CLAY+essence
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam
Missha,  second cleanse

Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam

the claim

The Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam claims to leave skin clean, hydrated and moist. It cleans with a rich lather designed to completely remove impurities, leaving skin refreshed with the assistance of MOISCLEAN.
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam
 

the science

Blue Lotus Flower Extract is the spotlight ingredient of the foam cleanser. It is a natural moisturiser perfect for the treatment of dry, rough or flaky skin and can also help balance oil content to improve acne.

After water, fatty acids are strongly represented in the formuation. Firstly, Myristic Acid is a surfactant. It helps to bind water and oil to lift away dirt and impurties and together with Lauramide DEA provide the product its foam. Stearic Acid is an emulsifer and forms an occlusive layer over the skin. It gives the cleanser its creamy consistency, assuring components smoothly blend together. Lauric Acid also displays moisturising abilities and contributes antimicrobial properties to fight acne.

Glycerin is a humectant exhibiting excellent moisture locking strength and is often present in beauty products. It also contributes cleansing, lubricating and soothing properties. On the other hand Diglycerin, another humectant also known as Diglycerol, absorbs less water more slowly achieving longer-lasting effects on the skin.

Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyglycerin and Caprylyl Glycol are added for their preservative capabilities. Caprylyl Glycol also contributes moisturising properties whilst the former both additionally enhance the foaming and cleaning of the product.

Potassium Hydroxide is a pH adjuster, used because of its softness and high level of solubility. Butylene Glycol is added to increase the penetration of other ingredients in the formulation as well as providing a thinning effect to the cleanser’s viscosity. It may act as a humectant drawing moisture into the skin from the air. Glycol Stearate is an emollient. Together with Methyl Gluceth-10, a natural glucose derivative, they help to achieve smooth, soft skin. PEG 40 Stearate is a surfactant and cleansing agent and not considered to be an irritant or sensitizer.
 

the ingredients

Water, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Lauric Acid, Lauramide DEA, Butylene Glycol, Ceteth-20, Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Extract, Glycol Distearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Methyl Gluceth-10, Ethoxydiglycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Butoxydiglycol, Glycereth-26, Diglycerin, Diethoxydiglycol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Perfum), Blue 1 (CI 42090)
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam Ingredients
 

the packaging

The Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam comes in a plastic tube with screw top lid. A small hole allows controlled dispensing and a cap offers quick access, typical of a foaming cleanser. When new, the opening is sealed to retain freshness.

As can be seen from the image above, the formulation printed on the original packaging has either changed or was incorrect, confirmed by an adhesive sticker displaying updated information.
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam Presentation
 

the analysis

Both the CosDNA and EWG reports indicate a low hazard for this product, both announcing an alert for the presence of fragrance, a known irritant.
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

Dispense an appropriate amount and add water to create a rich lather. Massage into face to cleanse and rinse with lukewarm water.
 

the scent

The scent is floral.
 

the cost

A large 200ml tube retails for AUD$18.00.
 

the availability

The Missha brand is widely available from Korean skincare boutiques and several online skin care stores including iHerb, Yes Style and Style Korean.
 

the expiry

The product must be used within 12 months of opening. The expiration date is July 2020, so is good for at least 3 years (actual duration dependent on manufacturing date).
 

the performance

Immediately evident is the sheer size of the tube. A hefty 200ml volume assures it will last several months with daily use. The design is minimalist and attractive. This is a morning and/or second evening cleanser, not designed primarily for the removal of makeup. The dispensing mechanism is traditional and works well. The cleanser is quite fluffy in consistency. It comes out in an ever so slight baby blue tint. There is colour added to the formulation so I assume this is due to an artificial source and not the lotus flower. A floral scent results from the added perfum. It is much like a woman’s fragrance which may cause irritation to those sensitive to such additives.
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam texture
Application is the same as any other foam cleanser. Squeeze a small amount out (as shown above) and massage it into a wet face to generate a lather. If you dispense too much, it acts more like a cream cleanser than a foam one. You won’t get bubbles.
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam lather
It feels very gentle and satisfying on the face. It rinses easily without any noticeable residue, leaving a clean feeling. As soon as the water evaporates or is wiped away, the skin immediately tightens, indicating a slight drying effect. Undergoing a pH test shows that the cleanser is in fact a little on the alkaline side, measuring 8, where ideally it should be more acidic (between 5-6) so as not to disrupt the acid mantle.
 
Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam pH test
The Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam does create a rich lather and also removes impurities as claimed. With the assistance of MOISCLEAN it is said to achieve this whilst also leaving skin hydrated and moist. I could not find a definition of MOISCLEAN, although Missha claims 49% of the product comprises moisturising ingredients. I assume these collectively define the MOISCLEAN effect. However, in practice, this cleanser was no more hydrating or moisturising than any other foam cleanser. In fact, probably less so given its higher than desirable pH level.
 

the conclusion

Although the formulation includes ingredients designed to achieve a hydrating cleanse, the elevated pH of this product leaves the skin fractionally tight. With so many foam cleansers on the market, you would expect one that especially claims hydration and moisturisation to clean at the ideal pH of 5.5. There is nothing particularly remarkable about the way this product cleans or its formulation so it doesn’t generate any memorable impact.

The Missha Super Aqua Refreshing Cleansing Foam did foam well and clean the skin as claimed. It is very budget friendly and may be suited more for those with an oily or acne prone complexion who may like a squeaky clean that can dry up excessive oil. However, it should be noted that long term use of drying cleansers can lead to a compromised moisture barrier so it’s probably best that this product only be used a few times a week and not daily.
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Generous volume (200ml) Only available online in Australia
Good cleansing ability Added fragrance and colour
Budget friendly Slightly drying indicated by a pH of 8
Generates a satisfying, creamy lather

 

the references

Missha website
Know Your Ingredients: Myristic Acid Beautiful with brains
Know Your Ingredients: Stearic Acid Beautiful with brains
Glycerin The Dermatology Review
Lauric Acid Truth in Aging
Butylene Glycol The Dermatology Review
PEG 40 Stearate Truth In Aging
Spotlight on Blue Lotus Flower Extract in Skincare Skin Better Science
Know Your Ingredients: Glycol Stearate Beautiful with brains
Methyl Gluceth-10 Making Cosmetics
Diglycerol: A Humectant With Unique Sensory Qualities Roger E. Stier and Jacqueline Lucia, Noville Inc.
Ethylhexyglycerin Truth In Aging

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shares