Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm 50ml

Values: 100% Genuine · FA-Conditional · Halal-Friendly* · Vegan-Uncertain

Pros: Same barrier-supportive formula as the full-size jar in a travel-friendly 50ml; twist/grind dispenser is more hygienic than a scoop jar; genuine plant-oil trio.
Caveats: Real essential-oil fragrance (Bergamot, Sage); "Dermatologically tested" is a brand claim with no disclosed protocol; smaller size means more frequent reordering for daily double-cleansers.

Mauritius heat makes sebum and sweat feel like "grime" by midday, but they are not dirt — over-washing strips the acid mantle (pH 4.5-5.5) and triggers the very oiliness people try to wash away.

This balm dissolves oil-based residue using its own oil phase rather than surfactant stripping, and its ceramide/cholesterol/phytosphingosine complex re-deposits barrier lipids during the rinse — breaking the cycle rather than feeding it.

Classification: YELLOW (14+ with guidance). The LHA/PHA/enzyme exfoliation and essential-oil scent suit teens managing makeup or SPF removal but are not necessary for younger skin without a makeup routine.

For younger or fragrance-sensitive skin, Round Lab Baby Mild Top to Toe Wash 300ml is a gentler, fragrance-conscious alternative in our catalog.

Step 1 (When): PM, as your first cleanse if wearing sunscreen or makeup. Step 2 (How much): A grape-size dose, twisted clockwise from the dispenser. Step 3 (How): Massage onto completely dry skin for 30-60 seconds, add water to emulsify, then rinse.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

This is primarily a PM first-cleanse product; most users skip an oil cleanse in the AM unless overnight occlusives left visible residue, going straight to a water-based cleanser like 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam.

1. 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm on dry skin, massage, emulsify, rinse → 2. Water-based second cleanse → 3. Toner → 4. Treatment → 5. Moisturizer.

Skip this balm entirely on bare-skin, no-SPF days and single-cleanse instead.

Emulsify-first technique: massage on dry skin for 30-60 seconds before adding water — early water dilutes the balm's oil-dissolving action.

Required skin state: completely dry hands and face at the start.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global execution rules: Viscosity ladder — thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait times — watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s, before sunscreen 10-15 min if going outdoors.

Amounts — toner/essence 5-8 drops per layer; serum/ampoule 2-3 drops; eye product ½ rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas; sunscreen 2-finger rule for face plus 1 finger for neck. Hydrators go on slightly damp skin; retinoids on fully dry skin; if the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

AM Maximum Stack: 1. Rinse/gentle cleanse (optional) → 2. pH-prep toner (optional) → 3. Hydrating toner layers (1-3, optional) → 4. Essence (optional) → 5. Mist (optional) → 6. Soothing serum (optional) → 7. Antioxidant lane (choose one) → 8. Pigment support lane (choose one) → 9. Hydration serum lane (optional) → 10. Oil-control/sebum lane (choose one) → 11. Peptide/repair lane (optional) → 12. Eye cream (optional) → 13. Moisturizer → 14. Optional sealing layer (dry/AC only) → 15. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable) → 16. Lip SPF (optional). In AM, prioritize comfort and SPF adherence over stacking — in high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: 1. Micellar pre-cleanse (optional) → 2. Oil/balm cleanser (this product's slot, if SPF/makeup) → 3. Water cleanser (second cleanse) → 4. pH-prep toner (optional) → 5. Hydrating toner layers (optional) → 6. Essence (optional) → 7. Soothing/barrier serum (optional) → 8. Anchor treatment product → 9. Targeted serum (optional, if non-conflicting) → 10. Moisturizer → 11. Sleeping mask (optional) → 12. Occlusive seal (optional) → 13. Spot treatment/patch (as needed) → 14. Lip sleeping mask (optional). Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

Lane strictness: One-lane rule — Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane (barrier/hydration) and reduce layers.

Tier: Rinse-off oil/balm — the first step of a PM routine, before any water-based product.

Rheological note: this product looks like a solid wax in the dispenser but transforms to a thin oil the moment it warms against skin — do not judge the texture by how it looks pre-dispense.

