Mugwort Calming Cleanser
Mugwort Calming Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH-balanced foam cleanser enriched with 10,045ppm of Mugwort Extract and 4-CICA complex to soothe irritated skin while effectively removing impurities. Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone, and troubled skin seeking a calming yet thorough cleanse.
Mugwort Power
10,045ppm of Sea Breeze Artemisia from Geomundo Island soothes inflammation and calms redness.
Texture & feel
SENSORYMugwort Power
10,045ppm of Sea Breeze Artemisia from Geomundo Island soothes inflammation and calms redness.
4-CICA Complex
Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid strengthen and repair the skin barrier.
Amino Acid Surfactants
Gentle cleansing agents (Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate) that won't strip natural oils or disrupt moisture balance.
Dense Foam Technology
Creates a rich, cushiony lather that effectively removes impurities while being incredibly gentle on skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from ferments, fatty acids, esters, and polysorbates that can feed malassezia yeast.
Completed skin irritation test confirming suitability for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Contains minimal Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil for preservation. Patch test if extremely sensitive to essential oils.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSArtemisia Vulgaris Extract 10,045ppmProven
Mugwort extract sourced from Geomundo Island, Korea. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and beta-carotene. Provides powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.
- Study: Research shows Artemisia princeps upregulates skin barrier proteins filaggrin and loricrin
- Benefit: Reduces inflammation in contact dermatitis and atopic skin conditions
- Traditional Use: Used for centuries in Korean medicine for wound healing and skin soothing
4-CICA Complex Multi-ActiveProven
A powerful blend of four Centella Asiatica-derived actives: Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, and Madecassic Acid for comprehensive skin barrier repair.
- Madecassoside: Reduces inflammation, redness, and helps heal acne scars
- Asiaticoside: Stimulates collagen synthesis and wound healing
- Asiatic Acid: Potent antioxidant that protects against environmental damage
- Madecassic Acid: Strengthens skin barrier and reduces sensitivity
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) HydratingProven
Powerful humectant that attracts and binds water to the skin. Promotes wound healing and enhances skin barrier function.
- Hydration: Penetrates deep into skin layers to provide lasting moisture
- Healing: Promotes fibroblast proliferation for faster skin repair
- Soothing: Calms irritation and reduces transepidermal water loss
Amino Acid Surfactants Cleansing BaseGentle
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate provide effective cleansing without disrupting skin's natural pH or stripping moisture.
- pH-Balanced: Maintains skin's slightly acidic mantle (pH 5.0-6.0)
- Non-Stripping: Removes impurities while preserving natural oils
- Gentle: Suitable for twice-daily use on sensitive skin
27 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Betaine, Betaine, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract (10,045ppm), Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract (800ppm), Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Panthenol, Allantoin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Malt Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Sodium Chloride, Aspartic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyquaternium-67, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second cleanser in a double-cleanse routine, or as your only cleanser in the morning. Pairs perfectly with Round Lab Mugwort Calming Toner.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Start with damp skin. If wearing makeup or sunscreen, use an oil cleanser first.
Create Rich Foam
Dispense a pea-sized amount onto wet palms and lather into a dense, cushiony foam.
Massage Gently
Apply foam to face in circular motions for 30-60 seconds, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until completely clean. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You struggle with redness, rosacea, or inflammation
- You want a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip your skin
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe products
- You have fungal acne and need malassezia-safe options
- You prefer fragrance-free, clean formulas
- You want Korean skincare with proven soothing ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use oil cleanser first)
- You prefer a squeaky-clean feel after washing
- You have very oily skin and want deep pore cleansing
- You're sensitive to Asteraceae/Compositae family plants
- You dislike any herbal scent (has very mild natural smell)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive skin. Passed dermatological irritation tests. Mugwort and CICA actively calm and soothe reactive skin.
Amino acid surfactants and glycerin preserve moisture. Leaves skin feeling hydrated, not tight or stripped.
Balances cleansing power with hydration. Effectively cleans T-zone without over-drying cheeks.
