Etude House Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser | Review

When it comes to managing sensitive, acne-prone skin, choosing the right cleanser can make all the difference. I’ve tried several cleansers specifically recommended for acne-prone skin, many of which are backed by dermatologists or well-reviewed online. While they helped to some extent, I often found myself wishing for something that could cleanse effectively without making my skin feel stripped, tight, or slightly irritated.

That’s when I decided to try the Etude House Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser, and it turned out to be exactly what my skin needed.

First Impressions & Texture

The cleanser comes in a clean, minimalistic tube, which aligns with the Soon Jung aesthetic. The texture itself is creamy and smooth, with a slightly silky consistency. Once mixed with a bit of water, it lathers up into a soft, fine foam that feels incredibly gentle on the skin. It spreads easily and rinses off without leaving any residue or film behind.

Gentle, Skin-Friendly Formula

What makes this cleanser stand out is its pH 5.5 formulation, which helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Unlike some cleansers that focus heavily on oil control or antibacterial ingredients (and can sometimes overdo it), this one strikes a balance. It cleanses thoroughly, removing sunscreen and daily buildup while leaving my skin feeling soft, calm, and comfortable.

It’s formulated with Panthenol (a form of vitamin B5) and Madecassoside (derived from Centella Asiatica), both known for their soothing and barrier-repairing properties. After cleansing, my skin never feels tight or dry—just clean, balanced, and lightly hydrated.

I often use this as the first and second step in a double cleanse, especially on days I wear sunscreen but no makeup. Even then, it handles the job with ease, and I only need a small amount to get a good lather. On minimal skincare days, it works just as well as a standalone cleanser.

Another thing worth noting: it’s free from eight potentially irritating ingredients, including artificial fragrance, parabens, and mineral oil. And it’s passed a skin irritation test, making it a reliable option for those of us with reactive or sensitised skin.

Full ingredient list: Water / Aqua / Eau, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Coco-betaine, Potassium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Pentylene Glycol, Madecassoside

Final Verdict

The Etude House Soon Jung 5.5 Foam Cleanser has become a daily product repeat in my skincare routine. It is simple and works effectively as stated. If you’ve been using cleansers that are “supposed” to work but still leave your skin feeling a little dry, this could be a gentler, more skin-friendly alternative. For me, it has helped keep my skin clean and comfortable without disrupting the delicate pH balance my skin needs.

All photos by Prisc

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