I was fully prepared for the Arencia Korean Rice Mochi Face Cleanser to be another one of those TikTok products that is 100% aesthetic and 0% substance. I mean, it looks like a jar of matcha-flavored cookie dough. Is it skincare or am I accidentally ordering snacks from Amazon at 2 AM again? But after seeing a thousand videos of people stretching this doughy texture across their cheeks, my curiosity (and my pores) couldn't take it anymore.
Squishy, Green, and Smells Like a Dream
Opening the jar of the Fresh Green version is an experience. It does not look like a face wash; it looks like artisanal mochi. The brand claims it takes 170 hours to make this stuff, and honestly, you can feel the effort. It is thick, slightly grainy from the almond and rice powder, and smells like a fresh matcha latte without being overpowering. When you mix a tiny pea-sized amount with water, it transforms from a dough into this creamy, soft foam that feels incredibly luxurious. It is not stripping at all, which is a miracle considering it contains physical exfoliants.
The Post-Gym Sweat Test
I decided to put this to the ultimate test after a particularly humid outdoor run when my face felt like a layer cake of salt, sunscreen, and regret. Usually, I have to go in with a heavy oil cleanser first to feel remotely human, but I wanted to see if this all-in-one claim held up. Here is the breakdown of how it performed in the trenches:
- Makeup Removal: It actually dissolved my daily tinted moisturizer and brow gel with zero struggle. For heavy waterproof mascara, I would still use a dedicated remover, but for a standard face, it is a one-and-done situation.
- Texture Refining: The tiny granules of rice and almond powder are so fine that they do not feel like they are scratching your face off. My skin felt noticeably smoother immediately after rinsing.
- Pore Situation: My nose usually looks like a strawberry by the end of the day, but this really seemed to deep-clean the gunk out without making my cheeks flake.
- Hydration Levels: Real talk: most "deep cleansers" leave me feeling like a piece of parched parchment. This left my skin feeling bouncy and, dare I say, mochi-like?
The Final Verdict
At $19.05, this is more than your average drugstore cleanser, but a little goes such a long way that I can see this jar lasting me three or four months. It is fun to use, which actually makes me look forward to my nighttime routine instead of viewing it as a chore. Just a heads-up: because it has so many natural extracts like green tea, it can oxidize and turn a bit brownish over time if you do not use it fast enough. It is still safe to use, it just looks less like a fresh matcha treat and more like an overripe avocado.
Who Should Buy This:
- Anyone with combination or oily skin who struggles with texture.
- People who find traditional scrubs too harsh but still want that smooth-skin feeling.
- K-Beauty enthusiasts who want a cleanser that feels like a spa ritual.
Who Should Skip This:
- If you are extremely sensitive to any fragrance (even natural ones), the scent might be too much.
- If you prefer a traditional liquid pump bottle and hate dipping your fingers into a jar.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Lauren