Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A pH-balanced, hypoallergenic gel cleanser infused with 24% Green Plum Water and 3% Mung Bean Extract that gently removes impurities while protecting your skin's natural moisture barrier. This fragrance-free, vegan formula leaves skin refreshed, soft, and hydrated—never tight or stripped.
Green Plum Water (24%)
Rich in organic acids and vitamins A, B, and C. Contains natural AHAs that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and support skin renewal.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGreen Plum Water (24%)
Rich in organic acids and vitamins A, B, and C. Contains natural AHAs that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and support skin renewal.
Mung Bean Extract (3%)
Traditional Hanbang ingredient used since the Joseon Dynasty. Saponins help maintain moisture while gently cleansing pores.
Green Tea Leaf Extract
Antioxidant-rich polyphenols help neutralize free radicals and soothe inflammation for calmer, healthier skin.
pH-Balanced Formula
Slightly acidic (pH 5-6) to match healthy skin's natural pH, protecting the acid mantle and moisture barrier.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. Gentle botanical formula is safe for expecting mothers.
Contains Coconut Acid which can potentially feed malassezia yeast. Those with fungal acne should choose alternatives.
Lightweight gel formula is unlikely to clog pores. Clinically tested as non-irritating in patch tests.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula with gentle surfactants. Passed 24-hour human repeated-insult patch test with no reactions.
Avoid direct contact with eyes. Some users report irritation when cleanser gets into eyes. Rinse thoroughly if contact occurs.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. The gentle pH-balanced formula won't interfere with other products.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGreen Plum Water (Prunus Mume) 24%Hanbang Hero
The star ingredient derived from Asian plum. Rich in natural organic acids including citric acid—a gentle AHA that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and promote cell turnover without irritation.
- Traditional Use: According to Donguibogam (Korean medical encyclopedia), plums have been used to restore vitality and rejuvenate the skin.
- Vitamin Content: Contains Vitamins A, B, and C for antioxidant protection and skin brightening.
- Mechanism: Natural citric acid gently loosens dead cell bonds for smoother skin texture.
Mung Bean Seed Extract (Phaseolus Radiatus) 3%Traditional
A time-honored Korean cleansing ingredient dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, when women ground mung beans with rice bran for natural skin cleansing.
- Active Compounds: Contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins with antioxidant and cleansing properties.
- Hydration: Saponins help maintain skin moisture while effectively cleansing.
- History: Traditional Hanbang ingredient used for centuries as a natural face cleanser.
Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia Sinensis)Antioxidant
Powerful botanical extract loaded with polyphenols (especially EGCG) that provide antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Antioxidants: Polyphenols neutralize free radicals and protect against environmental damage.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Helps calm redness and soothe irritated skin.
- Sebum Control: May help regulate oil production for balanced skin.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateGentle Surfactant
A coconut-derived, ultra-gentle cleansing agent that creates a nice foam without stripping the skin or disrupting the moisture barrier.
- Mildness: One of the gentlest surfactants available, ideal for sensitive skin.
- Foam Quality: Creates a creamy, luxurious lather without harsh detergent action.
- Skin Barrier: Does not strip natural oils like SLS/SLES-based cleansers.
29 ingredients
Water, Prunus Mume Fruit Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Coconut Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Isethionate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Dextrin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the second step of double cleansing (after oil cleanser) for PM routine. Can be used alone as a single cleanser in AM. Not designed to remove heavy makeup—pair with Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil or Radiance Cleansing Balm for complete makeup removal.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of cleanser onto wet hands.
Lather & Massage
Work the gel into a soft foam between your palms. Gently massage onto your face in circular motions for 30-60 seconds.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse off completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry 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 want a gentle daily cleanser that won't strip moisture
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe skincare
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You have oily or combination skin seeking balance
- You want a low pH cleanser for barrier protection
- You love traditional Korean skincare ingredients
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You need heavy makeup removal (requires double cleansing)
- You have very dry skin and want intense hydration
- You prefer a thick, creamy cleanser texture
- You want strong exfoliating action
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel formula cleanses excess sebum effectively without overdrying. Leaves skin balanced and refreshed, not shiny.
Perfectly balances oily T-zone while maintaining hydration in drier areas. Ideal for combination skin's varied needs.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula with gentle surfactants. Clinically tested for low irritation potential.
Maintains skin's natural balance without disruption. A reliable everyday cleanser for healthy skin maintenance.
Non-stripping formula is gentle, but may need to follow with a richer moisturizer. Not intensely hydrating on its own.
Low comedogenic rating and gentle cleansing help. However, not fungal acne safe—avoid if you have malassezia issues.
Results timeline
6-8 WEEKSClean, Refreshed Feeling
Skin feels clean, soft, and comfortable after the first use. No tightness, dryness, or residue. Light, dewy finish.
95% noticedImproved Skin Texture
Gentle daily exfoliation from natural AHAs begins smoothing rough patches. Skin feels softer and looks more even.
78% noticedBalanced Oil Production
Oily skin users notice reduced shine and better sebum balance. Combination skin appears more unified across zones.
65% noticedHealthier Skin Barrier
Consistent use with pH-balanced formula supports stronger moisture barrier. Less sensitivity and reactivity over time.
55% noticedRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely gentle—doesn't strip or dry out skin
- Leaves skin soft, clean, and comfortable
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula
- Low pH protects skin barrier
- Works well for sensitive skin
- Creates nice, soft foam
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Traditional Korean ingredients
Criticized
- Small bottle size (100ml) for price
- Doesn't remove makeup effectively—needs oil cleanser first
- Not fungal acne safe (contains Coconut Acid)
- Watery gel texture may feel unfamiliar
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
- May irritate eyes if direct contact
- Some want stronger cleansing power
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same mung bean key ingredient with added ceramide NP and cica. Contains green tea powder for gentle physical exfoliation. Slightly more hydrating formula, also fragrance-free and fungal acne safe.
Popular K-beauty gel cleanser with tea tree oil and BHA. Larger size (150ml) for similar price. Has a tea tree scent that some love/hate. Slightly more drying but better for acne-prone skin.
More hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid. Better for dry skin but doesn't have the same luxurious foam. Different texture—more milky than gel. No Hanbang ingredients.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature is ideal. No refrigeration needed.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing, easy to control product amount.
Yes, 100ml size is compliant with TSA/airline carry-on liquid restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! This cleanser is pregnancy and breastfeeding safe. It does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or other ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy. The formula uses gentle, plant-based ingredients like plum water and mung bean extract that are safe for expecting and nursing mothers. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this cleanser is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Coconut Acid, which can potentially feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne. If you struggle with fungal acne, consider alternatives like the Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Foam, which is fungal acne safe while offering similar gentle cleansing benefits.
Yes! This gentle, pH-balanced cleanser works well with all actives including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and niacinamide. The low pH (5-6) helps prepare your skin for subsequent treatments without interfering with their effectiveness. It's an excellent choice if you use active ingredients in your routine.
This cleanser is excellent for oily, combination, normal, and sensitive skin types. It's particularly well-suited for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin due to its hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula. It's good for dry skin too, though very dry skin types may want a more hydrating cleanser or should follow with extra moisturization.
You'll notice immediate results—skin feels clean, soft, and refreshed after the first use without tightness. Within 1-2 weeks, the gentle natural AHAs help improve skin texture. After 3-4 weeks of consistent use, oily skin types typically notice better sebum balance. Full benefits including improved skin barrier develop over 6-8 weeks.
Use this as your water-based cleanser—the second step in double cleansing (after an oil cleanser in PM) or as a single cleanser in AM. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (morning). Note: This cleanser doesn't remove makeup well on its own; pair with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm for complete makeup removal.
This cleanser has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's unlikely to clog pores. The lightweight gel formula cleanses effectively without leaving pore-clogging residue. It's been clinically tested as non-irritating. However, as with any product, individual reactions can vary—patch test if you're concerned.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for best results and safety. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The 100ml tube typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use, so you'll likely finish it well before the PAO expires.
Verdict: The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a gentle, effective daily cleanser that respects the skin barrier. Its low pH, fragrance-free formula with traditional Korean ingredients delivers on its promise of cleaning without stripping. Perfect for sensitive skin and those using active ingredients, though not suitable for fungal acne. The only downsides are the smaller bottle size and inability to remove makeup effectively on its own. For the price point and quality, it's a solid K-beauty staple that lives up to the hype.
Browse related
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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Prunus Mume Fruit Water
Humectant
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|