Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm 50ml

Values check: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) · Halal-Friendly* · FA-Conditional (see Sec 30B) · Not Fragrance-Free (contains essential oils).

Pros: genuinely melts waterproof makeup and sunscreen; ceramide-forward for a cleanser, so it doesn't finish squeaky-tight; mild enzymatic/LHA polish without a harsh scrub; small enough to travel with. Caveats: not fragrance-free despite some reviews describing it as scentless; on very dry skin it can still feel slightly tight afterward per aggregated review data; as a sole cleanser for heavy waterproof makeup it may leave a light film — a second water-based cleanse fixes this.

In Mauritius heat and humidity, the shine you see by midday is sebum and sweat doing their normal job, not "dirt" that needs scrubbing out — over-washing (more than twice daily, or with a harsh high-pH foam) strips the skin's acid mantle (target pH 4.5-5.5) and triggers compensatory sebum overproduction, the exact oiliness people are trying to wash away.

This balm breaks that cycle by cleansing with oils and emulsifiers rather than surfactant-stripping alone: the balm-to-oil-to-milk phase change lifts sebum and makeup on contact, while the ceramide/cholesterol/phytosphingosine complex and plant oils (sunflower, meadowfoam, evening primrose, jojoba, grape seed) replace some of what a stripping cleanser would remove. Follow with a low-pH second cleanser (see Sec 15) rather than a high-pH bar soap to keep the acid mantle intact.

Classification: YELLOW (young teens 14+ with guidance). This is a rinse-off cleanser, not a leave-on treatment, and its exfoliating components (LHA, PHA, enzyme) are at undisclosed, brand-formulated concentrations in a wash-off format with brief skin contact — meaningfully gentler than a leave-on acid serum. It is not marketed with youth-targeted packaging, but a first-time user under 16 should still be supervised on first use in case of essential-oil sensitivity (see Allergens section) rather than assumed automatically fine.

Step 1 (When): PM, or AM if double-cleansing off overnight residue. Step 2 (How much): a grape-to-almond-size scoop/twist of balm. Step 3 (How): massage onto completely dry hands and dry face for 30-60 seconds, then add water to emulsify to a milky texture before rinsing.

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. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm (only if you slept in sunscreen/makeup or use it as a gentle AM wake-up cleanse) → 2. Low-pH second cleanser → 3. Toner/essence → 4. Serum → 5. Moisturizer → 6. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. In Mauritius' humid mornings, humectant toners and essences perform well because they pull water from the humid air rather than from deeper skin layers — a light AM routine after this balm is usually enough.

This product is not photosensitizing, so no AM restriction applies, but it does not replace sunscreen — daily SPF is still mandatory afterward.

1. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm (Step 1, on dry skin, dry hands) → 2. Low-pH second cleanser (Step 2, removes any residual film) → 3. Toner/essence → 4. Treatment serum/ampoule → 5. Moisturizer → 6. Sleeping mask if using one. This balm is the "melt" step of a double cleanse; it is not a treatment-lane active, so it doesn't compete with a retinoid or acid you use later in the routine — it's washed off before those go on.

Technique: apply to completely dry hands and a dry face — water dilutes the balm's oil phase too early and reduces makeup-melting power. Massage in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds ("Pat/Press, don't scrub" doesn't apply during the massage phase, but avoid dragging at the eye area), then add a small amount of lukewarm water and continue massaging until the balm turns milky, then rinse thoroughly.

Required skin state: dry hands and dry face at the start (this is one of the few steps where "damp skin" is the wrong instruction). Hands vs. cotton pad: hands deliver 100% of product; a cotton pad absorbs roughly 30-40% and isn't appropriate for a balm 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 execution rules: viscosity ladder thinnest→thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, 10-15 min before sunscreen if going outdoors. Amount defaults: watery toner/essence 5-8 drops per layer; serum/ampoule 2-3 drops or 1 pump; eye product ½ rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas; occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size max; sunscreen 2-finger rule for face, +1 finger for neck. Hydrators work best on slightly damp skin; retinoids on fully dry skin; exfoliating acids on dry or lightly damp skin depending on tolerance. 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. Booster/soothing serum (optional) → 7. Antioxidant lane (choose one) → 8. Pigment-support lane (choose one) → 9. Hydration serum lane (optional) → 10. Oil-control lane (choose one) → 11. Peptide/repair lane (optional) → 12. Eye serum/cream (optional) → 13. Moisturizer → 14. Optional sealing layer → 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) → 2. Oil/balm cleanser (this product) → 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, only 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.

