Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam 150g

Values you can trust, based on what we actually checked this run: 100% Genuine (Adilsons sourcing policy) • Pregnancy-Safe* (0.5% Salicylic Acid is well under the 2% pregnancy-caution threshold; no retinoids, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filters in the declared INCI) • Halal-Friendly* • Vegan-Friendly* (no animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared INCI). We did not award an unconditional "FA-Safe" badge — see the Fungal Acne note in Section 30B below, since one emulsifier sits in a moderate-risk category.

Acne is exhausting to manage, and a cleanser that makes skin feel "clean" by stripping it usually backfires within a week — this section exists because that trade-off is exactly what this product is trying to avoid.

Pros: genuinely low-stripping amino acid surfactant base; a real, brand-disclosed BHA percentage instead of a vague "with salicylic acid" claim; ferment-based calming ingredients (Lactobacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment) alongside the acid rather than instead of it; fine, dense lather that's easy to control.
Caveats: exact pH is not publicly disclosed, so we can't confirm how close it sits to the ideal 4.5-5.5 acid-mantle range; the essential-oil-based scent (bergamot, mandarin, ivy) means this is not a fragrance-free product despite the gentle base; a 0.5% BHA rinse-off cleanser will not replace a leave-on BHA toner for anyone with genuinely stubborn closed comedones.

In Mauritius humidity, the oily film on your face by midday is mostly sebum and sweat doing their job, not "dirt" that needs scrubbing off. Washing more than twice a day strips the skin's acid mantle (target pH 4.5-5.5), and stripped skin responds by producing more sebum to compensate — the exact oiliness you were trying to wash away in the first place.

This cleanser is built on amino acid surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate) rather than harsh sulfates or bar-soap alkalis — these are milder, lower-charge surfactants that lift sebum and makeup without pulling structural lipids out of the skin barrier at the same rate. The 0.5% Salicylic Acid does its pore-clearing work during the wash itself; it is not designed to sit on skin afterward the way a leave-on BHA does.

Classification: YELLOW — appropriate for teens age 14+ with basic guidance, not a default for younger children. The product contains a real, if mild, clinical-grade active (0.5% Salicylic Acid) rather than being a plain water/glycerin wash, so it's not an unconditional GREEN like a fragrance-free micellar water.

The packaging is clinical-looking (matte tube, ingredient callouts) rather than youth-marketed with cartoon branding, so there's no packaging-trap concern here. For a first-time teen cleanser with zero actives, a plain amino-acid foam without added BHA is the more conservative starting point.

Step 1 — When: AM and PM, both.
Step 2 — How much: A pea-to-marble-size amount, worked into lather with a little water before it touches your face.
Step 3 — How: Massage in circular motions on wet skin for about 60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm (not hot) water.

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.

1. Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam — cleanse first, before anything else touches skin. 2. Toner (optional, pH-comfort layer). 3. Oil-control serum (niacinamide or similar, optional). 4. Lightweight gel moisturizer. 5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (mandatory).

In Mauritius' humid mornings, a light hydrating toner layer right after this cleanser helps because humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water from the humid air around you rather than pulling it from deeper skin layers — the opposite of what happens in dry AC air.

1. Oil cleanser or micellar pre-cleanse (only if wearing SPF/makeup that day). 2. Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam (second cleanse). 3. Toner (optional). 4. Treatment serum — niacinamide, or a separate leave-on BHA/retinoid on non-consecutive nights (see the Conflict Solver below). 5. Moisturizer.

If you're running a leave-on retinoid or a stronger leave-on acid elsewhere in your PM routine, this cleanser's own 0.5% BHA rinses away in under a minute and does not count as "using an active lane" for that night's one-lane rule — but if your skin is already reactive, cleanse gently and skip additional acids that night regardless.

