Finely ground mung bean powder — traditional Asian face mask and scrub ingredient. Provides gentle physical exfoliation with natural cleansing from saponins. Used in wash-off masks and cleansing powders, particularly in Korean and Chinese beauty traditions. Mung bean powder masks are traditionally used for cooling and clarifying the skin.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Gentle physical exfoliation — finer and more uniform than nut shell powders
+ Natural cleansing — saponins provide mild surfactant action
+ Skin-soothing — traditional cooling effect on skin
Pros
+ Natural exfoliant — biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads
+ Gentler than synthetic scrub beads
+ Food-grade safety profile
+ Renewable and sustainable plant source
Cons
− Can be drying if used too frequently
− Particle size must be controlled for safe facial use
− Organic certification recommended to avoid pesticide residues
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body
Product Type
Rinse-Off
Source
Plant
Natural Level
Natural
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (low — gentle physical exfoliant)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — listed in IECIC
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Facial scrub / cleansing powder
5–50%
Face mask (powder blend)
10–60%
References
Yao Y et al. (2013) — Antioxidant properties of mung bean flavonoids. PMID: 23602872
Tang D et al. (2014) — Adzuki bean polyphenols and antioxidant activity. PMID: 24555607
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/