This balm sits at the thickest/solid tier of the viscosity ladder in its jar, but functionally it is a "pre-cleanse" step that is entirely removed before any other product goes on — it does not layer with anything, it precedes the routine. Phase compatibility: oil-phase base (esters, plant oils, synthetic wax) that emulsifies with added water via its built-in emulsifiers (Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin).

Because it's rinsed off, none of the usual "apply thinnest to thickest" layering rules apply to it directly — its only layering relationship is that it must be fully rinsed away before the rest of the routine begins, so residual oil doesn't repel the water-based toner/serum that follows.

Before starting: no strict prerequisite routine is required — this is a first-cleanse step suitable as an entry point to a K-beauty routine, though pairing it with a gentle second cleanser (Sec 15) completes a real double cleanse rather than leaving balm residue behind.

Primary: makeup, sunscreen, and sebum removal (mechanical/chemical emulsification via the oil-to-milk phase change) — a real "first cleanse" role, not a treatment product. Secondary: mild textural polish from Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA), Gluconolactone (PHA) and a protease enzyme, which gently loosen surface debris during the brief cleansing contact window; barrier-lipid support from its 5-ceramide/cholesterol/phytosphingosine complex, which is unusual for a rinse-off product.

What this product cannot do: it cannot shrink pores, treat active acne lesions, fade dark spots, or replace a leave-on treatment serum — a rinse-off cleanser's actives have only seconds to a minute of skin contact before being washed away, which is far less than a leave-on product gets.

Second Cleanse (completes the double cleanse):

• Primary — Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser 150ml: same deep-sea-water hero ingredient, low-pH foam that finishes the double cleanse without re-stripping the acid mantle.
• Alternative — Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser 150ml: hydrating gentle foam for drier skin.
• Alternative — Anua 8 Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Gentle Gel Cleanser 150ml: fragrance-free, low-pH (~5.5) amino-acid surfactant gel — the fragrance-free option if the balm's essential oils are a concern for the rest of your routine.
• Alternative — The Face Shop Tea Tree Pore Clarifying Gel Cleanser 150ml: for oily/acne-prone skin wanting extra pore-clarifying follow-through.

Toner (hydration layer after cleansing):

• Primary — Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner 500ml: same-line hero water; note this SKU currently shows very limited stock (1 unit) at the time of writing — confirm availability before counting on it.
• Alternative — Anua Rice 70 + Ceramide Glow Milky Toner 250ml: fragrance-free, ceramide-containing — pairs naturally with this balm's own ceramide complex.
• Alternative — Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner 250ml: fragrance-free, calming, good if the balm's essential oils leave skin slightly reactive.

Sunscreen (mandatory AM finish):

• Primary — Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone Up Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA++++.
• Alternative — Round Lab Birch Juice Mild-Up Sunscreen 50ml (zinc oxide mineral filter).
• Alternative — Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Sunscreen 50ml (same hero line; limited stock, 1 unit).
• Alternative — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Aqua Fresh Rice + B5 50ml.

Moisturizer (barrier seal, especially important if the balm leaves any tightness):

• Primary — Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cream 80ml: calming, same-brand barrier support.
• Alternative — Round Lab Camellia Deep Collagen Firming Cream 50ml.
• Alternative — Round Lab Soybean Nourishing Cream 80ml.

Pilling note: this is a rinse-off step, so it does not cause pilling with leave-on products applied afterward — just ensure it's fully rinsed and skin is pat-dry before the next step, since residual oil film (not "pilling") is what would otherwise make a water-based toner bead up.

MYTH: "Oil-based cleansers clog pores." REALITY: a well-formulated cleansing balm is designed to emulsify and rinse away completely with water — it's residue left behind from an incomplete rinse, not the oil-cleansing method itself, that causes congestion.

