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Pore Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser

Pore Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle yet effective low-pH foaming cleanser formulated with 0.5% Salicylic Acid and Blue Clay to deeply cleanse pores, control oil, and reveal smoother, clearer skin without stripping moisture. Perfect for achieving that coveted Korean glass skin look.

0.5% Salicylic Acid (BHA) Low pH Formula Fragrance-Free Non-Comedogenic Vegan & Cruelty-Free Blue Clay Complex Alcohol-Free Sulfate-Free
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
120g / 4.23 fl oz
Key Active
0.5% Salicylic Acid
pH Level
~5.5 (Low pH)
Type
Foaming Cleanser
Price
$13-18
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Dual-Action Exfoliation

Combines BHA (Salicylic Acid) with AHAs (Citric & Malic Acid) for both surface and pore-deep exfoliation.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Foam
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Fresh, Non-Tight

Dual-Action Exfoliation

Combines BHA (Salicylic Acid) with AHAs (Citric & Malic Acid) for both surface and pore-deep exfoliation.

Blue Clay Complex

Montmorillonite & Illite clays absorb excess sebum and impurities while providing antibacterial benefits.

Moisture-Preserving Formula

Glycerin and Apple Fruit Extract help maintain skin hydration while cleansing, preventing the tight feeling.

Low pH Balanced

Skin-friendly pH level (~5.5) maintains the acid mantle and natural protective barrier during cleansing.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid. ACOG considers topical SA under 2% generally safe, but consult your doctor first. Avoid high-concentration peels.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia)

Not fungal acne safe. Contains Glyceryl Stearate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (coconut-derived) which may feed Malassezia yeast.

Sensitive Skin

Fragrance-free and low pH formula is gentle for most sensitive skin types. Patch test recommended for very reactive skin.

Rosacea Caution

While gentle, the AHAs and BHA may trigger flare-ups in some rosacea-prone individuals. Start with every other day use.

Sun Sensitivity

Contains AHAs which may increase sun sensitivity. Always follow with SPF during daytime use.

Reef Safe & Eco-Friendly

Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. Vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients or animal testing.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Salicylic Acid 0.5%Gold Standard

The star BHA ingredient that penetrates oil to exfoliate inside pores. Dissolves sebum plugs, reduces blackheads, and has anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin.

  • Mechanism: Oil-soluble, penetrates and exfoliates within pores
  • FDA Recognition: 0.5-2% recognized as OTC acne treatment
  • Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces inflammation, prevents breakouts
May cause dryness if skin barrier is compromised. Build up usage gradually.

Blue Clay Complex (Montmorillonite & Illite)Proven

Dual clay system that provides deep cleansing and oil absorption. Montmorillonite draws out impurities while Illite provides gentle physical exfoliation.

  • Montmorillonite: High absorption capacity for sebum and toxins
  • Illite: Mild abrasive properties for gentle exfoliation
  • Benefits: Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, pore-refining

Apple Fruit Extract (Pyrus Malus)Natural

Rich in Vitamin C, natural sugars, and malic acid. Provides antioxidant protection while the natural sugars act as humectants to draw moisture into skin.

  • Source: Natural apple extract
  • Contains: Vitamin C, Malic Acid, Natural Humectants
  • Benefits: Brightening, hydrating, mild exfoliation

Citric & Malic AcidAHAs

Gentle AHAs that complement the BHA action. Citric acid from citrus fruits and Malic acid from apples provide surface exfoliation and pH balancing.

  • Function: Surface exfoliation and pH adjustment
  • Research: AHAs improve skin texture and tone with regular use
  • Benefits: Brightening, smoothing, enhances radiance

17 ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Dimethyl Sulfone, Montmorillonite, Illite, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Malic Acid, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Parabens, Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Silicones, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, Alcohol (Ethanol), Essential Oils, PEGs, Phthalates
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
This Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as morning cleanser or as 2nd step in double cleansing routine (after oil cleanser). Good for AM & PM use.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Wet Your Face

Splash lukewarm water on your face to prepare skin for cleansing. Avoid hot water which can strip natural oils.

2

Create Rich Lather

Dispense a moderate amount onto wet hands and work into a rich, creamy foam. The product requires adequate water to foam properly.

3

Massage Gently

Apply foam to face using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Focus on oily T-zone and areas with enlarged pores.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with your regular skincare routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have oily or combination skin with excess sebum
  • You struggle with blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores
  • You want a gentle daily exfoliating cleanser
  • You prefer fragrance-free, low-irritation formulas
  • You're looking for K-beauty glass skin results
  • You need a cleanser that controls shine without over-drying

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (contains potential triggers)
  • You have very dry or dehydrated skin
  • You're pregnant and your doctor advises against BHA
  • You have active rosacea flare-ups
  • You prefer a non-foaming cleanser texture
  • You want a cleanser with higher BHA concentration
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Perfect match! Controls excess sebum, unclogs pores, and leaves skin shine-free without over-stripping natural oils.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances oily T-zone while being gentle enough for drier cheeks. Low pH maintains skin harmony.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Salicylic acid tackles acne at its source. Non-comedogenic formula won't trigger new breakouts. Great for daily use.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Fragrance-free and gentle amino acid surfactants. Start every other day and patch test first.

Dry Skin
Moderate

May be too drying for very dry skin. Use 2-3 times weekly and follow with hydrating toner and rich moisturizer.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Week 1

Initial Cleansing & Freshness

Skin feels immediately cleaner and fresher after each wash. Excess oil is controlled throughout the day. Some may experience mild purging.

