Soon Jung Cleansing Water
Soon Jung Cleansing Water
Product Description
Etude House Soon Jung 5.5 Cleansing Water is a low-pH, hypoallergenic no-rinse cleanser that gently melts away makeup, sunscreen and daily grime without stripping or tightness. Built on a pared-back 11-ingredient formula, it pairs Etude's signature Panthensoside duo (Panthenol + Madecassoside) with green tea and Vitamin E to leave sensitive, reactive skin calm, soft and balanced.
โจ Texture & Feel
Panthensoside Complex
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) and Madecassoside from Centella asiatica soothe irritation and reinforce a stressed skin barrier.
Mildly Acidic pH 5.5
Matched to skin's natural acidity, so cleansing won't disrupt the barrier or leave skin tight and dry.
No-Rinse Gentle Cleansing
Mild glyceryl-derived cleansing agents lift makeup and impurities on a cotton pad with no harsh rubbing.
Minimal 11-Ingredient Formula
Stripped-back, hypoallergenic and free of 8 common irritants including fragrance, mineral oil and colorants.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical UV filters, so it is generally considered safe. Always confirm with your doctor.
Contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, a lauric-acid derivative that may feed malassezia. Not recommended if you are prone to fungal acne.
No added fragrance, essential oils or drying alcohols, making it well suited to sensitive and reactive skin.
As a rinse-free first-step cleanser it doesn't conflict with retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide or AHA/BHA used later in your routine.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ฆ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~1% Proven
A humectant that binds water to keep skin hydrated and is well known for soothing and supporting wound healing and barrier repair.
- Mechanism: Once absorbed, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), found in all living cells, aiding skin repair.
- Benefit: Like hyaluronic acid, it holds large amounts of water to relieve dryness and tightness after cleansing.
๐ฟ Madecassoside (Cica) <1% Promising
One of the four active compounds in Centella asiatica (cica), prized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.
- Study: Research pairing madecassoside with ascorbic acid found reduced signs of aging and improved skin hydration.
- Composition: Contains fatty acids, amino acids, beta-carotene and phytochemicals that calm stressed skin.
๐ก๏ธ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) <1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals and strengthens the natural lipid barrier.
- Barrier support: Reinforces the skin's lipid layer of ceramides and fatty acids to keep skin nourished.
- Synergy: Stabilizes and boosts the effectiveness of antioxidants like Vitamin C when used together.
๐ต Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract <1% Promising
Derived from the tea plant and rich in polyphenols, a strong antioxidant that helps soothe irritation and neutralize free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: Polyphenols and L-theanine help calm the skin and reduce visible irritation.
- Research: Topical tea extract has been shown to support skin elasticity and hydration and may help reduce sebum.
๐งผ Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate & Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate ~1-3% Proven
The dual cleansing system: mild, non-ionic glyceryl-derived agents that lift away oil, makeup and pollutants without stripping surfactants.
- Function: Emulsifiers and cleansing agents that gather dirt and oil to be wiped away gently on a cotton pad.
- Gentleness: Described as skin- and eye-friendly, leaving skin clean rather than dry or tight.
๐ง Propanediol ~5-10% Proven
A plant-derived, multitasking humectant and solvent that softens, hydrates and smooths skin while helping dissolve other ingredients.
- Safety: Considered low-risk for sensitivity and gentle enough for daily, leave-on contact.
- Role: Boosts the hydrating, comfortable after-feel that defines this no-rinse formula.
โ๏ธ 1,2-Hexanediol ~1-2% Proven
A multifunctional humectant, emollient and solvent that also acts as a preservative booster to keep this minimal formula stable.
- Hydration: Draws moisture into skin and helps soften the surface.
- Stability: Enhances the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives, supporting a clean, low-irritant formula.
11 ingredients
Water, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your first step โ in the morning, or in the evening to dissolve makeup and SPF before a water-based cleanser. For heavier or waterproof makeup, follow with a gentle foaming cleanser to complete a double cleanse.
๐ How to Use
Saturate a Cotton Pad
Soak a moderate amount of cleansing water onto a cotton pad until it's evenly damp.
Sweep Gently
Wipe along your skin texture from the center outward. No scrubbing or rubbing required.
Press On Stubborn Areas
For eyes and lips or heavy makeup, hold the pad in place for 5-10 seconds, then wipe away gently.
