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Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA]

Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA]

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA] is a gentle, 2-in-1 Korean oil cleanser that melts away makeup, sunscreen, and sebum while mildly exfoliating with polyhydroxy acid (Gluconolactone). Formulated with soothing plant oils, squalane, and tea tree, it's designed to refine pores, soften blackheads, and leave sensitive skin feeling clean — never stripped.

PHA Gluconolactone Sensitive Skin Friendly Cruelty-Free Paraben-Free Dermatologist-Tested Double-Cleanse Step 1 300ml XL Size
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
3/5
Brand
Hanskin
Size
300ml / 10.14 oz
Type
Cleansing Oil
Key Active
PHA (Gluconolactone)
Target
Pores & Blackheads
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Deep Pore Cleansing

Dissolves sebum, SPF, and makeup trapped inside pores thanks to oil-to-oil affinity.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight oil
Scent
Light citrus-herbal
Absorption
Emulsifies in seconds
Finish
Clean, non-greasy

Deep Pore Cleansing

Dissolves sebum, SPF, and makeup trapped inside pores thanks to oil-to-oil affinity.

Gentle PHA Exfoliation

Gluconolactone softens dead cells and smooths texture without AHA/BHA irritation.

Blackhead Softening

A 30-60 second massage helps loosen sebum plugs on the nose and chin.

Rinses Clean

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate emulsifies into a milky wash — no greasy film.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains lavender, rosemary, and tea tree essential oils. Many OBs suggest caution with essential oils during pregnancy — consult your doctor.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal-acne safe — contains soybean oil, sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil that can feed Malassezia yeast.

Retinol Compatible

Safe to use in the same routine — cleansers rinse off. PHA is the gentlest acid and pairs well with retinol nights.

Vitamin C Compatible

No conflict. PHA is acid-buffered and mild, so morning Vitamin C serum works fine after cleansing.

Essential Oils Present

Contains citrus, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils. Patch test if you have very reactive skin.

Cruelty-Free

Hanskin does not test on animals. Product is also free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and artificial dye.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil ~40-50%Proven

The primary cleansing base. A lightweight plant oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E that dissolves sebum, SPF, and makeup without stripping.

  • Function: Emollient, oil-phase solvent for makeup and sunscreen removal
  • Benefit: Linoleic acid content supports a healthy skin barrier

Ethylhexyl Palmitate ~10-15%Proven

A lightweight ester that gives the oil its silky, fast-spreading feel. Helps dissolve waterproof makeup and leaves no greasy residue.

  • Function: Emollient, texture enhancer, solvent
  • Source: Derived from palm and coconut fatty acids
Rated mildly comedogenic (2-3) in high concentrations, but in a rinse-off cleanser the risk is low.

Triethylhexanoin ~8-10%Proven

A non-sticky, non-greasy emollient ester that improves slip and skin feel. Helps carry oil-soluble actives across the skin.

  • Function: Emollient, skin-conditioning agent
  • Benefit: Adds silky glide without occlusive heaviness

PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate ~6-8%Proven

The emulsifier that lets the oil transform into a milky wash when water is added. Crucial for clean rinse-off without an oily film.

  • Function: Non-ionic surfactant, water-dispersible emulsifier
  • Benefit: Creates a microemulsion that rinses cleanly with lukewarm water

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil ~5-8%Proven

A linoleic-acid-rich oil that supports the skin barrier and has a low comedogenic score. Adds antioxidant vitamin E and smoothness.

  • Comedogenic rating: 0 — considered non-pore-clogging
  • Benefit: Supports ceramide production in the stratum corneum

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ~4-6%Proven

A lightweight coconut-derived emollient that boosts the oil's cleansing power and leaves skin soft rather than tight.

  • Function: Emollient, solvent, skin-conditioning agent
  • Benefit: Fast-absorbing and stable against oxidation

Gluconolactone (PHA) 10 ppmPromising

The star polyhydroxy acid. Too gentle to sting, Gluconolactone helps loosen dead skin cells, refines texture, and attracts water to the surface. At 10 ppm it acts as a mild smoother rather than a true exfoliant.

  • Mechanism: A larger molecule than AHA/BHA — penetrates slowly and gently
  • Benefit: Humectant, antioxidant, and photoprotective (PubMed-documented)
  • Safety: Considered the most sensitive-skin-friendly chemical exfoliant
At 10 ppm (0.001%), the PHA here is a gentle smoother — don't expect dramatic exfoliation like a leave-on PHA toner.

Squalane ~1-2%Proven

A biomimetic moisturizer that mirrors skin's own sebum structure. Keeps the cleanser feeling cushiony and helps prevent post-wash tightness.

  • Function: Emollient, barrier support, antioxidant
  • Comedogenic rating: 0-1 — very low risk of clogging

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil ~1%Proven

Technically a wax ester, jojoba closely mimics human sebum. It helps dissolve clogged pore contents while leaving a soft, hydrated finish.

