Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam
Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, pH 5.5 balanced foam cleanser by AXIS - Y enriched with birch sap and the patented Aquaxyl complex. Formulated with six botanical extracts including centella asiatica, green tea, and calendula to deeply cleanse pores without stripping moisture, leaving skin soft, balanced, and refreshed every morning.
Birch Sap Hydration (2,000ppm)
Core ingredient that manages sebum levels while infusing deep moisture into the skin barrier for a balanced, dewy finish.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBirch Sap Hydration (2,000ppm)
Core ingredient that manages sebum levels while infusing deep moisture into the skin barrier for a balanced, dewy finish.
Patented Aquaxyl Technology
Anti-dehydration shield that optimizes water reserves by boosting NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) and reinforcing lipid synthesis in the skin barrier.
6 Botanical Soothing Extracts
Green tea, licorice root, centella asiatica, calendula, chamomile, and perilla leaf work together to calm inflammation and protect against environmental stress.
pH 5.5 Gentle Cleansing
Matches your skin's natural pH to deeply cleanse pores of dirt, sebum, and sunscreen without stripping the moisture barrier or causing tightness.
Ultra-Mild Surfactant System
Uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and amino acid-based surfactants instead of harsh sulfates, producing a rich lather while being extremely gentle on skin.
Rice Bran & Heartleaf Complex
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract and Houttuynia Cordata provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, helping to soothe acne-prone and irritated skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains Potassium Cocoate and Coco-Betaine which are coconut-derived fatty acid salts flagged by some databases. However, as a rinse-off cleanser, it stays on skin briefly, reducing the risk of triggering fungal acne.
Free from heavy oils, silicones, and known pore-clogging ingredients. Glycerin has a comedogenic rating of 0. Very low risk of clogging pores.
No artificial fragrances, no harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES-free), no alcohol, no parabens. Contains soothing allantoin and chamomile. Patch test recommended for chamomile-sensitive individuals.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide. The low pH and gentle surfactants won't interfere with active ingredients applied afterward.
Contains chamomile and calendula botanical extracts. Those with Asteraceae/Compositae plant family allergies should patch test before use.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice (Birch Sap) 2,000ppmProven
The core functional ingredient in this cleanser. Asian White Birch sap is rich in amino acids, minerals, vitamins C and B (niacinamide), and natural sugars that deeply hydrate and manage sebum production while providing antioxidant protection.
- Function: Hydrating, sebum-balancing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory
- Research: Birch sap has demonstrated photo-protective properties due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity on the skin
- Content: Contains natural vitamins C and B for brightening and barrier support
Aquaxyl Complex (Xylitylglucoside + Anhydroxylitol + Xylitol) Patented BlendProven
The patented skincare technology by SEPPIC. This trio of plant-derived sugar molecules acts as an anti-dehydration shield, optimizing the skin's water reserves and reinforcing the moisture barrier.
- Function: Boosts NMFs (hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate) in the skin
- Research: Clinical studies show improved skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Mechanism: Increases lipid and protein synthesis to strengthen the skin barrier
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Primary SurfactantProven
An ultra-gentle coconut-derived cleansing agent that produces a rich, creamy foam. Widely regarded as one of the mildest surfactants available, it barely impacts the skin barrier even during cleansing.
- Source: Derived from coconut oil fatty acids; readily biodegradable
- Research: Dermatology research describes it as defining a new dimension in cleansing mildness
- Rating: Comedogenicity 0, Irritancy 0
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Secondary SurfactantProven
A mild, non-drying coconut-based cleanser that produces excellent foam while leaving a soft after-feel on the skin. Biodegradable and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
- Function: Cleansing, foaming, and skin conditioning
- Benefit: Creates luxurious lather without stripping natural oils
Centella Asiatica Extract Soothing BotanicalProven
A powerhouse ingredient in K-beauty known for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains madecassoside, asiaticoside, and asiatic acid that promote collagen synthesis and calm irritation.
- Research: Extensively studied for wound healing, barrier repair, and anti-aging benefits
- Function: Soothes redness, supports skin barrier, promotes healing
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea) Antioxidant BotanicalProven
Rich in polyphenols (especially EGCG) that provide powerful antioxidant protection. Neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure and environmental pollution, while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Research: Studies show protective effects against photoaging and photoimmunosuppression
- Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, effective for rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (Licorice) Brightening BotanicalProven
Contains glabridin and liquiritin — natural brightening compounds that inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin production. Also provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.
- Research: Liquiritin prevents tyrosinase-tyrosine reaction, reducing melanin production
- Function: Skin brightening, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial — may help with acne
Sodium Hyaluronate HumectantProven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular weight that penetrates deeper into the skin. Attracts and holds up to 1,000x its weight in water for intense hydration during cleansing.
