A cleanser succeeds when it removes what you need without leaving skin tight. Choose based on your makeup, sunscreen and sensitivity—not on how much foam it makes.
By Peony Seoul · Editorial update · Our research method
Choose a daily cleanser or a makeup-removal step
Green Plum and beplain foam are water-based cleansing options. Banila’s balm and beplain’s oil are first-cleanse options to compare when you need makeup or resistant-sunscreen removal. Begin with the role you need, then choose the format you prefer handling at the sink.
| Product | Routine role | Useful buying detail |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty of Joseon Green Plum | Water-based gel; a daily cleanse or the step after makeup removal. | The brand explicitly says it is not designed to remove makeup. Its US page lists 100 ml and 200 ml options. |
| beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Foam | A foam-format alternative to the gel. | The referenced Olive Young product is 80 ml. Larger bundles and refills need a separate pack-size comparison. |
| beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil | A fluid first-cleanse option. | The referenced bottle contains 200 ml. Compare the oil format with the balm if pump dispensing suits your routine. |
| Banila Co Clean It Zero Original | A solid balm that emulsifies with water. | The US Original formula lists fragrance. Check this version carefully if you avoid fragranced products; other Clean It Zero variants differ. |
References checked September 9, 2026: Green Plum formula and makeup-removal FAQ, beplain foam listing, beplain oil listing and Banila Original ingredients and directions.
Do you need to double cleanse every evening?
Use what you need to remove the products you wore. If your usual cleanser already does that comfortably, a second purchase may add little. If makeup remains, compare a dedicated removal step rather than repeatedly washing with more gel. Our cleansing oil versus balm guide helps choose between those formats.
What changes for dry, oily or sensitive skin?
For dry-feeling skin, judge how comfortable the rinse leaves you before choosing more steps. For oily skin, avoid using a squeaky sensation as the target. For sensitive skin, check the exact formula against known triggers; “pH-balanced” and “mung bean” alone do not establish which finished cleanser you will tolerate.
Technique matters more than a fixed cleansing timer
The American Academy of Dermatology’s washing guidance recommends a gentle cleanser, fingertips rather than scrubbing tools, lukewarm water and a soft towel to pat dry. It advises washing twice daily and after sweating. Follow your product’s instructions; there is no fixed massage duration in that guidance.
Banila directs application to dry skin, followed by water to emulsify and a rinse. Green Plum directs wetting the hands, gentle massage and rinsing. Follow those different starting conditions instead of treating every cleanser the same.
A useful check before buying the larger size
During normal use, note what you wore, whether residue remained, how your face felt afterward and whether the packaging was easy to use. Keep your other products stable while comparing. Choose a larger pack after deciding that its everyday role works for you.
Who this guide is for
Sensitive cleansing
Daily sunscreen removal
Low-foam preferences
Balanced routines
A simple routine
Oil cleanse only if needed
Use it for makeup or stubborn water-resistant sunscreen.
Massage briefly
Follow the cleanser’s directions; massage gently and rinse without scrubbing.
Moisturize soon after
Follow while skin still feels comfortable, not bone-dry.
Compare fit and trade-offs
| Product | Format | Consider it for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing FoamWater-based cleansing foam | Cream-to-soft foam | A soft daily cleanse for most skin types | Use it as the second cleanse after heavy makeup, or by itself for an ordinary sunscreen-and-city day. |
| beplain Mung Bean Cleansing OilFirst-cleanse oil | Light fluid oil | Makeup, sunscreen and pore-focused first cleansing | Take a little extra time to emulsify around the hairline and sides of the nose for the cleanest rinse. |
| Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing BalmFirst-cleanse balm | Sorbet-to-oil balm | Makeup and water-resistant SPF | The current US Original ingredient list includes fragrance. Check known sensitivities and the exact variant before buying. A first cleanse is optional if your usual cleanser removes what you wore. |
| Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing CleanserWater-based cleansing gel | Light gel | Balanced and combination skin | The brand says this water-based gel is not designed to remove makeup. Compare a dedicated removal step when needed. |
Peony Seoul shortlist
Research-based options selected for their different formats and routine roles. We have not tested these products hands-on. Shop links on product pages may earn us a commission; see our affiliate disclosure.
beplain
Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam
A soft daily cleanse for most skin typesA creamy, mildly acidic foam that lifts everyday sunscreen, sebum and surface impurities while keeping the after-feel comfortable.
Read the full review →
beplain
Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
Makeup, sunscreen and pore-focused first cleansingA fluid first-cleanse oil designed to dissolve makeup, resistant sunscreen and oil-based buildup before a water cleanser.
Read the full review →
Banila Co
Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Makeup and water-resistant SPFA sorbet balm that melts into oil, then emulsifies cleanly for an easy first cleanse.
Read the full review →
Beauty of Joseon
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Balanced and combination skinA mildly acidic gel cleanser with plum water and mung bean extract.
Read the full review →How we compared these products
We compared purpose, texture, skin-type fit, routine compatibility, published formula details, brand standing and access through reputable retailers. The shortlist is organised around useful differences. We do not use commission rates as a selection criterion or treat brand claims as our own test results.
Frequently asked
Is double cleansing necessary?
A separate first cleanse is useful when your usual cleanser does not remove what you wore. Compare a makeup-removal product when needed rather than automatically buying two cleansers.
Does Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser remove makeup?
The brand says its water-based Green Plum cleanser is not designed to remove makeup. Its role is daily cleansing or cleansing after a separate makeup-removal step.
Is Banila Co Clean It Zero Original fragrance-free?
No. The current US Original ingredient list includes fragrance. Check the exact regional pack and variant before purchasing.
Should I choose cleansing foam or gel?
Compare the finished formula, directions and how comfortable your skin feels after rinsing. Foam volume alone is not a useful measure of cleansing performance.
Product references and further reading
- beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam: brand or retailer product reference
- beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil: brand or retailer product reference
- Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm: brand or retailer product reference
- Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser: brand or retailer product reference
References identify the product or product line; check the exact regional formula and current pack. Our comparison is an editorial interpretation, not a clinical or laboratory result. Send a correction with the page and source.
Continue your comparison
- Korean Cleansing Oil vs Cleansing Balm: Which First Cleanse Suits You?
- Korean Skincare for Sensitive Skin
- Best Korean Moisturizers for Every Skin Type