Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil-Wash
Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil-Wash
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight, watery-oil cleanser formulated with Heartleaf extract and 6 plant-based oils that gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while soothing sensitive skin. Features PHA (Gluconolactone) for mild exfoliation and Chestnut Shell extract for pore purification—all with a refreshing, non-greasy finish.
Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Extract
Korean skincare superstar with powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties—perfect for calming sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYHeartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata) Extract
Korean skincare superstar with powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties—perfect for calming sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Gluconolactone (PHA)
A gentle polyhydroxy acid that provides mild exfoliation, helps unclog pores, and removes dead skin cells without irritation—ideal for sensitive skin.
6 Plant-Based Oils
Nourishing blend of Jojoba, Sunflower, Macadamia, Rice Bran, Avocado, and Camellia oils that dissolve makeup while hydrating and protecting skin.
Chestnut Shell Extract
Natural astringent that helps purify and tighten pores, working alongside Lavender extract to clarify and refresh the skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing.
Contains fatty acids and oils that feed malassezia: Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate. Avoid if you have fungal acne.
Includes Rosemary, Lavender, Patchouli, Clary Sage, and Chamomile oils. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
Clinically tested for sensitive skin. Completed skin irritation tests confirming gentle formula suitable for daily use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHouttuynia Cordata (Heartleaf) ExtractStar Ingredient
A powerhouse Korean skincare ingredient packed with flavonoids (Quercetin, Quercitrin, Hyperoside, Rutin) that deliver anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. Sourced from Jirisan Mountain in Korea.
- Research: Studies show strong anti-allergic effects beneficial for eczema and atopic dermatitis
- Function: Soothes irritation, fights acne-causing bacteria, reduces redness
- Benefit: Calms sensitive skin after cleansing without stripping moisture
Gluconolactone (PHA) Low %Proven
A gentle polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates without the irritation of traditional AHAs. Provides mild keratin care while attracting moisture to the skin.
- Mechanism: Larger molecular size = gentler exfoliation than glycolic or lactic acid
- Benefits: Removes dead skin cells, smooths texture, stimulates natural hyaluronic acid production
- Research: Shown to help with acne and clogged pores with consistent use over 12+ weeks
Sunflower & Jojoba Seed OilsNourishing
Two of the six plant-based oils that form the cleansing base. Sunflower oil is rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E, while Jojoba mimics skin's natural sebum.
- Sunflower Oil: High in ceramide-supporting fatty acids, helps repair skin barrier
- Jojoba Oil: Unique wax ester that forms protective, non-greasy moisturizing layer
- Function: Dissolve oil-based impurities (makeup, sunscreen, sebum) while hydrating
Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell ExtractPore Care
Natural astringent derived from chestnut shells that helps purify and clarify pores, working synergistically with Lavender extract.
- Function: Helps tighten and minimize appearance of pores
- Benefit: Clarifies skin and removes pore impurities
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Antioxidant
A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage and helps preserve the formula's effectiveness.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals, supports skin repair
- Stability: Also acts as a natural preservative for the plant oils in the formula
27 ingredients
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Polyisobutene, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Gluconolactone, Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step of double cleansing in your PM routine. Can also be used as a gentle morning cleanser for those who prefer oil-based cleansing.
How to use
HOW TO USEApply to Dry Skin
Pump 2-3 pumps of cleansing oil onto dry hands. Apply to dry face—do not wet your skin first for best results.
Massage Gently
Gently massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes, focusing on areas with makeup, sunscreen, or visible sebum (nose, forehead, chin). Roll thoroughly over blackhead-prone areas.
Emulsify with Water
Add a small amount of water to your face and continue massaging until the oil transforms into a milky white emulsion. This step is crucial for effective cleansing.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Follow with your water-based cleanser for complete double cleansing, especially if wearing heavy makeup.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to harsh cleansers
- You want a lightweight, non-greasy cleansing oil
- You struggle with redness and irritation
- You need to remove makeup and sunscreen effectively
- You prefer plant-based, K-beauty formulas
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe cleansing
- You want gentle daily pore care without harsh actives
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia)—contains feeding ingredients
- You're sensitive to essential oils or fragrances
- You need intensive exfoliation (PHA concentration is low)
- You prefer completely fragrance-free products
- You want a BHA/salicylic acid cleansing oil for deeper pore cleansing
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight watery texture won't add extra greasiness. Effectively dissolves excess sebum and emulsifies cleanly without residue.
6 nourishing plant oils provide hydration during cleansing. Non-stripping formula, but may need richer moisturizer afterward.
Balances well across different face zones. Controls T-zone oil while not over-drying cheeks. Ideal for combo skin types.
Hypoallergenic tested with soothing Heartleaf. However, contains essential oils—patch test first if very reactive.
