beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Foam Review: The Gentlest Deep Clean I’ve Found

I’ve gone through more Korean cleansers than I can count, and most of them fall into one of two camps: either they strip your skin so dry it feels like you just washed your face with dish soap, or they’re so gentle they barely do anything. The beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam is one of the rare ones that actually sits right in the middle — and that’s exactly why it’s been a staple in my routine for months now.

This cleanser is kind of a big deal in Korea. It’s won awards five times over, ranked #3 among cleansers at Olive Young, and has over 1,000 reviews on Glowpick with a solid 4.34 rating. So when I finally tried it, my expectations were… cautiously high.

First Impressions

The packaging is pretty standard — a simple light green tube with white accents. Nothing fancy, but honestly, for a cleanser I just want something that’s easy to squeeze out in the shower. The tube design makes it hygienic and easy to control how much product you dispense.

When you first squeeze it out, the texture surprised me. It’s thicker than your typical foaming cleanser, almost like a paste. And you can actually see tiny mung bean particles in the formula — little green-ish specks that are visible to the naked eye. Don’t worry, they’re not harsh at all. They dissolve as you lather up and provide the gentlest exfoliation. Think of it less like a scrub and more like a very subtle texture boost.

As for scent? Basically nothing. It’s fragrance-free, which I personally love. No artificial floral smell trying to convince you it’s “natural.” Just clean, unfragranced product doing its job.

How I Use It

I use this as my second cleanser (after an oil cleanser for removing sunscreen). Here’s my method:

• Squeeze out about a bean-sized amount onto damp palms
• Add a bit of water and work it into a lather — it takes a few seconds to foam up
• Massage onto your face in gentle circular motions for about 30–60 seconds
• Rinse with lukewarm water

One thing I’ll say: the foam isn’t super rich or pillowy like some Japanese cleansers. It’s more of a soft, cushiony lather that feels lightweight on the skin. If you’re someone who loves that thick, cloud-like foam, this might feel a bit underwhelming in terms of foam density. But it cleans just as well — the foam amount isn’t really what determines cleansing power.

What’s Inside

The formula is genuinely impressive for a cleanser at this price point. Here are the standout ingredients:

• 32.5% Mung Bean Extract — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. The star ingredient that helps with pore care and soothing.
• 30% Amino Acid Polyol blend — provides a gentle, non-stripping cleanse (amino acid surfactants are the gold standard for low-irritation cleansing)
• Centella Asiatica Extract — calming and barrier-supporting
• Ceramide NP + Glycerin — keeps skin hydrated during and after cleansing
• Allantoin — soothing agent for irritated skin
• Green Tea Powder — additional antioxidant benefits

And what’s NOT inside matters too: no parabens, no sulfates, no silicones, no artificial fragrance, and no common allergens. It’s also been clinically tested for irritation and is non-comedogenic tested.

Results After Regular Use

After about two weeks of daily use, here’s what I noticed:

Week 1: My skin felt noticeably less tight after cleansing compared to my previous cleanser. No dryness, no “squeaky clean” feeling. Just comfortable, balanced skin.

Week 2–3: The gentle exfoliation from the mung bean particles seemed to be helping with skin texture. My skin looked a bit smoother and more even. Nothing dramatic, but a steady, quiet improvement.

Month 2+: This is when I really appreciated it. My skin’s baseline just looked… healthier. Fewer random breakouts, less irritation after cleansing, and my serums and moisturizer seemed to absorb better on a properly cleansed face that wasn’t stripped raw.

The thing is, a cleanser isn’t supposed to be the star of your routine. It’s supposed to do its job without causing problems. And that’s exactly what this one does.

