Everyone seems obsessed with Korean skincare these days, all chasing that glass-like, smooth skin that almost looks filtered in real life. I was honestly doubtful at first because viral cleansers usually end up being either overhyped or too harsh on the skin. But my oily skin had been getting worse and looking greasy by midday, so I decided to try the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, which usually costs around ₹900 to ₹1,200 in India, depending on where you buy it.
What Skin Concerns Does It Treat?
This cleanser is designed for people dealing with everyday issues that affect how the skin looks and feels throughout the day. It focuses on balancing the skin instead of overstripping it.
Excess Daytime Sebum
It helps control excess oil, especially around the T‑zone, without making the cheeks feel dry or tight. Your skin feels clean and refreshed instead of squeaky or dehydrated.
Surface Dullness
It gently removes dead skin buildup that can make the skin look tired and lacklustre. With regular use, your skin looks softer and a bit more awake, especially when you also explore brightening ingredients for uneven tone and dullness.
Clogged Pores
It clears out daily dirt, sweat, and impurities that can get trapped inside pores and lead to breakouts or stubborn preventing blackheads and congested pores concerns.
Barrier Sensitivity
With its low pH formula, it helps reduce irritation and redness that often comes from harsh, stripping cleansers. Your skin feels calm and comfortable instead of tight or squeaky, and you can support it further with ingredients that repair a weakened skin barrier.
Key Ingredients And Their Benefits
This cleanser combines gentle traditional ingredients that focus on improving skin clarity while keeping the skin calm and comfortable. Each ingredient plays a specific role in cleansing without stripping.
Works like a mild, natural exfoliant that helps loosen dead skin buildup. It helped smooth out small bumps on my forehead without any irritation or peeling, especially when used alongside gentle exfoliating acids for smoother skin texture a few times a week.
- Helps remove surface dead skin.
- Smooths mild texture and tiny bumps.
A traditional Korean ingredient known for its soothing and clarifying properties. It kept breakouts calmer and helped control oil levels as the day went on.
- Supports clearer, calmer-looking skin.
- Helps manage excess sebum through the day.
A strong humectant that draws moisture into the skin during cleansing. This is what prevents the skin from feeling dry or tight after washing.
- Helps maintain moisture while cleansing.
- Prevents that tight, stripped feeling.
A classic skincare ingredient that helps improve skin texture and adds a soft, natural brightness. It gently reduces dullness without the need for harsh scrubbing.
- Softens and refines skin texture.
- Adds a subtle, healthy brightness.
Texture Review
This cleanser comes out as a thick, slightly bouncy gel that feels smooth between the fingers. Once you add water, it loosens up and turns into a soft, milky lather instead of heavy, foamy bubbles.
It rinses off quickly and cleanly, without leaving any sticky residue or that uncomfortable tight feeling on the skin. The fragrance is very mild and natural, with a subtle earthy, herbal scent rather than anything artificial or overpowering.
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid
To get the best results from the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, avoid these common application mistakes that can affect how gentle it feels on your skin.
Using It on a Completely Dry Face
The skin needs to be slightly wet first so the gel can lather properly and spread evenly. Applying it on dry skin can make it feel draggy and less effective.
Relying on It for Heavy Waterproof Makeup
This cleanser is too gentle to break down strong waterproof mascara or long-wear makeup on its own. Always use a cleansing oil or balm first for heavy makeup days.
Rubbing Too Harshly Around the Eye Area
The formula contains natural plant extracts that can sting if they get into the eyes. Use a light touch and avoid aggressively rubbing the eye area.
Using Too Much Product
You only need a small pea‑sized amount for the whole face and neck. Using more than that is unnecessary and just wastes product without adding extra benefits.
How To Use: Step-by-Step Routine
Morning Routine
- Start by splashing your face with lukewarm water to gently wake up the skin.
- Take a small pea‑sized amount of the gel and work it between wet palms until it starts to lather.
- Massage it onto areas that get oily, especially the T‑zone, for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse it off completely and gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
- Follow with a hydrating toner, vitamin C serum, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen enriched with antioxidants to protect against pollution and UV damage.
Night Routine
- Begin your night routine by removing makeup and sunscreen with a cleansing oil or balm.
- Use this gel cleanser as the second cleanse on damp skin to properly clean away any remaining impurities.
- Gently massage it in circular motions to lift off excess oil and residue.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Finish with your usual serums and a nourishing night cream to repair and hydrate overnight.
My Experience
In the first few days of using the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, my skin just felt clean and soft after every wash. There was no instant tight, dry feeling that usually makes me reach for moisturizer right away. It felt especially nice in the morning when my skin only needed a quick reset from overnight oil buildup.
By the end of the fourth week, I started noticing that the area around my nose looked smoother. My T‑zone also stayed more matte for a longer stretch during the day. It did not shrink my pores, but keeping them clear of everyday oil and dirt made my skin look brighter and more balanced overall.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Removes oil, dirt, and light buildup without making skin feel tight or dry.
- Low pH formula helps keep the skin barrier calm and balanced.
- Helps control shine in the T‑zone through the day.
- Works well as a gentle morning cleanse and as a second cleanse at night.
Cons
- Not strong enough for waterproof makeup or heavy, water‑resistant sunscreen on its own.
- May sting if it gets into the eyes.
- Smaller 100 ml size can run out quickly with daily use.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser vs Other Cleansers
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
Final Verdict
If you want a simple, gentle morning cleanser that keeps oil under control without drying your skin, this is a great pick. It cleans effectively without leaving your face tight or uncomfortable, and works beautifully as a second cleanse at night.
If you need something to remove heavy makeup or strong water-resistant sunscreen on its own, this will not be enough. Overall, my skin really liked it, so I would still rate it 4.5 out of 5 for everyday use.
Buy It If…
- You have oily, combination, or mildly dry skin that dislikes harsh cleansers.
- You want a low pH, gentle daily cleanser that doesn’t strip your barrier.
- You prefer a bouncy gel texture that turns into a soft, milky lather.
- You need something that works well as a morning cleanse and second cleanse at night.
Skip It If…
- You wear heavy, waterproof makeup and want your cleanser to remove it in one step.
- You prefer a very foamy or strongly exfoliating face wash.
- You want a large-size cleanser and dislike going through 100 ml bottles quickly.
Disclaimer
This information is shared for educational purposes only. Always do a patch test before trying any new product, and consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a low pH facial wash every day?
Yes, you can use a low pH cleanser daily as long as your skin tolerates it well. It helps support your skin’s natural barrier and keeps it protected from daily pollution and stress.
Does this gel help with acne-prone skin?
It helps prevent clogged pores by removing excess oil and daily buildup, which can reduce the chances of new breakouts over time. For active acne, pair it with targeted treatments recommended by your dermatologist.
Will it dry out dry skin?
No, the gentle formula cleans without stripping natural oils, so it stays comfortable even for drier skin types. If you are very dry or sensitive, just follow up with a hydrating toner and a nourishing moisturizer.
