PYUNKANG YUL Acne Facial Cleanser

PYUNKANG YUL Acne Facial Cleanser

Efficacy50/100IrritancyMedium·100% recommend (1 review)

Works for

Cleansing
Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate + 2 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Acne Facial Cleanser”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, sodium methyl oleoyl taurate) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~6.7–10%
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~4.7–7.1%
Disodium cocoamphodipropionateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.5–2.2%
Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleateEffect: High~1.2–1.8%
Exfoliation
Salix alba bark extract, Allantoin
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Made for acne-prone and sensitive skin, this hypoallergenic facial cleanser is infused with white willow bark extract to exfoliate dead skin cells, forsythia suspensa fruit extract to decrease inflammation and centella asiatica extract to rejuvenate skin.”
Source: Glowsecret

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.3–0.7%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~6.7–10%est.
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
Scutellaria baicalensis root extractA plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant propertiesHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~4.7–7.1%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2.1–3.1%est.
Disodium cocoamphodipropionateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.5–2.2%est.
Pyridoxine hclMight help neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.55–1.25%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.15–0.65%est.
Polygonum cuspidatum root extractA plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the productMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extractLicorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentationMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

1 of 1 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Cocamidopropyl betaine~6.7–10%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate~4.7–7.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate
Peg-75~2.6–3.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin.

More about Peg-75
Acrylates copolymer~2.1–3.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer
Glycerin~1.7–2.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Disodium cocoamphodipropionate~1.5–2.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Disodium cocoamphodipropionate
Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate
Dimethyl sulfone~0.95–1.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps dissolve other ingredients

More about Dimethyl sulfone
Pyridoxine hcl~0.55–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Might help neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Pyridoxine hcl
Salix alba bark extract~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatoryExfoliationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Forsythia suspensa fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Centella asiatica extract~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
Polygonum cuspidatum root extract~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the product

More about Polygonum cuspidatum root extract
Scutellaria baicalensis root extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Reduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that might contain a compound baicalin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in skin. The baicalin concentration in skincare products is often too low for an effective action. Can be used for its fragrant properties

More about Scutellaria baicalensis root extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Licorice root extract. Might be helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation

More about Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract
Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemishAntibacterialAnti-oxidation

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract
Sodium chloride~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Copper tripeptide-1~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A naturally occurring peptide. One of the most studied peptides in dermatology. It is sometimes abbreviated GHK-Cu. Belongs to the class of carrier peptides. It stimulates both synthesis and breakdown of collagen in skin. It is released in skin wounds and inflammation to support healing. It accelerates wound-healing of the skin and can stimulate hair growth. There are preliminary studies that confirm that copper tripeptide can help support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles and decrease inflammation in skin.

More about Copper tripeptide-1
Allantoin~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-blemishReduces rednessExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Citric acid~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Potassium hydroxide~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Disodium edta~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Ingredient list view

Water, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, Peg-75, Acrylates copolymer, Glycerin, Disodium cocoamphodipropionate, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Dimethyl sulfone, Pyridoxine hcl, Salix alba bark extract, Forsythia suspensa fruit extract, Butylene glycol, Centella asiatica extract, Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, Scutellaria baicalensis root extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Sodium chloride, Copper tripeptide-1, Allantoin, Citric acid, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium edta

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle120 ml
$11.60
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 15:16 GMT
$14.99
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
PYUNKANG YULAcne Facial CleanserYOUR PRODUCTOngredientsSkin Barrier Moisture Deep CleanserPerricone MDCold Plasma Plus+ Daily Detox Clay CleanserFace factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser
Match—49%44%34%
Price$11.60$10.47−$1.13$29.00+$17.40$7.80−$3.80
Shared key ingredients—4 of 82 of 83 of 8
Key difference—Tripeptide-1Copper GluconateNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Naturium The Calmer Ceramide Body WashNeutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Foaming Formula

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 28 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
PYUNKANG YUL Acne Facial Cleanser
PYUNKANG YULAcne Facial Cleanser

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.