Makeup/sunscreen residue: the oil-phase base dissolves lipophilic filters and long-wear makeup water alone cannot remove. Post-cleanse barrier support: the ceramide/cholesterol/phytosphingosine complex mirrors the skin's own barrier lipids. Gentle daily exfoliation: LHA, PHA, and the Protease/HATCHING EX-07 enzyme provide a rinse-off-level alternative to AHA/BHA.

What this product cannot do: it cannot treat active acne, cannot resurface deep texture (its exfoliation dose is rinse-off maintenance level, not leave-on treatment strength), and is not a dedicated eye-makeup remover for waterproof mascara without extra time.

Second-cleanse follow-up — Primary: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam 150ml. Alternatives: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser 150ml, Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.

Toner follow-up — Primary: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Pad 120ml. Alternatives: Medicube Zero Pore Pad Mild 70pcs, Benton Guava 70 Skin Toner Face Mask Pad.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

This product's LHA/PHA/enzyme lane × a separate leave-on AHA/BHA/retinoid: rinse-off exfoliation here is generally mild enough to run alongside a PM retinoid or acid, but if you are new to actives, treat both as the same lane for your first 2 weeks and monitor before combining freely.

Barrier override: if moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause other actives and use this balm plus a plain moisturizer only for 3-7 days.

MYTH: "Oil cleansers make oily skin worse." REALITY: oil dissolves oil-based residue more effectively than water-based surfactants, and this balm rinses away completely.

MYTH: "A smaller size means a weaker formula." REALITY: this 50ml jar is the identical formula to the 100ml size — only the fill volume and dispenser scale differ.

Hard water note: follow with a toner to counteract any calcium-stearate film hard water leaves after the emulsify-and-rinse step.

Full INCI: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Water, Protease, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sea Water, Stearic Acid, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin.

*Reused from an independently-verified research pass on the same underlying 100ml formula (this is a smaller fill of the identical product); direct WebFetch to incidecoder.com/roundlab.com was not available in that session — treat exact ordering as directionally, not certifiably, accurate. "Emerging" evidence grade reflects that Protease/enzymatic exfoliation is a real, published mechanism but this brand's specific "HATCHING EX-07" formulation has no independently published clinical data.

Fragrance status: Essential Oils Only — Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil and Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil.

Scent: Herbal-citrus, moderate intensity, dissipates within 1-5 minutes of rinsing. EU 26 allergen screen: Limonene and Linalool detected.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free.

Halal: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan: Uncertain. Declared INCI includes plain "Cholesterol" with an undisclosed biological source. We do not apply an unqualified Vegan-Friendly badge to this product.

Cruelty-Free: *Brand-stated policy; cruelty-free-directory sources report genuinely conflicting information on formal third-party certification for ROUND LAB.

Microplastic-Free: Yes, based on the aggregated INCI checked this pass.

MFDS Classification: General Cosmetic.

Evidence confidence: Medium. The ceramide-barrier mechanism is well-established as an ingredient class; "Dermatologically tested" is Claim Only* — no sample size, protocol, or institution disclosed.

*Brand claims "Dermatologist Tested" but no publicly available study data, sample size, or testing protocol has been disclosed.

Reformulation history: the 2025 "Grinding Type" packaging update switched this line from a scoop-jar to a twist/grind dispenser, marketed as a more hygienic dispensing method — this 50ml listing's own instructions describe that twist mechanism.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional. Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, and Ethylhexyl Palmitate are present.

Assessment: None. Rinses off completely before leave-on products.

Fresh balm should be an even, pale solid with a herbal-citrus scent. Store away from direct sun and bathroom heat above ~30°C.

Spoilage signs: sour/rancid smell, visible oil separation, or gritty texture change. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours, then behind the ear for 24 hours, before full facial use, given the real essential-oil content.

72-hour barrier reset: if you react, stop all actives; for 72 hours use only a gentle cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF. Reintroduce one product per 14 days after.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care.

1. Adding water before massaging on dry skin.
2. Using it as a sole cleanse on heavy makeup days.
3. Applying too close to the eyes.
4. Skipping moisturizer afterward.
5. Over-twisting the dispenser and wasting product.

