💦 Classic Beauty: Viva Face Tonic and Cleanser
Image Credit: Jeokda Official
✨ The Nostalgia of Skincare: A Personal Rediscovery
I remember the scent. That is the first thing that hits you—not just a fragrance, but a memory. It smells like my mother’s vanity table in the early 90s. It smells like the comfort of home and the simplicity of an era before 10-step routines and active ingredients became a complex chemistry lesson.
In a world currently dominated by niacinamide percentages, retinoids, and glass-skin promises, I found myself overwhelmed. My skin barrier was compromised, tired from testing product after product. I needed a reset. I needed something gentle, creamy, and undeniably classic. That is when I decided to revisit a legend: the Viva Milk Cleanser and Face Tonic (Bengkuang variant).
There is a certain skepticism that comes with products that cost less than a cup of coffee. We are conditioned to believe that "investment skincare" means high price tags. But after spending a month exclusively using this duo for my cleansing ritual, I have a different story to tell. This isn't just a review; it is an exploration of why some classics never die and why Jicama (Bengkuang) might be the underrated hero your skin has been waiting for.
🧴 Understanding the "Double Cleansing" Ritual
Before we dissect the products, we must discuss the method. Long before the term "double cleansing" became a viral trend on social media, this brand was teaching women the importance of a two-step system. The logic is sound and biologically accurate.
Our skin accumulates two types of impurities throughout the day:
- ✅ Oil-based impurities: Sebum, SPF, waterproof makeup, and pollution particles.
- ✅ Water-based impurities: Sweat, dust, and dead skin cells.
A simple face wash often fails to remove the oil-based layer effectively. This is where the Viva Milk Cleanser steps in as the first cleanser, dissolving the grime, followed by the Face Tonic to restore pH balance and catch any residue. It is a ritual that feels deliberate and soothing, forcing you to slow down at the end of a chaotic day.
🥛 Deep Dive: Viva Milk Cleanser Bengkuang
Let's talk about the star of the show. The Milk Cleanser Bengkuang is specifically formulated for normal skin, aiming to brighten and maintain elasticity. But what makes it tick?
The Texture and Experience
Upon dispensing the product, you are met with a lush, white, creamy lotion. It is not runny, nor is it too thick. It has the consistency of a lightweight moisturizer. As you massage it into dry skin (crucial: always apply milk cleanser to dry skin!), it begins to melt.
The massage is the best part. Unlike harsh foaming cleansers that strip the skin, this milk cleanser feels nourishing. It invites you to massage your face for a full minute, stimulating blood flow. As I worked it into my skin, I could physically feel the day's heavy sunscreen breaking down.
Key Ingredient Spotlight: Jicama (Bengkuang)
The "Bengkuang" label isn't just marketing fluff. Pachyrrhizus erosus, or Jicama, is a tuber native to Mexico but naturalized in Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional beauty rituals.
Why? Because it is rich in Vitamin C and B1. Research suggests that Jicama extract helps inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for melanin production. In simpler terms: it naturally brightens the skin and helps fade dark spots over time without the aggression of synthetic acids.
Sunflower Extract
Another unsung hero in this bottle is Sunflower Extract. Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, it provides the "emollient" factor, ensuring that while the cleanser removes dirt, it leaves the skin barrier intact and soft.
🛒 Where to Buy the Authentic Milk Cleanser
Ensure you are buying the original product to avoid counterfeits.
Check Price on Shopee💧 The Perfect Partner: Viva Face Tonic Bengkuang
You cannot have one without the other. If the milk cleanser is the broom, the tonic is the mop. It finishes the job. After wiping off the milk cleanser (I prefer using a damp cotton pad or a warm washcloth), the skin can sometimes feel slightly filmy due to the emollient ingredients. This is where the Tonic shines.
Restoring the Acid Mantle
Our skin is naturally acidic (around pH 5.5). Cleansing, especially with water, can temporarily disrupt this balance. The Viva Face Tonic helps realign the skin's pH immediately.
The "Fresh" Factor
Pouring the tonic onto a cotton pad and sweeping it across the face provides an immediate cooling sensation. It tightens the pores (thanks to mild astringent properties) and removes that last trace of dirt you didn't know was there. Looking at the cotton pad after this step is oddly satisfying—and humbling.
