MissLJBeauty

The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is one of those products I didn’t expect to get excited about… but somehow ended up reaching for every day.

I’ve already tried and loved the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+, so I had a feeling this cleanser would be good. But if I’m honest, cleansers are never the most exciting step in my routine. As long as they clean my skin without stripping it, I’m usually happy.

That said, my skin has been all over the place recently. After having my coil replaced, I started dealing with more breakouts, alongside my usual combination skin, dry patches (thanks winter) and the usual blackheads around my nose and chin.

QUICK TAKE

If you want a gentle cleanser that actually removes makeup and SPF without stripping your skin, this is one of those everyday products that just works.

It’s lightweight, non-irritating and leaves your skin feeling clean, fresh and comfortable, making it ideal for combination, breakout-prone or slightly sensitive skin.

What Is the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser? (And What Does It Do?)

The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is a gentle gel-to-foam facial cleanser designed to remove makeup, SPF and daily build-up without stripping the skin.

It starts as a lightweight gel and turns into a soft foam, giving you that proper “clean skin” feeling without the tightness.

It’s inspired by traditional Korean skincare, using ingredients like green plum extract to help refresh, balance and keep the skin feeling comfortable.

It’s designed for:

• daily cleansing

• combination to oily skin

• sensitive or slightly reactive skin

• removing everyday makeup and SPF

• keeping the skin clean without drying it out

The Ingredients (And Why They Matter)

With cleansers, I’ll be honest, I don’t always look too deeply at the ingredients. As long as something doesn’t irritate my skin and actually cleanses properly, I’m usually happy.

But with the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, I do think the formula is a big part of why it works so well.

The standout ingredient is green plum extract, which is traditionally used in Korean skincare to gently exfoliate and refresh the skin. It’s not harsh or tingly, but helps keep the skin feeling clearer and more balanced over time.

It also contains mung bean seed extract, which is known for its soothing and calming properties. I think this is what makes a difference when your skin is feeling a bit sensitive or going through a breakout, like mine was.

What I really like about this gentle gel cleanser is that it focuses on supporting the skin barrier rather than stripping it.

You’re still getting a proper cleanse, removing makeup, SPF and daily build-up, but without that tight, dry feeling you sometimes get with foaming cleansers.

Texture and Application

This is where I was genuinely surprised.

It starts as a lightweight gel cleanser, but as soon as you add water, it turns into a really soft, gentle foam. Not overly bubbly or stripping, just enough to feel like it’s actually cleansing your skin properly.

I was expecting it to feel a bit too mild, but it doesn’t. It gives that proper “clean skin” feeling without ever tipping into that tight or dry after-feel.

How It Feels on the Skin

After rinsing, my skin feels:

• clean

• fresh

• comfortable

• not stripped

And that balance is exactly what I want in a cleanser, especially when my skin is already a bit unsettled and doing its own thing.

Makeup & SPF Removal

This honestly impressed me more than I expected. I’ve used this with everything from skin tint and SPF right through to a full face of foundation, and even waterproof mascara, and it removes it all far more easily than I thought it would for such a gentle cleanser.

It doesn’t feel like you have to work it in loads or go back in a second time just to get your makeup off. It just does the job properly without any effort, which I think is why I’ve ended up reaching for it so much.

I’ve mainly been using it before showering, especially after workouts, long days out or mountain biking, and it just takes everything off without overthinking it.

My Skin While Using This

I actually started using this during a breakout phase, which isn’t ideal timing for trying anything new, but it ended up working in its favour.

My skin was properly all over the place. I’d just had my coil replaced, so I was dealing with hormonal breakouts, alongside my usual combination skin, a bit of dryness from winter, and the standard blackheads on my nose and chin.

Basically, not my best skin moment And this was the only thing I changed in my routine.

I can’t say it magically cleared everything overnight, but my skin definitely felt calmer, and the breakout seemed to heal quicker than I expected. It just felt like my skin wasn’t being irritated any further, which honestly is half the battle when your skin is playing up.

Where This Fits in My Routine

This has mostly become my go-to cleanser for removing makeup before I jump in the shower, especially after workouts, long days out or mountain biking.

It’s one of those products that just fits into real life. I’m not standing at the sink overthinking it, I just use it, it works, and that’s it.

