Oat In Gentle Exfoliating Face Cleanser
Oat In Gentle Exfoliating Face Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A creamy, fragrance-free 2-in-1 exfoliating cleanser and clay mask made with 9.2% Gunsan Oat Seed Water and fine oat particles that gently polish away dead skin cells while deeply hydrating and soothing even the most sensitive skin.
Dual-Size Oat Exfoliation
Fine and medium Korean oat particles gently roll over skin, lifting dead cells and clearing pore impurities without micro-tears or irritation.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual-Size Oat Exfoliation
Fine and medium Korean oat particles gently roll over skin, lifting dead cells and clearing pore impurities without micro-tears or irritation.
Gunsan Oat Seed Water (9.2%)
Sourced from resilient Korean oats that withstand harsh winters, this hydrating extract soothes inflammation and restores moisture balance.
Barrier-Strengthening Panthenol
High-concentration provitamin B5 converts to vitamin B5 on contact, improving water retention and reinforcing the skin's moisture barrier.
2-in-1 Cleanser + Clay Mask
Use daily as a quick exfoliating wash, or apply a thick layer for 10 minutes as a hydrating clay mask before rinsing for deeper care.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor with specific concerns.
Contains potential triggers including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sunflower Seed Oil, Corn Germ Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, and Glyceryl Stearate. Avoid if you are prone to malassezia folliculitis.
Proven non-comedogenic in clinical testing by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences. Comedogenic rating 1/5 based on overall ingredient profile.
Uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, and amino acid-based cleansers (Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate). No harsh SLS or SLES.
Contains oat powder and sweet almond seed meal. Exercise caution if you have known allergies to oats, almonds, or tree nuts. Patch test recommended.
Listed mid-way in the INCI, meaning it is present at a low concentration. Used as a solvent, not as a primary ingredient. Unlikely to cause drying at this level.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAvena Sativa (Oat) Seed Water 9.2%Proven
Extracted from Gunsan Korean oats that endure harsh winter conditions, this water is rich in moisturizing beta-glucans, soothing avenanthramides, and protective lipids that calm irritation and deliver deep hydration.
- Clinical: Colloidal oatmeal is an FDA-recognized active skin protectant with documented anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair benefits.
- Mechanism: Beta-glucan in oat forms a thin film on skin, providing moisture retention and reducing transepidermal water loss.
- Source: Gunsan region of South Korea, cold-extracted to preserve full bioactive profile.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour 2.1%Proven
Finely ground oat kernels in two particle sizes provide gentle physical exfoliation. The natural oat starches bind water while cellulose and fiber reduce inflammation, leaving skin softer and smoother.
- Clinical: 43.48% reduction in surface micro-exfoliation observed in Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences testing (32 adults, 2025).
- Benefit: Oat kernel flour contains avenacins with natural antifungal properties and saponins that assist in gentle cleansing.
Glycerin 1st listedProven
The primary ingredient in this formula, glycerin is one of the most effective humectants in skincare. It draws moisture from the environment into the skin, preventing the tight, stripped feeling common with exfoliating cleansers.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Safety: Naturally present in skin; extremely well-tolerated by all skin types including sensitive and eczema-prone.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate 2nd listedProven
An ultra-gentle coconut-derived surfactant known as "baby foam" in the cosmetics industry. Creates a satisfying lather without disrupting the skin barrier or stripping natural oils.
- Benefit: Leaves a soft, smooth after-feel on skin. Biodegradable and resistant to hard water.
- Safety: One of the mildest surfactants available; widely recommended for sensitive skin formulations.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5) High concentrationProven
Converts to vitamin B5 when absorbed into the skin. Strengthens the moisture barrier, improves water retention, and promotes skin regeneration. A key ingredient for maintaining hydration after exfoliation.
- Clinical: 12.93% reduction in transepidermal water loss demonstrated in clinical testing of this product.
- Mechanism: Penetrates the stratum corneum and binds water, providing both immediate and sustained hydration.
Kaolin (White Clay) SupportingProven
A naturally gentle white clay that gives this cleanser its unique clay-like texture. Absorbs excess oil and impurities from pores without over-drying, enabling the product's dual function as both a cleanser and a mask.
- Benefit: Draws out impurities while being mild enough for daily use on sensitive skin.