  • Benefit: Forms a thin, non-greasy semi-occlusive film that softens blackheads
  • Comedogenic rating: 2 — moderate, but in rinse-off form risk is minimal

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil <0.5%Proven

A naturally antibacterial essential oil added to support blemish-prone skin. Contributes to the product's herbal scent profile.

  • Benefit: Antimicrobial activity against P. acnes bacteria (clinical studies)
Essential oil — can trigger sensitivity in reactive skin. Patch test if you are prone to reactions.

Botanical Extract Complex <1%Promising

A finishing blend of green tea, camellia japonica, lotus, and rhus semialata gall extracts. These contribute antioxidant and soothing support to a cleanser that would otherwise just strip.

  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf: EGCG polyphenols with antioxidant action
  • Allantoin: Helps calm irritation and supports barrier healing

33 ingredients

Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Triethylhexanoin, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Water, Canarium Luzonicum Gum Nonvolatiles, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Gluconolactone (10ppm), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Squalane, Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Oxygen, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Pentylene Glycol.

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Mineral Oil, Silicones, Synthetic Dyes, Added Fragrance/Parfum, Phthalates, Alcohol Denat., Triclosan, Formaldehyde Releasers.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Oil Cleanser
2
Foam Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen

Use as thefirst step of a double-cleanse in the PM to remove SPF, makeup, and sebum. Always follow with a water-based cleanser.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Apply to dry skin

Dispense 1-2 pumps onto completely dry hands and spread over a dry face. Water at this stage reduces the cleansing power.

2

Massage 30-60 seconds

Work in gentle circular motions, focusing on the nose, chin, and hairline where blackheads and SPF tend to build up.

3

Emulsify with water

Add a splash of lukewarm water and continue massaging. The oil will turn milky-white as it binds to water.

4

Rinse thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until no slippery residue remains. Follow with a gentle low-pH foam or gel cleanser.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You wear daily SPF or makeup and need a proper first cleanse
  • You have blackheads or congested pores on the nose and chin
  • Your skin is sensitive and reacts badly to AHA/BHA cleansers
  • You want a gentle chemical exfoliant that won't disrupt the barrier
  • You are new to oil cleansing and want something easy to rinse

Consider alternatives if:

  • You struggle with fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis
  • You are allergic or reactive to essential oils (lavender, tea tree, citrus)
  • You want heavy-duty removal of waterproof mascara in one pass
  • You prefer a completely fragrance-free formula
  • You need strong active exfoliation — PHA here is only 10 ppm
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight texture emulsifies cleanly and dissolves excess sebum without stripping or triggering rebound oil production.

Dry Skin
Good

Works well with light use. Very dry skin may feel slightly tight — reduce to 1 pump and follow with a hydrating toner.

Combination
Excellent

The sweet spot for this formula — deep-cleans the T-zone while being gentle on drier cheeks. Most-loved skin type.

Sensitive
Good

PHA is the gentlest acid, but the essential oil blend can irritate very reactive skin. Patch test before full-face use.

Acne-Prone
Good

Tea tree oil and PHA help with clogged pores and mild breakouts. Note: not fungal-acne safe due to fatty-acid-rich oils.

Mature Skin
Excellent

Non-stripping, squalane-rich, and loaded with antioxidants. Leaves mature skin feeling cushioned rather than tight.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
After 1st Use

Clean, Soft, Non-Stripped Skin

Makeup and SPF dissolve and rinse away. Skin feels soft and cushioned — not tight like a typical foam cleanser.

92% noticed
Week 1

Smoother Texture

Nose feels less bumpy. Makeup sits better on skin as surface dead cells are gently lifted by the PHA.

68% noticed
Weeks 2-4

Softened Blackheads & Refined Pores

Blackheads appear less prominent and easier to keep at bay. Pores look tighter after cleansing.

54% noticed
8+ Weeks

Clearer, Brighter Overall Complexion

Consistent use gradually improves dullness and overall skin clarity thanks to daily micro-exfoliation.

41% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

12K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.3
Rating
7,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not strong enough to remove heavy waterproof mascara in one pass
iHerb
4.4
Rating
2,400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Citrus-herbal scent may bother fragrance-sensitive users
YesStyle
4.5
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Bulky 300ml pump bottle is not travel-friendly
Soko Glam
4.6
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: May feel slightly tight on very dry skin if used daily
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle PHA exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin types
  • Emulsifies cleanly — no greasy post-cleanse film
  • Generous 300ml XL size lasts 3+ months of daily use
  • Effective for softening blackheads on the nose and chin
  • Non-stripping — skin feels soft, not squeaky-tight
  • Pump dispenser is hygienic and has a lock
  • Paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free formulation

Criticized

  • Contains multiple essential oils (lavender, tea tree, citrus)
  • Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe — contains fatty oils
  • PHA concentration is very low (10 ppm) — minor smoother, not real exfoliant
  • Weaker on heavy waterproof mascara than balm cleansers
  • Citrus-herbal scent may bother fragrance-sensitive users
  • Bulky bottle is not travel-friendly
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
88% Match
Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
$22.00
Closest Dupe

Very similar purpose — pore-focused K-beauty oil cleanser for sensitive skin. Anua uses heartleaf (houttuynia cordata) extract instead of PHA for soothing. Slightly better at makeup removal; no PHA benefit.

