Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews

Skincare guides & product reviews for hydration lovers & the moisture barrier obsessed

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick Review

A couple of months ago, I received an email from my friend Sheryll (of The Wanderlust Project) proclaiming the virtues of the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick, a facial cleanser laced with rose petals and fermented Damask rose. It was 1:30AM when I got that email, and though it was a work night and I should have been asleep hours earlier, I immediately stopped what I was doing so I could order this mystical stick. The moment it arrived I was in love –this cleanser is, as Sheryll says, “the way, the truth, and the light.” I try a lot of skincare products, and so very few of them go on to become holy grail items for me – but this Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick? It’s easily my favorite cleanser of all time. In fact, I’m going to marry it. We’re going to honeymoon in Korea, build our dream house in the French countryside, and send our kids to private school. My married name will be Kerry Stick.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

What is it?

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick is a facial cleanser in the form of stick inside a twist-up style applicator. It claims to be hypoallergenic, non-stripping, mildly exfoliating, and to rinse without leaving behind any residue.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Ingredients:
Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Water, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Lauryl Betaine, Potassium Hydroxide, Betaine, Rose (0.5%), Fragrance, Camellia Oil, Tocopheryl, Green Tea Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Apricot Seed Oil, Yeast/Fermented Rose Extract Filtrate (0.01%), Basil Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Lime Oil, Pot Marjoram Oil, Orange Seed Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

I love how many moisturizing plant oils there are in this ingredient lineup, and really, there’s a lot to love about this list in general. Here are some of the highlights:

Glycerin
This sugar alcohol is a popular ingredient in skincare product for a multitude of reasons. It’s a humectant moisturizer, meaning it attracts and holds more than its weight in water, which affords a plumping, hydrating effect. It’s also been proven to increase skin elasticity, promote wound healing, and has antimicrobial properties.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular skincare ingredient that has moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial properties are thanks to a fatty acid found in coconut oil called Lauric Acid (more on that in just a moment). Coconut oil also excels at preventing Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) when applied topically. Most people are able to use coconut oil without any issues, though it can be comedogenic for an unfortunate few. The nice thing about the inclusion of coconut oil in a cleanser like this one is that it rinses clean, so even if you’re one of the unlucky who can’t tolerate coconut oil in a moisturizer, you might still be able to reap some of the benefits it has to offer with less of a break-out risk.

For more on coconut oil, here are a couple of studies exploring its abilities to prevent water loss and treat atopic dermatitis:

The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial

Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis

Lauric Acid
Lauric acid is the magical fatty acid that gives coconut oil all of its superpowers. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid that possesses antimicrobial properties shown in multiple studies to be effective against P. acnes, the bacterial responsible for acne. Below is a sampling of a few of those studies:

Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential for inflammatory acne vulgaris.

The antimicrobial activity of liposomal lauric acids against Propionibacterium acnes

Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of capric acid against Propionibacterium acnes: a comparative study with lauric acid.

Rose
Roses have had a place in skincare history for centuries, and it’s still as popular as ever as a skincare ingredient. Rose extract and rose oil possess naturally occurring anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. I wish I knew whether this particular ingredient was rose oil or rose extract – rose oil has the added benefit of being an excellent emollient for skin.

Green Tea Seed Oil
Better known as green tea extract, this ingredient has a multitude of studies showing its benefit in the skincare world. Green tea’s active, skin-friendly component is polyphenols, which possess powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This study from June of 2013 showed green tea extract to have a prolonged moisturizing effect, reduce skin roughness, and improve skin microrelief (wrinkles):

The use of green tea extract in cosmetic formulations: not only an antioxidant active ingredient

Olive Oil
Olive oil is a classic skincare ingredient that melts away makeup and sebum with ease. It also has a long history of use as a facial moisturizer. It contains high amounts of Oleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps strengthen the moisture barrier when applied topically, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Yeast/Fermented Rose Extract Filtrate
Fermented ingredients are Su:m37’s signature quality. I’m still in the process of learning how and why they work – for some reason, studies on the topical application of fermented ingredients have been difficult for me to find, though I am confident they exist as I have seen them referenced in other places.

