I picked up the beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam mostly because it kept showing up on my Instagram explore page and then again on Olive Young when I was browsing through cleansers. There were just so many Korean reviews talking about how it was gentle but effective, and honestly I was in the market for something that wouldn’t mess with my already sensitive skin barrier. So I thought, okay, let’s give this one a try. (I got it on oliveyoung)

What caught me first is that it’s marketed as pH-balanced and has mung bean extract, which is such a classic ingredient in older Korean beauty traditions. I grew up hearing my mom and aunt talk about mung bean packs and DIY cleansers, so that gave me a little extra trust in the formula.

Now, let’s talk texture. I expected a really fluffy kind of foam based on the official photos, but when I actually used it, it was much thicker and creamier. It lathers well, just not in a bubbly way. It feels like a soft mousse that spreads smoothly and rinses off clean without that squeaky, tight feeling. Personally, I prefer this over airy foams that disappear the second you apply them.

There is definitely a natural mung bean scent. I wouldn’t call it overpowering but it’s there. A little earthy and herbal, like something out of a hanbang shop. I actually found it kind of grounding, but I could see it being a hit or miss for people who are super scent-sensitive. It didn’t linger after washing though, which is a plus.

One thing I really appreciated was the presence of these super fine micro-granules. They’re not scrubby at all, but they add just a bit of texture that makes the cleansing feel slightly more effective. I wouldn’t say it exfoliates in a deep way, but more like a polishing finish. After rinsing, my skin felt soft and clean, not overly dry or stripped. In fact, the smoothness kind of surprised me because I didn’t expect that from a cleanser that markets itself as gentle.

I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a heavy-duty deep cleanse, but for everyday use, especially if your skin leans sensitive or you’re just looking for something low-key but consistent, I think this one fits really well into a basic routine. I’ve been using it in the mornings and alternating it with a balm cleanser at night, and the combo has been keeping my skin feeling balanced and pretty calm.

Would I repurchase? Honestly, yes. It’s one of those cleansers that feels reliable and gives you exactly what you need without trying too hard. Plus, the price point is reasonable and the texture makes it feel a little more luxurious than you’d expect for the cost.