Skinfood Shoe

"Shoe" in the SKINFOOD context is the transliteration of the Korean word for soybean residue - specifically, the concentrated extract from fermented black soybeans. Black soybeans (검은콩) have a higher anthocyanin content than yellow soybeans, which contributes their dark color and enhanced antioxidant activity. Fermentation of black soybean produces a saponin-rich extract that acts as a natural surfactant - it helps dissolve sebum and surface impurities without the harshness of synthetic detergents.

Traditional Korean formulations used fermented black soybean in rice water cleansing rituals. SKINFOOD modernized this into a cosmetic-grade extract applied across cleansers, masks, and treatment products. The ingredient is appropriate for oily, combination, and normal skin; it is emollient enough that it does not cause the tight feeling associated with some astringent cleansers.

The Black Shoe Perfect Cleansing Oil (200 ml, available as both original and NEW reformulation) is the first step in a double-cleanse routine. It emulsifies makeup, SPF, and sebum on contact with water, then rinses cleanly without an oily residue. The black soybean extract in the formula contributes its natural saponin activity to the cleansing action alongside the base oil.

The 200 ml size is a practical full size for daily first-cleanse use - lasting 2-4 months depending on usage volume. The NEW reformulation indicates a batch with updated stability; the core ingredient profile and cleansing efficacy are the same between versions. Use 2-3 pumps on dry skin, massage to dissolve makeup and SPF, then emulsify with a small amount of water and rinse.

The Black Shoe Perfect Bubble Foam (200 ml) is the second-cleanse step after the cleansing oil. It delivers pre-formed dense foam through a pump dispenser, requiring minimal rubbing to cleanse. The black soybean extract maintains the sebum-control function through the foam step, reinforcing the cleansing oil's work without additional surfactant aggression.

For daily cleansing on oily and combination skin: Cleansing Oil first (PM only, on SPF/makeup days) → Bubble Foam. In the morning, the Bubble Foam alone is sufficient for most skin types since overnight sebum is lighter than evening makeup and SPF. The pre-foamed format is gentler than manual lathering, appropriate for twice-daily use.

The Black Shoe Perfect Scrub Foam (180 ml, available as original and NEW formulation) adds micro-scrub particles to the black soybean foam base. It provides physical exfoliation alongside the saponin cleansing action. It is a deeper-cleanse option for congested or textured skin, used 1-3 times per week rather than daily.

For oily skin with regular congestion or blackheads: use the Scrub Foam in place of the Bubble Foam 2-3 times per week. The remaining days, revert to the Bubble Foam to avoid over-exfoliation. Do not use the Scrub Foam on days when other exfoliation methods are used (AHAs, BHAs, or scrub masks).

The Black Shoe Perfect Enzyme Powder Wash is the most specialized product in the cleansing lineup. A dry powder containing proteolytic enzymes and black soybean extract, it activates into a light foam when mixed with water. The enzymatic action dissolves dead keratin cells without physical scrubbing - making it the right choice for skin that wants deep cleansing without abrasion.

It is particularly useful for sensitive oily skin, thin skin, and post-procedure skin where scrub particles are contraindicated. The powder format has a long shelf life when stored dry. Use it 2-3 times per week as an alternative to the Scrub Foam, or daily for skin that needs the gentler enzyme approach to regular cleansing.

The Black Shoe Mask (100 ml) and the Black Shoe Wash-Off Mask (100 g) are weekly treatment products. Both deliver a concentrated dose of black soybean extract under the brief occlusion of a mask application (10-15 minutes) before rinsing. The Wash-Off Mask is a clay-like formula that also absorbs excess sebum during the dwell time. The Mask (100 ml) is a lighter, cream-gel format for a more hydrating intensive treatment.

Use the Wash-Off Mask on oily skin that accumulates congestion between cleansing sessions - it provides a deeper draw of sebum and surface impurities than the daily foam cleanser. The 100 ml Mask is better for combination skin where the cheeks need moisture alongside the sebum control in the T-zone.

The Strawberry Shoe Food Mask (120 g) takes the shoe (soybean) base and adds strawberry extract, which contributes AHAs (ellagic acid and natural fruit acids) alongside the soybean's sebum-absorbing action. The combination makes it appropriate for oily skin with mild congestion and dullness simultaneously. It applies as a 5-10 minute wash-off mask and exfoliates slightly at rinse-off through the natural acids in the strawberry extract.

The Strawberry Shoe Food Mask Lip Scrub (21 ml) is a separate product for lip care - a sugar-and-soybean-based scrub for removing dry, flaky lip skin. Apply to dry lips, massage gently for 30 seconds, then wipe off. The 21 ml size is a standard lip scrub size and lasts several months with weekly use.

A practical Black Shoe routine for oily skin: PM only - Cleansing Oil → Bubble Foam (daily), with the Scrub Foam or Enzyme Powder Wash replacing the Bubble Foam 2-3 times per week. AM - Bubble Foam alone for a light morning cleanse. Once or twice weekly, apply the Wash-Off Mask after the PM cleanse as an intensive treatment step.

The Strawberry Shoe Lip Scrub works as a weekly lip care step at the end of the routine. The full range is designed to scale - start with the Cleansing Oil and Bubble Foam pair, add the Scrub Foam or Enzyme Powder for weekly deep cleansing, and integrate the masks for monthly or bi-weekly intensive care.