- Clinical: 99.46% improvement in cleansing pore impurities and 91.47% sunscreen removal rate in product testing.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer TracePromising
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that creates a moisture-retaining film on the skin's surface. Unlike standard HA, the crosspolymer provides longer-lasting hydration and smoother skin feel even in a rinse-off product.
- Advantage: More resistant to being rinsed away compared to regular sodium hyaluronate, so benefits persist after cleansing.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice) TraceProven
The anti-inflammatory salt derived from licorice root. Soothes redness and irritation, regulates sebum production, and offers mild brightening benefits by inhibiting melanin production.
- Research: Glycyrrhizin has documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and sebum-regulating properties.
- Benefit: Helps calm any potential irritation from the physical exfoliation, making the formula well-balanced.
50 ingredients
Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Seed Water (92,000 ppm), Water, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour (21,000 ppm), Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Kaolin, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Hectorite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol Denat., Cellulose, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (22 ppm), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Squalane, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Avena Sativa (Oat) Peptide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium DNA, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Surfactin, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Lecithin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your second cleanse in a double-cleansing routine (AM & PM). Can replace your regular water-based cleanser. For the mask function, apply before toner on clean, dry skin and leave for 10 minutes before adding water and rinsing.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Start with damp skin. If double cleansing, use your oil cleanser first to remove makeup and sunscreen, then proceed.
Apply & Lather
Squeeze a small amount (about a coin size) onto wet hands. Gently foam the product and apply to your face in circular motions.
Massage Gently
Let the fine oat particles do the work — massage lightly for 30–60 seconds, focusing on areas with texture, flakiness, or clogged pores. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all particles are removed. Pat dry gently with a soft towel and continue with your toner and skincare routine.
Mask Mode (Optional)
For extra care, apply a thick layer onto dry skin and leave on for 10 minutes as a hydrating clay mask. Then add lukewarm water, massage to exfoliate, and rinse off.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive skin and want a gentle daily exfoliant
- Your skin looks dull, flaky, or has rough uneven texture
- You want a cleanser that hydrates instead of stripping
- You prefer physical exfoliation over chemical acids
- You love multi-functional products (cleanser + mask)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe exfoliating cleanser
- You want a vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — contains potential triggers
- You prefer chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) over physical scrubs
- You have a severe oat or almond/tree nut allergy
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (use an oil cleanser first)
- You want a very foamy, sudsy cleansing experience
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSpecifically formulated for sensitive skin. Gentle oat particles, soothing panthenol, and amino acid-based surfactants cleanse without irritation. Clinically tested hypoallergenic.
Glycerin-first formula with oat seed water and panthenol ensures skin stays hydrated after cleansing. Reduced transepidermal water loss by 12.93% in clinical testing. Never leaves skin tight or dry.
Kaolin clay helps absorb excess oil in the T-zone while oat water hydrates drier cheeks. Use the mask mode weekly for better pore cleansing on oilier areas.
The kaolin clay and exfoliating particles clear pore impurities effectively. However, the rich, hydrating formula may feel slightly heavy for very oily skin. Best used in the PM routine.
Non-comedogenic and clinically tested. Helps clear dead skin buildup that contributes to breakouts. However, not suitable for fungal acne due to potential malassezia triggers in the formula.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Immediate Smoothness & Hydration
Skin feels noticeably smoother and more hydrated right after the first use. The fine oat particles buff away surface flakiness, leaving a refreshed, brightened complexion without any tightness.
90% noticedImproved Skin Texture
With regular daily use, rough patches and uneven texture visibly improve. Skin appears brighter and more even-toned as dead skin cell buildup is consistently removed.
75% noticedStrengthened Moisture Barrier
Panthenol and oat seed water work cumulatively to strengthen the skin barrier. Skin retains moisture better, feels less reactive, and shows reduced redness and sensitivity.
65% noticedClearer, Calmer Complexion
Continued use reveals fewer clogged pores, reduced flakiness, and an overall more balanced, calm complexion. Sunscreen and product residue is effectively cleared daily, preventing buildup-related breakouts.