🎥 Watch: The Routine in Action
Sometimes, seeing is believing. To give you a better idea of the texture and the application technique, check out this fantastic visual demonstration below. It highlights exactly how much product to use and the correct motion for the massage.
🧪 A 14-Day Experiment: The Results
I committed to using nothing but this duo for my evening cleanse for two weeks. I put aside my high-end cleansing balms and micellar waters. Here is the chronological breakdown of my experience:
Days 1-3: The Adjustment
The first thing I noticed was the hydration. My skin, usually tight after washing, felt surprisingly supple. However, I had to get used to the "wipe-off" method. I found that using a warm, wet washcloth worked better for me than dry cotton pads/tissues, as it provided a gentle physical exfoliation.
Days 4-7: The "Purge" Scare?
I was worried about breakouts, as mineral oil (often found in classic formulations) can be heavy for some. Surprisingly, I experienced no congestion. In fact, some minor blackheads around my nose seemed to loosen up, likely due to the thorough oil-massage cleaning method.
Days 8-14: The Glow
By the end of the second week, my skin looked... calm. That is the best word for it. The redness around my cheeks had subsided. While I didn't magically transform into a new person, my skin tone looked more even. The "Bengkuang" brightening effect is subtle, but it manifests as a healthy radiance rather than artificial whitening.
⚖️ Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
No product is perfect, and transparency is key to finding what works for you.
👍 The Pros
- Unbeatable Value: It is incredibly affordable, making skincare accessible to everyone.
- Gentle on Barrier: Does not strip natural oils like high-foaming detergents.
- Effective Makeup Removal: Melts down foundation and non-waterproof mascara effortlessly.
- Nostalgic Scent: For many, it's a comforting sensory experience.
- Widely Available: You don't need to order from overseas; it's a local staple.
👎 The Cons
- Strong Fragrance: If you are sensitive to perfume in skincare, this might be overpowering.
- Manual Labor: Requires cotton pads or washcloths, creating more waste/laundry than a rinse-off cleanser.
- Parabens: The formula uses traditional preservatives. While safe by regulatory standards, "clean beauty" purists might hesitate.
🧐 Who Is This For?
Skincare is personal. What works for my combination skin might not work for your sensitive skin. Here is my breakdown of who should grab this bottle immediately and who should proceed with caution.
You will love this if:
- You have Normal to Dry skin that feels tight after washing.
- You are on a budget but refuse to compromise on hygiene.
- You wear sunscreen and light makeup daily and need a reliable first cleanser.
- You enjoy the ritual of massaging your face.
You might want to patch-test if:
- You have severe cystic acne (the massage might be irritating).
- You have a known allergy to fragrance or specific preservatives.
- You prefer a "squeaky clean" feeling (though I argue that feeling is actually bad for you!).
💡 Pro-Tips for Maximizing Results
To get the most out of your Viva Bengkuang experience, try these "hacks" I discovered along the way:
- The Fridge Trick: Keep the Face Tonic in the refrigerator. In a tropical climate, applying cold tonic after a long hot day is pure bliss and helps depuff the face.
- Neck and Decolletage: We often stop at the chin. Since this product is so affordable, be generous! Extend the cleansing down to your neck and chest. These areas show aging first and need love too.
- The Double-Tonic Method: Apply the tonic once with a cotton pad to clean, and then pour a little into your palms and pat it directly into the skin for hydration.
🏆 Final Verdict
In an industry that thrives on "newness" and inducing FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), Viva Milk Cleanser and Face Tonic stand as a testament to consistency. They don't promise to reverse aging overnight. They don't come in gold-plated packaging. They simply promise to clean your skin gently and effectively—and they deliver on that promise.
There is a reason this product has survived for decades. It works. It respects the skin barrier, and it respects your wallet. Returning to this classic felt like reconnecting with an old friend who reminds you that you don't need to be flashy to be worthy.
If you are looking to build a skincare routine that is sustainable, effective, and steeped in local heritage, the Bengkuang duo is your starting line.