Etude Baking Pore
ETUDE's Baking Powder Pore line uses sodium bicarbonate - baking powder - to gently dissolve excess sebum and loosen debris from pores. The range covers a daily cleansing foam, a larger 300 ml tube for heavy users, a physical pore scrub, and single-use travel scrub sachets, all built around that same fizzy, deep-clean mechanism.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
Buying guide
ETUDE Baking Powder Pore Cleansers and Scrubs: How They Work
Baking powder (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkaline that reacts with skin oils and water to produce a gentle fizzing action. ETUDE leverages this reaction across their Baking Powder Pore range to create cleansers and scrubs that break down sebum and surface congestion without the harsh surfactants that strip the barrier. The result is a clean that feels thorough rather than tight.
Why Baking Powder Works for Pores
Sodium bicarbonate is amphiphilic - it attracts both oil and water. When it contacts the sebum and sweat on skin, a mild neutralisation reaction produces CO2 microbubbles. These bubbles lift debris out of pores rather than relying on abrasion or harsh surfactants. The result is a deep-feeling cleanse that remains compatible with most skin types when used 2-3 times a week.
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam (160 ml and 160 ml Twin Pack)
The 160 ml foam is the core daily cleanser in the range. It produces a dense, airy foam and rinses clean without leaving residue. The pH stays moderate rather than alkaline, so the baking powder is present in a concentration that cleans without repeatedly disrupting the acid mantle. The twin pack (2 x 160 ml) is the best value for anyone who uses it twice daily.
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam 300 ml (Single and 3-Pack)
The 300 ml tube is the household size - enough for roughly 4-5 months of twice-daily use. A 3-pack of 300 ml tubes is available for households or anyone who wants a year's supply in one order. Both options cut the cost per gram significantly compared to repeat 160 ml purchases.
Baking Powder Crunchy Pore Scrub (200 g and Sachet Multipack)
The 200 g scrub adds fine physical exfoliants to the baking powder base. Use it 2-3 times a week after a standard cleanse: work a small amount onto damp skin in circular motions, focus on the T-zone and nose, then rinse. The sachet format (24 x 7 g sachets) is a hygienic single-use option - good for travel or for keeping texture fresh if you share a bathroom.
Baking Powder BB Deep Foam (30 ml)
The BB Deep Foam is a targeted 30 ml product designed to remove BB cream and foundation. It uses the same baking powder mechanism but with a formula optimised for breaking down pigmented makeup. Its small size makes it a travel essential or a targeted second-cleanse step after a micellar water has removed the bulk of makeup.
Where the Baking Powder Range Fits in Your Routine
Daily foam cleanser: use as a standard second-cleanse (after an oil-based first cleanse) or as a standalone morning wash. It's mild enough for daily use on most skin types. Scrub: limit to 2-3 times per week, on evenings when you want a deeper clean. BB Deep Foam: use as a second step only on makeup days when standard foam doesn't fully break down pigment. None of these products should be used as a first cleanse for heavy SPF - an oil cleanser or cleansing balm first makes the foam step more effective.
Which Skin Types Benefit Most
Oily and combination skin: the entire range is well-suited, especially the foam twice daily and the scrub 2-3 times weekly. Normal skin: the foam daily and the scrub weekly are adequate. Dry skin: the foam once daily (morning or evening, not both) and the scrub once weekly at most - monitor for any tight feeling post-rinse. Sensitive skin: patch-test the scrub first; the foam alone is generally tolerated, but baking-powder scrubs may be too stimulating for reactive skin.
Choosing the Right Size and Format
First-time buyers: the 160 ml foam is the lowest-commitment entry point. Regular users who've confirmed the formula works: the 300 ml tube or twin pack of 160 ml cuts ongoing cost. Scrub users: the 200 g jar is most cost-efficient; the sachet multipack suits travel or sharing situations. The BB Deep Foam is a niche add-on rather than a primary cleanser - buy it if you wear BB cream or foundation regularly.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does baking powder do in a face wash?
Sodium bicarbonate (baking powder) is mildly alkaline and reacts with skin oils and water to produce micro-bubbling action. This helps lift sebum and debris out of pores without heavy surfactants or abrasion. The effect feels like a deep cleanse without the tight post-wash sensation of harsh foaming cleansers.
Is it safe to use the Baking Powder foam daily?
Yes - the Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam is formulated for daily use. The baking powder concentration is balanced so it deep-cleans without aggressively disrupting the acid mantle. Most oily and combination skin types tolerate twice-daily use; dry or sensitive types should start with once daily and see how their skin responds.
How often should I use the Crunchy Pore Scrub?
Two to three times per week is appropriate for most skin types. On non-scrub days, use the foam cleanser alone. Over-scrubbing can thin the skin's outer layers and increase sensitivity, so stick to the recommended frequency even if your skin feels resilient.
What's the difference between the 160 ml and 300 ml Pore Cleansing Foam?
The formula is identical - only the size differs. The 160 ml is more compact for travel or bathroom counter space. The 300 ml is the household size with a lower cost per ml. A 3-pack of 300 ml tubes is available for bulk buyers or multi-person households.
What's the difference between the scrub and the foam cleanser?
The foam cleanser relies entirely on the baking powder's chemical action. The Crunchy Pore Scrub adds fine physical exfoliants for a dual chemical-plus-mechanical approach. The scrub is more intense and should be used less frequently; the foam is mild enough for daily use.
When should I use the Baking Powder BB Deep Foam?
Use it on days you've worn BB cream or foundation. Apply a small amount after your first cleanse (oil or micellar) and massage to break down residual pigment. Its 30 ml size makes it practical as a travel-size or secondary product rather than a daily standalone cleanser.
Are the scrub sachets the same formula as the jar?
Yes. The 24 x 7 g sachet multipack and the 200 g jar contain the same Baking Powder Crunchy Pore Scrub formula. Sachets are single-use, which keeps each application fresh and eliminates contamination from repeated dipping - good for hygienic routines or travel.
Does the Baking Powder Pore range work for oily skin?
It's particularly well-suited to oily and combination skin. The deep-clean action addresses excess sebum and the congestion that comes with it. Regular use of the foam twice daily with the scrub 2-3 times weekly can visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores over several weeks.
Can I use the scrub if I have sensitive skin?
Use caution. Patch-test the scrub on your inner wrist for 24 hours before applying to the face. If you notice redness, stinging, or irritation, stick to the foam cleanser instead. The physical exfoliants combined with baking powder can be too stimulating for reactive or thin-barrier skin.
Where does this fit in a double-cleanse routine?
The Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam is a second-cleanse step. Use an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm first to dissolve SPF and makeup, then follow with the foam to remove water-soluble debris and complete the clean. Using the foam alone on heavy SPF days may leave residue.
Will this actually shrink my pores?
Pore size is largely genetic and cannot be permanently changed by skincare. However, keeping pores clear of oil and debris makes them appear smaller. Consistent use of the Baking Powder foam and scrub keeps congestion low, which visibly reduces pore prominence over time. Pairing with a niacinamide serum or retinol will give stronger long-term pore-refining results.
Are these genuine ETUDE Baking Powder products?
Yes. Skinsli stocks ETUDE products sourced from authorised Korean distributors. All items ship in their original Korean packaging with batch codes you can verify through ETUDE's official channels.