60% noticedRatings by platform
625+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredibly gentle exfoliation that doesn't irritate sensitive skin
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth, never tight or stripped
- Versatile 2-in-1 formula works as daily cleanser and weekly mask
- Fragrance-free and vegan — suitable for minimalist routines
- Clinically backed results: 99.46% pore impurity cleansing, 91.47% sunscreen removal
- Glycerin-first formula provides exceptional post-cleanse hydration
- Eco-friendly recycled plastic packaging from PURITO Seoul
- Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding users
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe due to several potential malassezia triggers
- Physical exfoliation may cause redness for extremely reactive skin if overused
- 150ml tube may run out quickly with daily use
- Contains Alcohol Denat. (though at low concentration)
- Not suitable for those with oat or almond allergies
- Cannot fully remove heavy or waterproof makeup alone — needs an oil cleanser first
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESA gentle, low-pH gel cleanser with BHA (betaine salicylate) for mild chemical exfoliation instead of physical. No oat or clay ingredients. Better for fungal acne-prone skin but less hydrating and no mask function.
A gentle amino acid-based foaming cleanser at pH 5.5. Hydrating but no physical exfoliation or mask function. Better for those who prefer a pure foam cleanser without scrub particles. Fragrance-free option available.
A low-pH foaming cleanser with deep sea water minerals. Gentle and hydrating but offers no exfoliation. Better for those who want a basic daily cleanser without any scrub element. Fragrance-free.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEHeimish All Clean Gentle Exfoliating Gel Cleanser
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place. Recommended temperature: 5–35°C. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Squeeze tube made from eco-friendly recycled plastic. Separate the cap from the tube for recycling.
Yes — 150ml is above the 100ml carry-on limit, but the tube can be decanted. Check airline rules for checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleanser is free from retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreen filters — the primary ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. All surfactants and active ingredients are gentle and pregnancy-compatible. However, as with any skincare product, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.
No. This product contains several potential malassezia triggers including Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Lactobacillus Ferment, and Squalane (source unconfirmed). If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives like the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser or the Malezia Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser instead.
Yes, but with some consideration. Since this is a physical exfoliant, using it alongside strong chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA) in the same routine may cause over-exfoliation and irritation. If you use retinol or chemical exfoliants at night, consider using this cleanser in the morning only, or alternate days. Vitamin C is generally fine to use after this cleanser. If your skin is sensitive, start by using this cleanser every other day and build up frequency gradually.
This cleanser was specifically designed for sensitive and dry skin types. It excels at hydrating while exfoliating, making it ideal for anyone with flakiness, rough texture, or dehydrated skin. It also works well for combination and normal skin. Oily skin types can benefit from the kaolin clay, especially when used as a mask. It is clinically tested non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin (except fungal acne).
Many users notice smoother, more hydrated skin from the very first use. Within 1–2 weeks of daily use, you should see visible improvement in skin texture and brightness. Barrier-strengthening benefits from panthenol and oat seed water accumulate over 3–4 weeks. For best results on texture concerns, consistent daily use for at least one full skin cycle (28 days) is recommended.
Use this as your second cleanser (water-based cleanser step) in a double-cleansing routine. If you only single-cleanse, use it as your primary cleanser on damp skin. Apply after your oil cleanser and before toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. It can be used both morning and evening. For the mask function, apply to clean, dry skin before your toner step.
No. This product has been clinically tested and confirmed non-comedogenic by the Korea Institute of Dermatological Sciences (2025 study, 32 adults). The overall comedogenic rating is 1/5, meaning it has a very low risk of clogging pores. In fact, clinical testing showed a 99.46% improvement in cleansing pore impurities, so it actively helps keep pores clear.
The recommended Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place between 5–35°C and keep the cap tightly closed between uses. With daily use (about a coin-sized amount per wash), the 150ml tube typically lasts 2–3 months.
Verdict: The PURITO Oat In Gentle Exfoliating Face Cleanser is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a gentle, hydrating exfoliating cleanser — especially those with sensitive or dry skin. The glycerin-first formula combined with 9.2% Gunsan Oat Seed Water sets a new standard for cleansers that exfoliate without stripping. Clinical testing backs up the claims with impressive numbers on pore cleansing and barrier protection. The 2-in-1 mask function adds genuine versatility. The only notable drawbacks are its incompatibility with fungal acne-prone skin and the allergen risk for those sensitive to oats or almonds. For everyone else, this is one of the most thoughtfully formulated exfoliating cleansers in the K-beauty space.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
Abrasive
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
|
|






