K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Cleansing Foam: Pine Cica 1% + Probiotics for Daily Gentle Cleansing

K-SECRET is a smaller Korean skincare brand with a clear positioning: Seoul-dialect branding and ingredient-forward cleansing products. The Seoul 1988 Cleansing Foam combines 1% pine-derived centella (pine cica) with probiotics in a foam cleanser format. At $42.00 for 150ml, this is premium pricing for a cleanser, reflecting the higher-concentration hero ingredients and the niche Korean-indie positioning.

"Pine cica" is a less common Korean skincare hero than standard centella asiatica. Pine bark and pine leaf extract contain pinosylvin and pycnogenol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that complement centella's similar profile. The 1% concentration is meaningful (most centella cleansers use trace amounts for marketing purposes). Combined with probiotics (typically Lactobacillus ferment filtrate or similar), the formula supports the skin microbiome during cleanse rather than disrupting it.

What It Does

The cleanser lifts oil and residue using mild amino-acid-based surfactants rather than sulfates, which preserves the skin's acid mantle. Pine cica extract provides anti-inflammatory support during the cleanse, reducing post-wash redness and barrier stress. Probiotics support microbiome balance, which is important for preventing dysbiosis-related breakouts and sensitivity. The result is a gentle cleanse that leaves skin feeling calm rather than tight.

Who It's For

• Sensitive or redness-prone skin: Pine cica's anti-inflammatory effect is meaningful.
• Microbiome-focused skincare: Probiotic support preserves skin flora.
• Barrier recovery routines: Gentle amino surfactants don't strip.
• Combination skin with occasional reactivity: Balances cleansing power with calming.
• Premium-cleanser shoppers: Concentrated hero ingredients over generic foam.

Key Specs

• Volume: 150ml
• Price: $42.00
• Hero actives: 1% pine cica, probiotics (Lactobacillus ferment)
• Texture: creamy foam, lathers with water
• Fragrance: mild, subtle pine note

How to Use

Use as the second cleanse after oil or balm cleanser. Dispense a pea-sized amount into damp hands, add water, and whip into foam between palms. Massage onto face in light circles for 30 to 45 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry.

For morning-only cleanse on sensitive skin days, this works alone (no oil cleanser needed) if you didn't wear makeup or heavy SPF.

FAQ

Is it worth the premium price?

For sensitive skin users, yes. The pine cica and probiotic additions are meaningful, not marketing. For normal skin with no barrier issues, cheaper gentle cleansers (ETUDE SoonJung at similar gentleness) work comparably well. Pay the premium if you specifically want pine cica's anti-inflammatory effect.

Does it remove makeup?

Partially. It handles light tinted moisturizer and SPF on its own, but heavier makeup needs an oil cleanser first. Always double cleanse when wearing full makeup.

Can it be used daily?

Yes. Twice daily is fine for most skin. For very dry or compromised skin, once daily (evening only) is better.

What's the pH?

Skin-matched (approximately 5.5 to 6.5), like most well-formulated gentle cleansers. Avoids the high alkaline pH of traditional foam cleansers.

How long does 150ml last?

2 to 3 months of twice-daily use.

Related Products

Pair with a pine cica or centella-based toner to continue the calming theme. Follow with a ceramide moisturizer for sensitive skin days.

Browse the full K-SECRET collection or related: Korean cleansers, Korean sensitive skin products.