Technique: Massage gently in circular motions — do not scrub or use friction tools alongside this product, since friction on already-inflamed acne can worsen post-inflammatory marks. 60-Second Rule: keep the lather on skin for roughly 60 seconds before rinsing, giving the surfactants and Salicylic Acid adequate contact time to do their work.

Required skin state: wet skin, for lather formation. Hands vs. cotton pad: hands deliver 100% of the product; cotton pads absorb roughly 30-40% and are not appropriate for a foaming cleanser anyway.

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 rules: viscosity ladder runs thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, 10-15 minutes before sunscreen if heading outdoors. Amount defaults: toner 5-8 drops per layer, serum 2-3 drops or 1 pump, eye product ½ rice-grain per eye, gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas / cream 1-2 peas, sunscreen 2-finger rule for the face plus 1 finger for the neck.

AM Maximum Stack: (1) Rinse/Gentle Cleanse — this product; (2) pH-prep toner (optional); (3) Hydrating toner layers (optional); (4) Essence (optional); (5) Mist (optional); (6) Booster/soothing serum (optional); (7) Antioxidant lane (optional, pick one); (8) Pigment support lane (optional, pick one); (9) Hydration serum lane (optional); (10) Oil-control/sebum-regulating lane (optional, pick one — e.g. niacinamide); (11) Peptide/repair lane (optional); (12) Eye cream (optional); (13) Moisturizer; (14) Optional sealing layer if dry/AC-heavy; (15) Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable); (16) Lip SPF (optional). In AM, prioritize comfort + SPF adherence over stacking. In high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: (1) Micellar pre-cleanse (optional, if wearing SPF/makeup); (2) Oil cleanser/balm (if SPF/makeup); (3) Water cleanser — this product; (4) pH-prep toner (optional); (5) Hydrating toner layers (optional); (6) Essence (optional); (7) Soothing/barrier serum (optional); (8) Anchor treatment product (bold placement, if running an active); (9) Targeted serum (optional, only if non-conflicting); (10) Moisturizer; (11) Sleeping mask (optional); (12) Occlusive seal (optional, avoid if clog-prone); (13) Spot treatment/pimple 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: 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.

This is a rinse-off cleanser — the first, water-thin step of any routine, applied to wet skin and rinsed away before any leave-on product touches your face. It has no layering interaction with serums or moisturizers because nothing from it remains on skin afterward.

Phase compatibility: water-phase, fully rinse-off — there is no oil-phase or emulsion residue to consider for the steps that follow.

Purging vs. reaction: PURGING shows up in your usual breakout zones, stays surface-level, and resolves within 4-6 weeks — this is uncommon with a rinse-off BHA at this contact time, but possible if your skin is new to any salicylic acid. A REACTION appears in new areas, involves burning, swelling, or hives, and gets worse rather than better — stop immediately if you see this.

PROCEED IF: your barrier is intact, you use SPF consistently, you are not pregnant or nursing (though this specific formula's 0.5% BHA level does not itself contraindicate pregnancy — see the Safety section), you have no active eczema, and you are age 14+.
PAUSE IF: your barrier is currently compromised, you don't yet have a consistent SPF habit, or you're mid-purge from a separate new active.
STOP/CONSULT IF: you have active eczema or psoriasis on the face, are on prescription tretinoin/isotretinoin without your dermatologist's sign-off on adding a BHA wash, or have a known salicylate allergy.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings on moisturizer, feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, or shows visible flaking, your barrier is below threshold for even a mild BHA cleanser. Switch temporarily to a zero-active cleanser — the in-catalog heimish All Clean White Clay Foam or, once restocked, the amino-acid-only heimish All Clean Green Foam — until your barrier recovers.

Primary targets: Clogged pores and blackheads — 0.5% Salicylic Acid is lipophilic and works inside the oil-filled pore lining to loosen debris during the wash. Excess surface sebum — amino acid surfactants lift oil without the compensatory-oil-production rebound of harsh soap. Active inflammatory breakouts — Centella Asiatica Extract and the ferment filtrates offer mild anti-inflammatory support alongside the cleanse.

