SOME BY MI Super Matcha Pore Clean Cleansing Gel: The Matcha-Powered Pore Cleanser

SOME BY MI's Super Matcha Pore Clean Cleansing Gel is the brand's pore-focused second-cleanse gel, built around Korean-grown matcha (green tea) as the hero ingredient. Matcha in skincare is functional for two things: polyphenols (catechins, EGCG) that fight free radical damage, and natural astringent action that helps tighten pore appearance. The brand pairs matcha with low-percentage BHA for gentle daily pore clearing, making this a morning-friendly alternative to stronger acid cleansers.

At $27.96 for 100ml, this lands in the standard mid-range for Korean gel cleansers. The format (gel, not foam) matters: gel cleansers are gentler on the barrier than foam cleansers, which is useful for users doing a full routine with acids, retinol, or vitamin C later. Over-cleansing with harsh foam destroys the protective lipid layer that those actives need intact to work without causing irritation.

What It Does

The gel-based formula dissolves excess sebum and removes residual first-cleanse product without stripping the skin's moisture barrier. Matcha polyphenols provide antioxidant support (mostly during the brief contact time) and a mild astringent effect that helps visible pore size over weeks of use. Low-percentage BHA does gradual pore-clearing work. Result: cleaner-looking pores, less visible congestion, skin that doesn't feel tight after cleansing.

Who It's For

• Combination skin with T-zone congestion: Gentle enough for dry cheeks, effective on oily T-zone.
• Pore appearance focus: Matcha astringent effect reduces visible size over time.
• Daily cleansing in a multi-step routine: Non-stripping texture works with actives.
• Oily skin that reacts to foam cleansers: Gel format is gentler.
• Post-double-cleanse finisher: Works well as the second step after an oil cleanse.

Key Specs

• Volume: 100ml
• Price: $27.96
• Hero actives: matcha extract, low-percentage BHA (salicylic acid)
• Texture: clear gel, minimal lather
• Fragrance: green tea subtle
• pH: skin-matched, approximately 5.5

How to Use

For double cleanse: apply after an oil or balm first cleanse. Dispense a pea-sized amount onto damp palms, work into a light lather, and massage onto wet skin for 30 to 60 seconds. Focus on T-zone and other congested areas. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with toner and the rest of your routine. Use AM and PM.

For single cleanse (low-product days): this works standalone on days without SPF or makeup. For SPF or makeup days, pair with a first-cleanse oil or balm for complete removal.

FAQ

Does it actually make pores smaller?

Pores don't truly shrink in size, but they appear smaller when they're clean of sebum and debris. This cleanser helps with the visible-size component by keeping pores clear. For dramatic pore appearance change, layer with a BHA toner or serum for sustained exfoliation.

SOME BY MI Matcha vs COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser?

Similar category, different strengths. COSRX is simpler and cheaper, focused on barrier-friendly daily cleansing. SOME BY MI adds matcha antioxidant benefit and pore-clearing BHA. For minimalist routines: COSRX. For pore-focused users who want more in the cleanser: SOME BY MI.

Can I use this as a single cleanse?

For no-makeup, minimal-SPF days: yes. For full SPF or makeup days: no, it won't fully remove oil-based products. Always start with an oil or balm cleanse to dissolve SPF and makeup first.

Is the matcha caffeine functional?

Caffeine has de-puffing effects when applied topically, but in a rinse-off cleanser the contact time is too short for meaningful caffeine action. The matcha polyphenols do some antioxidant work but the primary function here is the cleansing base plus mild BHA, not a concentrated matcha treatment.

Will the BHA cause irritation?

At rinse-off concentrations in a cleanser, irritation is rare. If your skin is already compromised from retinol or aggressive acid routines, alternate with a gentler cleanser on recovery days.

Related Products

Pair with SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA Miracle Cleanser for more aggressive acid cleansing, or Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser as a gentler alternative.

Browse the full SOME BY MI collection or related: Korean cleansers.