The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is a gentle gel-to-foam cleanser designed for everyday use. It cleans without the squeaky, stripped feeling many foaming cleansers leave behind, which makes it a strong pick for oily, combination and normal skin, and a good second cleanser after a balm or oil. Very dry or reactive skin may prefer using it only in the evening.
Key facts
| Detail | Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser |
|---|---|
| Hero ingredient | Green plum |
| Type | Gel cleanser with light lather |
| When to use | Morning and/or evening; second cleanse at night |
| Best for | Oily, combination and normal skin |
| Pairs with | Radiance Cleansing Balm or Ginseng Cleansing Oil |
What is green plum?
Green plum (maesil) is a fruit that is widely used in Korean food and has a place in traditional culture. In skincare, green plum extract is used for a fresh, clarifying feel. It is part of the brand’s broader hanbang-inspired ingredient story; read our hanbang ingredients guide to learn more.
What we like
- Gentle clean feel. It removes oil and daily grime without leaving skin tight for most users.
- Light lather that rinses off easily.
- Versatile: a quick morning wash or a second cleanse at night.
- A little goes a long way; a pea-sized amount is usually enough.
What to keep in mind
- It is not designed to remove heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen on its own. Use a balm or oil first.
- Very dry skin may prefer a water rinse in the morning and this cleanser only at night.
- Avoid the eyes; like any cleanser, it can sting if it gets in.
How to use it
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze a pea-sized amount into wet hands.
- Rub hands together to create a light lather.
- Massage gently over the face for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Continue with your routine, such as Ginseng Essence Water or a serum.
As a second cleanser
In the evening, after removing sunscreen with a balm or oil, use the Green Plum cleanser to wash away residue. This two-step approach is explained in detail in our double cleansing guide.
Who should buy it?
Oily and combination skin
It helps skin feel fresh and clean without the harshness of strong foaming cleansers. Pair it with Red Bean Water Gel and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh for a light routine.
Normal skin
A simple daily cleanser that fits morning and evening routines.
Acne-prone skin
Many acne-prone users prefer gentle cleansers, because harsh cleansing can leave skin irritated. A mild cleanser alone will not treat acne, but it is a good base for a routine. See our best products by skin concern.
Dry and sensitive skin
Use it once a day in the evening, keep contact time short, and follow quickly with a hydrating serum and moisturizer.
Signs a cleanser is too strong for you
- Skin feels tight or itchy within minutes of washing.
- You see flaking around the nose or mouth.
- Products that never stung before start to sting.
If this happens with any cleanser, reduce how often you use it, use less product, or rinse with water in the morning instead.
Morning vs evening use
In the morning, the cleanser is useful if you wake up oily or after a rich night cream. In the evening, it is your main or second cleanse. Many people with normal skin use it twice a day; those with drier skin often prefer once.
Pairing ideas
| Skin type | AM | PM |
|---|---|---|
| Oily | Green Plum cleanser | Ginseng Cleansing Oil, then Green Plum cleanser |
| Combination | Green Plum cleanser | Radiance Cleansing Balm, then Green Plum cleanser |
| Dry | Water rinse | Radiance Cleansing Balm, then a short Green Plum cleanse |
Verdict
The Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is an easy, gentle everyday cleanser that suits most skin types and shines as a second cleanse. If you want a cleanser that feels fresh without feeling harsh, it is a reliable choice. Pair it with a balm or oil when you wear SPF or makeup.
How to use it with active products
If you use stronger products, a gentle cleanser makes your routine easier to tolerate. On nights you use the Revive Eye Serum or exfoliate with the Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel, keep the cleanse short and the water lukewarm, then wait until your skin is fully dry before applying retinal. In the morning after an exfoliating night, a simple water rinse may be all your skin needs before serum, moisturizer and Relief Sun.
Avoid cleansing more than twice a day, even in summer. Washing too often can leave skin feeling tight, which some people then try to fix with heavier products, creating a cycle of imbalance.
Where to buy in Canada
See details and current Canadian buying options on our Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser page, and complete your cleanse with the Radiance Cleansing Balm.
FAQ
Is the Green Plum cleanser good for sensitive skin?
Many users find it gentle, but sensitive skin varies. Patch test and start with once-daily use.
Can it remove sunscreen?
It may remove light layers, but for water-resistant sunscreen and makeup, use a balm or oil first.
How much should I use?
A pea-sized amount is usually enough for the whole face.
Can I use it twice a day?
Yes, if your skin feels comfortable. Drier skin may prefer once a day.