Secondary benefits: a calmer, less "stripped" post-cleanse feel than a typical acne-branded foam, thanks to the amino acid base.

What this product cannot do: it cannot resolve deep cystic acne (that needs dermatologist-level treatment); it cannot replace a leave-on BHA or retinoid for stubborn textural congestion, since contact time during a 60-second wash is far shorter than an overnight leave-on; it cannot fade existing post-acne marks — that's a job for niacinamide, azelaic acid, or Vitamin C left on skin, not a cleanser.

Every pairing below is verified in Adilsons' live catalog with real stock levels at the time of writing — stock changes constantly, so treat "primary" as a starting suggestion, not a guarantee.

Calming toner — Primary: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner (fragrance-free, buffers any tingling from the BHA cleanse). Alternatives: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner 30ml, AXIS-Y Daily Purifying Treatment Toner (contains its own 0.5% BHA — see the Conflict Solver before stacking), Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA+BHA (also an active toner — same lane caution applies).

Oil-control serum — Primary: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum (niacinamide regulates sebum production, a different pathway from the BHA's pore-clearing). Alternatives: Anua Peach 70 Niacin Serum, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Fresh Ampoule 30ml.

Lightweight moisturizer — Primary: Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream 50ml (gel-cream texture, won't feel heavy after a foaming cleanse). Alternatives: Anua Daily Relief Lotion, Anua Peach 77% Niacin Conditioning Milk, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream 50ml.

Sunscreen (mandatory AM step) — Primary: heimish Moringa Ceramide Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Watery Sunscreen (same brand, watery texture suits oily/acne-prone skin). Alternatives: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream.

Pilling pairs: as a rinse-off product, this cleanser does not pill with anything — pilling only applies to leave-on layers stacked on top of each other.

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

Universal rules: run only one primary "active lane" per AM or PM routine (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR Benzoyl Peroxide OR strong acne lane). If you break a rule, don't push through — reduce frequency, split AM/PM, or alternate nights. If moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause all leave-on actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

This cleanser's own 0.5% BHA rinses off within about 60 seconds and generally does not count as "using the acid lane" for that routine, because contact time is far shorter than a leave-on product's. That said, if you are running a leave-on BHA/AHA toner (like the AXIS-Y or Beauty of Joseon toners suggested above) on the same day, the combined acid exposure is real — introduce the two together cautiously and watch for stinging, especially in the first two weeks.

× Retinoid (Retinol/Retinal/Tretinoin/Adapalene): using this cleanser on a retinoid night is generally fine given the short rinse-off contact time, but if your skin is new to retinoids, cleanse with a zero-active alternative on retinoid nights until you know your tolerance.
× Leave-on AHA/BHA: avoid stacking this cleanser with a separate strong leave-on exfoliant on the same day if you're new to actives — alternate days instead (this cleanser daily, the leave-on toner 2-3x/week).

Scheduling template (AM/PM Split): AM — this cleanser, then antioxidant/niacinamide lane, then moisturizer, then SPF. PM — this cleanser (second cleanse if wearing SPF), then your one chosen active lane (retinoid OR leave-on acid, not both), then moisturizer.

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night. 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.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — this is a mechanical, hormone-driven process, not a hygiene failure. A twice-daily BHA cleanse in the luteal phase helps keep pore openings clearer while that swelling is happening.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which increases sebum production, triggers inflammatory acne, and slows barrier recovery. The Centella Asiatica Extract and ferment filtrates (Lactobacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment) in this formula offer mild calming support during a cleanse, but a cleanser cannot address the underlying cortisol pathway — sleep, stress management, and a consistent barrier-supportive routine matter more here than any single product.

MYTH: "If my face feels squeaky-clean, the cleanser is working." REALITY: squeaky-clean means your acid mantle has been stripped, not that acne has been treated — this cleanser is designed to leave a slightly cushioned, non-tight finish instead.