MYTH: "If a cleanser is scented, it must be irritating." REALITY: essential-oil fragrance (like this balm's Bergamot and Sage) is a real allergen risk for a minority of users with citrus/EO sensitivities, but most people tolerate a brief, rinsed-off scent exposure without issue — the honest answer is "patch test if you're unsure," not a blanket verdict either way.

MYTH: "Squeaky-clean skin after washing means it's properly clean." REALITY: that squeak is usually the acid mantle being stripped by an overly alkaline cleanser — a properly balanced double cleanse (this balm + a low-pH second cleanser) should leave skin comfortable, not tight.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 rises during this period; since this product is rinsed off rather than worn, it doesn't provide ongoing pollution defense, but a thorough PM cleanse (this balm + second cleanser) is a reasonable way to remove settled particulates before bed.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after any cleanse (including this one) that reads as tightness — following with a hydrating, pH-balancing toner helps counteract that residue rather than assuming it's the balm's fault.

*This ingredient's efficacy claim (enzymatic protease action, and the "deep-sea mineral water" hero framing) rests on brand positioning and general ingredient-class evidence rather than a product-specific clinical study found during research — treat as Emerging/Proprietary-tier rather than clinically proven.

Full INCI list (aggregated from INCIDecoder via search snippets; direct page fetch was blocked in our environment, so exact order is a reasonable estimate rather than a byte-for-byte transcription — see the note below the list):

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.

Ingredient set corroborated across two independent search results and consistent with the brand's own "5 ceramides, 5 plant oils, sea water, LHA+PHA" marketing claim, but the exact printed sequence above (and therefore the precise Estimated 1% Line placement) is our best estimate from secondary sources, not a direct read of the printed carton — treat concentration ordering as approximate.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol and Ethylhexylglycerin — both common multifunctional preservative/humectant combinations in modern K-beauty formulas, not classic parabens.

Fragrance status: Essential Oils Only — not fragrance-free. Scent description: Bergamot (citrus) and Sage essential oils; some retailer-hosted reviews describe the product as scentless or very faint, suggesting the scent is light rather than absent. Intensity: estimated 1-2 out of 5, dissipating quickly once rinsed (well under 5 minutes).

EU 26 allergen screen: Limonene and Linalool detected in the declared INCI (both naturally occurring in the Bergamot/Sage oils used). Alcohol disclosure: Cetearyl Alcohol present — this is a fatty alcohol (moisturizing/emulsifying), not a drying alcohol like Alcohol Denat. or Ethanol.

Aspirin/salicylate sensitivity: this product contains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, a lipohydroxyacid ester of salicylic acid. It is generally considered gentler and lower-risk than free salicylic acid, and this is a brief-contact, rinse-off product — but individuals with a genuine salicylate allergy (not just BHA-product intolerance) should patch test or consult a physician before use, since the ester is still salicylate-derived.

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, not self-assessed as clean. The declared INCI includes plain "Cholesterol" as part of the ceramide/barrier-lipid complex, and ROUND LAB does not disclose whether this Cholesterol is derived from wool grease (lanolin, animal-derived) or is synthetic/plant-sterol-sourced. Strict vegans should treat this product as not confirmed vegan rather than assume it is.

Cruelty-free: *Sources disagree on ROUND LAB's cruelty-free status — some cruelty-free directories describe the brand as cruelty-free/independently owned, while others report they could not confirm a formal certification and the brand did not respond to certifier outreach. We are presenting this honestly as unresolved rather than picking the more flattering claim; it is not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or an equivalent third-party audit that we could verify.

Microplastic-Free: Yes, based on the INCI reviewed (no polyethylene, nylon, or acrylates-copolymer film-formers found) — subject to the same secondary-source confidence caveat noted in the Ingredient Transparency section.

MFDS classification: General Cosmetic — no evidence found of a Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Functional Cosmetic registration (which would require a specific whitening/wrinkle/UV claim and additional government testing) for this SKU.