Who It’s For (And Who Should Skip It)

Great for:

• Sensitive skin — the pH-balanced, fragrance-free formula won’t cause irritation
• Combination skin — cleans oily zones without drying out dry patches
• Anyone looking for a reliable second cleanser in a double-cleansing routine
• People who want gentle physical exfoliation without using a separate scrub

Maybe not ideal for:

• Very oily, acne-prone skin that needs stronger cleansing — you might prefer something with salicylic acid like the COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
• If you wear heavy, full-coverage makeup — this alone won’t cut it as a first cleanser. You’ll need an oil cleanser or micellar water first.
• If you have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to any physical particles — the mung bean specks are gentle, but it’s worth patch-testing first

beplain Mung Bean vs. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser

This is the comparison everyone asks about. Here’s the honest breakdown:

The COSRX Good Morning Cleanser is more of a gel texture, has BHA (betaine salicylate) for pore care, and works great for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s a solid, no-fuss cleanser that’s been a K-beauty staple for years.

The beplain Mung Bean is creamier, more hydrating, and has gentle physical exfoliation from the mung bean particles. It’s better suited for sensitive, dry, or combination skin types. The amino acid surfactant base is generally considered gentler than what COSRX uses.

If your main concern is acne and oil control, go with COSRX. If your main concern is gentle cleansing without irritation, go with beplain.

Pros & Cons

What I love:

• Genuinely gentle — no tightness, no dryness after washing
• Mung bean particles provide subtle exfoliation without being abrasive
• Fragrance-free and free of common irritants
• pH-balanced to support your skin barrier
• Ceramides and amino acids in a cleanser? Yes please.
• A little goes a long way

What could be better:

• The foam isn’t very rich — takes some getting used to if you like a thick lather
• Won’t remove heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen on its own
• The 80ml size runs out quick if you’re heavy-handed — spring for the 160ml
• The mung bean particles might not suit everyone, though they’re very mild

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser good for sensitive skin?

Yes, it’s one of the best Korean cleansers for sensitive skin. It’s clinically tested for irritation, fragrance-free, and uses amino acid-based surfactants which are much gentler than traditional sulfate cleansers. The pH-balanced formula helps maintain your skin’s natural acid mantle.

Does the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser remove sunscreen?

It can remove lighter sunscreens and non-waterproof formulas, but for waterproof sunscreen or heavy makeup, you should use an oil cleanser first and use this as your second cleanser. It works best in a double-cleansing routine.

What is the pH level of the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser?

The cleanser is formulated at a mildly acidic pH (around 5.5–6.0), which matches your skin’s natural pH. This helps prevent the disruption of your skin barrier that alkaline cleansers can cause.

Is the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser fungal acne safe?

Yes. The formula is malassezia (fungal acne) safe, meaning it doesn’t contain ingredients that feed the yeast responsible for fungal acne. It’s also non-comedogenic tested.

What are the little particles in the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser?

Those are actual mung bean powder particles. They’re finely ground and dissolve during use, providing very gentle physical exfoliation. They help with dead skin cell removal and improving skin texture without the harshness of traditional scrubs.

Is the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser good for oily or acne-prone skin?

It works well for mild to moderate oily skin, especially if your skin is also sensitive. The mung bean extract has antibacterial properties that can help with acne. However, if you have very oily skin or need strong acne-fighting ingredients, you might prefer a cleanser with salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

How long does the beplain Mung Bean Cleanser last?

The 80ml tube lasts about 4–6 weeks with twice-daily use, since you only need a bean-sized amount each time. The 160ml size is much better value and can last 2–3 months.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10

The beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam is one of those products that doesn’t try to be flashy. It won’t blow your mind with some wild texture or miraculous overnight results. But it will quietly, consistently do its job perfectly — cleansing your skin without stripping it, providing gentle exfoliation, and keeping your barrier happy.

There’s a reason this cleanser has won five awards in Korea and sits comfortably in the top-selling cleansers at Olive Young. It’s not hype — it’s just genuinely good.

If you’ve been dealing with a cleanser that leaves your face feeling tight or irritated, or if you’ve been looking for something that works well for sensitive skin without being completely ineffective, this is your answer. Solid buy.

Where to Buy

Ready to try it? You can grab the beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam (160ml) from any of these stores:

YesStyle and StyleVana often have better prices on K-beauty products and run frequent sales, so it’s worth comparing before you buy!