MYTH: "More salicylic acid contact time in the shower equals faster results." REALITY: a rinse-off cleanser's BHA only has roughly 60 seconds of contact; leaving lather on longer doesn't meaningfully deepen the effect and increases irritation risk instead.

MYTH: "Acne cleansers should feel tingly or it's not working." REALITY: mild tingling on first use is normal adjustment; persistent burning is a sign to stop, not a sign of efficacy.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 increases during this period. This cleanser's amino-acid lather is effective at lifting particulate buildup from skin at the end of the day — an evening cleanse becomes more important, not less, during these months.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after cleansing that causes tightness even with a gentle formula. If your skin feels filmy or tight after rinsing regardless of technique, follow with a pH-adjusting toner to counteract the residue rather than assuming the cleanser itself is too harsh.

*Clinical evidence for microbiome-support claims from ferment filtrates is based on emerging research and in-vitro data; broad human clinical consensus on topical postbiotics is still developing. This does not mean the ingredient is ineffective — it means the evidence tier is lower.

Full INCI list (sourced via aggregated third-party listings — see the transparency note below): Water, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Stearate, Salicylic Acid, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Extract, Butylene Glycol, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Leaf Extract, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment.

*This list was compiled from third-party retailer and ingredient-database summaries rather than a directly fetched source page (our live page-fetch tool was blocked on every candidate source domain during this research pass). One aggregator lists this product as having 35 total ingredients, while the list above has 25 named entries — the remainder are likely minor trailing ingredients (additional preservative, chelator, or pH-adjusting components) that weren't captured in the summaries we could retrieve. Treat this list as substantially complete but not guaranteed exhaustive.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol functions as a preservative-booster/solvent (a common paraben-alternative multifunctional ingredient in Korean formulations).

Fragrance status: Essential Oils Only — this formula is scented via named essential oils (Citrus Aurantium Bergamia/Bergamot Fruit Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, plus Citrus Nobilis/Mandarin Orange Peel Extract) rather than a generic "Fragrance/Parfum" INCI entry, but it is not a fragrance-free product.

Scent description: a mild, herbal-green-tea scent from the matcha positioning, layered with a light citrus note from the bergamot/mandarin oils. Intensity: approximately 2/5. Dissipation: mostly gone within 1-5 minutes of rinsing.

EU 26 allergen screen: bergamot and litsea cubeba (may chang) essential oils commonly contain naturally-occurring Limonene, Linalool, and/or Citral — none of these are individually broken out in the declared INCI list we recovered, so we cannot confirm exact allergen presence or concentration. Patch test advised for anyone with a known citrus-oil or essential-oil sensitivity.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free — no denatured or drying alcohol detected in the declared INCI.

Halal status: *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 status: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

Cruelty-free status: *Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit. Some retailer listings for other heimish products claim EVE Vegan/EWG certification, but we have not been able to independently verify these against the certifying bodies' own databases (see the brand research file) — we are not extending that unverified claim to this SKU.

Microplastic status: Microplastic-Free: Yes — no polyethylene, nylon, or acrylate microbead polymers detected in the declared INCI.

MFDS classification: Not confirmed as a Functional Cosmetic during this research pass — treat as a General Cosmetic (Korea's "Functional Cosmetic" designation requires additional government testing and registration that we found no record of for this specific SKU).

Clinical evidence: we found no independently published clinical trial specific to this exact formula. The 0.5% Salicylic Acid mechanism is well-established in the broader dermatological literature for keratolytic/pore-clearing action; the ferment-filtrate microbiome-support claim is a brand marketing position with emerging but limited independent clinical backing.