Dermatologist-Tested claim: *Brand/retail copy references "dermatologist tested" but no publicly available study data, sample size, or testing protocol has been disclosed. Evidence confidence: Medium for the ingredient set and general mechanism (ceramide barrier support, LHA/PHA/enzyme exfoliation are well-studied ingredient classes generally); Marketing-Only* for the specific "dermatologist tested" and hero-water framing claims.

Reformulation note: a 2025 "Grinding Type" version of this product exists, adding a five-ceramide complex, five plant oils, sea water and LHA+PHA exfoliants, alongside a switch from a scoop-jar to a twist/grind dispenser mechanism. The product image on this listing is filed as a 2025 version, consistent with this being the current reformulation rather than an older jar-style batch.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional. Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Sesquioleate and Ethylhexyl Palmitate appear in the INCI and sit on some Malassezia-feeding ingredient watchlists — but because this is a rinse-off product with a brief skin-contact window (unlike a leave-on cream containing the same ingredients), the practical FA risk is meaningfully lower. Those managing active fungal acne may still prefer to patch test or choose an FA-strict leave-on routine afterward rather than assuming zero risk.

Assessment: None in the traditional sense, since this product is entirely rinsed away before any other product is applied — pilling (product balling up under friction) is a leave-on-layering phenomenon that doesn't apply to a washed-off cleanser. The only mechanics to manage are rinsing thoroughly so no oil film remains to repel the following toner.

Color baseline: check your unit's fresh color against future purchases; a balm turning notably darker or developing a rancid, off "old-oil" smell (distinct from its normal Bergamot/Sage scent) signals oxidized plant oils, which can generate free radicals rather than deliver the antioxidant benefit intended.

Storage: keep the jar out of direct bathroom-window sun and away from prolonged heat — Mauritius bathroom humidity and heat can accelerate oil oxidation faster than a cool, dry cabinet would. Spoilage signs: rancid smell, separation that won't remix, visible mold, or a texture that no longer melts smoothly. When in doubt, discard.

Patch test: apply a small amount to the inner forearm, wait 24 hours, then behind the ear for another 24 hours, before full facial use — this matters more than usual here given the essential-oil content.

72-hour barrier reset (if you react): STOP ALL ACTIVES. For 72 hours, use ONLY a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF. NO acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce ONE product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately rather than waiting it out.

1. Applying to wet hands/face — this dilutes the oil phase and reduces makeup-melting power; always start dry. 2. Using it as a sole cleanser on a heavy waterproof-makeup day and expecting a perfectly clean finish — double cleanse instead. 3. Rushing the emulsification step — give it the full 30-60 seconds before adding water. 4. Assuming "no strong smell" means fragrance-free — it contains real essential oils. 5. Storing the open jar somewhere hot and humid, which shortens its usable life.

Usage math: at a grape-to-almond-size scoop per use, once daily (PM) or twice daily if double-duty AM/PM, a jar this size supports roughly 6-10 weeks of regular use, depending on your per-use amount and whether you're removing heavy makeup daily. Lifespan: using 2-3x the recommended amount "to be thorough" shortens this proportionally without improving the cleanse — correct dosage extends the jar's life without sacrificing results. Reorder timing: plan to reorder roughly 1-2 weeks before you expect to run out, to allow for shipping time.

This balm is the entry point of a double-cleanse routine, built for melting away a day of Mauritius heat, sweat, sunscreen and sebum before the rest of your routine goes on.

AM: (optional) balm cleanse if wearing overnight residue → second cleanser → toner → serum → moisturizer → SPF50+ PA++++. PM: balm cleanse (dry hands, 30-60s massage, emulsify, rinse) → second cleanser → toner → treatment → moisturizer.

If you wore mineral sunscreen and no makeup today, a single balm cleanse followed by a quick water rinse may be enough — skip the second cleanser on low-makeup days if your skin tolerates it. If you're in AC most of the day, make sure your post-cleanse toner/moisturizer step is not skipped, since AC air pulls moisture from skin the same way it does from humectant-only routines. If your skin currently stings or flakes, pause this product and any other exfoliant until the 72-Hour Barrier Reset above resolves the irritation.

Stock-true bundle — 1025 Dokdo Double Cleanse + Hydration Set: this balm (anchor) + 1025 Dokdo Cleanser 150ml (second cleanse) + 1025 Dokdo Toner 500ml (hydration; limited stock) + 1025 Dokdo Ampoule 45g (treatment) — a single-line routine built on the same hero deep-sea water throughout.

Stock-true bundle — Fragrance-Cautious Barrier Set: this balm (anchor) + Anua 8 HA Gentle Gel Cleanser (fragrance-free second cleanse) + Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cream (calming moisturizer) + Round Lab Birch Juice Mild-Up Sunscreen (mineral SPF) — for anyone slightly wary of the balm's essential-oil content who wants everything else in the routine fragrance-free.

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

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Balm, 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 the same 1025 Dokdo hero water and ceramide/exfoliant approach in a lighter, non-solidifying texture, Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil 200ml is a genuine in-catalog alternative — same line, oil format instead of balm. If you'd rather try a different brand's balm format, House of Hur Purifying Cleansing Balm 50ml is a sherbet-textured alternative, and TIRTIR Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Balm 9ml is a travel-size enzyme balm option.

Choose the Cleansing Balm over the Cleansing Oil if you need: a richer, more occlusive first-cleanse step with visible ceramide/vitamin-E-forward barrier support — the balm's synthetic wax base holds more emollient plant oils than the thinner oil format.

If your skin is very oily and humidity is high, the lighter Cleansing Oil may rinse cleaner and feel less rich — consider it instead. If you're barrier-compromised right now, do not upgrade to either the richer balm or a stronger exfoliant; repair barrier first with a plain, fragrance-free cleanser. If pore congestion/blackheads are your main concern, both formats carry the same undisclosed-concentration LHA, so texture preference (not efficacy) is genuinely the only differentiator worth paying attention to.

Don't upgrade to the balm if: you already have a cleansing oil/balm you're happy with in the same role (no benefit stacking two first-cleanse products). Also don't upgrade if: you have a known Bergamot/Sage sensitivity — the Cleansing Oil's own INCI should be checked independently before assuming it's fragrance-free either, since it shares the same 1025 Dokdo formulation family.

If you match the sensory/dry-skin trigger above, the balm format is worth choosing. If not, the lighter oil format is sufficient and simpler. Consistency beats complexity.

This product's PRIMARY function is: first-cleanse makeup/sunscreen/sebum removal. You do NOT need this if you already own an unfinished oil or balm cleanser performing the same role — finish your current product before purchasing a second one in the same role.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already own another cleansing oil/balm (same mechanism, redundant); Significant Benefit if you currently only use a single water-based cleanser and are not double-cleansing off sunscreen/makeup, since this adds a genuinely different pathway (oil-phase emulsification) your routine is missing.

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 2025-reformulation jars use a twist/grind dispenser mechanism rather than an open scoop jar; check for clean, precise printing on the box; buy only through Adilsons or Round Lab's own official channels (roundlab.com, @roundlab_us) if comparing against other sellers.

Brand: Round Lab · Founded: 2017, South Korea · Headquarters: South Korea (specific city not publicly confirmed) · Hero approach: each product line is built on one real, traceable natural source rather than a single umbrella hero ingredient across the whole catalog.

Round Lab's naming convention reflects this directly: the 1025 Dokdo line (this product) is built on deep-sea mineral water sourced near Ulleungdo/Dokdo islands, while its Birch Juice line uses birch tree sap, its Mugwort line uses Artemisia, and its Pine Calming Cica line uses pine forest leaf extract from Yangyang. Whether the brand manufactures in-house or through a contract manufacturer has not been publicly confirmed in the sources checked for this description.

Our research did not turn up a dedicated Reddit r/AsianBeauty thread specific to this exact SKU, and direct access to Hwahae's aggregate review page was blocked in our research environment, so we're relying on the review highlights surfaced through retailer-hosted customer review sections (StyleKorean, YesStyle, Sukoshi, Palace Beauty Galleria) and a WebSearch summary of Hwahae's skin-type breakdown, paraphrased rather than quoted directly, with no usernames attached since none were available to us.

Common praise themes: gentle on sensitive and acne-prone skin; effective at removing makeup including waterproof mascara without a stripped, tight finish; several customers reported repurchasing ("on their second jar"). Common complaint themes: some dry-skin users report mild tightness after use per Hwahae's aggregate skin-type data; as a sole cleanser it may leave a light film on heavy waterproof makeup or sunscreen, resolved by double cleansing.

Labeling note: this listing's product title states 50ml while the underlying product URL/handle references 100ml — Round Lab genuinely sells this exact cleansing balm in both 50ml and 100ml sizes through its own official site, so we cannot independently confirm which size this specific stock is from research alone. We're stating the volume as named on this listing; if the physical unit you receive shows a different net weight/volume printed on the jar, that printed figure is the correct one to trust over this page.

Sustainability: check the jar and any outer carton for local recycling symbols; refillable status not disclosed by the brand for this SKU.

Does it remove waterproof mascara and sunscreen? Yes — retail and brand copy describe it as effective on waterproof makeup and sunscreen, though for full-coverage waterproof products a second, water-based cleanse is recommended to avoid any lingering film.

Is it fragrance-free? No. It contains Bergamot and Sage essential oils, with Limonene and Linalool present as natural constituents — some reviewers describe it as scentless, but the declared INCI says otherwise.

Can I use this as my only cleanser (single-step)? On a light-makeup, sunscreen-only day, possibly — but for a real double cleanse or heavy makeup days, pair it with a water-based second cleanser.

Is this the same as the Round Lab Dokdo Cleanser? No — the Dokdo Cleanser is a separate, water-based foaming cleanser in the same 1025 Dokdo line; this Cleansing Balm is the oil-phase first-cleanse step that pairs with it.

Is it safe during pregnancy? It contains Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, a gentler ester form of salicylic acid, at an undisclosed (likely low) concentration in a rinsed-off format — this does not meet the usual pregnancy-caution threshold for free BHA, but if you're avoiding all salicylates as a precaution, consider a salicylate-free alternative and mention it to your healthcare provider.

LHA (Lipohydroxyacid)

A gentler, ester-based relative of salicylic acid (BHA) used for mild surface exfoliation.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)

A larger-molecule exfoliating acid (here, Gluconolactone) that's typically gentler and slower-penetrating than AHAs/BHAs.

Ceramide

A skin-identical lipid that helps form the barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.

Phytosphingosine

A ceramide-precursor lipid that supports the skin's own barrier-building process.

Emulsify

The process by which an oil-based product mixes with water to turn milky and rinse away cleanly.

Acid mantle

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

EU26 allergens

26 fragrance ingredients the EU requires to be individually labeled due to known allergy potential; Limonene and Linalool are two of them.

Double cleanse

Using an oil/balm cleanser first to dissolve makeup/sunscreen/sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser to finish.

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: anyone in Mauritius' heat and humidity who wears daily sunscreen or makeup and wants a first-cleanse step that melts it away without the tight, stripped feeling of a harsh foaming wash — especially oily, combination, and normal skin types.

Key benefits: genuinely effective makeup/sunscreen removal via a real balm-to-oil-to-milk phase change; an unusually ceramide-forward formula for a rinse-off product; gentle LHA/PHA/enzyme polish without a harsh scrub; travel-friendly solid format.

Keep in mind: not fragrance-free (Bergamot/Sage essential oils, 2 EU26 allergens present) despite some reviews calling it scentless; very dry skin may want a rich follow-up moisturizer; the 50ml vs 100ml naming discrepancy on this exact listing means the printed volume on your physical unit is the figure to trust.

Assessment: Consult Oncologist. This product contains Bergamot and Sage essential oils, which can be more irritating for skin sensitized by cancer treatment even though they are well-tolerated by most general users. Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.

Hard water interaction: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; hard water can leave a calcium-stearate film after any cleanse, including this one, which reads as post-cleanse tightness. Following with a hydrating, pH-balancing toner helps counteract that residue rather than reformulating your whole routine to fix what's actually a water-hardness issue.