ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser — Gel hydratant pH 5-6

Deep sea water from Ulleungdo (Sea Water) — the heart of this formula — comes from 1,525 meters below the surface of the East Sea. At this depth, the water remains at 2°C year-round, free from any organic contamination. It contains 72 types of bioavailable minerals: magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium. These trace elements naturally restore the hydrolipidic balance disrupted by surfactants, even the mildest ones.

The Triple Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate) forms three layers of hydration according to molecular weight: sodium hyaluronate penetrates deeply, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid plumps the intermediate dermis, and standard hyaluronic acid creates a protective film on the surface. Result: zero tightness after rinsing.

The Panthenol (provitamin B5) andAllantoin work synergistically to soothe micro-inflammations caused by cleansing. Panthenol improves skin elasticity, Allantoin promotes cell regeneration — essential for thin or reactive skin.

Ceramide NP — a ceramide identical to those in the human skin barrier — fills the intercellular spaces weakened by hard water or harsh surfactants. Here, even in a rinse-off product, its presence provides lasting protection.

The surfactants Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate are derived from coconut and formulated for their exceptional mildness. They produce a creamy foam without stripping the protective sebum — unlike traditional sulfates (SLS/SLES absent from the formula).

☀️ Morning routine

1. On damp face, take a small amount of gel and emulsify with a little warm water between your palms
2. Gently massage with upward circular motions for 30 to 45 seconds — focus on the T-zone if it produced nighttime sebum
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water (never hot, to avoid stimulating the sebaceous glands)
4. Follow immediately with a hydrating toner to rebalance the pH

🌙 Evening routine

1. Step 1 of double cleansing: first remove makeup and sunscreen with a cleansing oil (like the Dokdo Cleansing Oil from the same line)
2. Step 2: apply the Dokdo Cleanser on still damp skin — it will remove oil residues, fine pollution, and dead cells
3. Massage for 60 seconds (the time for the minerals to work), rinse thoroughly
4. Follow with your serum or ampoule without waiting for the skin to dry completely

Pro tip : use a dampened konjac sponge for a gentle exfoliating effect twice a week, compatible with this slightly acidic pH.

• Sensitive skin and reactive : pH 5.0-6.0 respects the natural acid mantle, Dermatest "EXCELLENT" certification guarantees maximum dermatological tolerance
• Dehydrated combination to oily skin : removes excess sebum and impurities without triggering rebound effect (compensatory overproduction of sebum), thanks to mineral regulation
• Dry skin looking for a non-drying cleanser : creamy-foamy texture preserves the hydrolipidic film, ceramides limit transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
• Fans of K-beauty double cleansing : perfect as a second step after an oil or balm makeup remover — emulsifies oily residues without leaving a greasy film
• Urban skin exposed to pollution : dense foam captures fine particles (PM2.5) and makeup residues invisible to the naked eye

Avoid if: you are looking for a cleanser with exfoliating actives (AHA/BHA) — this one is purely hydrating and soothing. If you want a peeling effect, opt for an acid toner in the next step.

Immediately after rinsing : smooth skin texture, feeling clean without tightness or "cardboard effect." The skin remains supple and plump — a sign that the skin barrier has not been damaged.

After 2 weeks of daily use : visible reduction of diffuse redness and micro-irritations caused by overly harsh cleansing. The complexion appears more even, less dull. Refined pores (less clogged) better absorb serums applied afterward.

After 4 weeks : stabilized hydrolipidic balance — less shine in the T-zone at midday, less flaking on the cheeks. Sensitive skin notices a decrease in reactive flare-ups (tingling, warmth).

Long-term use : helps strengthen the skin barrier thanks to ceramides and amino acids (Glycine, Serine, Arginine). Better-protected skin resists daily aggressions (climate, pollution, oxidative stress) more effectively.

Is this cleanser really suitable for very dry skin or only for combination skin?

It is perfectly suitable for dry skin as long as you include it in a double cleansing routine in the evening (after an oil) and use it alone in the morning. Its pH 5-6 formula enriched with NP ceramides limits transepidermal water loss, unlike traditional alkaline foaming gels. If your skin still feels tight, apply your toner immediately after rinsing without completely drying your face.

Can it be used as the only cleansing step to remove makeup and sunscreen?

