Probiotics Skin Barrier Gentle Cleanser
Probiotics Skin Barrier Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A pH-balanced, probiotic-infused gel cleanser that gently removes impurities while strengthening the skin barrier. Formulated with Lacto Skin Complex™ and traditional Korean herbal ingredients, this hypoallergenic cleanser leaves skin clean, hydrated, and never stripped.
Lacto Skin Complex™
Proprietary probiotic blend with Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate that strengthens and replenishes the skin's moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYLacto Skin Complex™
Proprietary probiotic blend with Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate that strengthens and replenishes the skin's moisture barrier.
Yoon Complex™
Traditional Korean herbal ingredients including Panax Ginseng Root Water, Angelica Root, and Bupleurum for skin vitality.
Gentle AHA Exfoliation
Contains Lactic Acid and Citric Acid for mild exfoliation that promotes cell turnover without irritation.
9-Free Formula
Free from animal ingredients, mineral oil, polyacrylamide, silicone oil, synthetic colorants, sulfates, and more harmful additives.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.
Free from fatty acids, oils, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Verified safe by multiple ingredient databases.
Oil-free, non-comedogenic formula with a rating of 1/5. Unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts.
Passed skin irritation and eye irritation tests. However, patch test recommended for extremely sensitive or reactive skin.
While the fragrance is light, those with fragrance sensitivities may want to patch test first. Not suitable for fragrance-free purists.
Uses Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Glucoside-based cleansers instead of harsh sulfates. Won't strip natural oils.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSLactobacillus Ferment LysateProven
A postbiotic ingredient derived from lactobacillus bacteria. Supports the skin's natural microbiome, helps strengthen the moisture barrier, and provides soothing benefits for irritated skin.
- Research: Studies show postbiotics can help calm redness and may treat signs of photoaging
- Mechanism: Contains hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and lipoteichoic acid naturally produced during fermentation
- Benefit: Balances skin microbiome while increasing hydration and cell turnover
Glycerin High %Proven
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Listed second in the ingredient list, indicating a high concentration for maximum hydration benefits.
- Efficacy: Effective from as low as 3%, with increased benefits at higher concentrations up to 20-40%
- Function: Keeps skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state, protects against irritation, restores barrier
- Safety: Non-irritating, suitable for all skin types including sensitive
Lactic AcidProven
A gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that provides mild exfoliation while also acting as a natural moisturizing factor. Helps restore the skin's acidic pH balance.
- Type: AHA - gentler than glycolic acid with additional hydrating properties
- Benefits: Promotes cell turnover, improves texture, brightens skin tone
- pH Support: Helps maintain skin's naturally acidic environment for microbiome health
Panax Ginseng Root WaterPromising
Traditional Korean herbal ingredient from ginseng root. Provides antioxidant benefits, improves circulation, and enhances skin vitality for a more radiant complexion.
- Origin: Traditional Korean medicine ingredient with centuries of use
- Benefits: Antioxidant protection, improved elasticity, enhanced skin vitality
- Anti-aging: Known for promoting a more youthful, radiant appearance
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage. Also helps preserve the formula's stability.
- Function: Antioxidant protection against UV and pollution damage
- Benefit: Supports skin healing and reduces inflammation
- Stability: Also acts as a natural preservative for the formula
20 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Panax Ginseng Root Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bupleurum Chinense Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Tocopherol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night as your primary cleanser. For heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Face & Hands
Start with damp skin and wet hands. The cleanser works best when activated with water.
Dispense & Lather
Pump a moderate amount onto your palm and work into a gentle foam with water. One to two pumps is usually sufficient.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your face and massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry gently with a clean towel and continue with your skincare routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive or easily irritated skin
- You're looking for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- You have fungal acne and need a safe formula
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want to support your skin's microbiome
- You prefer Korean skincare with herbal ingredients
- You need a sulfate-free, low-pH cleanser
- You have combination or normal skin
Consider alternatives if:
- You need heavy-duty makeup removal (use with oil cleanser)
- You have severe fragrance sensitivities
- You prefer a completely fragrance-free product
- You want a foaming cleanser with rich lather
- You have very oily skin needing deep cleansing
- You're looking for active acne treatment (try salicylic acid cleanser)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESCleanses without over-stripping, maintaining oil balance. May not be deep-cleansing enough for very oily skin; consider double cleansing.
High glycerin content provides hydration. Won't strip natural moisture. Follow with hydrating toner and moisturizer for best results.
Ideal balance of cleansing and hydration. Works well across different face zones without causing dryness or excess oil.
Hypoallergenic tested with gentle surfactants. Contains fragrance, so patch test first if you have reactive skin.
Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe, and oil-free. Contains mild AHAs for gentle exfoliation. Perfect for acne-prone routines.
Gentle cleansing with barrier-supporting probiotics. Ginseng provides antioxidant benefits. Won't exacerbate dryness.
