It started with a simple question: what if the gentlest cleanser came from the most basic food?
The founders of Fresh were obsessed with finding ingredients that worked *with* skin, not just on it. They landed on the soybean — a nutrient-dense staple that’s been used in Asian skincare for centuries.
A milky gel-to-foam cleanser. $48 for 150ml. I was skeptical of a “soy” cleanser — sounded gimmicky. But the promise of clean skin without the tight, squeaky feeling got me.
pH-Balanced
Sits at a skin-friendly 5.5, so it doesn’t strip your barrier.
Makeup Melter
Dissolves sunscreen and light makeup on contact — no tugging.
No Over-Foam
Lathers just enough to feel effective, not like a dish soap.
Photo: Clarissa Watson / Unsplash
The hero is soy protein extract, packed with amino acids to help maintain skin’s elasticity. It’s not just a marketing sprinkle — it’s the first ingredient after water.
- Soy Protein Extract: Helps support skin’s firmness
- Rosewater: Soothes and provides a subtle scent
- Cucumber Extract: Adds a hit of instant hydration
- Borage Seed Oil: Calms irritation with fatty acids
Photo: Vera Marian / Unsplash
The texture is a slippery, opaque gel. It smells like a faint, fresh cucumber — not perfumed. Spreads like a dream.
By week two, I noticed my skin stopped freaking out when I switched between actives. It became a reliable neutral base. The surprise? It doesn’t *feel* like it’s doing much while you use it — that’s the point.
My complexion felt consistently balanced — no midday oil slicks, but no dry patches either. It won’t solve acne or wrinkles. It just gives you a clean, calm canvas.
It’s a luxury basic. You’re paying for elegant, no-drama efficacy. Not life-changing, but skin-steadying.