85% noticed cleaner-feeling skin
Week 2-3

Pore Improvement Begins

Blackheads start to reduce, especially around the nose and T-zone. Skin texture begins to feel smoother. Oil control becomes more consistent.

70% noticed fewer blackheads
Week 4-6

Visible Texture Improvement

Significant reduction in visible pores and improved overall skin texture. Skin appears brighter and more even-toned. Breakouts decrease.

78% noticed smoother texture
Month 2+

Long-Term Clarity

Sustained improvement in skin clarity and pore appearance. Glass skin effect becomes more apparent. Reduced frequency of breakouts.

82% reported clearer skin overall
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
YesStyle
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Requires more product than expected to create adequate lather
Amazon
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some wish for higher salicylic acid concentration for stubborn acne
Olive Young
4.4
Rating
1,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: May feel slightly drying for dry skin types in winter
Hwahae (Korean)
4.6
Rating
2,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not available in physical Olive Young stores (online only)
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle enough for daily use, morning and night
  • Effectively controls oil without over-drying
  • Fragrance-free, great for sensitive noses
  • Visibly reduces blackheads and pore appearance
  • Low pH protects skin's natural barrier
  • Clean, minimal ingredient list (only 17 ingredients)
  • Leaves skin feeling fresh without tightness
  • Affordable K-beauty option

Criticized

  • Requires more product to create sufficient lather
  • 0.5% SA may be too gentle for severe acne
  • Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
  • Can be drying for dry skin types
  • Small 120g tube may not last long
  • Limited physical store availability
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
$10
Budget Pick

Same 0.5% SA concentration with tea tree oil and willow bark. Slightly more stripping formula. Larger 150ml size offers better value.

80% Match
SA Smoothing Cleanser
$12
Budget Pick

Same 0.5% SA plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid for added hydration. Non-foaming gel texture. Larger 236ml size. More widely available.

75% Match
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
$12
Similar

Contains 2% SA for stronger exfoliation. Better for more stubborn acne but may be too harsh for sensitive skin. Gel formula.

70% Match
Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$16
Similar

Same 0.5% SA with added panthenol and arginine for soothing. More luxurious texture. Premium brand positioning.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Size 150ml
Special Ingredients Tea Tree Oil
Fragrance None
Fungal Acne Safe No
SA Smoothing Cleanser
Salicylic Acid 0.5%
Size 236ml
Special Ingredients Ceramides + HA
Fragrance None
Fungal Acne Safe No
EFFACLAR K+
Salicylic Acid 2%
Size 200ml
Special Ingredients LHA + Glycerin
Fragrance None
Fungal Acne Safe No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check for changes in texture, color, or smell.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tube tightly closed after use.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Easy to control product dispensing and hygienic.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 120g/4.23 fl oz is TSA-approved for carry-on luggage (under 100ml/3.4oz liquid limit when measured by volume).

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Use with caution. This cleanser contains 0.5% Salicylic Acid (BHA). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), topical salicylic acid at concentrations up to 2% is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used as directed. However, you should consult with your healthcare provider before use, especially during the first trimester. Avoid high-concentration salicylic acid peels.

No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Glyceryl Stearate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, which are derived from fatty acids that can potentially feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Malezia Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser or La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser.

Yes, but with caution. Since this cleanser already contains BHA (salicylic acid) and AHAs (citric and malic acid), using additional exfoliating products may cause over-exfoliation. For retinol: Use the cleanser in AM, retinol in PM. For Vitamin C: Generally safe to layer. For additional AHA/BHA treatments: Alternate days or use the cleanser only in AM if using strong acids at night. Always listen to your skin and reduce frequency if irritation occurs.

This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It's excellent for those struggling with excess sebum, blackheads, enlarged pores, and mild to moderate acne. It can also work for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free, low pH formula, but patch testing is recommended. Those with dry skin should use it sparingly (2-3 times per week) and follow with hydrating products.

Results timeline varies by concern: Immediate - Skin feels cleaner and less oily after first use. 1-2 weeks - Some may experience initial purging (small breakouts as pores clear). 2-4 weeks - Noticeable reduction in blackheads and smoother skin texture. 4-8 weeks - Significant improvement in pore appearance, fewer breakouts, and clearer overall complexion. Consistent daily use is key for best results.

This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine or the second step in your evening routine (after oil-based makeup remover/cleansing balm in double cleansing). Follow with: Toner → Essence → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (AM only). It can be used both morning and evening for oily skin, or just in the morning if using stronger treatments at night.

No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with an overall comedogenic rating of 1/5. While it contains Glyceryl Stearate and Butylene Glycol (both rated 1), these are at low concentrations and are rinsed off during cleansing. The salicylic acid actively works to unclog pores, making this product pore-clearing rather than pore-clogging. It's specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The 120g tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use. Signs the product has expired: changes in texture (becomes watery or clumpy), unusual smell, color changes, or reduced foaming ability. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize shelf life.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The JUMISO Pore Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser is an excellent choice for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types seeking a gentle yet effective daily exfoliating cleanser. Its combination of 0.5% BHA with Blue Clay and AHAs delivers visible pore-clearing results without the harshness of stronger formulas. The fragrance-free, low pH formula respects sensitive skin while the affordable K-beauty price point offers great value. However, it's not suitable for fungal acne sufferers and may be too drying for very dry skin. For most users seeking clearer, smoother skin with refined pores, this cleanser delivers on its glass skin promise.

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):
Citric Acid Malic Acid
brightening Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Salicylic Acid Citric Acid Malic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid Malic Acid
ache Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
Salicylic Acid
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
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2 1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
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
76% 5% 17%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 17 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS