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Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam
Pyunkang Yul,  second cleanse

Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam

the claim

The Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam is said to be a vacuum cleanser for the pores. The dense but gentle foam adheres strongly to waste and sebum to lift and remove for clean skin without drying.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam
 

the science

The star active ingredient in Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam is Siler Root Extract which has been used traditionally for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine. Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties deliver healing effects so it has been useful for treating contact dermatitis and allergic skin reactions. It also helps to control oil production. Next in concentration is Glycerin. Together with Beeswax, they deliver much required humectant properties to ensure the oil controlling activity of the siler root extract does not dry the skin or compromise hydration.
 
Of course there are several ingredients included to assist with the primary purpose of this product, that being to cleanse. Myristic Acid and Lauric Acid are fatty acids derived from plants that act as cleansing agents while Stearic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Lauramide DEA are surfactants that help to reduce water surface tension to lift and wash away oils and dirt on the surface as well as enhancing foam.
 
Most of the remaining ingredients provide emollient and lubricating contributions to give skin a soft and smooth appearance.
 

the ingredients

Saposhnikovia Divaricata (Siler) Root Extract, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Stearic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycol Distearate, Lauramide DEA, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Fragrance
 

the packaging

The Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam comes in a large plastic tube with flip top cap and controlled squeeze dispenser. The cap can be fully removed if required and comes foil sealed when new.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam
 

the analysis

Other than fragrance which raises a red flag for known potential sensitizing effects, both the CosDNA and EWG analyses deliver a mild hazard rating for the Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam.
 
Pyunkang Yul Moisture Cream CosDNA Analysis
 

the application

The instructions on the Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam tube itself are a little odd: Make bubbles and apply adequate amount on your face. After massaging, wash it with warm water. I have extracted clearer directions from stockists that suggest to use this cleanser, squeeze a small amount onto your hand and apply it to dry skin. Use palms to stretch out the cleanser onto skin then apply water to create a rich lather. Rinse with lukewarm water to remove.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam
 

the scent

Uncharacteristic of Pyunkang Yul, this is the only product in their introductory line that includes artificial fragrance.
 

the cost

A 180ml tube of Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam has a recommended retail price of around USD$14.00. [Note that since publishing this post, the tube has been re-released at an updated volume of 150ml, costing around USD$13.00.]
 

the availability

Pyunkang Yul products are available at Korean skincare online retailers such as Style Korean, Yes Style and iHerb.
 

the expiry

The Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam has a two year shelf life and must be used within 12 months of opening.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam Expiry
 

the performance

With respect to presentation, the tube is typical for a foam cleanser. The cap allows easy, controlled dispensing while its screw top removal also enhances the reach to the last drops. This means all the product can be accessed with none wasted by being left inside the tube. It is a hygienic application as the product only comes into contact with the skin once it is dispensed. This is the only product in the brand’s line that incorporates added fragrance. I’m a little confused as why this might be the case since Pyunkang Yul  is all about skin healing and a gentle, less-is-more approach to skincare. Nonetheless, the fragrance is not strong and doesn’t irritate or bother me. It may affect those with sensitivities however.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam; Image Credit Pyunkang YulThe texture is unusual. It appears runnier than most foam cleansers I have used and escapes quite quickly from the tube due to its less dense viscosity. Furthermore, it’s stringy and gummy when manipulated. This supposedly assists the product to bond with oil and dirt for more effective cleansing. Application directions suggest stretching it over a dry face and then adding some water to promote foam. Although this is said to improve the bonding of the product to the debris it is collecting, I didn’t detect any difference in the outcome whether applied onto damp or dry skin.
 
I find you use less product if you apply it to a slightly damp face as it starts to foam immediately enhancing spreadability and you still get a very dense foam, nowhere near as effervescent as you might expect. After massaging for a few minutes, adding water lightens the texture to generate the bubbles. With every splash, the product loosens and the removal process continues. After completely washing it off, skin is left feeling very fresh, smooth and soft. There was no sense of stripping or remaining residue.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam In Action
I tested the product pH and found it came in at a mildly alkaline reading of 7.5 (7.0 being neutral), although others have reported 7.0 in their investigations. Although it is ideal for a cleanser to be a little acidic to optimise the acid mantle and hence reception of other skincare layers, this still left a very refreshing finish without any sensation of dryness or tightness.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam pH Measure
This certainly leaves my skin feeling lovely however, it doesn’t appear to have pore vacuum cleansing powers anymore than any other good foam cleanser. My pores feel clean, but then I also get that sensation from several other like products. It does fulfil its claims however by providing a thorough, gentle cleanse without drying the skin.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam Texture
 

the conclusion

I have a soft spot for Pyunkang Yul as I have really enjoyed everything I have tried from the brand. They produce affordable high quality skincare that works and you can’t ask for more than that. This cleanser is no exception. Although it could be improved with a lower pH and removal of fragrance, for me, it still worked really well and left my skin feeling hydrated, smooth and clean.
 
As it is considered a vacuum for pores, it would be an ideal cleanser for those with oily or acne prone skin. Normal and dry skin would be suited to the cleanser too since it is non-drying. Fragrance is the last ingredient on the list so the low concentration included may or may not affect those with sensitive skin.
 
Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam
 

the summary

Pros Cons
Safe formulation, low irritation probability Only available online for Australian consumers
Deeply cleanses Added fragrance
Suitable for all skin types
Leaves skin hydrated, smooth and soft
Well presented and priced

 

the references

Style Korean website
This New K-Beauty Brand Is Inspired By Traditional Korean Medicine Lydian Teo
Lauric Acid Truth In Aging
Myristic Acid Truth In Aging
How does stearic acid work in skin cleansers? Elizabeth Forester
Beeswax, the Natural Skin Protectant that Soothes and Hyrdrates Annemarie Skin Care
Cocamidopropyl Betaine Paula’s Choice Skincare Dictionary
Glyceryl Stearate Cosmetics Info
PEG 100 Stearate The Dermatology Review

 


the disclaimer

Please read in context with my disclaimer.
 
 


 

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