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Huangjisoo,  second cleanse

Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean)

the claim

The Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) claims to remove makeup and effectively clean pores and skin with a 99.5% natural organic formula.
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean)
 

the science

This cleanser boasts 99.5% natural, organic ingredients. Represented at the highest concentration in the formula is Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, a surfactant derived from the amino acids found in apple juice. It is responsible for the cleanser’s abundant but gentle foam and also acts as a natural preservative.

Next come the hero botanical extracts. First of them in concentration is Japanese Mint Extract. Its main constituent (around 70%) is menthol with limonene, menthone, pinene, isomenthone, methyl acetate and piperitate amongst others. Composition delivers strong anti-inflammatory, cleansing and antiseptic properties although it also can be sensitizing. Cucumber Extract is rich in Polysaccharides (also found in aloe vera) which help to hydrate by securing moisture with a gel like seal. It’s also cooling with astringent properties that promote pore tightening and oil balance. Grapefruit Extract contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which helps break the bonds that dead skin can have with the living skin on your face for an exfoliating effect.

Lavender Extract is useful for soothing inflamed, irritated and acne effected skin with natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help to balance facial oils and reduce breakout severity, potentially helping to prevent scarring and uneven pigmentation. Chrysanthemum Extract contains large amounts of a molecule called Apigenin.1 which helps to seal the skin’s protective barrier and restore healthy fats. In addition to hydrating, it also protects with antioxidants and calms the skin with anti-inflammatory behaviour. Milk Thistle, Gromwell and Burdock Root Extracts support with an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contribution.
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean)
Onion Bulb, Prickly Pear, Schisandra Berry and Wheat Seed Extracts are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They slow the signs of ageing by protecting against free radical damage and promoting healthy cellular function while also helping to prevent discolouration. Prickly pear is also a competent humectant.

There are several extracts that have a skin brightening effect. Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract is a natural skin whitening agent, able to lighten skin by reducing melanin levels. It also has the potential to reverse the signs of photo-aged skin and may help better balance facial oils. Another lightening agent, Licorice Root Extract additionally displays soothing qualities for sensitive skin. It’s packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties making it suitable for treating skin conditions. Skullcap together with Cinnamomum Cassia Bark and Sophora Angustifolia Root Extracts, have a whitening effect achieved by the regulation of melanin production. Japanese Pepper is a great moisturiser that helps to eliminate toxins for healthy skin and prevent skin pigmentation for even tone.

Delivering multiple skincare benefits, Mugwort Extract is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, so an ideal treatment for rashes, persistent acne, eczema, redness and general skin irritations. Additionally, it contains Vitamin E to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Ginseng Extract contains antioxidants that accelerate cell regeneration. It also improves blood circulation thus allowing the skin to look brighter. It has a proven effectiveness in fighting wrinkles by boosting skin-firming collagen whilst its detoxifying properties boost our immune response. Mulberry Leaf Extract has similar anti-aging effects as ginseng, topical use proving effective.

Other great hydrators and softening agents include Trehalose, Glycerin and Beta-Glucan. A few oils round the formula. Clary Oil helps to regulate sebum production and provides inflammatory relief. Similarly, Tangerine Leaf Oil displays antifungal and antiseptic properties, making them both effective remedies for acne and skin impurities. Orchid Oil is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in for a hydrating effect.
 

the ingredients

Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Water, Mentha Arvensis (Japanese Mint) Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera (Prickly Pear), Schizandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Trehalose, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, Glycerin, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) Root Extract, Morus Alba (White Mulberry) Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, 1·2-Hexanediol, Zanthoxylum Piperitum (Japanese Pepper) Fruit Extract, Chrysanthemum Morifolium Flower Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon (Gromwell) Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Arginine, Propanediol, Beta-Glucan, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Orchid Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Leaf Oil
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) Ingredients
 

the packaging

The cleanser comes in a plastic, opaque bottle with a pump action dispenser and clear plastic lid.
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) Packaging
 

the analysis

Satisfactory assessments are returned by both the CosDNA and EWG resources, rating the Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) a low hazard product.
 
Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Take an appropriate amount and massage it thoroughly around the face. Rinse with fresh water.
 

the scent

This product has a natural floral scent.
 

the cost

The 180ml bottle is sold for USD$25.00.
 

the availability

Huangjisoo products are available from the brand’s wesbite.
 

the expiry

The cleanser has a three year shelf life and must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) Expiry
 

the performance

Cutting to the chase, the performance of this product as a second step foam cleanser is for me, identical to the Brightening Pure Daily Foam. The scent is the only variation, which in this case, is more floral, the Brightening one being overly herbal (which I personally prefer). Other than that, I observed the same results in terms of application and after effects, both a very good second step cleanser.

Their composition is similar, both formulas made up of 99.5% plant material, employing the same major surfactant to deliver a gentle cleanse. The combination of botanical extracts and oils is different, although several are common to both versions (eg. Licorice, ginseng, mugwort, mulberry, grapefruit and skullcap).
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean)
Both have the same consistency, a fluffy light foam dispensed in each case from a liquid product. The skin is left soft and hydrated, confirmed by a similar, ideal pH, both returning a slightly acidic reading of around 6. For specific details about use, product and effects, please see the Brightening Pure Daily Foam review, since there is no differentiation other than scent on experience.

The Huangjisoo foam cleansers are said to also gently remove makeup which suggests they perform a double cleanse in one step. As this one is a Deep Cleanse, I decided to test it in this capacity also (I didn’t do such a test for the brightening version, focusing only on it’s ability as a second step cleanser). There is a warning on the packaging to ensure the product does not enter the eyes (to rinse immediately if it does). Firstly, I like to see the progress I am making when removing makeup. I open my eyes during the process to see if I need to keep going. Secondly, in general, I dislike using foaming cleansers for makeup removal, preferring the gentle full face application of cleansing oils and balms. But for the purpose of a comprehensive review, here goes!
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) pH Test
As can be seen from the image below, I coated the back of my hand with a broad selection of makeup products. The images (left to right, top to bottom) indicate the cleansing progress made, the first one showing the initial state of makeup application, the second showing the equivalent of two pumps of foam dispensed onto my skin. In order to make removal progress, I had to apply significant force while rubbing. It was difficult to dislodge and felt completely unsatisfying. When water is added, it doesn’t emulsify like oil cleansers do (as expected), rather, just rinses off. The last image shows just how much makeup remains when only my fingers were used to firmly massage the foam into the skin. The product performed poorly.
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) Makeup Test
A cotton pad certainly helped as can be seen in the next photo, but there was still makeup left on my skin even after swiping hard and reapplying a second round of cleanser. As such, I wouldn’t recommend using this for anything more than removal of a light foundation/BB/CC cream or equivalent. There are far better products for makeup removal.
 
Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean) Makeup Test, Cotton Pad Assistance
 

the conclusion

The 99.5% natural formulation of the Huangjisoo Pure Daily Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser is safe and fresh. It feels silky on the skin, generates a lightweight foam and cleans effectively without stripping the moisture barrier. However, it didn’t remove makeup well at all, suggesting that it should only be used as the second step of a double cleanse. I believe it is suitable for all skin types.
 

Huangjisoo Pure Daily Foaming Cleanser (Deep Clean)

the summary

Pros Cons
Fun, hygienic packaging Only available online for Australians
Safe CosDNA/EWG confirmed formula Sensitive skin should note essential oils and plant extracts
Lightweight, effective cleanser Poor makeup removal
Leaves skin bright and fresh
Ideal pH ensures skin is not stripped
Suitable for all skin types

 

the references

Huanjisoo website
Mentha Arvensis Oil One Touch Natural
Ingredient Spotlight: Cucumber Extract Skin Care Benefits Astrida Naturals
Skin Benefits of Lavender Extract Danielle Hadley
Seal In Moisture with China’s Anti-Aging Flower Dr Al Sears
Do Grains Belong on Your Face? Alana Mitchell
Allium Cepa Onion Bulb Extract Molly Barker
Schisandra Benefits Natural Health Guide
An overview of dermatological and cosmeceutical benefits of Diospyros kaki and its phytoconstituents Muhammad Kashif, Naveed Akhtar
Why Mugwort is the Korean beauty secret that could cure your skin conditions Christobel Hastings
Ginseng in Skin Care Nicky Hoskins
10 Impressive Benefits of Ginseng Organic Facts
What’s In My Skin Care: Licorice Root Extract LaMav, Organic Skin Science
Skullcap Extract in Skin Care Craig Kraffert, Dermatologist
Mulberry leaf: How it can benefit your health and skin Dr Veronica Hoi I-cheng
Milk Thistle Extract Paula’s Choice Skincare Ingredient Dictionary
Benefits of Laminaria Japonica Extract for Skin Vine Vera Reviews
Clary Sage Essential Oil in Skin Care Maia Singletary

 


 

the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.

This product was provided to me free of charge by Sophie’s Beauty Box for review. This post only includes my honest opinion and experience of this product and is in no way influenced by Sophie’s Beauty Box, Huangjisoo, any of its representatives or any other third party.
 


 

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