for my double-cleansing queens
Foreword
As the hunt for the best in K-Beauty continues, today we will discuss one of the best-selling cleansers many seem to rave about. As you can see, this post is dedicated to one of the Hanskin creations. In the past, I have reviewed the brand's Hyaluron Skin Essence (more about it here), which is now a staple in my routine. Is the cleanser just as good? Let's find out together!
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry, sensitive
About the Product
Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Oil (27 USD; Made in Korea) - is described as a gentle acid cleanser that targets clogged pores, blackheads, and dead skin cells. It is suitable for sensitive skin types.
Packaging: true to K-Beauty fashion, you get a lot of product for the price (300 ml/10.14 fl oz). The cleanser comes in a big bright yellow plastic bottle. The pump can be locked to prevent product leakage. Although this is not the most travel-friendly packaging, it is simple and practical.
Formula: in case you are new to PHAs, it is worth noting that the acronym in the PHA Pore Cleansing Oil stands for Polyhydroxy Acids. At this point, you might have heard of BHAs and AHAs (Beta and Alpha). What makes PHAs different is their gentler nature. Think of them as the youngest sibling of the three. While PHAs promote cellular turnover, they also help minimize pigmentation and breakouts. In fact, they can be used by people with skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea to name a few.
PROS ☺️
This is an oil-based cleanser (predominantly Soybean, Sunflower, and Litsea Cubeba) rich in various green extracts as well as Squalene (good for anti-inflammation and hydration). You also get skin-loving Jojoba Seed Oil, Apricot Oil, Glycerin, and Camellia Flower Extract at the bottom of the ingredient list.
CONS 😕
Now, depending on what your stance on the essential oils in skincare is, the following ingredients might be a deal-breaker. The PHA Pore Cleansing Oil contains Orange, Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree Oils. I have never had any issues with these oils, however, if you are sensitive to them - perhaps you might want to consider alternatives.
Vegan🌱 Cruelty-free🐇
Texture: the PHA Pore Cleansing Oil has a watery consistency, that emulsifies well, despite it being called an oil. It is not greasy in the slightest, leaving no film or residue behind.
Scent: this product does not have an added fragrance, however, with various extracts in place it does have a distinct citrus scent. Thankfully it does not linger.
Use: with any skincare products containing acids, I do recommend saving them for your night-time routine. Regardless, it is crucial to wear sun protection at all times to prevent sun damage. The PHA Pore Cleansing Oil is designed to multi-task and is great for two-step cleansing. Even though it melts away makeup and sunscreen quite well, this formula is not intended for the eye area.
In my routine, I use the PHA Pore Cleansing Oil as my second-step cleanser a few times a week. I rinse off my makeup with the Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil (a perfect non-blurring option for sensitive eyes) and then proceed with Hanskin. Sometimes, on my no-makeup days, I will wash my skin with it twice to wash off sunscreen residue. If you have extremely dry skin, dilute this oil cleanser with a bit of water.
first impression
Having dry skin, it felt tight after the first use. I soon discovered that less is more with this cleanser, so reducing the amount of product used helped to avoid the unpleasant feeling. Nevertheless, the skin felt clean and refreshed. Perhaps neither hydrated nor stripped.
long-term use
Over time I adjusted to the formula and with moderate use (2-3 times a week) I started seeing some results. For starters, my complexion is more radiant and my skin feels reasonably smoother. There is little to no dry texture in sight. The exfoliation is mild, so it does not overwhelm. I do not get as many clogged pores on my nose, cheeks, and chin, however, I can't say they have miraculously disappeared altogether. The PHA Pore Cleansing Oil did not irritate my sensitive skin barrier, which is great.
Verdict
The PHA Pore Cleansing Oil has been a lovely addition to my skincare routine. For the longest time, I wanted to try an oil-based cleanser that would do a bit more than just remove grime and makeup. I must admit, this is one of those products that I look forward to using after a long day. It feels refreshing and with careful use (amount/times per week), you will start seeing gradual improvement. The results are mild and they take time, considering this is a gentle acid formulation. In my opinion, this is a safe option for sensitive skin types (unless your skin does not agree with some of the ingredients mentioned earlier). Overall, a good budget-friendly option and I give it a B rating.
More online:
ulta.com (USA)
sokoglam.com (World)
amazon.com (World)
Purchased product; full disclaimer here
