0-2 — generally safe for most skin types.
Methylparaben & Propylparaben <1%Proven
A widely used preservative duo that prevents mold, yeast, and bacteria from growing in the water-based formula, ensuring product safety and shelf stability up to and beyond two years.
- Safety: Approved for cosmetic use by the FDA, EU SCCS, and Japanese authorities at concentrations up to 0.4% (single) and 0.8% (combined).
- Note: The "endocrine disruptor" controversy is based on inconclusive in-vitro data; modern reviews support continued safe use.
Polysorbate 80 <1%Proven
A non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It helps the fragrance and oils disperse evenly and assists in rinsing residue off the skin.
- Function: Emulsifier, solubilizer, mild surfactant
Parfum (Fragrance) <0.5%Proven
The signature soft "Bengkuang scent" that makes this cleanser instantly recognizable. While generally pleasant, fragrance is the most common skincare allergen and may not suit very reactive skin.
14 ingredients
Water, Paraffinum Liquidum, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Pachyrhizus Erosus Root Extract, Methylparaben, Parfum, Propylparaben, Polysorbate 80, Propylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, BHT, Citric Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step of double cleansing — apply to dry skin to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, wipe off with cotton, then follow with a water-based facial wash for a thoroughly clean canvas.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to Dry Skin
Shake the bottle gently. Squeeze a coin-sized amount of the milk cleanser onto your fingertips and apply across the face and neck — do not wet your skin first.
Massage in Circular Motions
Massage gently with your fingertips for 30-60 seconds, focusing on heavy makeup or sunscreen areas (T-zone, around the nose). Avoid getting it directly in the eyes.
Wipe Off with Cotton
Use a soft cotton pad to wipe away the cleanser along with dissolved dirt and makeup. Continue with fresh cotton until it comes away clean.
Follow with a Second Cleanse
For best results, follow with a water-based gel or foam cleanser to remove any residual oily film. This prevents a heavy feeling on the skin.
Continue with Toner
Pair with Viva Face Tonic Bengkuang or your preferred toner to balance pH and refresh the skin before moisturizing.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have normal-to-dry or mature skin that craves an emollient cleanse
- You're on a tight budget but want a reliable everyday makeup remover
- You wear light to medium makeup and want a gentle first-step cleanser
- You're a fan of traditional Indonesian beauty (jamu, lulur) ingredients
- You need a halal-certified, vegan-friendly cleanser
- You want to brighten dull, tired-looking skin gradually
Consider alternatives if:
- You have oily, congested, or active acne-prone skin
- You suffer from fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You're sensitive to fragrance, parabens, or BHT
- You need to remove waterproof or heavy/long-wear makeup in one step
- You prefer a clean rinse-off feel with no residue
- You have rosacea or are easily reactive to mineral oil
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe original target audience — gentle, brightening, and balancing without disrupting the natural moisture barrier.
The mineral oil and cetyl alcohol leave skin soft and conditioned. Will not strip natural lipids or cause tightness.
Works well as the oil-based step of double cleansing, but always follow up with a water-based wash to clear the T-zone.
Mineral oil and stearic acid may feel too rich. Acceptable for makeup removal only, but second-cleanse thoroughly.
Contains fragrance and BHT — may trigger reactions in highly reactive skin. Patch test on the inner arm before facial use.
Stearic acid, triethanolamine, and Polysorbate 80 are not ideal for breakout-prone skin. Choose a non-comedogenic alternative.
Results timeline
AFTER 4-8 WEEKSClean, Soft, Conditioned Skin
Immediately removes dust, light makeup, and sunscreen residue. Skin feels softer and noticeably less tight than after typical foaming cleansers.
92% noticedSmoother Skin Texture
Daily double cleansing helps clear surface buildup. Many users report visibly less dullness and a smoother feel after a week of consistent evening use.
75% noticedBrighter Complexion
Regular use of Bengkuang (Jicama) extract may help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and brighten the overall complexion gradually.
63% noticedMaintained Daily Cleansing Habit
One bottle (100ml) typically lasts 3-4 weeks of nightly use. Long-term users report consistent, gentle cleansing without dependency or barrier disruption.
80% repurchaseRatings by platform
178K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable — one of the cheapest milk cleansers on the market
- Effectively removes light to medium makeup and sunscreen
- Bengkuang extract gives gradual brightening over time
- Doesn't leave skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped
- Halal-certified, vegan, sulfate-free, and silicone-free
- Pleasant, mild fragrance most users find calming
- Widely available throughout Indonesia and Southeast Asia
- Trusted, multi-generational legacy brand since 1962
Criticized
- Contains mineral oil and stearic acid — not ideal for oily/acne skin
- Not fungal-acne safe (contains Polysorbate 80)
- Fragrance and BHT may irritate sensitive or rosacea skin
- Struggles with waterproof or heavy long-wear makeup
- Basic plastic bottle packaging feels low-end
- Leaves a slightly oily film if not followed by second cleanse
- Contains parabens (a concern for paraben-avoiding users)
- Not cruelty-free certified
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame hero ingredient (Bengkuang) from another iconic Indonesian heritage brand. Slightly lighter texture and adds licorice extract for extra brightening, but very similar overall function.
