ETUDE Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam 160ml

ETUDE Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam: A Classic Budget Cleanser for Pore Cleaning

ETUDE's Baking Powder Cleansing Foam has been a Korean drugstore staple since the early 2010s. It uses sodium bicarbonate (baking powder) as a gentle exfoliating and pore-cleaning agent within a foam cleanser base. At $14.36 for 160ml, it's firmly in the budget tier, which is the right positioning: this is a workhorse daily cleanser for users focused on pore care, not a luxury product. The baking powder angle is genuine (the ingredient is listed meaningfully in the formula) but not revolutionary; similar formulations exist across Korean drugstore brands.

ETUDE is Amorepacific's drugstore-positioned brand, priced below innisfree and significantly below Laneige in the same corporate family. The brand caters to teens and young adults in Korea, and the Baking Powder line is one of its most enduring franchises. Users tend to discover this cleanser in early 20s and keep it in rotation for years because it works and costs less than any premium alternative.

What It Does

Sodium bicarbonate gently lifts surface dead skin cells and softens sebum in pores, which makes the foam better at cleaning congested areas than standard gel cleansers. The foam base removes daily grime, sunscreen, and light makeup. The pH is balanced enough that it doesn't leave skin feeling stripped. For oily and combination skin users with recurring blackheads on the nose and chin, this cleanser provides better pore cleaning than most cream or gel alternatives in the same price range.

Who It's For

• Oily to combination skin: Primary target, controls sebum and cleans pores.
• Blackhead-prone nose and chin: Baking powder helps with congestion.
• Teen and young adult skin: Price and formulation match the demographic.
• Budget-focused K-beauty routines: One of the cheapest effective pore cleansers.
• Second-cleanse users: Works as the PM second cleanse after oil cleansing.

Key Specs

• Volume: 160ml
• Price: $14.36
• Hero ingredient: sodium bicarbonate (baking powder)
• Texture: dense foam when lathered
• Fragrance: mild, slightly sweet
• pH: balanced, slightly acidic

How to Use

Wet face with lukewarm water. Dispense a pea-sized amount into palms, lather with more water until foamy. Massage onto face in circles for 30 to 60 seconds, focusing on the T-zone (nose, chin, forehead). Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry. Follow with toner and the rest of your routine.

For pore-focused use: massage extra time into nose and chin, 30 to 45 additional seconds. Avoid aggressive scrubbing; the baking powder does the work without pressure.

FAQ

Is baking powder safe for daily use?

Yes, at the formulated concentration. This isn't pure baking soda slapped onto skin (which would disrupt pH). The formula is pH-balanced so the baking powder provides gentle exfoliation without skin disruption. Daily use is standard.

Will it dry out my skin?

For oily and combination skin: no, used correctly. For dry or sensitive skin: possibly. The baking powder action mildly exfoliates, which can feel drying on compromised skin. For dry skin, use this only for evening second cleanse, pair with a gentler cleanser in the morning.

Does it work on blackheads?

Modestly. Consistent daily use over 4 to 6 weeks reduces blackhead density through regular pore cleaning. It won't clear deep-set blackheads alone; pair with a weekly clay mask and a BHA toner for better results. For cystic or inflamed breakouts, this is supportive, not curative.

How does this compare to COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser?

Different cleansing approach. COSRX is pH-balanced BHA gel, more focused on daily gentle cleansing with mild chemical exfoliation. ETUDE is foam with physical-gentle exfoliation from baking powder. For sensitive skin: COSRX. For oily skin with pore issues: ETUDE. Both are budget-friendly workhorses.

How long does 160ml last?

Once daily: 4 to 6 months. Twice daily: 2 to 3 months. The pump bottle dispenses consistent amounts, which helps pace.

Related Products

Pair with ETUDE SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner as the post-cleanse balancer, or follow with a BHA toner from the BHA collection for layered pore care.

Browse the full ETUDE collection or related categories: Korean cleansers, Korean pore care.