Hyponic Gentle Exfoliating Scrub Powder, 2 g is a gentle exfoliating scrub powder for the skin and coat of dogs and cats from the South Korean brand HYPONIC. It isn't a shampoo in the usual sense but a dry powder: in contact with warm water it turns into a thick, creamy lather. The scrub is used for extra cleansing — against dandruff, flaking and oily patches of skin that don't wash clean even after two or three rounds of shampoo.
Ingredients and how they work
The powder's base is non-GMO corn starch instead of water. The cleansers are mild plant-based surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate and Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate). The key "scrubbing" ingredient is papain, an enzyme from papaya fruit: it gently dissolves dead skin cells and helps deal with sebum, dandruff and flaking. Care ingredients include aloe leaf juice, hydrolysed collagen, betaine, allantoin, and pollen and prickly pear extracts. There are no fragrances or colourants. The manufacturer reports that the product has been rated by the German dermatological research institute Dermatest.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | powder, 2 g sachet |
| Key ingredients | papain, aloe, collagen, betaine, allantoin |
| Base | corn starch, plant-based surfactants |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Usage | 1 sachet per 2 kg of the dog's body weight |
| Made in | South Korea |
Pros
- Gentle enzyme exfoliation. