A reader’s question on Bobodave’s bestseller, Kuan Yuan Lian’s Green Bean Cleanser (廣源良 綠豆洗容素) has got me thinking 2 things: 1) The “green bean” is the literal translation — it should be mung bean, and 2) It can be easily created at home as it only contains 2 ingredients, both readily found in (Asian) supermarkets.
The famous product is all-natural, containing only mung bean powder (commonly called ‘green bean’ powder) and Chinese pearl barley (Job’s Tears) powder. That’s it. While Kuan Yuan Lian’s Green Bean Cleanser is very inexpensive in Taiwan (300g bag is NT$69), it’s highly marked up elsewhere. It is also not using the best quality ingredients as “Product should not be eaten” is clearly labelled on the 
packaging (food grade is the highest standard) despite both ingredients are commonly used in cooking.
After a quick research on the functions of the 2 ingredients, I thought I’d make my own customisable version since I already have one of two ingredients needed. I have never really been into the idea of DIY beauty treatments as they all seem far too troublesome, but this is actually as simple and easy to use as cleansing powders. It has quickly become one of my favourite (and perhaps cheapest) “beauty product” so I thought I would share!
What You Need
These can be found in most supermarkets for me but they might not be as readily available depending on where you live. You need 3 things:
♥Mung bean (“green bean”) powder | 녹두가루/緑豆粉
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, mung bean detoxifies, repairs skin, and its skin also has an anti-bacterial effect.
You’ll find different fineness available. Some almost look like plain white flour while others have a green tinge and not as powdery-fine. The latter is not as processed and it’s what you want. Do not buy ones without an expiration date!
♥Chinese pearl barley (Job’s Tears) powder | 大麦の粉/보리가루/薏仁粉
Its extract is used in countless Japanese skincare products for its skin brightening and smoothing effect while acting as an antioxidant.
I actually have the one with sugar (‘glucose’ to be exact) added as I drink it everyday. It so happens that glucose in skincare products actually hydrates skin (like hyaluronic acid). FANCL Washing Powder Moisture contains it as its third ingredient! Again, check expiration date!
♥1 or 2 small bottles (shaker-type or one with a narrow opening)
The right bottle makes otherwise troublesome DIY mask surprisingly quick, simple, and mess-free.
You want something with a lid that is secure yet can easily be opened and closed with just one hand. Empty cleansing powder bottle is excellent for reusing! Mine is a sesame seed shaker that is 105 yen from Daiso.
What To Do
I personally do roughly 2 parts mung bean powder to 3 parts Chinese pearl barley powder, but the great thing about it is that you can customize it to fit your skin — the more mung bean powder you add, the ‘deeper’ the cleansing effect (and hence, more drying).
I premix them and store it in a small shaker bottle so that it is ready to be used anytime — no bags to open, no spoons, no mixing bowl, nothing. Just be sure the powders are mixed evenly and do a small batch at time!
To use, sprinkle a small amount into your palm and mix with water to make liquid-y green paste. It smells delicious, a little bit like sweet and milder kinako ‹きな粉›.
You just need enough to smooth on a thin layer on the skin, there is no need to look like a green monster. Result is the same so no point in wasting. The mask is partially a scrub so I gently massage as I’m applying it over the face for a bit of extra exfoliation before letting dry.
Before I wash my hands, I always give them a quick going-over. Just a few seconds time makes my hands super soft and smooth, just like using a hand scrub but better — no oily residue or harsh salt particles!
The Result
Not surprisingly, my first few gos left my slightly dry skin a bit dry (but very smooth and clean). After experimenting with various ratios, I found one that makes my skin very clean and clear yet unbelievably soft and smooth.
‘Deep cleansing’ masks are notorious for making skin look worse, which is why I tend to avoid them as a whole. Personally, I don’t buy into the idea that they draw out impurities from the pores to the skin’s surface as the majority of them don’t contain ingredients clinically proven to do such thing! This doesn’t cause any “purging” on my skin.
I’ve been using this DIY mask twice a week for a few weeks and while I have pretty good skin already, I definitely notice my complexion looks brighter, smoother and feels softer. Not bad considering it costs a fraction of a penny per use.
