ETUDE PPOYAN Cleansing Oil: Soft-Touch First Cleanse for Makeup and Sunscreen

"Ppoyan" (뽀얀) is a Korean word meaning "milky" or "soft and fair," the aesthetic that this cleansing oil is named after. ETUDE's PPOYAN Cleansing Oil is the brand's oil-based first cleanser, designed for the double cleansing routine that's standard across most K-beauty regimens. At $37.89 for 150ml, it's slightly above drugstore but well below luxury K-beauty cleansing oils. The formulation focuses on gentle dissolution of sunscreen and makeup without the stripping that many Western oil cleansers produce.

Double cleansing (oil-based cleanser first, then foam-based cleanser second) is the standard approach in K-beauty for anyone who wears sunscreen or makeup daily. Oil dissolves oil-based products (sunscreen, cream foundation, waterproof mascara) that water-based cleansers can't remove. Skipping this step leaves residue that clogs pores and dulls skin over time. The PPOYAN oil is formulated to emulsify cleanly with water, which is the key property differentiating good cleansing oils from bad ones.

What It Does

The oil base dissolves sunscreen filters, oil-based makeup, sebum, and waterproof pigments through the simple chemistry of like-dissolves-like. On contact with water, the formula emulsifies into a milky wash that rinses away cleanly, carrying dissolved makeup and impurities with it. No residue, no greasy film, no need for aggressive scrubbing. For skin that wears daily SPF, this cleanser is more important than people realize.

Who It's For

• Daily sunscreen wearers: Primary need, SPF filters require oil to remove.
• Makeup users: Foundation, mascara, long-wear lipstick all need oil.
• Acne-prone skin (properly emulsified): Doesn't clog if fully rinsed.
• Dry skin double-cleansers: Gentler than gel or foam first cleansers.
• K-beauty routine beginners: Entry point to double cleansing.

Key Specs

• Volume: 150ml
• Price: $37.89
• Texture: liquid oil, emulsifies to milk with water
• Fragrance: mild clean scent
• Use: evening only (morning doesn't need oil cleanse typically)

How to Use

Apply to dry face (wet skin reduces oil-dissolving effectiveness). Dispense 3 to 4 pumps into palms, massage gently onto dry face for 60 to 90 seconds, working in circles over makeup and sunscreen. Wet fingertips and continue massaging to emulsify the oil into a milky wash. Add more water and rinse thoroughly. Follow with a foam or gel cleanser for the second cleanse, ensuring all residue is removed.

For heavy eye makeup: press fingertips lightly over closed lids during the initial dry massage to dissolve mascara. Do not rub or scrub.

FAQ

Will it break me out?

If fully emulsified and rinsed, no. Poor rinsing leaves oily residue that can clog pores. The rule: emulsify until milky, rinse until clean, double-cleanse with a foam afterward. Users who break out from cleansing oils are almost always skipping the emulsification or second cleanse.

How does this compare to Banila Co Clean It Zero?

Different formats. Banila Co Clean It Zero is a sherbet-balm, thicker, better for very heavy makeup. ETUDE PPOYAN is liquid oil, better for daily sunscreen removal and lighter makeup. Balm is more luxurious feeling; oil is faster and more affordable. Choose based on your daily makeup load.

Do I need it if I don't wear makeup?

If you wear sunscreen daily (which you should), yes. SPF filters are oil-soluble and require oil cleansing to remove. If you skip this step with daily sunscreen, residue builds up over weeks and causes dullness and clogged pores.

Can I use it in the shower?

Yes, though apply to dry face before entering the shower for best makeup dissolution. Massage dry, then emulsify and rinse under the shower. This is efficient and works well.

How long does 150ml last?

Daily evening use: 2 to 3 months. The 3-to-4 pump application is what most users settle into after initial experimentation. The pump design prevents over-dispensing.

Related Products

Pair with ETUDE Moistfull Collagen Cleansing Foam or ETUDE Baking Powder Cleansing Foam for the second cleanse.

Browse the full ETUDE collection or related categories: Korean cleansing oils, Korean cleansers.