The core concept of fermented ingredients in skincare is that the fermentation process, which begins as the ingredients react with a controlled set of microorganisms, breaks down the molecular structure of the ingredient, transforming it into a more nutrient dense version of itself. Enzymes are also produced as a byproduct of the fermentation process, which break down the nutrients to smaller particles. The idea is that those particles can be absorbed more rapidly by the skin. The fermentation process also produces additional antioxidants and amino acids.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

According to CosDNA, there are a few red flag ingredients in this formula. Coconut oil and Lauric acid both score a 4 out 5 as potential acne triggers. For most people, these ingredients shouldn’t cause any problems, and in fact, they are actually great ingredients for the treatment of acne. However, there is an unlucky minority that experiences breakouts from coconut oil. Potassium Hydroxide gets a 5 out of 5 as a potential irritant. Potassium Hydroxide is very caustic on its own, but when it’s used as a pH adjuster, as it is in this formula, it’s already been reacted and is therefore completely safe.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Performance

Appearance
The container for the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick is a sleek, light peachy-pink, twist-up tube. The product inside is a light pink stick, speckled with small, pink rose petals.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Smell
No surprises here – the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick is very distinctively and classically rose scented, but it’s not sharp or intense. I would describe the fragrance as creamy and delicate.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Application
One of the things I love about the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick is that it can be used as either the first and/or second cleanser if you like to double cleanse. The rich oils in the cleansing stick remove makeup with ease, including waterproof eye makeup. As a second cleanser, it leaves the skin completely clean and soft, without making it feel stripped or dry. Most of the time I use the cleansing stick as my morning cleanser, and sometimes as my second cleanser in the evening. However, if I were traveling, this cleansing stick is the only one I’d need to pack. I’m really looking forward to traveling with this cleansing stick actually – it’s so compact, and because it’s solid, I don’t have to worry about it leaking all over the other toiletries in my bag.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

To use the stick, I just splash my face with tepid water, and then rub the stick over my wet face in a circular motion. I really enjoy this part of the process – it’s basically a mini facial massage. Once I feel like I have enough of the lather on my face (there’s usually a few rose petals on my face at this point as well), I’ll wet my hands slightly and rub the cleanser in a circular motion with my fingertips. I like to take my time with this step – after 30 seconds or so, I am rewarded with a smooth, creamy froth. I give this another 30 seconds, and then rinse it away with a few splashes of lukewarm water. The cleanser rinses away completely, leaving no residue behind.

Results
I’ve been using the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick for about 3 weeks. I reach for it every morning, and often use it for my second cleansing step in the evening as well. My skin glows after using this cleanser, and I love the clean-but-not-tight feeling I get from it. I’ve noticed a slight decrease in skin sensitivity over the past couple of weeks, and I think the Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick might deserve the credit for this. I had one tiny pimple when I first started using this product, and I definitely noticed a significant decrease in its inflammation after using the cleansing stick just one time. I have not experienced any breakouts, irritation, dryness, or greasiness as a result of using this cleansing stick.

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

Makeup used for this demonstration: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion, and Guerlain Insolence (144) Rouge Automatique Lipstick

As far as exfoliation goes – I’d say those effects are minimal. It’s the rose petals that provide the exfoliating effect, and as you might imagine, rose petals aren’t terribly abrasive. I don’t think this is a bad thing – if I really want to physically exfoliate flakes from my face, I’m going to reach for a product that’s made to do exactly that. For a daily cleanser like this one, I much prefer a gentle product that isn’t going to irritate my skin.

Before I allowed myself to fully fall in love with this cleanser, there was one more thing I needed to know. Most solid cleansers (including most bar soaps) have a pH that’s too high, making them a problem for the protective acid mantle of the skin. An ideal cleanser really needs to have a pH between 5 and 6.5. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for my new pH strips to arrive, I was able to check the pH of the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick. The results: 5.5. Perfecto!

