For quite some time, I steered clear of exfoliating products. I have oily skin, so I’m well acquainted with the challenges of excess oil, clogged pores, acne breakouts, and uneven skin texture. While I recognize that exfoliation is crucial for managing skin issues tied to excess sebum production, I had reservations about the harshness of abrasive scrubs, leading me to miss out on the incredible advantages of exfoliation. That changed when I learned about alternatives to physical scrubs: chemical exfoliators!
In this post, I explored three K-Beauty treasures that offer thorough yet gentle exfoliation, addressing not just surface debris but also impurities stuck in pores. The products I reviewed include SKINFOOD’s BHA Peeling Cleansing Oil, Haruharu WONDER’s Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum, and mixsoon’s Bean Essence.
As a beginner with chemical exfoliants, I gradually worked them into my evening skincare routine to give my skin time to acclimate to the ingredients, starting with one product each week. I began with mixsoon’s Bean Essence, using it once in the first week. The second week, I introduced Haruharu WONDER’s exfoliating serum and increased usage to twice a week, repeating the same approach for SKINFOOD’s cleansing oil in the final week. Read on to discover which product became my favorite!

What it is: Infused with fermented soybean extract, this multitasking essence offers deep hydration and regulates sebum production. The barley seed ferment filtrate in the formulation fortifies the skin barrier and maintains moisture. As an exfoliator, it employs lactobacillus and pomegranate fruit ferment extract to gently eliminate dead skin cells, revealing a clearer, smoother, and brighter complexion.
My thoughts: Upon encountering the thick and slimy texture of the essence, my first instinct was to create fun slime-like strings! I found it surprisingly easy to massage into my skin without any tugging. After a bit of massaging, I observed debris being lifted, particularly sebaceous filaments around my nose. I also noted an improvement in hydration, brightness, and plumpness. Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with how the essence worked on my skin, especially in terms of exfoliation. I plan to regularly include the mixsoon product in my skincare routine.
Tips on use: After using this product, I suggest wiping the skin with a cotton pad to remove any leftover debris instead of rinsing with water, which would wash away the essence’s nutrients!


What it is: This revitalizing serum combines gentle yet effective PHA (poly hydroxy acid) with COSMOS-certified orange water to help slough away dead skin cells and impurities while minimizing irritation. The vegan formulation includes cica extract to enhance the skin barrier and soothe the skin. It’s enriched with Anti-Sebum P, which reduces shine and curbs excess oil, resulting in a clear and radiant finish.
My thoughts: Similar to my experience with SKINFOOD’s cleansing oil, I tested Haruharu WONDER’s exfoliating serum by applying it to my face with my hands and cotton pads. Ultimately, I found the exfoliating serum effectively lifted dirt and impurities. I preferred using a cotton pad, as I could see the debris it extracted, making it a more satisfying way to remove daily buildup.
Regarding skin texture, I observed that my pores appeared refined and my skin felt soft and smooth. The exfoliating serum left me feeling revitalized and residue-free, which I truly appreciated.
What it is: This vegan cleansing oil is enriched with nourishing pineapple fruit extract, BHA (salicylic acid), and PHA (glyconolactone) to gently exfoliate excess oil and dirt while locking in moisture. It also contains tea tree leaf oil and avocado oil to bolster the skin’s barrier function. Additionally, evening primrose oil and sodium hyaluronate help maintain optimal moisture levels for a healthy and balanced look.
My thoughts: During my first use, I applied the cleansing oil directly onto my face and massaged it in to dissolve any makeup, dirt, or impurities. Following this, I used cotton pads to gently wipe away the grime from the day. I preferred the direct massage method, as the formula’s silky texture emulsified quickly with water, gliding effortlessly across my skin. It effectively dissolved makeup and dirt, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and luminous without any tightening or dryness afterward.

Overall Thoughts
After testing the three gentle chemical exfoliators from K-Beauty brands, I discovered that each product offers distinct benefits, but the mixsoon Bean Essence emerged as my favorite. Despite its thick and slime-like consistency, the Bean Essence is surprisingly user-friendly and easy to massage into my skin. Furthermore, a small amount yields significant results! This essence not only effectively removes dead skin cells and sebaceous filaments but also enhances skin hydration and plumpness.
I was equally impressed with the SKINFOOD Pineapple BHA Peeling Cleansing Oil, which effectively dissolved makeup and impurities, leaving my skin feeling revitalized and luminous without any tightness. Its texture emulsifies beautifully with water, making it a delightful addition to my skincare regimen.
The Haruharu WONDER Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum also excelled in refining my pores and softening my skin texture, all while controlling excess oil production without stripping moisture. The visible debris on the cotton pad after application confirmed how effectively it removed daily buildup, simplifying my exfoliation process.
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