How I Actually Use This Cleanser (Real Routine)

I feel like this is one of those steps people overcomplicate, but I keep it really simple.

I apply this onto damp skin and work it in for around 30 seconds, focusing on areas where I’ve had makeup, SPF or just general build-up from the day.

It starts as a gel and then turns into a soft foam, so it feels like it’s actually cleansing your skin without needing loads of product. I then remove it with a warm face cloth rather than just rinsing, which I find helps lift everything off properly, especially around my nose and chin where I tend to get blackheads.

And here’s the slightly controversial bit…

I don’t always double cleanse.

I also don’t always wash my face twice a day. Most days, I’m cleansing once, usually in the evening to remove makeup, SPF and everything from the day.

I know that might not be the “perfect” routine, but it works for me.

If I’ve been wearing heavier makeup, I will double cleanse, but day to day, especially with lighter makeup or just SPF, I’m happy using this on its own and it genuinely does the job.

My Honest Review: Is the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser Worth It?

This isn’t the most exciting product in my routine, and I think that’s exactly why I nearly overlooked it.

But honestly, it’s one of those cleansers that just ends up becoming part of your everyday without you really thinking about it And for me, that says a lot.

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I do. I’m very much a CeraVe girl when it comes to cleansers, and I don’t usually stray far from what I know works. But this genuinely surprised me.

The biggest thing for me is how gentle it is without feeling ineffective. It properly cleanses the skin, removes makeup and SPF easily, and still leaves your skin feeling comfortable, which isn’t always easy to get right with a gel cleanser.

Even when my skin was breaking out and feeling a bit sensitive, it didn’t sting, didn’t irritate, and didn’t make anything worse. And if you’ve ever had skin that’s playing up, you’ll know that’s actually a big deal.

It’s also one of those products that fits into real life. Whether I’ve been out riding, sweating, wearing makeup all day or just want something quick and easy, it does the job without any effort. That said, it’s not perfect.

For the price, you don’t get loads of product compared to something like CeraVe, which lasts forever and works out cheaper per use. But this feels lighter, more refreshing, and definitely more travel-friendly, which I’ve ended up appreciating more than I expected.

As someone who tests a lot of cleansers and usually goes straight back to CeraVe, it takes quite a bit for something new to earn a place in my routine.

Value for Money

This sits somewhere in the middle for me.

At around £11 for 100ml, it’s not overly expensive, but it’s also not the cheapest cleanser out there, especially when you compare it to something like CeraVe, which lasts forever and works out really good value long term.

I actually picked mine up during a TikTok Shop flash brand day, which made it feel like even better value, and honestly, that’s probably the kind of time I’d recommend buying it.

For me, it comes down to what you prioritise.

CeraVe is more:

• budget-friendly

• long-lasting

• very no-frills

Whereas the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser feels a bit more like an upgrade in terms of experience. It’s lighter, more refreshing and a lot more travel-friendly, which I didn’t think I’d care about, but actually do.

You don’t get loads of product for the price, so if you’re using it twice a day, you will go through it quicker But as an everyday gentle cleanser that’s easy to use and doesn’t irritate your skin, I do think it earns its place.

Beauty of Joseon Cleanser vs CeraVe: Which Is Better?

I have to be honest, I am very much a CeraVe girl (you can read my full CeraVe review here) when it comes to cleansers, so this had a lot to live up to.

CeraVe cleanser are the kind of products you can use without even thinking about it. They’re affordable, last ages and just quietly do the job without any fuss.

But where the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser stands out for me is the experience.

It feels lighter on the skin, more refreshing and a bit more “skincare focused” rather than just functional. It’s one of those cleansers that feels a bit nicer to use day to day, even though it’s still simple.

I also didn’t expect to care about this, but it’s much more travel-friendly, which has actually made a difference for me.

In terms of performance, both are gentle cleansers that don’t strip the skin, but this one genuinely surprised me with how well it removes makeup and SPF on its own.

👉 If you want value and something that lasts → CeraVe

PROS AND CONS 

Pros

• gentle and non-irritating, even around the eyes

• removes makeup and SPF better than expected

• lightweight gel-to-foam texture

• leaves skin clean, fresh and comfortable

• easy to use daily without overthinking

Cons

• doesn’t last as long as cheaper cleansers like CeraVe

• slightly higher price per use

• more practical than luxurious

Which Skin Types Is It Best For?