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

I absolutely love the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick – washing my face with it feels like a luxury experience rather than a chore, and I love how my skin feels afterward. I also really love that I can use this cleansing stick for both steps of my double cleanse. I don’t normally use it that way, but having the option is nice, and will be especially handy for travel. Its ability to act as both a makeup remover and a cleanser is ideal for those who’d like to treat themselves to a luxury product but still save a little money – given the choice, I’d much rather spend $27 on one amazing cleansing stick than two just-okay cleansing products. I would absolutely buy the Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick again and again. In fact, I already have two backups on the way. I never want to be without it. Keep an eye on your mailbox for our wedding invitation.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
  • Effectively and gently removes makeup
    Cleanses thoroughly
    Rinses clean
    Non-stripping
    Non-greasy
    Non-irritating
    Great for travel
    Smells amazing
    Feels luxurious

Skin & Tonics Rating

A- 20/20 Efficacy 10/20 Ingredients 20/20 Application 20/20 Wear 20/20 Packaging
Total: 90 Rating system details »

Where to Buy

Store Price Offers
Memebox Dedicated to bringing you the latest in Korean beauty trends and products. $24 ($20.60 w/ coupon) Use code MAKEUPLOVE at checkout for 15% off your order! buy
Amazon $24 Free 2-Day shipping with Amazon Prime! buy
eBay seller forthefairestsophia $32 Ships free from Korea. buy

This post contains affiliate links. This post contains affiliate links. Shopping these links helps support this site. For detailed information about what this means, see my full disclosure. »

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55 comments onSu:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick Review

  1. Oh man, I wanted to try this SO BAD after I read her review. Awesome giveaway, Ms. Kerry Stick!

  2. I’ve definitely been on a rose kick lately even going as far as ordering a rose perfume, which is all super ironic since I used to swear I hated the smell of roses. This is something I’ve got to try especially since I’ll be traveling next month.

    P.S. Love the idea of using pH strips. That makes me really want to get some and test everything I have.

  3. Wow, this product sound really amazing! I kept loving more as I read your post. I like how informative you always are. 🙂 Thank you for the gift opportunity!

  4. you make that awfully tempting, looks like that’s going on the birthday wishlist. i’ve never been able to say no to something with rose in it…

  5. AHHH! This is the product review I’ve been wanting and I can’t believe there’s going to be a giveaway. Sobbing gently–thank you!!!

    I’m really interested in the research on fermented ingredients in skincare products–I’ll be excited to read what you find out in the literature on the subject.

    • Kerry

      You’re welcome, Tracy! Good luck to you!

      I recently ordered some other Su:m37 products – my hope is that I’ll have all the research on fermented skin care done by the time I’ve finished testing some of those products and am ready to review them. I’m wildly curious about it myself! 🙂

  6. I wanted this SO badly after I read Sheryll’s review, and now you just tempted me even more! Haha This sounds wonderful though, and definitely great for travel. In fact, I might just have to pick this up for my month long trip in China over the summer. Travel friendly, lightweight, and cleanses well- what else could you ask for? Thanks for the great review and giveaway Kerry!

    By the way, how much do you think one stick should last if used on a daily basis? And let us know when the date’s been set, the flower girl MUST use rose petals in the wedding!

    • Kerry

      Yeah, Sheryll was so right about this one. Everything she said about it was true. If you’re going on a month-long trip, you definitely need this, Gloria! (Also, that trip sounds really fun and I’m jealous.)

      As for how long the stick lasts – I’ve been using mine daily for a little over 3 weeks, sometimes twice a day. I just rolled it all the way up to see how much I have left, and I really think there’s enough for 6 to 9 more weeks in there. So I’d say right around 2 to 3 months with everyday use, depending on how many times a day you’re using it.

      And yes, the flower girl absolutely must use rose petals. Ha! 😀

  7. Perfect timing! After reading Sherylls review I really wanted to try this too, but it is out of my price range. So thank you for the giveaway!

  8. I’ve seen the review in Wanderlust p. blog, too. I regret buying iope enzyme power instead of this 🙁

    • Kerry

      Hey Meishenme! Have you had a chance to try the Iope enzyme powder yet? I’m curious to know what you think of it!

  9. What a great giveaway (: ! Thank you for hosting it! I would love to win. I need this for myself. (: My email is perezashley60@Hotmail.com. I have entered!

  10. Wow! this looks wonderful! I wonder how long this 80g will last?

    • Kerry

      Hi Weyo! Based on how much I’ve used over the past 3 weeks, I suspect this tube will last for 2-3 months with daily usage.