Good for regular acne (antibacterial Heartleaf helps), but NOT for fungal acne. Contains some comedogenic ingredients (rating 2/5).
Results timeline
4-8 WEEKSClean, Refreshed Skin
Makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities effectively dissolved. Skin feels soft, clean, and not stripped or tight.
99% felt immediate cleansing satisfactionVisible Pore Improvement
Clinical testing showed immediate improvements in blackheads, pore impurities, and overall pore appearance after single use.
24.81% improvement in blackheadsReduced Redness & Irritation
Heartleaf's anti-inflammatory benefits become noticeable. Skin appears calmer with less reactive redness.
Most users report calmer skinImproved Skin Texture
Consistent use of gentle PHA exfoliation smooths skin texture. Pores appear minimized and skin looks clearer.
33.01% improvement in skin pores (clinical)Ratings by platform
200+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Lightweight, watery texture—doesn't feel heavy or greasy
- Emulsifies quickly and rinses clean without residue
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin (hypoallergenic tested)
- Effectively removes makeup and sunscreen
- Heartleaf soothes irritation and calms redness
- Doesn't strip skin or leave it feeling tight
- Convenient pump bottle dispenser
- Clinical backing for pore improvement claims
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe—avoid if you have malassezia
- Essential oil scent (rosemary) can be strong for some
- PHA concentration too low for intensive exfoliation
- May not deeply clean stubborn blackheads
- Contains multiple essential oils (potential irritants)
- Price per ml higher than some competitors
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESMost similar ingredient profile with gentle, lightweight formula. Also features soothing plant extracts but without as many essential oils.
Also features Heartleaf extract with similar pore-care focus. More viral/popular, contains Jojoba and Grapeseed oils. Non-comedogenic tested.
Different hero ingredient (Pine) but similar gentle, soothing concept. Great for sensitive skin. Thicker texture than Abib.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAbib Heartleaf Oil-Wash
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration needed.
Plastic pump bottle with secure twist-lock cap to prevent spillage during travel
No—exceeds 100ml TSA limit. Transfer to smaller container for carry-on or pack in checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleansing oil is pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens—the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle plant-based oils and PHA (Gluconolactone), which is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, if you have specific concerns, always consult with your healthcare provider.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains multiple ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast: Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate, and other fatty acid-rich oils. If you have fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), we recommend looking for a dedicated fungal-acne-safe cleansing oil like Malezia Cleansing Balm or using MCT oil-based cleansers instead.
Yes, you can safely use this cleansing oil with other actives like retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA. Since the cleansing oil is rinsed off and used as the first step in your routine, it won't interact negatively with leave-on treatments applied afterward. In fact, the gentle PHA in this formula is compatible with other exfoliating acids. Just ensure you follow with your water-based cleanser before applying treatment products.
This cleansing oil works best for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types. Its lightweight, watery texture makes it ideal for those who find traditional oil cleansers too heavy. The soothing Heartleaf extract benefits reactive, easily-irritated skin. It's also suitable for dry skin due to the nourishing plant oils. However, it's NOT recommended for those with fungal acne or those highly sensitive to essential oils/fragrance.
You'll notice immediate results—clean, soft skin without tightness after your first use. Clinical testing showed 24.81% improvement in blackheads and 33.01% improvement in pores immediately after use. For longer-term benefits like reduced redness and improved texture from the Heartleaf and PHA, expect to see noticeable improvements within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use.
Use this as the FIRST step in your PM skincare routine—before your water-based cleanser (double cleansing method). Apply to dry skin to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Then add water to emulsify, rinse, and follow with your foam or gel cleanser. Some users also use it as a gentle morning cleanser, but it's primarily designed for evening use to remove the day's buildup.
This product has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2/5 (low to moderate). While it contains some potentially comedogenic ingredients like Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Isopropyl Palmitate, the product is designed to be rinsed off rather than left on skin. The hypoallergenic testing suggests it's generally well-tolerated. However, if you're highly acne-prone, monitor your skin during the first few weeks of use. The product is non-comedogenic tested according to the brand.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results and safety. The product contains Tocopherol (Vitamin E) which helps preserve the formula. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain effectiveness. The 200ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with daily use (2-3 pumps per application).
Verdict: The Abib Pore Cleansing Oil Heartleaf Oil-Wash is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, gentle cleansing oil with Korean skincare innovation. The star-powered Heartleaf extract provides genuine soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, while the 6 plant-based oils effectively dissolve makeup and sebum without stripping the skin. Clinical testing backs up the pore-improvement claims. However, it's not for everyone—those with fungal acne should absolutely avoid it, and the essential oil blend may irritate fragrance-sensitive skin. If you want a gentle, hypoallergenic first cleanser that leaves skin calm and refreshed, this is a solid K-beauty pick. For deeper pore cleansing, consider pairing with a BHA product in your routine.
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 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
|
|






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