Results timeline
WEEK 8+Immediate Comfort
Skin feels clean without tightness or dryness after cleansing. No stinging or irritation. Gentle foam rinses off easily.
90% noticed improved cleansing comfortImproved Hydration
Skin barrier begins to strengthen. Less post-cleansing tightness. Overall hydration levels improve as microbiome balances.
75% reported better moisture retentionBarrier Strengthening
Noticeable improvement in skin resilience. Less sensitivity to other products. Reduced redness and irritation from probiotic benefits.
65% saw reduced sensitivityLong-term Balance
Healthier skin microbiome established. Consistent cleansing results. Improved overall skin texture and clarity from gentle AHA exfoliation.
70% reported clearer, healthier skinRatings by platform
82+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle formula doesn't strip or dry out skin
- Fungal acne safe - verified by multiple databases
- Large 300ml bottle offers great value
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Probiotic benefits for skin barrier
- Sulfate-free with mild surfactants
- From trusted AmorePacific brand
- Suitable for whole family including body use
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
- Contains beneficial Korean herbal ingredients
Criticized
- Contains fragrance (not fragrance-free)
- Very liquidy/runny texture
- May not remove heavy makeup alone
- Some experienced redness around sensitive areas
- Not deep-cleansing enough for very oily skin
- Can feel drying for very dry skin types
- Limited availability outside K-beauty retailers
- Mixed reviews on effectiveness
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formula ideal for sensitive skin. No probiotics but similarly non-irritating. Available at drugstores. Better for fragrance-sensitive users.
Contains ceramides for barrier repair instead of probiotics. Creamier texture. Widely available and dermatologist-recommended. No fragrance, more hydrating feel.
K-beauty alternative with tea tree oil and BHA. Slightly more active for oily/acne skin. Low pH like Illiyoon but different active focus. Contains small amount of fragrance.
French pharmacy option with prebiotic thermal water and niacinamide. More focused on soothing than probiotics. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEIlliyoon Probiotics Cleanser
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Bathroom storage is fine but avoid excessive humidity.
Pump bottle dispenser for hygienic, easy application
No - 300ml exceeds carry-on limits. Decant into smaller container for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens - the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. The formula features gentle, pregnancy-safe ingredients like glycerin, probiotics, and mild AHAs at low concentrations. However, as with any skincare product, consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. It has been verified by multiple ingredient databases including SkinCarisma and Simple Skincare Science. The formula is free from fatty acids, oils, esters, and polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast. Note that while it contains Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate (a postbiotic), this is different from live fermented ingredients and does not feed fungal acne.
Yes, this cleanser is compatible with most active ingredients. Since it contains only mild amounts of Lactic Acid and Citric Acid, it won't cause irritation when used alongside other actives. The gentle, low-pH formula actually helps prepare skin for better absorption of serums and treatments. However, if using strong actives, monitor your skin for any signs of over-exfoliation and reduce frequency if needed.
This cleanser works best for combination, normal, and sensitive skin types. It's excellent for acne-prone skin due to its fungal acne safe, non-comedogenic formula. Good for dry skin types who want gentle cleansing, though very dry skin may need extra hydration. It may not provide enough deep cleansing for very oily skin types, who might prefer to use it with an oil cleanser in a double-cleanse routine.
You'll notice immediate results in terms of cleansing comfort - skin will feel clean without tightness. Improved hydration and barrier function typically appear within 2-3 weeks of consistent use. Full benefits from the probiotic ingredients, including strengthened skin barrier and reduced sensitivity, usually develop over 4-8 weeks. For best results, use consistently morning and night.
This cleanser should be used as the first step in your routine (or second step if double cleansing with an oil cleanser). Use it morning and night before toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). For heavy makeup or sunscreen removal, consider using an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with this cleanser as your second cleanse.
No, this cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is unlikely to clog pores. It's oil-free, non-comedogenic, and free from common pore-clogging ingredients. The formula was designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin, making it safe for those concerned about breakouts. It's also verified fungal acne safe, so it won't trigger malassezia-related breakouts either.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best efficacy and safety. The large 300ml bottle typically lasts 2-4 months with twice-daily use, so you should easily finish it before expiration. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain product integrity.
Verdict: The Illiyoon Probiotics Skin Barrier Gentle Cleanser is a solid choice for those seeking a gentle, skin-barrier-supporting cleanser with probiotic benefits. Its fungal acne safe, pregnancy safe, and non-comedogenic formula makes it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The Korean herbal ingredients and Lacto Skin Complex™ offer unique benefits not found in Western drugstore alternatives. However, the inclusion of fragrance may be a dealbreaker for fragrance-free purists, and the runny texture isn't for everyone. At $14-20 for 300ml, it offers good value compared to similar products. Best suited for combination to sensitive skin types looking to support their skin microbiome with a gentle, effective cleanser.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
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.
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.
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
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|