Milk Cleansing Foam
Milk Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, milk protein-enriched Korean foam cleanser that creates a rich, creamy lather to cleanse skin while providing hydration. Packaged in an adorable milk carton design, this budget-friendly K-beauty cleanser removes impurities and makeup without stripping moisture, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.
Milk Protein Extract
Nourishes and conditions skin, helping to smooth coarse texture and provide gentle hydration during cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMilk Protein Extract
Nourishes and conditions skin, helping to smooth coarse texture and provide gentle hydration during cleansing.
Rich Creamy Lather
Creates a dense, satisfying foam that effectively removes dirt, oil, and light makeup without harsh scrubbing.
Allantoin Soothing
Contains allantoin to calm and protect skin while cleansing, promoting a comfortable post-wash feel.
Glycerin Hydration
Formulated with glycerin to help maintain skin moisture during cleansing and prevent excessive dryness.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains fatty acids (Palmitic, Stearic, Myristic, Lauric Acid) that can feed Malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne.
Preserved with Methylparaben and Propylparaben. Generally considered safe but some prefer paraben-free options.
Contains parfum/fragrance. May not be suitable for those with fragrance sensitivities or very reactive skin.
Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate. Milder than SLS but may be too stripping for some sensitive skin types.
pH level around 8-9 is higher than skin's natural pH (~5.5). May be drying for some; follow with hydrating toner.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMilk Protein Extract 1,000ppmKey Active
The star ingredient that gives this cleanser its name and primary benefits. Milk proteins help condition and soften skin, improving texture of rough or coarse skin while providing gentle nourishment during cleansing.
- Function: Skin conditioning and softening agent
- Benefit: Helps smooth coarse skin texture
- Source: Derived from milk
Glycerin ~3-5%Proven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin. One of the most well-researched and effective hydrating ingredients, helping to prevent the tight, dry feeling that some foam cleansers can leave behind.
- Comedogenicity: 0 (non-comedogenic)
- Irritancy: 0 (non-irritating)
- Research: Effective at concentrations as low as 3%
AllantoinProven
A well-known soothing and skin-protecting ingredient derived from comfrey plant. Helps calm irritation and promotes skin healing, making the cleansing experience more comfortable for all skin types.
- Comedogenicity: 0 (non-comedogenic)
- Irritancy: 0 (non-irritating)
- Function: Soothing, skin-protective, promotes healing
Cocamidopropyl BetaineSurfactant
A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that creates the foam and helps cleanse the skin. Known for being gentler than harsher sulfates, it stabilizes bubbles and helps balance the cleansing action.
- Function: Foam stabilizer and mild cleanser
- Properties: Biodegradable, works well with other surfactants
- Note: Helps reduce potential irritation from stronger cleansing agents
19 ingredients
Water, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Allantoin, Milk Protein Extract, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second cleanser in a double cleanse routine (PM) or as a standalone morning cleanser. Follow with a hydrating toner to rebalance skin pH.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face to dampen the skin. Avoid using hot water which can strip natural oils.
Create Lather
Squeeze a small amount (about 1-2cm) onto wet palms and rub together to create a rich, creamy foam.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on T-zone and areas with more oil.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water, ensuring no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have normal to slightly dry skin
- You're looking for an affordable K-beauty cleanser
- You enjoy rich, creamy foam textures
- You want a gentle cleanser for daily use
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You love cute, Instagram-worthy packaging
- You need a second step cleanser for double cleansing
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne or Malassezia concerns
- You have very oily or acne-prone skin
- You're sensitive to fragrance or parabens
- You prefer low-pH cleansers (~5.5)
- You need a sulfate-free formula
- You have extremely sensitive or reactive skin
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESPerfect match! Cleanses effectively without disrupting balanced skin. Rich foam feels luxurious without being heavy.
Milk protein and glycerin help maintain hydration. Follow with a hydrating toner to combat any tightness.
May not provide deep enough cleanse for very oily skin. Consider a gel or foam cleanser with better oil control.
Works well for most combo skin types. Focus application on oilier T-zone, be gentle on drier cheeks.
Contains fragrance and SLES which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test recommended before full use.
Not recommended. Contains fatty acids that can trigger fungal acne. Comedogenic rating of 3/5 may clog pores.
Results timeline
1+ MONTHClean, Refreshed Feel
Skin feels thoroughly cleansed with a slight squeaky-clean sensation. The milky scent lingers briefly for a spa-like experience.
