I used to think that if my face didn't feel two sizes too small after washing it, I wasn't actually "clean." Narrator voice: She was wrong. I spent way too many years using harsh face washes that basically behaved like dish soap, leaving my skin screaming for moisturizer the second I stepped out of the shower. I finally decided to listen to the internet and grabbed the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser during a late-night K-beauty shopping spiral. For once, the algorithm actually did me a favor.
A Gel That Actually Behaves
The first thing you notice about the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is that it isn't trying too hard. The packaging has that chic, minimal apothecary aesthetic that looks expensive on a bathroom shelf but doesn't feel like you are paying $10 just for the plastic tube. The texture is a lightweight, clear gel that feels slightly slippery in a satisfying way. It contains 24 percent plum water and mung bean extract, which sounds like something I would order at a fancy juice bar, but on the skin, it is just cooling and calm. There is a very faint, clean scent, but it is definitely not "perfumey." It just smells... fresh.
The Post-Gym Survival Test
I put this to the ultimate test after a particularly sweaty workout followed by a commute through humid city air. I needed something that would actually get the grime out of my pores without making my sensitive spots flare up or turn red. I massaged a tiny amount into damp skin, and it transformed into this soft, micro-bubble lather that felt like a hug for my face. It didn't give me that "squeaky" feeling, which is usually a sign your skin barrier is crying for help.
- Pore Situation: My blackheads looked significantly less angry after about a week of consistent morning and night use.
- The Strip Factor: Zero. My skin felt soft and bouncy immediately after rinsing, not tight or "plastic-y."
- Makeup Removal: It handles leftover mascara and daily SPF like a pro, though I still prefer to double cleanse if I am wearing a full face of glam.
- Hydration Levels: The combination of plum water and natural AHAs really does help keep things moist while gently nudging dead skin away.
The Final Verdict
Is it a life-changing miracle that will grant you eternal youth? No. But is it the most reliable, gentle, and affordable cleanser I have touched in years? Absolutely. It strikes that impossible balance of being "deep cleaning" enough for an oily T-zone while being "delicate" enough for dry patches. At $13.00, it is basically the price of a fancy salad, but it lasts way longer and makes me feel significantly better about my skin's future. It has officially earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Who Should Buy This:
- Anyone with a compromised skin barrier who still wants to feel actually clean.
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want luxury-feeling formulas without the $40 price tag.
- Sensitive skin types who break out from heavy fragrances.
Who Should Skip This:
- If you have extremely dry skin and strictly prefer a heavy milk or cream cleanser.
- Anyone looking for a "scrubby" physical exfoliant experience.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Lauren