Torriden Balanceful vs. Etude SoonJung Cleanser
A dense, multi-compound cica formula with an active BHA against a deliberately stripped-down, fragrance-free 14-ingredient cleanser. Complexity versus restraint.
Criteria | Torriden Balanceful Cleansing Foam | Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.00 | $15.00 |
| Price / unit | $0.11/mL | $0.10/mL |
| Size | 150 mL | 150 mL |
| Price checked | 10/13/2026 | 9/12/2026 |
Both are positioned for gentler, sensitive-leaning cleansing, at nearly the same price, but they land there from opposite directions: one through ingredient density, the other through ingredient restraint.
Why compare these two specifically
This isn't the same active-versus-inactive split as some other pairings, it's a genuine question of formula philosophy: does more actives and compounds mean a better cleanser, or does a shorter, restrained ingredient list serve reactive skin better? Torriden and Etude SoonJung sit at exactly those two extremes.
Price per milliliter
Torriden runs $0.11 per milliliter ($17.00 for 150mL). Etude SoonJung runs $0.10 per milliliter ($15.00 for 150mL). Nearly identical, Etude SoonJung is marginally cheaper.
Nine ingredients of substance vs. a deliberately short list
Torriden runs a genuine 5-compound cica system, centella asiatica, madecassoside, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, plus salicylic acid (BHA), panthenol, allantoin, and tocopherol, nine named actives and supporting ingredients in total. Etude SoonJung keeps its full highlighted list to just four: Panthensoside (Etude's own panthenol-madecassoside complex), green tea extract, and tocopherol, no active exfoliant at all.
The trade-off: more actives means more fragrance risk here too
Torriden's more complex formula comes with a real trade-off: it contains fragrance via rosemary leaf oil. Etude SoonJung, true to its restrained approach, is confirmed fragrance-free. For genuinely reactive skin, the shorter ingredient list and the fragrance-free status likely matter more than what Torriden's extra compounds add.
Our take
If you want an active BHA alongside a genuinely dense centella system and fragrance isn't a concern, Torriden's formula depth is a real advantage. If your skin is reactive enough that fewer ingredients and zero fragrance matter more than formula complexity, Etude SoonJung's restraint is the safer bet.
Torriden Balanceful Cleansing Foam: $0.11/mL. A genuine 5-compound cica system plus salicylic acid BHA, nine total named ingredients, though it contains fragrance via rosemary leaf oil.
Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser: $0.10/mL. A deliberately short, four-ingredient formula, confirmed fragrance-free, the more restrained pick for reactive skin.
For the double-cleanse method and what low pH actually means, see how to double cleanse, or browse the rest of our cleanser coverage.
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Price checked 9/12/2026
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Frequently asked
Which has more ingredients, Torriden Balanceful or Etude SoonJung?
Torriden, with nine named active and supporting ingredients including a 5-compound cica system and salicylic acid BHA. Etude SoonJung highlights just four, with no active exfoliant.
Is Torriden Balanceful or Etude SoonJung fragrance-free?
Etude SoonJung is confirmed fragrance-free. Torriden contains fragrance via rosemary leaf oil.
Which is better for reactive or sensitive skin, Torriden or Etude SoonJung?
Etude SoonJung, given its shorter ingredient list, lack of active exfoliant, and confirmed fragrance-free status. Torriden's added BHA and fragrance-bearing rosemary oil make it the more active option.