95% noticedSofter Skin Texture
Regular use shows improvement in skin smoothness. The milk protein extract begins conditioning rough patches and evening out texture.
70% noticedBalanced Cleansing Routine
Skin adjusts to the formula. Those who find it drying may want to adjust usage frequency or pair with more hydrating products.
60% noticedLong-term Assessment
Users determine if this is their long-term cleanser. Great value for those it suits; others may seek gentler alternatives.
55% continue useRatings by platform
950+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable price point ($5-10)
- Adorable milk carton packaging
- Rich, satisfying foam texture
- Effectively removes dirt and light makeup
- Pleasant, subtle milky scent
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft
- Widely available at discount stores
Criticized
- Higher pH may disrupt skin barrier
- Can feel drying on sensitive skin
- Not fungal acne safe
- Contains fragrance and parabens
- Contains SLES (may be too harsh)
- Some report eye irritation
- Not ideal for very oily or acne-prone skin
- Comedogenic rating of 3 may clog pores
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESGentler formula without SLES. Lower pH, fragrance-free. Less foamy but more suitable for sensitive skin. Widely available at drugstores.
Non-foaming formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Better for dry/sensitive skin. Dermatologist recommended, fragrance-free.
Same brand, similar foam texture. Features snail mucin instead of milk protein for added skin repair benefits. Equally affordable.
Low pH formula (5.0-6.0) better for skin barrier. Contains tea tree oil and BHA. Gel texture instead of foam. More suitable for oily/combo skin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed to prevent drying.
Squeeze tube in milk carton design. Flip-top cap for easy dispensing.
Yes, 150g is over 100ml equivalent but acceptable in checked luggage. Consider travel-size decant for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically advised against during pregnancy. However, if you have concerns about the parabens or fragrance, consult with your healthcare provider.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains multiple fatty acids including Palmitic Acid (C16), Stearic Acid (C18), Myristic Acid (C14), and Lauric Acid (C12) that can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially trigger or worsen fungal acne. If you have fungal acne concerns, consider alternatives like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or COSRX Low pH Morning Cleanser.
Yes, as a rinse-off cleanser, it can be used in routines with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and acids. However, since this cleanser has a higher pH (~8-9), it's recommended to use a pH-balancing toner after cleansing before applying actives. This helps restore skin to its optimal pH for better active ingredient absorption.
This cleanser is best suited for normal to slightly dry skin types. It works well for those who enjoy a rich, creamy foam texture and don't have sensitivities to fragrance or sulfates. It's not ideal for very oily, acne-prone, or highly sensitive skin types due to its higher pH and potential to feel drying.
Immediate results include clean, refreshed skin after each use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you may notice softer, smoother skin texture from the milk protein conditioning. As a cleanser, it primarily provides cleansing benefits rather than treatment effects, so dramatic transformations shouldn't be expected.
Use as your second cleanser in a double cleanse routine (after oil cleanser) in the evening, or as your standalone morning cleanser. It should be the first or second step in your routine, followed by toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Always follow with a hydrating toner to help rebalance skin pH.
This cleanser has a comedogenic rating of approximately 3 out of 5, meaning it has moderate pore-clogging potential. It contains Lauric Acid (comedogenic rating 4) and Myristic Acid (rating 3). As a rinse-off product, the risk is lower than leave-on products, but those prone to clogged pores should proceed with caution and monitor their skin.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. This means it should be used within one year of opening for optimal freshness and effectiveness. Store in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed to maximize shelf life. The 150g tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use.
Verdict: Esfolio Milk Cleansing Foam is an adorable, budget-friendly K-beauty cleanser that delivers on its promise of gentle cleansing with milk protein benefits. The rich, creamy foam and cute packaging make it a delightful addition to any routine, especially for those with normal to dry skin seeking an affordable daily cleanser. However, its higher pH, fragrance content, and fatty acid ingredients make it unsuitable for those with fungal acne, very sensitive skin, or those preferring clean/minimal formulas. For the price point ($5-10), it offers solid value for the right skin type. Those with more demanding skin concerns may want to explore gentler alternatives like CeraVe or Cetaphil.
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 |
Palmitic Acid
Fragrance, Opacifying, Sufactant, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauric Acid
Fragrance, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|