Indonesian milk cleanser using Langsat fruit extract for brightening instead of Bengkuang. Comparable price point and creamy texture, but a slightly different traditional botanical profile.
Drugstore-friendly cleansing milk with brightening niacinamide and vitamin B3. More modern formula but missing the traditional Bengkuang botanical character.
Halal-certified Indonesian alternative with vitamin B3 and licorice. Lighter, less occlusive texture suited for combination skin instead of dry skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is around 3 years from manufacture date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid temperatures above 30°C to prevent emulsion separation.
Plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Translucent body with curved design. Basic but practical and easy to squeeze out the last drop.
Yes — the 100ml size is TSA-compliant and fits within standard hand-luggage liquid limits.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters that are typically restricted during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The Bengkuang (Jicama) extract, sunflower seed oil, mineral oil, and parabens at cosmetic concentrations are all considered safe for use during pregnancy by major regulatory bodies. As always, consult your OB/GYN if you have specific concerns or are exceptionally sensitive.
No. The formula contains Polysorbate 80, which is a known feeder of Malassezia yeast — the cause of fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you struggle with fungal breakouts on the chest, back, or hairline, look for fungal-acne-safe alternatives like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or simple oil cleansers using only safe esters and triglycerides.
Yes. As a rinse-off cleanser used at the very start of your routine, it doesn't conflict with any leave-on actives. After cleansing and toning, you can apply retinol, vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic, lactic), or BHAs (salicylic acid) without worry. Just be sure to rinse the cleanser off thoroughly with a follow-up water-based wash to remove the oily film, which could otherwise reduce active absorption.
The product is officially formulated for normal-to-dry skin. The mineral oil and emollient base make it ideal for skin that craves softness and hydration after cleansing. Combination skin can use it as the oil-cleanse step of a double-cleanse routine. It's not the best fit for oily, congested, acne-prone, or fungal-acne-prone skin types — those skin profiles will benefit from a lighter gel or micellar formula instead.
Cleansing results — soft, clean, conditioned skin — are immediate. Brightening from the Bengkuang extract is gradual and typically becomes noticeable after 2-4 weeks of consistent nightly use, with more visible fading of post-acne dark marks over 6-8 weeks. As a wash-off product, the contact time is brief, so it complements rather than replaces a brightening serum if pigmentation is a top concern.
It's the very first step of your evening routine. Apply to dry skin, massage to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then wipe off with cotton. Follow with a water-based foam or gel cleanser (the second cleanse), then toner, serums, moisturizer, and (in the morning) sunscreen. Many Indonesian users pair it with the matching Viva Face Tonic Bengkuang as the toner step.
It has a moderate comedogenic profile, around 3 out of 5. Stearic acid (rated 2), triethanolamine (rated 2), and a high concentration of mineral oil (rated 0-2 depending on grade) can collectively contribute to clogged pores in users with breakout-prone skin. If you have normal or dry skin and rinse thoroughly, you'll likely have no issues. If you're acne-prone, choose a non-comedogenic alternative.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once you break the seal, you should use up the bottle within a year for best efficacy and to avoid microbial growth. With nightly use, a 100ml bottle typically lasts 3-4 weeks, while a 200ml bottle lasts 6-8 weeks — so finishing it before expiry is rarely an issue. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Verdict: Viva Milk Cleanser Bengkuang is a legendary Indonesian budget staple that has earned its multi-generational following for good reason — it's affordable, gentle, halal-certified, and effective at removing light-to-medium makeup while delivering subtle Bengkuang brightening over time. It's an outstanding choice for normal-to-dry skin types looking for an emollient first-cleanse step at an unbeatable price. However, the formula's mineral oil base, fragrance, parabens, and potentially fungal-acne-feeding Polysorbate 80 mean it's not the right fit for oily, acne-prone, sensitive, or Malassezia-prone skin. If you fall into the target demographic, this is one of the best dollar-for-dollar cleansers in Southeast Asian beauty — a true cult classic.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient, Skin Protecting, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 5 |
Triethanolamine
Masking, Surfactant, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Buffering
|
|
|
| 0 |
Pachyrhizus Erosus Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|