- Research: Widely proven to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and plumpness
- Function: Deep hydration that prevents the drying effect common in foam cleansers
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Soothing BotanicalPromising
Known for its wound-healing and calming properties. Calendula replenishes hydration while soothing inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, hydrating, and skin-soothing
- Benefit: Promotes a calm, balanced complexion after cleansing
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract (Rice Bran) Nourishing BotanicalPromising
Rice bran is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditionally used in Asian skincare for its brightening and softening properties, it helps leave skin supple and even-toned after cleansing.
- Function: Antioxidant, skin-softening, brightening
- Benefit: Nourishes the skin during the cleansing process
Houttuynia Cordata Extract (Heartleaf) Anti-Bacterial BotanicalPromising
A trending K-beauty ingredient known for its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps soothe acne-prone skin and reduce redness while locking in hydration.
- Function: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hydrating
- Benefit: Particularly effective for acne-prone and irritated skin
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract (Chamomile) Calming BotanicalProven
Contains chamazulene and bisabolol with well-documented anti-inflammatory activity. Calms irritated skin and provides antioxidant benefits through active compounds matricine, apigenin, and luteolin.
- Research: Terpenoids chamazulene and bisabolol show strong anti-inflammatory action
- Rating: Comedogenicity 0, Irritancy 0
Glycerin ~5-10%Proven
A skin-identical humectant naturally present in the skin. Ranks second on the INCI list, indicating a generous concentration. A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Research: Effective from 3% concentration with increased benefits at higher levels for dry skin
- Rating: Comedogenicity 0, Irritancy 0
- Function: Maintains skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state, protects against irritation, restores barrier
Allantoin Soothing AgentProven
A well-known skin protectant and soothing ingredient that promotes cell regeneration and wound healing. Helps maintain moisture levels and reduces irritation from the cleansing process.
- Function: Skin protectant, anti-irritant, moisturizing, cell-proliferating
- Benefit: Ensures the cleanser remains gentle even for compromised skin barriers
30 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoate, Polyquaternium-67, Xylitylglucoside, Citric Acid, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Chloride, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glucose, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Benzoate
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your morning cleanser (Step 1) or as the second step in a double-cleanse routine at night. Pair with an oil cleanser first in PM to remove makeup and sunscreen.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Hands & Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face. Avoid hot water as it can strip moisture and cause dryness.
Dispense & Lather
Squeeze a pea-sized amount onto wet hands and rub together to create a rich, creamy foam. Use a foaming net for an even fluffier lather — a little goes a very long way.
Massage Gently
Apply the foam to your damp face and massage in gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds. Avoid the eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all foam is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with toner and the rest of your routine.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or normal skin
- You want a gentle foam cleanser that won't strip moisture
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan formulas
- You need a low-pH cleanser to protect your skin barrier
- You're looking for a cleanser safe during pregnancy
- You live in a humid climate and need oil-balancing cleansing
- You want a budget-friendly K-beauty cleanser with quality ingredients
- You enjoy a rich, satisfying foam lather
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry skin in a dry climate (may need a cream or milk cleanser)
- You need a first cleanser for heavy/waterproof makeup removal
- You have a known allergy to chamomile or Asteraceae plants
- You strictly need a fungal acne-safe formula with zero coconut derivatives
- You prefer a non-foaming, micellar, or oil-based cleanser
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESDeeply cleanses excess sebum and balances oil production without over-drying. Birch sap helps regulate oil levels throughout the day.
Perfectly balances the T-zone while keeping drier areas hydrated. The Aquaxyl complex ensures moisture is preserved where needed.
An ideal daily cleanser that maintains the natural balance of healthy skin. Leaves face feeling refreshed without any tightness.
Fragrance-free with ultra-gentle surfactants and soothing allantoin. Patch test recommended for those with chamomile sensitivity.
Gentler than most foam cleansers but may still feel slightly stripping in dry climates. Best paired with a rich hydrating toner and moisturizer afterward.
Non-comedogenic (1/5) with anti-inflammatory botanicals. Won't actively treat acne but provides a clean, non-irritating base for acne treatments.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Clean & Refreshed Feel
Skin feels noticeably clean, soft, and refreshed after first use. No tightness or dryness — the Aquaxyl complex keeps moisture locked in even during cleansing.
95% noticed immediatelyBalanced Oil Levels & Improved Hydration
Oily T-zone begins to feel more balanced. Skin appears less shiny by midday. The gentle pH 5.5 formula helps restore the skin's natural acid mantle.
80% noticed improvementCalmer, Smoother Complexion
Reduced redness and irritation from the soothing botanical extracts. Skin texture feels smoother and more even as the barrier strengthens with continued use.
70% noticed smoother skinHealthier Skin Barrier & Glow
Long-term use reveals a healthier, more resilient skin barrier. Birch sap and licorice root contribute to a brighter, more even-toned complexion with a natural glow.