Provides gentle cleanse but may not feel "deep clean" enough for very oily skin. Consider for PM double cleanse routine.
Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe formula. Anti-inflammatory ingredients help calm active breakouts and reduce redness.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean, soft, and calmed immediately after first use. No tightness or dryness.
95% noticed soothing effectReduced Irritation
Noticeable reduction in redness and skin sensitivity. Active breakouts begin to calm down.
80% reported less rednessBalanced Skin
Skin barrier feels stronger. Less reactive to environmental stressors. Improved overall skin texture.
75% noted improved barrierLong-term Clarity
Consistently calmer, clearer complexion. Many users report this becoming their "holy grail" cleanser.
85% repurchasedRatings by platform
950+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle on sensitive and irritated skin
- Doesn't strip moisture or leave skin tight
- Calms redness and inflammation effectively
- Creates nice, dense foam from small amount
- Fragrance-free with only mild herbal scent
- Fungal acne and pregnancy safe
- Affordable for K-beauty quality
- Excellent for rosacea and eczema-prone skin
Criticized
- May not feel deep-cleaning enough for oily skin
- Doesn't remove heavy makeup alone
- Foam can dissipate quickly
- Some wish for larger tube size
- Contains sage oil (concern for some)
- Not widely available in physical stores
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSimilar CICA-focused formula with Centella extract. Slightly stronger cleansing but less mugwort soothing benefits. Good alternative for acne-prone skin.
Uses matcha instead of mugwort for antioxidants. Similarly gentle amino acid surfactants. Good for those who prefer green tea over artemisia.
Tea tree based gel cleanser with BHA. More suited for oily/acne skin. Less soothing but better pore-cleansing. Contains fragrance.
Same brand, different hero ingredient (birch sap). More hydrating focus, contains essential oils. Better for dry skin needing extra moisture.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap for hygienic dispensing
Yes, 150ml is over carry-on limit - decant for flights or check bag
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! This cleanser is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, or chemical sunscreens. The formula uses gentle, pregnancy-safe ingredients like mugwort extract, CICA complex, and amino acid surfactants. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes! This cleanser is fungal acne safe. It does not contain fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or other ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Multiple ingredient analysis sites confirm its FA-safe status, making it an excellent choice for those dealing with fungal acne.
Yes! This gentle cleanser works well with active ingredients. Its soothing mugwort and CICA complex can actually help buffer potential irritation from retinoids or acids. Use the cleanser to wash off any actives in the morning, and it won't interfere with their efficacy when used in your PM routine.
This cleanser excels for sensitive, dry, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's particularly ideal for those with rosacea, eczema-prone skin, or anyone experiencing redness and irritation. Oily skin types may find it gentler than preferred but can still benefit from its soothing properties.
You'll notice immediate soothing effects from the first use - skin feels calm, clean, and comfortable. Reduced redness and irritation typically appears within 1-2 weeks of consistent use. Significant skin barrier improvement and long-term calming benefits develop over 3-4 weeks. Many users report it becoming their "holy grail" after 1-2 months.
Use this as your second cleanser in a double-cleanse routine (after an oil cleanser to remove makeup/sunscreen), or as your only cleanser in the morning. Apply to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM).
No, this cleanser has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 out of 5, meaning it's non-comedogenic and highly unlikely to clog pores. It's free from heavy oils, silicones, and pore-clogging ingredients. The formula is specifically designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 150ml tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, as a little product creates plenty of foam.
Verdict: The Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cleanser is an exceptional choice for anyone with sensitive, irritated, or troubled skin. Its gentle amino acid surfactants, high concentration of soothing mugwort extract (10,045ppm), and powerful 4-CICA complex deliver a cleanser that truly lives up to its calming claims. While it may not satisfy those seeking a deep, squeaky-clean feel, it excels at what it promises: thoroughly cleansing without stripping, while actively soothing inflammation and redness. The fungal acne safe and pregnancy safe formula makes it accessible to nearly everyone. At around $16 for 150ml, it offers excellent value for K-beauty quality. A deserving "holy grail" for sensitive skin types.
Browse related
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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|