No, not for waterproof makeup or stubborn SPF50+ protection. The Dokdo Cleanser excels as the second step of the Korean double cleansing: first use a cleansing oil (the Dokdo Cleansing Oil from the same line is ideal), then this gel to remove oily residues and deeply purify. In the morning, it’s enough alone to remove sebum and night products.

What is the difference between this cleanser and the Dokdo Cleansing Gel or Dokdo Cleansing Water from ROUND LAB?

The 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (this one) is a creamy gel that foams on contact with water — ideal for a thorough rinse. The Dokdo Cleansing Gel has a lighter gel texture, less creamy. The Dokdo Cleansing Water is a no-rinse micellar water for quick cleansing. This Cleanser remains the bestseller for its dense and comfortable texture, with over 5 million bottles sold.

How long does the 150 ml bottle last with daily use?

About 2.5 to 3 months using a small amount morning and evening (two applications per day). The concentrated texture foams easily: a small amount is enough to cover the entire face and neck. If you use it only in the evening as part of double cleansing, expect 4 to 5 months.

Why “1025” in the product name? Is it a formula code?

“1025” refers to the depth at which the Ulleungdo seawater is extracted: 1,025 meters below the surface (about 5,000 feet). At this extreme depth, the water remains at 2°C year-round, completely pure and concentrated with 72 minerals (magnesium, calcium, zinc). This is the signature of the entire Dokdo line from ROUND LAB.

Can it be used if you have acne or active breakouts?

Yes, the slightly acidic pH (5-6) respects the skin’s protective barrier and does not promote bacterial growth. It contains no anti-acne actives (BHA, salicylic acid) nor comedogenic ingredients. It gently cleanses without stripping — which prevents rebound oiliness (sebum overproduction). However, it does not treat acne: pair it with a targeted serum (niacinamide, salicylic acid) in the next step.

ROUND LAB was born from an obsessive quest: to track down the most powerful natural ingredients from the Korean peninsula, where no one thinks to look. Ulleungdo Island — isolated 120 km from the coast, battered by the winds of the East Sea — houses a resource that the brand was the first to explore for cosmetics: deep seawater, pumped from 1,525 meters below the surface. At this depth, the water has remained frozen at 2°C for over a thousand years, preserved from any organic contamination thanks to the complete absence of photosynthesis.

The 1025 Dokdo line — whose cleanser is the flagship product with over 5 million units sold — embodies this philosophy of "extreme sourcing." ROUND LAB uses a patented membrane filtration technology to preserve the integrity of 72 natural minerals (magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium) without chemical transformation. In Korea, the Dokdo Toner has been the number one selling toner for 4 consecutive years — a success built on tangible effectiveness rather than marketing.

Beyond Dokdo, ROUND LAB develops other cult lines: Birch Juice (birch sap from Inje), Mugwort (mugwort from Geomundo), Pine Tree (pine from Yangyang). Each line is born from a field expedition, a partnership with local producers, and respect for the territory. No greenwashing: just obsessive traceability and clean formulas clinically tested (Dermatest, skin irritation tests).

Discover the entire ROUND LAB range

Full INCI: Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (mild surfactant derived from coconut), Glycerin (humectant), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (amino surfactant), Coco-Betaine, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate (ultra-gentle cleansing agent), Potassium Benzoate (preservative), Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-67, Potassium Cocoate, Citric Acid (pH adjuster), Fructooligosaccharides, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Disodium EDTA, Pullulan, 1,2-Hexanediol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sea Water (Ulleungdo sea water), Sodium Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beta-Glucan, Phosphatidylcholine, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide NP, Glycine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Serine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lysine, Alanine, Arginine, Threonine, Proline.

Key points: Formula without sulfates (SLS/SLES), without synthetic fragrance, without irritating essential oils (only matricaria chamomile provides a very subtle herbal note). The presence of biomimetic amino acids (Glycine, Serine, Arginine) — the same as those in the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) — helps the skin maintain hydration even after rinsing.

Texture & pH: Creamy gel that foams on contact with water, without drying effect. pH maintained between 5.0 and 6.0 (slightly acidic) to preserve the skin’s protective acid mantle. Clinically tested and rated "EXCELLENT" by Dermatest (Germany), an international reference for dermatological tolerance.

Vegan-friendly: Formula without animal-derived ingredients. Synthetic Ceramide NP (identical to natural). Not tested on animals.