At a grape-size dose per use, a 50ml jar provides roughly 25-35 uses — about 3.5-5 weeks at nightly use, making this size best suited to travel or trial rather than a primary daily supply for heavy double-cleansers.

Reorder roughly 1-2 weeks before you expect to run out, given the shorter lifespan of this size.

This balm is the first step of a PM double-cleanse.

PM: 1. Cleansing Balm (dry-skin massage, emulsify, rinse) → 2. 1025 Dokdo Bubble Foam (second cleanse) → 3. 1025 Dokdo Pad → 4. Treatment → 5. Moisturizer.

If you travel frequently: this 50ml size is the better pick over the 100ml jars for carry-on convenience. If you double-cleanse nightly at home, the 100ml size (round-lab-1025-dokdo-cleansing-balm-100ml or -100ml-1) will last longer between reorders.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

If you want a similar sherbet-textured balm without essential-oil fragrance, House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm 50ML is a close in-catalog comparison. Other verified in-stock options: Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm 50ML, House of Hur Midnight Soothing Cleansing Balm 50ML, Purito Seoul From Green Avocado Cleansing Balm.

Choose 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm 50ml over House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm if the named 5-ceramide barrier complex and gentle enzyme/LHA/PHA exfoliation matter more to you than an unscented formula.

If you have a documented Bergamot/Sage or general fragrance sensitivity, choose the unscented alternative instead. If you don't need travel-size convenience, the 100ml version of this same formula is more economical per use.

If you match the barrier/exfoliation need above, this is worth choosing. If not, the alternative is sufficient and safer.

This product's PRIMARY function is: travel-size oil-based first-cleanse with barrier and gentle-exfoliation support. You do NOT need this if you already own an oil/balm cleanser you like, or if you already own the 100ml jar of this same formula.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick verification tips: genuine current-stock jars use the twist/grind dispenser (2025 "Grinding Type" update); check for crisp, evenly-aligned label printing.

The 1025 Dokdo line is named for its deep-sea mineral-water sourcing from Dokdo and Ulleungdo islands, reflecting ROUND LAB's broader practice of anchoring each product line to one specific, real Korean natural source.

Reused from independent research on the same underlying formula: retailer-hosted review snippets describe it as gentle on sensitive/acne-prone skin, effective at removing waterproof makeup without stripping, with several reviewers reporting repurchase. Hwahae's aggregate skin-type data suggests dry-skin users may feel slight tightness after use.

No individually-attributable named-reviewer Reddit or Amazon quote was found for this exact 50ml formula at the time of writing.

Sustainability: Not refillable; recycle the empty jar where local facilities accept it.

Is this the same formula as the 100ml size? Yes — same ingredients, smaller fill and dispenser.

How long will 50ml last? Roughly 3.5-5 weeks at nightly double-cleanse use.

Does it contain fragrance? Yes, real Bergamot and Sage essential oils.

Is this vegan? Uncertain — it contains plain "Cholesterol" of undisclosed biological source.

What is "HATCHING EX-07"? The brand's patented Protease enzyme, marketed as a gentle alternative to AHA/BHA for dead-skin-cell removal.

Sherbet texture

A solid balm that melts into liquid oil against warm skin.

LHA (Lipohydroxyacid)

A gentler, slower-acting cousin of Salicylic Acid (BHA).

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)

A large-molecule exfoliating acid that works mainly on the skin's surface, generally gentler than AHA/BHA.

Protease

An enzyme that breaks down keratin protein bonds holding dead skin cells together.

Ceramide

A lipid naturally found in skin's outer barrier that helps lock in moisture.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: travel, trial, or occasional double-cleansers who want the same barrier-supportive 1025 Dokdo formula in a smaller, twist-dispenser jar.

Key benefits: identical formula to the 100ml size; genuine ceramide/plant-oil barrier support; gentle LHA/PHA/enzyme exfoliation.

Keep in mind: contains real essential-oil fragrance; vegan status is genuinely uncertain; the 50ml size depletes quickly under nightly use, so heavy double-cleansers may prefer the 100ml jar.