75% Match
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
$18.00
Budget Pick

Lighter, centella-based formula for extra sensitive skin. No PHA and a shorter 200ml size, but cheaper and fragrance-lighter. Great if the Hanskin essential oil blend irritates you.

72% Match
Oat Cleansing Balm
$12.99
Budget Pick

A solid-to-oil balm rather than a pump oil. Excellent makeup remover with colloidal oatmeal for sensitive skin, but no PHA exfoliation and different application ritual.

68% Match
Bean Cleansing Oil
$25.00
Similar Price

Fermented bean oil with a cult following. Silkier texture and no essential oils, making it better for very sensitive skin. No PHA component for chemical smoothing.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Cleansing Oil
Key Active Heartleaf Extract
Size 200ml
Best For Sensitive, irritated skin
Essential Oils None
Fungal-Acne Safe No
Price per ml ~$0.11
Deep Cleansing Oil
Key Active Olive Oil + Vitamin E
Size 200ml
Best For Heavy makeup removal
Essential Oils None
Fungal-Acne Safe No
Price per ml ~$0.15
Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Key Active Acerola Fruit Water
Size 100ml balm
Best For Heavy makeup & SPF
Essential Oils Yes (fragrance)
Fungal-Acne Safe No
Price per ml ~$0.25
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Unopened shelf life is 24-30 months from manufacture date printed on the bottle.

Storage

Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the pump locked when not in use to prevent oxidation.

Packaging

300ml yellow recyclable plastic pump bottle with a lockable dispenser — hygienic and leak-resistant.

Travel Friendly

Not ideal — 300ml exceeds the TSA 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller travel bottle for flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Caution. The formula doesn't contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — all of which are the main pregnancy red flags. However, it does contain several essential oils (lavender, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus) and many OB-GYNs recommend avoiding essential-oil-heavy topicals during pregnancy. As a rinse-off product the systemic exposure is low, but we recommend consulting your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

No, this product is not fungal-acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including soybean oil, sunflower oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, and tocopheryl linoleate. If you have confirmed fungal folliculitis, look for oil cleansers built on MCT (caprylic/capric triglyceride) or squalane alone — or use a non-oil cleanser.

Yes — because it's a rinse-off cleanser, it pairs safely with virtually any active. The PHA in this product sits at only 10 ppm (well below irritation threshold), so even sensitive skin can use it alongside retinol nights or AHA/BHA toners. For vitamin C, simply cleanse, dry your skin, and apply your serum as normal.

It's best suited to combination, oily, and mature skin that deals with blackheads, dullness, or clogged pores but doesn't tolerate strong AHA/BHA cleansers. Normal and mildly sensitive skin also do well with it. It's less ideal for very dry skin, highly reactive skin, or anyone dealing with fungal acne.

Immediately — you'll see makeup, SPF, and the day's grime rinse away after your first use, and skin will feel soft rather than tight. Visible smoothing and pore refinement usually appear after 2-4 weeks of daily evening use, and meaningful blackhead softening takes 4-8 weeks of consistent double-cleansing.

It's a Step 1 cleanser — always the first product in your PM routine (and ideally the first in a double-cleanse). Apply to dry skin, massage, emulsify with water, rinse, then follow with a gentle foam or gel cleanser, toner, serums, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. Don't skip the second cleanse: oil cleansers need a water-based wash to fully clear residue.

We rate it 3/5 on the comedogenic scale based on ingredients alone — soybean oil, ethylhexyl palmitate, and jojoba oil all have mild-to-moderate comedogenic potential. However, this is a rinse-off product that is emulsified and washed away within 60 seconds, so the real-world clogging risk is low for most users. Always double-cleanse to make sure no residue remains on skin.

12 months after opening (PAO of 12M). With daily evening use of 1-2 pumps, the 300ml bottle typically lasts 3-4 months, so you should easily finish the bottle well before it expires. Keep the pump locked when not in use and store it out of direct sunlight to preserve the plant oils and antioxidants.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.4 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA] is a gentle, well-emulsified K-beauty oil cleanser that earns its cult status for one reason — it cleans thoroughly without leaving skin tight or stripped, and the trace PHA helps keep congested skin looking smoother over time. The generous 300ml size is excellent value, and sensitive skin users appreciate that it skips AHA/BHA in favor of milder Gluconolactone. Keep in mind: the PHA dose is very low (10 ppm), the formula contains multiple essential oils that may irritate very reactive skin, and it's not fungal-acne safe. Choose this if you want a gentle, daily, pore-friendly first-cleanser — not if you need a one-step waterproof makeup remover or have malassezia concerns.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Gluconolactone Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Allantoin Glycerin
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
3
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
2
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
58% 2% 38%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 34 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
0 Unknown
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
1 B
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning, Perfuming, Emollient, Fragrance
1 A
Triethylhexanoin
Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Emollient, Masking, Refatting, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
3 Unknown
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Surfactant, Emulsifying
0 Unknown
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS