Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Facial Foam
Volcanic Clusters Pore Clearing Facial Foam
Product Description
Product overview
A cult-favorite Korean foam cleanser by innisfree, powered by mineral-rich Jeju Volcanic Clusters and a touch of Lactic Acid AHA. The dense, creamy lather draws out sebum, lifts dead skin and refines the look of pores — all while staying fragrance-light, sulfate-free and vegan-friendly. Ideal for combination, oily and breakout-prone skin that wants a deeper clean without the squeaky-tight feeling.
Jeju Volcanic Clusters
Mineral-rich volcanic ash sourced from South Korea's Jeju Island acts like a magnet for excess sebum and pore-clogging impurities.
Texture & feel
SENSORYJeju Volcanic Clusters
Mineral-rich volcanic ash sourced from South Korea's Jeju Island acts like a magnet for excess sebum and pore-clogging impurities.
Gentle Lactic Acid AHA
A mild alpha-hydroxy acid that loosens dead skin cells, smoothes texture and softens the look of enlarged pores over time.
Dense, Whipped Lather
A pea-sized amount transforms into a thick, cushiony cloud of foam that lifts grime without dragging on the skin.
Vegan & Sulfate-Free
Free of SLS/SLES, parabens, mineral oil, animal products and triclosan. Cruelty-free and certified vegan formulation.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. Lactic acid in a rinse-off cleanser is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Contains fatty acids (myristic, stearic, palmitic, lauric) and PEG-32 / PEG-100 Stearate that may feed Malassezia yeast. Caution for fungal acne sufferers.
Uses milder surfactants like Lauryl Glucoside and Cocamidopropyl Betaine instead of harsh SLS/SLES, paired with sodium benzoate as a gentle preservative.
Light synthetic fragrance may irritate very reactive or perfume-allergic skin. Patch test on the inner forearm before daily facial use.
Safe with vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and hyaluronic acid serums. Avoid stacking with strong AHA/BHA exfoliants on the same evening to prevent over-exfoliation.
Although it contains fatty acids, this is a wash-off product with very brief skin contact, so the comedogenic risk is low (rated 2/5) for most users.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSVolcanic Ash (Jeju Scoria) ~1-3%Proven
The signature ingredient — porous, mineral-rich volcanic scoria mined from Jeju Island. Acts as a natural sebum sponge, drawing oil and impurities up out of pores, while providing very mild physical buffing.
- Mechanism: Highly porous structure adsorbs excess sebum and surface debris by capillary action.
- Brand claim: Innisfree clinical testing reports the volcanic-cluster formula leaves skin feeling visibly cleaner and more matte after a single use.
- Sourcing: Sustainably harvested from Jeju, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Lactic Acid (AHA) <1%Proven
A naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acid (typically from fermented milk sugars) that gently exfoliates dead surface cells, helps reveal smoother texture, and supports a clearer, more even tone with regular use.
- Peer-reviewed evidence: Published dermatology research shows lactic acid improves skin barrier function and stimulates ceramide production at low concentrations.
- Cleanser context: In a rinse-off product, lactic acid offers light surface refinement rather than deep peeling action.
- Tolerance: Among the gentlest AHAs — better tolerated than glycolic acid for sensitive users.
Glycerin ~5-10%Proven
A heavy-hitting humectant placed second on the INCI list — meaning it's one of the most concentrated ingredients in the formula. It draws moisture into the skin, helping offset any tightness from the cleansing surfactants.
- Function: Binds water molecules to the stratum corneum, preserving suppleness during washing.
- Skin benefit: Counteracts the dryness commonly associated with deep-cleansing foam cleansers.
Soap-Based Surfactant System ~15-25%Proven
The cleansing foundation: Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid and Lauric Acid combined with Potassium Hydroxide — a classic Korean-style "potassium soap" base that creates dense, creamy bubbles without sulfates.
- Function: Saponification (fatty acid + alkali) produces a mild yet thorough cleansing surfactant.
- pH note: This system tends to sit on the slightly alkaline side (pH ~9-10), so it's best followed by a hydrating, slightly acidic toner.
- Boosters: Lauryl Glucoside and Cocamidopropyl Betaine soften the lather and reduce stripping.
Hydrated Silica & Silica ~1-3%Promising
Silica acts as a natural absorbent, soaking up oils and lightly polishing the skin's surface. Hydrated silica adds gentle physical exfoliation that pairs with the lactic acid for two-pronged texture refinement.
- Synergy: Works alongside volcanic ash to amplify the formula's oil-absorbing power.
- Safety: Inert mineral with a long-standing safety record in cosmetics and toothpastes.
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch & Mannitol <1%Promising
Plant-derived powders that absorb residual oil, soften the texture of the foam, and support the matte finish. Mannitol additionally functions as a mild antioxidant to help neutralize free radicals.
- Source: Corn starch is biodegradable and naturally derived.
- Sensory role: Contributes to the smooth, silky payoff of the rinsed foam.
25 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Hydrated Silica, Lauryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Zea Mays Starch, Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Chloride, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Volcanic Ash, Silica, Lactic Acid.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and evening as the second step of a Korean double-cleanse. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then continue with hydrating layers to rebalance pH.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet your face
Splash with lukewarm water to open up the surface and soften any sunscreen, oil or makeup residue.
Dispense a pea-sized amount
Squeeze a small drop into damp palms — a little goes a long way. Adding too much will not improve cleansing.
Whip into a dense lather
Rub palms together with a few drops of water until you build a thick, creamy foam. A face-puff or whisk creates an even denser cushion.
Massage onto skin (30-60s)
Glide gently in upward circles, focusing on the T-zone, chin and any congested areas. Avoid the immediate eye area.
Rinse & pat dry
Splash off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Press a clean towel over the skin — never rub. Follow with toner and moisturizer immediately.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or shine-prone skin
- You see frequent blackheads, whiteheads or congested pores
- You wear sunscreen and makeup daily and want a thorough morning-after cleanse
- You enjoy a creamy, dense foam over a watery gel
- You're new to AHA and want a low-risk introduction
- You prefer K-beauty staples with a heritage formulation
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry, dehydrated or eczema-prone skin
- You're managing fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You're sensitive to synthetic fragrance or parfum
- You prefer a low-pH (around 5.5) cleanser
- Your skin barrier is currently compromised or actively inflamed
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESVolcanic ash and silica absorb excess sebum, giving a fresh, matte finish that lasts. The brand's hero use case.
Balances an oily T-zone while glycerin keeps drier cheek areas comfortable rather than tight.
Helps clear pore-clogging buildup. Works well for hormonal and clogged-pore acne, but not for Malassezia-driven fungal breakouts.
May feel slightly tight after rinsing. Best limited to once daily and always followed with rich hydration.
Sulfate- and paraben-free, dermatologist-tested. The added fragrance and slightly alkaline pH mean a patch test is wise.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSImmediate freshness & matte finish
Skin feels visibly cleaner, less greasy and noticeably matte. T-zone shine is reduced for several hours.
96% noticed pore cleansing (brand clinical claim)Smoother texture
Dead-skin buildup softens; surface feels smoother to the touch. Makeup applies more evenly throughout the day.
~80% report smoother skinVisibly clearer pores
With consistent twice-daily use, blackheads on the nose and chin appear fewer; pores look refined and less shadowed.
~70% see pore improvementEven tone & balanced oil
Sebum production feels regulated; skin tone looks brighter from gentle ongoing AHA exfoliation. Less midday shine on the T-zone.
~65% report long-term oil controlRatings by platform
22K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Dense, luxurious creamy foam — a little goes a long way
- Visibly clearer-looking pores and reduced T-zone shine
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free and certified vegan
- Affordable mid-range K-beauty pricing
- Long shelf life — one tube typically lasts 3-4 months
- Globally available at Sephora, Amazon, Olive Young and beyond
Criticized
- Contains synthetic fragrance — not ideal for fragrance-sensitive skin
- Not safe for fungal acne due to multiple fatty acids
- Slightly alkaline pH may feel tight on dry skin
- Can be drying if used twice daily by dehydrated skin types
- Older fans miss the original scrub-bead texture
- Limited efficacy on hormonal acne or deep cystic breakouts
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame Jeju volcanic ash story from a sister K-beauty brand. Slightly thicker texture, no AHA — pure pore-absorption play, lower price point.
Pharmacy alternative with niacinamide and ceramides. No volcanic ash or AHA, but excellent for oily-acneic skin and barrier-friendly. Fragrance-free.
Korean foam cleanser with three exfoliating acids instead of just lactic. More aggressive exfoliation — good for stubborn texture but riskier for sensitive skin.
Swaps lactic acid for low-dose BHA (salicylic acid). Better penetration into oily pores, but no Jeju volcanic ash and a thinner gel-foam consistency.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed tightly between uses.
Hygienic squeeze tube — recyclable plastic. Helps protect formula integrity and reduces product waste.
Yes — at 150ml the full size exceeds carry-on limits, but the squeeze tube travels well in checked luggage. Decant into a 100ml bottle for cabin travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the formula is generally considered pregnancy- and breastfeeding-friendly. It contains no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone and no chemical sunscreens — the actives commonly flagged during pregnancy. The lactic acid is at a low concentration in a rinse-off product, which is widely accepted as safe by dermatologists. As always, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist about your individual skincare routine during pregnancy.
No — this formula is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several fatty acids (myristic, stearic, palmitic and lauric acid) along with PEG-32, PEG-100 Stearate and Glyceryl Stearate, all of which are known to potentially feed Malassezia yeast. If you struggle with fungal acne, consider a fungal-acne-safe alternative such as Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser or a dedicated MF-safe formulation instead.
Yes, with sensible layering. As a rinse-off cleanser, it doesn't sit on your skin long enough to interfere with most actives. You can comfortably follow it with vitamin C, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid serums. If you use a leave-on AHA or BHA exfoliant, alternate evenings or skip the additional acid layer, since the cleanser already provides mild lactic acid exfoliation. Pair retinol on alternate evenings and always apply broad-spectrum SPF in the morning.
It's tailor-made for oily, combination and pore-prone skin. The volcanic ash absorbs sebum, the lactic acid gently smoothes texture and the dense foam dissolves residue without sulfates. Combination skin gets a balanced clean without over-drying the cheeks. Dry, very sensitive or barrier-compromised skin types may find it slightly stripping due to the soap-based surfactant system.
Immediate effects (matte finish, fresh feel) appear after the first wash. Smoother surface texture typically becomes visible after about a week of twice-daily use. More noticeable pore refinement and reduced blackhead appearance generally take 2-4 weeks of consistent use. Long-term oil regulation and tone improvement build over 8 weeks or more, especially when paired with a complete skincare routine.
Use it as your second cleanse in the morning and evening. In the evening it follows an oil cleanser or balm to complete the Korean double-cleanse method. After rinsing, layer your hydrating toner, essence, serum, moisturizer and (in the AM) sunscreen. Avoid using a separate scrub or strong leave-on AHA on the same evening to prevent over-exfoliation.
It carries a low comedogenic rating of about 2/5. Although it contains fatty acids that can be comedogenic in leave-on products, this is a wash-off cleanser with very brief skin contact, so the practical clogging risk is minimal for most users. The volcanic ash and silica actively help unclog pores. Acne-prone users generally tolerate it well, with the exception of those whose breakouts are driven by fungal acne.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months — look for the open-jar symbol marked "12M" on the tube. Stored in a cool, dry place with the cap securely closed, the formula stays stable for the full year. Most users finish a single 150ml tube within 3-4 months when using it twice daily, well before the PAO expires.
Verdict: A reliable K-beauty staple for combination and oily skin that delivers exactly what its name promises — visibly clearer pores, balanced shine and a smoother surface, all wrapped in a velvety dense foam. The combination of Jeju volcanic ash and a low dose of lactic acid offers an effective pore-care experience without sulfates or parabens, at a fair mid-range price. It loses points for its synthetic fragrance, slightly alkaline pH and unsuitability for fungal-acne sufferers, but for the right skin type it remains one of the most accessible and dependable foam cleansers in modern Korean skincare.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Myristic Acid
Perfuming, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Opacifying, Sufactant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Stearic Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Emulsion Stabilising, Emulsifying, Sufactant, Refatting, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-32
Humectant, Solvent
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|