65% noticed brighter skinRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle yet effective — cleanses thoroughly without stripping
- Rich, luxurious foam from a pea-sized amount
- No artificial fragrance — virtually scentless
- pH 5.5 perfectly balanced for the skin barrier
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and clean ingredient list
- A little goes a long way — lasts for months
- Skin feels soft, smooth, and hydrated after use
- Budget-friendly for the quality of ingredients
- Works well for both AM and PM routines
Criticized
- Only 120ml — no larger size option available
- May be slightly drying for very dry skin in arid climates
- Not effective as a first cleanser for heavy/waterproof makeup
- Contains coconut-derived surfactants (concern for strict fungal acne avoiders)
- Flip-top cap can be less hygienic than a pump
- Tube material can crease with use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESA well-known budget K-beauty cleanser with a similar low-pH concept. Uses BHA (betaine salicylate) for mild exfoliation and tea tree oil instead of birch sap. Gel texture rather than foam, with a noticeable tea tree scent. Lacks the Aquaxyl technology and rich botanical blend.
Another gentle, low-pH Korean cleanser with centella asiatica and green tea. Gel-to-foam texture with a slightly higher price-per-ml. Very similar soothing philosophy but lacks the Aquaxyl complex and birch sap. Slightly more hydrating for dry skin types.
A minimalist Korean foam cleanser with a short ingredient list focused on coptis japonica root. Even milder and more moisturizing — better for dry and sensitive skin. Lacks the rich botanical complex and Aquaxyl technology of the AXIS-Y cleanser.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed to prevent the product from drying out. Bathroom storage is fine.
Matte white squeeze tube with flip-top cap and hygiene silver seal
Yes — 120ml is over the 100ml carry-on limit, but the tube format is leak-proof and easy to pack in checked luggage. Decant into a smaller container for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This cleanser contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The formula relies on gentle, plant-derived surfactants and botanical extracts that are considered safe for use throughout pregnancy and while nursing. Multiple retailers also list this product as pregnancy-friendly.
This is a gray area. Some ingredient databases flag coconut-derived ingredients like Potassium Cocoate and Coco-Betaine as potentially feeding malassezia yeast. However, as a rinse-off cleanser that stays on the skin for under a minute, the risk is very low compared to leave-on products. Many users with fungal acne use this cleanser without issues. If you are highly sensitive to fungal acne triggers, consider a cleanser with zero coconut-derived fatty acid ingredients.
Absolutely. This cleanser is a rinse-off product with a skin-friendly pH of 5.5 that does not contain active exfoliants at meaningful concentrations. It pairs perfectly with retinol, vitamin C, AHA, BHA, and niacinamide applied afterward. The gentle surfactant system won't compromise your skin barrier before applying actives, making it an ideal first step in any routine that includes potent treatments.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and normal skin types. It excels at balancing sebum production without stripping the skin. Sensitive skin types will also appreciate its fragrance-free, gentle formula, though a patch test is recommended. Dry skin users can enjoy it, but may find it slightly insufficient for hydration in arid climates — pairing with a rich moisturizer afterward helps. It was originally formulated for oily, acne-prone skin in humid climates.
You will feel immediate benefits from the very first use — skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed without any tightness. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, most users notice improved oil balance and reduced midday shine. After 3–4 weeks, the botanical extracts (centella, green tea, licorice) help deliver a calmer, smoother complexion. Full barrier-strengthening benefits from the Aquaxyl technology are typically seen within 2–3 months of regular use.
In the morning, use it as your first and only cleanser on damp skin. In the evening, use it as the second step in a double-cleanse routine — after an oil cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and sunscreen. Follow with toner, serum/essence, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). This cleanser is not designed to replace a makeup-removing first cleanser.
No, this cleanser has a very low comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is free from heavy oils, silicones, and known pore-clogging ingredients. Glycerin (the second ingredient) has a comedogenic rating of 0. As a rinse-off product, even ingredients with mild comedogenic potential are washed away before they can accumulate in pores. Multiple retailers list it as non-comedogenic, and reviewers with acne-prone skin report no breakouts from this product.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. However, because only a pea-sized amount is needed per use and the product lathers extensively, a single 120ml tube can last 3–4 months or even longer with twice-daily use. Using a foaming net can extend the product life even further, as it creates more foam from less product. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the flip-top cap tightly closed.
Verdict: The AXIS - Y Sunday Morning Refreshing Cleansing Foam is an outstanding daily cleanser that perfectly balances gentle cleansing power with skin hydration. Its pH 5.5 formula, patented Aquaxyl technology, and rich botanical blend of centella, green tea, licorice, and birch sap deliver a luxuriously creamy foam that cleans deeply without stripping. At under $11 for a tube that lasts months, it offers exceptional value for a vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free K-beauty cleanser. It's ideal for oily to combination skin types, and a strong choice for anyone who wants a no-fuss, effective cleanser that respects the skin barrier. The only reason it doesn't earn a perfect score is the slightly small 120ml tube and the mild concern for very dry skin users. Overall, this is one of the best gentle foam cleansers in the K-beauty market.
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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
|
|