  11. wasnt able to tag you in the fb share – left link instead

  12. Between you and Sheryll, I cannot deal or stay not broke lol. I love rose scented anything and ugh I will do things for this stick cleanser. I think I’ll drop some cash on this because if it’s super gentle and rose scented, what do I have to lose?

  13. I love rose/rose scented products and seeing your review makes me want to get this at once…I think I’m going to buy it right away!

  14. Ooh this looks lovely. You and Sheryll have convinced me

  15. How would this fare as the second step to a double cleanse routine? I already have a cleansing oil I’m pretty happy with but have yet to find a foam cleanser that I really like, but would it be too oily as a whole if I use this as a replacement to that foam cleansing?

    Also, since this functions like a soap really (but in a really neat and smart stick form), does ithe stick itself get gnarly after a while?

    • Kerry

      Hi Belinda! I primarily use this as my second step in my double cleanse routine, and that’s what made me fall in love with it. Sure, it removes makeup well, so it would work as a first step, but I really like using cleansing balms for makeup removal these days. The cleanser does not feel remotely oily, and there is absolutely no greasy residue left behind when you rinse it away. I think it would make a great replacement for a cleansing oil.

      Surprisingly, the stick doesn’t get gross – I had the same concern when I first bought it. But now I’m over 3 weeks in, and it’s still fine. I think it’s due to the facts that 1. I’m not using it to remove makeup very often, and 2. It’s in a hard, protective container with a cap, so it’s not getting that soap dish funk that bar sap tend to get. It also keeps it’s form, since it’s filling a container. Immediately after cleansing there is some foam around the lip of the container, but I just rinse it off before I replace the cap, and it’s like it never happened. 🙂

  16. Thank you for this great review!
    I t s a new product I discover today!
    thank you for sharing and for the giveaway!
    have agreat day!

  17. It’s sounds great. Thank you for this cool giveaway 🙂

  18. I am dying over this cleansing stick, I first saw it on Sheryll’s blog and now on yours and I am going to explode if I don’t manage to buy one soon! I am so happy I found your blog, I’ve been reading up on all the reviews <3 x

  19. As someone who strives to take better care of their skin and loves exploring new beauty products (especially Asian ones), I am so glad that I came across your website! Thank you for your reviews and for the giveaway! Looking forward to reading more of your future entries! 🙂

  20. I hope i have a chance to try this product by winning this giveaway. LOL
    Thank you! =)

  21. Hello Kerry!

    I absolutely love your skin and tonics website; I’m an avid reader. My skincare baseline routine is basically identical to yours: Cetaphil foaming wash, tretinoin, benton snail essence, maracuja oil etc. Recently my skin has been crazy dry with flakiness and slight peeling yet it still looks oily (go figure) so I read your review on benton snail steam cream and decided to buy it from W2 beauty. It’s been a month since I’ve ordered it and I checked with my post office and they showed me a document stating that my package was still in South Korea. You order stuff all the time from Korea, do you ever get this problem? I don’t know what to do. What would Kerry do?

  22. It’s also on sale at TesterKorea for 22,400 won (originally 28,000 won). 😀

    PS. Kerry, I saw your IG username pop up on my feed cause you liked one of my pictures and I giggled like a little girl.

  23. Hi i did all the enteries except the twitter, because i dont have one… Good luck!!!

  24. I’m sure that every girl/lady would love a great cleanser. I’m not sure about others but what I’m currently doing is switching from cleansing gels to foams to scrubs, all for one reason- to find the best product that is worthy to be a staple in my collection. I believe that with high standards, I can ultimately find that champion cleanser that is suitable for my face. And even thus far, I have yet to find a cleanser like that.
    After reading your review, I got really excited about this cleansing miracle rose stick. It seemed to be the one i’m looking for throughout this time and do hope that I stand a chance of winning it!

    Prior to this entry, I did an extensive search on getting my hands on this highly raved product and it’s too pricey due to my geographic location; SEA, Singapore. I really do hope that I can earn an opportunity to win this Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick and try it out for myself!

  25. This is such a great giveaway! I’ve only heard good things about this Rose Cleansing Stick. I can’t wait to try it one day! Good luck to everyone!