Evidence confidence: Medium for the Salicylic Acid mechanism (well-established ingredient science, applied to a specific product without an independent trial); Low/Marketing-Only* for the specific "Matcha Biome" microbiome-balancing framing. *This framing is largely marketing language built on a real but still-emerging ingredient category (postbiotic ferments); it does not mean the underlying ingredients are inert.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional. Glyceryl Stearate sits on common fungal-acne-trigger ingredient lists as a moderate-risk fatty acid ester; in a leave-on product that would be a real concern for Malassezia-prone skin, but the roughly 60-second rinse-off contact time here substantially lowers the practical risk. If you have confirmed fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) and are being strict about triggers, patch-test on a small area first rather than assuming a rinse-off format is automatically safe.

Assessment: None. As a rinse-off cleanser, nothing remains on skin to pill against subsequent leave-on layers.

Fresh color is typically a light green-tinted cream (consistent with the matcha/green tea positioning). A shift to a noticeably darker brown or a rancid smell signals oxidation or spoilage — discard rather than continue using.

Storage: keep the tube out of direct bathroom-window sunlight and away from prolonged high heat; Mauritius bathroom humidity is not itself a problem for a sealed tube format, but always reseal the cap fully after use.

Spoilage signs: off/rancid smell displacing the matcha scent, visible separation, or a change in lather quality. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test: apply a small amount to your inner forearm, wait 24 hours, then test behind the ear for another 24 hours before full facial use.

72-hour barrier reset: if you experience an adverse reaction, stop all actives immediately. For 72 hours, use only a gentle cleanser and a plain moisturizer plus mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential-oil-heavy products. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product at a time, waiting 14 days between each.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately if any of these occur.

1. Washing more than twice daily hoping for faster results — this strips the barrier and increases compensatory oil production. 2. Scrubbing with a brush or washcloth on top of the lather — the amino acid formula doesn't need mechanical help, and friction on acne-prone skin worsens post-inflammatory marks. 3. Leaving the lather on for several minutes "to let it work" — 60 seconds is the intended contact time; longer doesn't meaningfully increase the BHA's effect and raises irritation risk. 4. Skipping moisturizer afterward because skin "feels clean enough" — even oily skin needs a lightweight moisturizer to avoid the over-cleansing rebound cycle. 5. Assuming a rinse-off BHA cleanser alone will resolve stubborn congestion — it's a supporting step, not a leave-on treatment.

Phone hygiene: phone screens accumulate bacteria and oil throughout the day and are a common, overlooked contributor to jawline and cheek breakouts — wipe your screen regularly if you hold it to your face.

Usage math: at a pea-to-marble-size amount per wash, twice daily, a 150g tube typically supports roughly 90-120 uses.

Lifespan: at the recommended twice-daily dosage, expect the tube to last approximately 6-8 weeks; using 2-3x the recommended amount per wash (a common mistake, since it feels "more thorough") can cut that to 3-4 weeks without improving results.

Reorder timing: plan to reorder roughly 2 weeks before you expect the tube to run out, to allow for shipping time.

This cleanser is the water-thin, first step of any routine — it does the sebum/debris-clearing work in the shower and then rinses fully away, so everything that follows starts on a clean but non-stripped base.

AM: 1. Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam — 60 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water. 2. Toner, 5-8 drops, wait 10-20 seconds. 3. Niacinamide serum, 2-3 drops, wait 30-60 seconds. 4. Lightweight moisturizer, 1-1.5 peas. 5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, 2-finger rule, wait 10-15 minutes before sun exposure.

PM: 1. Oil cleanser/micellar (only if wearing SPF/makeup). 2. Heimish Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam — 60 seconds, rinse. 3. Toner, optional. 4. Treatment active (on its designated night only — see Conflict Solver). 5. Moisturizer.

If your skin is currently barrier-compromised (stinging, tightness, flaking), pause the BHA cleanse and switch to a zero-active cleanser for 3-7 days first. If you're in AC for long stretches during the day, make sure your PM moisturizer is rich enough to counter the dehydration, since this cleanser doesn't leave any occlusive residue behind. If you're in your luteal phase, the twice-daily BHA cleanse is doing its most useful work exactly then, per the Hormonal Cycle section above.

Stock-true bundle suggestion: this cleanser + Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner + Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum + heimish Moringa Ceramide Watery Sunscreen forms a complete, stock-verified oil-control routine: cleanse → calm → regulate sebum → protect.

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

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you want a gentler, active-free cleanser with a similar amino-acid base, Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam is a genuine alternative — it uses 0.5% Succinic Acid (a milder acid than salicylic) alongside Houttuynia Cordata extract, trading some of this product's pore-clearing strength for a lower-irritation profile.

Other in-catalog cleansing foams worth comparing: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam (Centella-forward, no disclosed BHA), heimish All Clean White Clay Foam (currently very low stock — a potassium-soap clay cleanser, different chemistry from this amino-acid formula), and Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.

Choose this Matcha Biome cleanser over the Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam if you need: a stronger, better-evidenced pore-clearing mechanism — Salicylic Acid at 0.5% has a longer clinical track record for keratolytic action than Succinic Acid, and is generally considered the more reliable choice for genuinely congested, blackhead-prone skin.

Upgrade triggers (IF/THEN): IF you have visible blackheads or a rough, congested T-zone, THEN this cleanser's BHA gives you a real mechanism the succinic-acid alternative doesn't match. IF your skin is currently barrier-compromised or reactive, THEN do not upgrade yet — repair barrier first with a zero-active cleanser. IF you have confirmed fungal acne and are being strict about triggers, THEN patch-test this formula first given the Glyceryl Stearate note above.

Timing & lane compatibility: works AM and PM; occupies the "cleanse" step, not a leave-on active lane, so it doesn't compete with a separate retinoid/Vitamin C routine for lane space.

Don't upgrade if: you have a confirmed fragrance/essential-oil sensitivity; you're newly starting actives and want the gentlest possible entry point; your skin is currently reactive or purging from something else already.

If you match 2 or more upgrade triggers above, this is worth choosing. If not, the succinic-acid alternative is sufficient and safer. Consistency beats complexity.

This product's PRIMARY function is: gentle amino-acid cleansing with a mild BHA boost for oily/acne-prone skin. You do NOT need this if you already own a well-tolerated low-pH cleanser with a similar or stronger BHA percentage — finish your current product before purchasing.

If you already have an open bottle of a comparable BHA cleanser, check its expiry/PAO before buying a duplicate — running two open BHA cleansers side by side is waste, not extra efficacy.

Stacking assessment: Marginal Benefit if you already own a plain amino-acid cleanser with no BHA (this adds the pore-clearing mechanism); No Benefit if you already own another 0.5%+ BHA cleanser (same mechanism, redundant purchase).

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.

We found no heimish-specific counterfeit markers or packaging tells for this exact SKU during this research pass — if you have any doubt about a unit's authenticity, check the batch code against the Authenticity page rather than relying on generic advice here.

heimish is a Korean beauty brand founded in 2016, headquartered in Seoul, positioned as accessible K-beauty that sits between drugstore brands and premium houses. It became a fast cult-favorite in Korea and export markets within months of launch, known for sensorial textures and hero natural-extract sub-lines like Bulgarian rose, matcha, and moringa.

The Matcha Biome sub-line pairs green tea polyphenols with fermentation-derived postbiotics — a formulation direction consistent with the brand's broader pattern of building product lines around one named "hero" botanical or ingredient category rather than a single flagship product. We found no independently confirmed manufacturing model (in-house vs. contract manufacturer) for heimish during this or prior research passes.

We were unable to locate a dedicated Reddit thread (r/AsianBeauty or r/SkincareAddiction) discussing this exact product as of this research pass — this is a gap in available community data, not a confirmation that no one has used it. Our live page-fetch tool was also blocked on iHerb and Amazon this run, so we could not independently verify their star ratings or review counts.

What we could surface: one skincare content creator on TikTok described this cleanser (as part of a three-product Matcha Biome routine review) as having a "luxurious, creamy texture" that "lathers up beautifully" and provides "a satisfying cleanse without over-drying," calling it "a reliable staple" for acne-prone skin. We're treating this cautiously rather than as an independent, disinterested review, since this kind of branded-hashtag UGC content is often brand-seeded.

Aggregator sites summarizing broader sentiment describe the formula as cleansing thoroughly "without leaving skin tight," consistent with the amino-acid-surfactant mechanism explained above — but we could not trace these summaries back to individually readable reviews this run.

Sustainability: check the tube for local recycling symbols before disposal; specific refill-program availability for this SKU was not confirmed during this research pass.

Is this safe for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)? It's FA-conditional, not unconditionally FA-safe — one emulsifier (Glyceryl Stearate) sits on common trigger lists, though the short rinse-off contact time lowers real-world risk. Patch test if you're being strict about triggers.

Can I use this every day, morning and night? Yes — that's the intended use pattern, and the amino-acid base is designed for twice-daily use without over-stripping, unlike a harsher soap-based acne cleanser.

Will this cause purging? Possible but less likely than with a leave-on BHA, given the short contact time. If new breakouts appear in your usual zones and resolve within 4-6 weeks, that's purging; new-area breakouts with burning or swelling are a reaction — stop immediately.

Is this fragrance-free? No — it's scented via essential oils (bergamot, litsea cubeba, mandarin) rather than a synthetic "Parfum" entry, but it is not unscented.

Can I use this if I'm pregnant? The 0.5% Salicylic Acid level here is well under the commonly cited 2% pregnancy-caution threshold for BHA, and we found no other pregnancy-contraindicated ingredient in the declared INCI — but as with any active-containing product, confirm with your own healthcare provider given your individual circumstances.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

An oil-soluble acid (Salicylic Acid is the common cosmetic form) that can penetrate into oil-filled pores to loosen debris.

Amino acid surfactant

A gentler class of cleansing ingredient derived from amino acids/coconut fatty acids, milder than traditional soap or sulfate surfactants.

Acid mantle

The skin's naturally slightly-acidic surface layer (pH 4.5-5.5) that helps block irritants and unwanted bacteria.

Postbiotic/ferment filtrate

Beneficial metabolites left behind after fermentation — not live bacteria, despite sometimes carrying a yeasty smell.

Purging

A temporary increase in breakouts in your usual acne zones as an active speeds up skin cell turnover, typically resolving in 4-6 weeks.

PAO (Period After Opening)

The number of months a product remains safe/effective to use after first opening, shown as a small jar icon with a number.

FA-Safe / FA-Conditional

Shorthand for whether a formula is unlikely (Safe) or possibly likely (Conditional) to feed Malassezia yeast, the trigger behind fungal acne.

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: oily, combination, or acne-prone skin in Mauritius' heat and humidity who want a cleanser that clears pores without the over-stripped, tight feeling of a typical acne wash. Also a solid pick for anyone whose current cleanser is contributing to the over-cleansing cycle.

Key benefits: a real, brand-disclosed 0.5% Salicylic Acid concentration; an amino-acid surfactant base that's genuinely gentler than soap-based acne cleansers; calming ferment and Centella ingredients alongside the acid rather than instead of it.

Keep in mind: exact pH is not publicly disclosed; this is not a fragrance-free product due to its essential-oil scent blend; a rinse-off BHA cleanser works best as a supporting step alongside a leave-on treatment for genuinely stubborn congestion, not as a stand-alone fix.

Impact: Supportive. The Lactobacillus Ferment and Saccharomyces Ferment in this formula are POSTBIOTICS — beneficial metabolites from fermentation. You are not applying live bacteria, and any yeasty or fermented undertone to the scent (layered under the dominant matcha/citrus notes) is normal and indicates genuine ferment filtrate, not spoilage.