K-beauty has taken over in the U.S., with new products and ingredients going viral on a regular basis. According to data from Spate, a trend-forecasting and consumer insights platform, mung beans are the next up-and-coming K-beauty ingredient, with #mungbean generating 1.2 million combined views across social platforms over the past year—an increase of nearly 3,000 percent year over year.
“Mung beans are the green beans you find in Asian desserts, which traditionally have been used to cleanse and detoxify internally,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. When applied topically, mung beans can be used to exfoliate and refine texture, she adds. King notes that mung beans are gentle and calming, with solid oil-control properties, making them especially suitable for cleansing and toning sensitive skin. Mung beans also contain protective antioxidants and polysaccharides known for their moisture-binding properties, which can help support hydration and keep the skin barrier healthy.
If those benefits sound aligned with your skin’s needs, keep scrolling to shop some of the best K-beauty products featuring mung beans.
Mung Bean Skin Care to Try
1 / 4
Beplain is the mung bean skin-care brand, spotlighting the ingredient across many of its formulas—this one among its most popular. One reviewer with sensitive, breakout-prone skin wrote, “This cleansing oil has completely transformed my skin-care routine in the best way possible… I can’t imagine going back to any other cleansing oil.” It’s an ideal first step in a double-cleansing routine because it gently melts away makeup, sunscreen and other impurities.
BUY NOW - $21

Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
2 / 4
King points to mixsoon’s essence as a good example of a solid mung bean product. The soothing solution is infused with 100 percent pure mung bean seed extract to provide instant relief and hydration for redness, discomfort and irritation.
BUY ON MIXSOON - $18

Mixsoon Mung Bean Seed Essence
3 / 4
The bouncy texture of this cleanser makes it a fan favorite, while plum water and mung bean extract help deliver deep hydration. It has just enough acids to help combat acne and breakouts, yet remains hydrating enough to be gentle on skin.
BUY ON AMAZON - $13
BUY ON SEPHORA - $13

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
4 / 4
This purifying clay mask features mung bean to help clear impurities and excess sebum while keeping skin soothed and balanced. Reviewers say their skin feels noticeably smoother after use, and it’s gentle enough for daily wear.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $20
BUY ON OLIVE YOUNG - $20

House of Dohwa Mung Bean Wash Off Mask