  26. Wow! Holy grail status is not something thrown around lightly. Especially someone who tests products as thoroughly as you! I’m intrigued, but I’ve also had my eye on Haus of Gloi whipped soap or Alchemic Muse cream soap as a first step cleanser.

  27. Thanks for lovely giveaway 🙂

  28. Hi Kerry! I have a question about the Sum37 in general…do you know if they use animal products in their line? I have recently fallen for History of Whoo, but even more recently learned that everything contains deer antlers, which is discouraging me from repurchasing. I know that the two lines are both from LG, so I was curious as to if Sum37 contains animal ingredients as well.

  29. Debbie

    So I have read a few reviews about how amazing this stuff is only to find out it is sold out and discontinued!!! I heard there may be a chance of it being made again sometime in the future. Have you heard anything? I still would love a chance to try it!

  30. Melissa

    Hi Kerry,
    First and foremost I want to tell you how much I love love loveee your blog! It’s so informative and has totally changed my perspective on skincare! Thank you! In the last few months I’ve been perusing through korean skincare blogs (your blog and the wanderlust blog are my fav), I have found that many recommend this product by su:m37. I purchased this product from a seller on eBay and much to my surprise this product made me break out like crazy! My skin is blotchy, red, and sensitive, and I’m getting pimples like no other…. I thought maybe it was just me but when my sister tried it she had the same reaction. Neither of us have sensitive skin either…I was wondering if you know of any followers that might have had a bad reaction to this product? Or if any have wondered if their product is fake? Mine looks diff than all the the pictures I’ve seen of this cleanser. The petals are bigger and not as well mixed in as yours looks. Also, I was wondering if you have other facial cleansers you would recommend besides this one? I have normal to combo oily skin (oily cheeks and blackheads on nose, normal everywhere else). Before I switched to korean products I was using Chanel’s au Lait cleansing milk which did wonders for my skin but was hoping to find a korean alternative. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

    • Kerry

      Hi Melissa! That sounds awful! I imagine it’s entirely possible there could be fake Sum37 sticks in the marketplace now – it’s been so popular, I can see how it would be appealing to imitate, and it’s been out long enough for someone to have been able to figure out how to make a counterfeit version. However, it’s also a possibility that it was the real deal and you and your sister had a bad reaction to one of the ingredients. There is a slight difference in product appearance from stick to stick because of the nature of how they’re produced. There can be slight variances in the color and the appearance of the petals. Either way, your breakout is really unfortunate. I hope you’re on the mend!

      If you’re looking for a Korean replacement to your cleansing milk, you can try Missha’s Super Aqua Cleansing Milk. I’ve heard great things about that one and a few folks have said the pH is around 6. 🙂

      • Grainne

        Hi Kerry,

        I love your website! I also bought the stick cleanser on Amazon, and am wondering whether it could be fake? It smelled like rose at the first use, but with the second use it smelled more soapy? Does your one smell soapy?

        Thanks!

        Grainne

  31. lauren

    hi, i just heard about this product in a yt video and am thinking about making the purchase. do you use this product on its own or with another cleanser (and if so, which?)
    thanks!

  32. yuki

    i loved this product esp for travel. The only downside I see is the hygiene part where I still feel like bacterial from my dirty face is stuck inside the stick, like how water can still get in on the rim/edge of the interior, it stays in there. Unless it’s vacuum sealed, I really don’t think there’s a way to completely remove/clean it after using, right now the only way I’m preventing that is rubbing the stick onto my clarisonic brush or if I use it on my face, I rinse the stick on my hand facing down so the water does not go inside.

  33. […] Wie bereits erwähnt sind hier eine Reihe potentiell reizender ätherischer Öle enthalten, allen voran das Zitrus- und Limettenöl. Viele unter Unreinheiten leidende Menschen haben ebenfalls teils Probleme mit Kokosöl, welches die Basis dieses Cleansing Sticks bildet, also seid hier eventuell vorsichtig falls Ihr dazugehört. Ich persönlich vertrage Kokosöl als Gesichtspflege überhaupt nicht, kam aber mit dem Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick super zurecht. Eine genaue Erklärung der einzelnen Inhaltsstoffe (auf English) findet Ihr bei Skin and Tonics. […]