Long time before I started Korean skincare routine, pure baking soda has been a must in my skincare. In Switzerland, this sounds a little weird. Unlike the US or in other countries where Baking Soda is sold in big boxes, you need to squint your eyes to find them at the baking section of the grocery store. This gold stuff is sold in very small sachets. As in really very small sizes!! And they are not called baking soda or baking powder but instead Natron! I still remember when a few people I know complemented my skin and asked what my secret was and I was always hesistant to tell them it was baking soda because they'll probably think I was weird. If you ask where I buy my reserves? From the Philippines and the US. Baking soda is always the top list of bring-home specials after a holiday.
So, the first time I saw Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam, I was so excited to include it to my inventory. But like all the other Korean skincare products in BoOonBox,
it has to undergo some research background first. To my delight, many users and bloggers were satisfied and gave positive feedbacks with this cleanser. And so, it ended up in BoOonBox's inventory.
THE INGREDIENTS
glycerin, water, potassium stearate, potassium myristate, peg-32 stearic acid, microctystalline cellulose, myristic acid, potassium laurate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium bicarbonate, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, lauric acid, glyceryl stearate, disodium edta, lauramide dea, peg-100 stearate, peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, sodium benzoate
THE TEST
The Etude House Baking Pore Cleansing Foam is available in 170ml (!). This will definitely take you a long time to empty this large tube. The cleanser has a consistency of a toothpaste (without being sticky). You only need around 2-3cm of the paste for a single use. It lathers really well and the smell always reminded of a lemon cheesecake! The paste is smooth, no grittiness or evidence of baking soda at all.
Since this cleanser is formulated by Etude House to remove makeup or sunscreens and lightly exfoliates due to the contents of baking soda, I have been using it daily in the evening. Remember that your skin like your temper has good and bad moods. You don't have to use a single type of a cleanser in your routine, You can use many different types which corresponds to your skin's needs. You can for example use other cleansers that caters to your skin when you have acne, drier or sensitive days. Maybe a milder cleanser in the morning? To be honest I rotate at least 3 cleansers. Together with my 11- year old daughter, we use Etude House AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser in the morning. Unlike me, my daughter on the other hand, uses the same cleanser in the evening too, because it is perfectly compatible to her skin and helps her acne without drying her skin.
Your skin will always tell you what it needs. All you do is observe and you'll find out yourself!
Anyway, back to the Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam review. Does it do what it promises? First of all, I want to specify that I don't wear heavy makeup. If at all, I wear very light BB cream and sunscreen and sometimes eyebrow colors when I go out for an errand. This cleanser has no doubt able to washed off the makeup and dirt of the day. I have been using this cleanser for 4-5 months now, most of the times in a consistent cycle in the evening, sometimes in alteration with few other cleansers. But I know that this cleanser had definitely brightened my skin and cleared my pores, which is important for me. If the pores are clean, acnes are prevented and pores look smaller overtime. It leaves your skin squeaky clean but doesn't dry the skin at all.
TIPS
When you use this cleanser always make sure to lather it really well in between your hands, before massaging it with your finger tips in your skin. A good lather is important in every cleanser, because it does not only apply smoothly around your face, but it also prevents you from scrubbing to harsh on your skin preventing dryness. And somehow the lather wakes up the good stuff in the mixture, so that it works out its promises on your skin!
Take your time when you wash your face. Use your finger tips and massage your skin every cm. After rinsing your face, never let it dry out for more than 2-3 minutes, (still has to master this tip myself!) and follow it immediately with your favorite toner.
Read here for more tips on how to wash your face properly.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Etude House Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam comes in a big tube which will definitely last you more than 6 months depending on how often you use it. It had proven its promises in removing dirt and light makeup. I didn't test it with heavy makeup, but you should know that heavy makeup should always be cleared off first with makeup remover whatever cleanser you are using. This is important to get rid off all the residues out of your skin. This cleanser had surely brightened up the skin and cleared the pores.
If you have oily skin and you have problems with clogged pores and skin hyperpigmentation this could be a perfect cleanser for you. For drier and sensitive skin, maybe you can reduce the frequency of use to every other day. Like I said, your skin will tell you what it needs.
On the other hand, if you want to use pure baking soda as an exfoliate, once a week shoud be enough. Always make sure you moisturize a lot every after exfoliation to bring back the lost moisture and the natural sebum of your skin. I personally ALWAYS use a hydrating toner right after exfoliation followed by a sheet mask. The essences in sheet mask are better absorbed this way and the skin looks a lot moist and glowy afterwards.
To find out which cleaner is best for you, don't be afraid to plunge on new stuff, but do your readings and always, always, moisturize!!!