I think this cleanser works best if you want something gentle and reliable, rather than anything too active or treatment-focused.

For me, it’s ideal for:

• combination skin — it cleans properly without making dry areas worse or over-stripping oilier areas

• slightly sensitive or reactive skin — no stinging, no irritation, even around the eyes

• skin going through breakouts (including teenage skin) — it won’t fix them, but it doesn’t make things worse either, which is sometimes exactly what you need

• normal to slightly oily skin — especially if you want a fresh, clean feeling without that tight finish

• mature skin — if you want a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin or leave it feeling dry

• anyone wanting a gentle daily cleanser — something you can use morning and night without overthinking it

• people who wear makeup and SPF daily — it removes both easily without needing loads of product

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser good for combination skin?

Yes, I think this is exactly who it suits best. It cleanses properly without making dry areas worse or over-stripping oilier areas, which can be a hard balance to find in a cleanser.

Does the Beauty of Joseon Cleanser remove makeup and SPF?

Yes, and this genuinely surprised me.

It removes everyday makeup, SPF and even waterproof mascara far more easily than I expected for such a gentle cleanser. For heavier makeup, I’d still double cleanse, but for day-to-day use, it works really well on its own.

Can you use Beauty of Joseon Cleanser every day?

Yes, I’ve been using it daily without any irritation.

It’s gentle enough to use morning and night, and because it doesn’t strip the skin, it works well as an everyday cleanser.

Is the Beauty of Joseon Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

From my experience, yes.

It felt very gentle and didn’t cause any stinging or irritation, even around my eyes, which is usually where I notice it first.

Does Beauty of Joseon Cleanser help with breakouts?

I started using this during a breakout, and while it’s not a treatment cleanser, my skin did feel calmer and seemed to heal quicker.

It’s more about not making things worse, which is sometimes exactly what you need.

Is it better than CeraVe cleanser?

It depends what you’re looking for.

CeraVe is better value and lasts longer, but the Beauty of Joseon cleanser feels lighter, more refreshing and a bit more elevated to use day to day.

I’ve also tried other CeraVe cleansers (which I’ve reviewed here), and they’re always a solid, reliable option.

Is the Beauty of Joseon Cleanser good for acne-prone skin?

It can be a good option if your skin is acne-prone but also sensitive.

It won’t treat acne directly, but because it’s gentle and non-stripping, it helps avoid further irritation, which can make breakouts worse.

Can you use the Beauty of Joseon Cleanser on dry skin?

Yes, but it depends how dry your skin is.

For slightly dry or combination skin, it works well as it doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight. If your skin is very dry, you might prefer something more hydrating.

Does the Beauty of Joseon Cleanser clog pores?

No, I didn’t find it clogged my pores at all.

If anything, my skin felt clearer and more balanced with consistent use.

Is the Beauty of Joseon Cleanser worth it?

For me, yes.

It’s not the cheapest cleanser, but it’s gentle, effective and easy to use every day, which is why I’ve kept reaching for it.

Why is Beauty of Joseon so popular right now?

Beauty of Joseon has become really popular over the last few years, especially on TikTok and across K-beauty trends.

A big part of that is how the brand focuses on simple, gentle skincare that actually works, without overcomplicating things. Products like their SPF went viral for being lightweight, effective and easy to use every day.

For me, it’s that balance between traditional ingredients and modern skincare. Everything feels quite minimal, but still results-focused, which is probably why so many people keep going back to the brand.

Is Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser good for teenagers?

Final Thoughts

This is one of those products that doesn’t feel particularly exciting at first, but ends up becoming something you rely on.

For me, the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser has been a really easy, gentle addition to my routine, especially when my skin hasn’t been at its best. 

It properly cleanses the skin, removes makeup and SPF without any effort, and most importantly, doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped or irritated, which for me is always the deal breaker with a cleanser. 

I didn’t expect to like it as much as I do, especially as someone who always goes back to CeraVe, but this has definitely earned its place. Compared to something like the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, this feels a bit more lightweight and refreshing on the skin.

It’s simple, effective and fits into real life, and honestly, that’s exactly what I want from a cleanser.

Author 

Laura is the creator of MissLJBeauty, sharing honest beauty and lifestyle reviews with over 15 years of experience.