



Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam 80ml
pH 5.5 cleansing - mung bean powered, barrier safe, no dryness.
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Benefits
Deep pore cleansing without disrupting the barrier - amino acid surfactants and Mung Bean Powder remove makeup, sebum, and ultrafine dust at a skin-compatible pH 5.5, so the acid mantle stays intact after every wash
Soothing ingredients outnumber the surfactants - Allantoin, Centella Asiatica, Chamomile, Aloe, and Phellodendron Bark collectively calm irritation during the cleansing process, making this appropriate for the most reactive and acne-prone skin
Ceramide NP and Hyaluronic Acid maintain hydration - skin-identical barrier lipids and humectants are built into the formula so skin feels soft and comfortable immediately after rinsing rather than needing toner to restore comfort
Antioxidant-rich botanical complex protects during cleansing - Cocoa Extract, Turmeric, Tocopherol, and Centella deliver antioxidant benefit throughout the brief contact time, helping skin arrive at the next routine step in better condition
Hero Ingredients
Mung Bean Extract + Mung Bean Powder
What it does: Mung Bean Extract delivers skin-brightening and antioxidant compounds while gently supporting the removal of excess sebum and surface impurities. Mung Bean Powder provides a mild physical cleansing action that removes pore congestion without the harsh abrasion of traditional scrubs - leaving skin cleaner and smoother without compromising the barrier.
Why we chose it: Mung Bean as the primary cleansing active rather than a standard surfactant system is a distinctive formulation choice that sets this cleanser apart from the conventional amino acid foams in our range - it's an ingredient with genuine K-pharmacy heritage and clinical soothing credentials.
Amino Acid Surfactant System
What it does: Two mild amino acid-derived surfactants that form a skin-compatible foam at pH 5.5 - matching the skin's natural acid mantle so cleansing doesn't trigger the dryness, reactivity, or rebound oiliness that higher-pH cleansers cause. Removes impurities effectively without stripping barrier lipids.
Why we chose it: Amino acid surfactants at a pH-matched formula are the right foundation for any cleanser designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin - this is the clinical standard we require from every foaming cleanser we stock.
Ceramide NP + Sodium Hyaluronate + Allantoin
What it does: Ceramide NP replenishes barrier lipids during the cleansing contact time, Sodium Hyaluronate maintains moisture so skin doesn't feel depleted after rinsing, and Allantoin calms any surface irritation or redness during application. Together they ensure the cleanse has a net positive effect on the barrier rather than simply a neutral one.
Why we chose it: Including skin-identical barrier ingredients in a cleanser is an increasingly common but still uncommon decision - it reflects a formulation philosophy that treats cleansing as a barrier care step, not just a removal step.
Skin Compatibility
Suitable for all skin types with particular benefit for sensitive, acne-prone, and irritated skin. pH 5.5 formula respects the skin's natural acid mantle.
How to Use
- Take a penny-sized amount into damp palms and lather with a small amount of water
- Massage gently onto the face in circular motions
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Follow with toner and the rest of your routine
Pairs well with: a hydrating toner applied immediately after to build on the barrier-supporting effect of the Ceramide and Hyaluronate in the formula
Studio Pick
The Be Plain Mung Bean Cleansing Foam earns its place as the most accessible entry point in our cleanser range - pH 5.5, amino acid surfactants, Ceramide NP, and a botanical soothing complex that's more extensive than most dedicated treatment serums. For sensitive and acne-prone customers looking for a daily cleanser that actively supports the barrier rather than just tolerating it, this delivers clinical-grade gentleness at an accessible price point. The Mung Bean active is a genuinely distinctive ingredient story that gives Be Plain a clear identity in our catalogue.
Curation Score: 8.3 / 10
Ingredient Quality 8/10 - Brand Reputation 7/10 - Community Consensus 8/10 - Value for Money 10/10 - Versatility 8/10
Full Ingredients
Glycerin*, Water, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate*, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate*, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Powder*, Lauryl Betaine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Vigna Radiata (Mung Bean) Seed Extract*, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Alcohol†, Betaine*, Polyquaternium-39, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract*, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Allantoin*, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract*, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Corallina Officinalis (Red Algae) Extract*, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract*, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Tocopherol*, Hydrogenated Lecithin*, Centella Asiatica Extract*, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP*, Sodium Hyaluronate*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Powder*
*Active/notable ingredients: Glycerin (humectant), Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate + Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate (amino acid surfactants - pH-balanced gentle cleansing), Phaseolus Radiatus Seed/Mung Bean Powder (gentle cleansing, pore care), Vigna Radiata/Mung Bean Seed Extract (brightening, soothing), Betaine (hydration, osmotic balance), Cocoa Seed Extract (antioxidant), Allantoin (calming, sensitivity reduction), Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract (anti-acne, soothing), Aloe Extract (soothing, hydration), Corallina/Red Algae Extract (mineral-rich, soothing), Turmeric Root Extract (antioxidant, brightening, soothing), Chamomile Flower Extract (calming, anti-inflammatory), Tocopherol (antioxidant, Vitamin E), Hydrogenated Lecithin (barrier lipid, phospholipid), Centella Asiatica Extract (barrier repair, soothing), Ceramide NP (barrier lipid, moisture retention), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration), Green Tea Leaf Powder (antioxidant)
†Contains Alcohol - present at a low position in the INCI. Patch test recommended for alcohol-sensitive skin.

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Everything you need to feel confident before you buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for very sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes - pH 5.5, amino acid surfactants, and a formula built around soothing botanicals (Allantoin, Centella, Chamomile, Aloe, Phellodendron) make this one of the gentler daily cleansers we carry. The anti-acne Phellodendron Bark Extract adds specific benefit for breakout-prone skin. Those with alcohol sensitivity should note the formula contains Alcohol at a relatively low concentration - patch testing before first full use is recommended.
Why does pH matter in a cleanser and what makes 5.5 the right level?
The skin's natural pH sits between 4.5 and 6.0 - the mildly acidic range that supports the acid mantle, barrier function, and the beneficial bacteria that protect against infection and irritation. Most standard cleansers sit between pH 7-9, which temporarily disrupts this environment and causes the tightness, dryness, and sensitivity many people experience after cleansing. At pH 5.5, this formula cleanses without disrupting the skin's protective chemistry, leaving it comfortable and balanced immediately after rinsing.
What does Mung Bean do for the skin and why is it in a cleanser?
Mung Bean has a long history in Korean skincare for its gentle exfoliating and brightening properties. The Powder form provides mild physical cleansing that helps lift pore congestion and surface buildup without abrasion, while the Extract delivers antioxidant and soothing compounds during contact. Together they make the formula more effective at removing sebum and ultrafine dust than surfactants alone, while the soothing extract counteracts any potential for irritation during cleansing.
Can this remove makeup and SPF as a standalone cleanser?
For light daily makeup and chemical SPF, this works well as a standalone second cleanse. For waterproof makeup, heavy-coverage foundation, or physical mineral SPF, using an oil-based first cleanse before this foam will give a more thorough result. As a morning cleanser on bare skin or as a second cleanse after an oil-based first step, it's well suited for daily use.
How long will 80ml last?
Used twice daily with a penny-sized amount per cleanse, 80ml typically lasts 6-8 weeks. The foam is dense and a small quantity creates sufficient lather for the full face - no need to use more than the recommended amount. Store upright at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