No Rinse Required
Skin is left clean and fresh. Follow with toner, or with a water-based cleanser for a full double cleanse.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive or easily irritated skin
- You want a fast, no-rinse first-step makeup and SPF remover
- You prefer fragrance-free, low-pH formulas
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a simple, gentle cleanser
- You're rebuilding a compromised moisture barrier
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You are prone to fungal acne / malassezia (contains polyglyceryl-10 laurate)
- You wear heavy, waterproof or long-wear makeup daily
- You want a single deep cleanse with no follow-up step
- You dislike using or wasting cotton pads
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, watery and non-greasy. Cleanses without adding shine, though it isn't fungal-acne safe.
Humectants like panthenol and propanediol cleanse comfortably without stripping or causing tightness.
Balances effective cleansing with a soft, comfortable finish across different face zones.
Fragrance-free, low pH and soothing cica + B5 make this a go-to for reactive, easily irritated skin.
Low-comedogenic and gentle on bacterial acne, but not malassezia-safe for fungal acne sufferers.
๐ Results Timeline
Clean, Fresh Skin
Makeup, sunscreen and daily grime lift away on the cotton pad, leaving skin soft and comfortable rather than tight.
95% noticedLess Tightness & Irritation
Low-pH, fragrance-free cleansing reduces the post-wash dryness and stinging some users get from harsher cleansers.
78% noticedCalmer, More Resilient Skin
Consistent gentle cleansing with panthenol, cica and green tea supports a healthier, more balanced barrier.
65% noticedโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Extremely gentle, low-pH, fragrance-free formula
- Soothing Panthenol + Madecassoside (cica) and green tea
- No-rinse convenience, great for tired evenings and travel
- Minimal 11-ingredient, hypoallergenic, vegan formula
- Generous 320ml size at an affordable price
- Doesn't sting eyes or leave a greasy film
โ Criticized
- Not fungal-acne (malassezia) safe
- Struggles with heavy or waterproof makeup alone
- Faint herbal/medicinal scent some users detect
- Requires cotton pads (waste plus slight tug)
- Not a full replacement for cleansing if you wear lots of makeup
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also a low-pH K-beauty cleansing water that adds niacinamide and zinc PCA. Leans more sebum-control than barrier-soothing, but very close in use and gentleness.
The drugstore staple. Cleanses gently and effectively but lacks the soothing cica, B5 and green tea actives and the low-pH positioning.
A green-tea-based budget cleansing water in a larger size. Shares the antioxidant tea angle but is lighter on soothing barrier actives.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Soon Jung 5.5 Cleansing Water (Featured)
$14.00Bioderma Sensibio H2O
$16.90COSRX Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Water
$13.00Anua Heartleaf Low pH Cleansing Water
$17.00๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap closed.
320ml plastic bottle with a flip-top cap.
Full size exceeds 100ml โ decant for carry-on, or look for mini/travel sizes.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreen filters โ just gentle cleansing agents and soothing ingredients like panthenol and cica. It's generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly, but always confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist.
No. It contains Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, which is derived from lauric acid and can feed malassezia yeast. If you are prone to fungal acne, this is not the best choice โ opt for a fully malassezia-safe cleanser instead.
Yes. As a rinse-free first-step cleanser, it doesn't conflict with any actives. It simply removes makeup and impurities before the rest of your routine, so retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide and exfoliating acids applied later all work as normal.
It's ideal for sensitive, dry, combination and reactive skin thanks to its low pH, fragrance-free formula and soothing actives. Oily and acne-prone skin can use it too, with the caveat that it isn't fungal-acne safe.
Cleansing comfort is immediate โ skin feels clean and soft, not tight. Many users notice reduced post-wash dryness and irritation within about a week, and a calmer, more resilient barrier with consistent use over roughly four weeks.
It's a first step. Use it morning or evening to lift away makeup, sunscreen and grime. In the evening, follow with a water-based cleanser for a full double cleanse, then continue with toner, serum, moisturizer (and SPF in the morning).
It has a very low comedogenic rating (around 1/5) and uses non-comedogenic ingredients, so it's unlikely to clog pores for most people. Note that low-comedogenic is not the same as fungal-acne safe โ this formula is not malassezia-safe.
About 12 months, indicated by the 12M Period-After-Opening symbol on the packaging. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and keep the cap closed to preserve the formula.
Verdict: The Etude House Soon Jung 5.5 Cleansing Water is a standout gentle, no-rinse cleanser for sensitive and reactive skin. Its low pH, fragrance-free, 11-ingredient formula with Panthenol, Madecassoside and green tea delivers comfortable cleansing and barrier support at a budget-friendly price for a generous 320ml. The main caveats: it isn't fungal-acne safe, and it won't fully remove heavy or waterproof makeup on its own. For everyday gentle cleansing on sensitive skin, it's an easy recommendation.
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 skinโs 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 ยซpromisesยป 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):
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate
Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
|
|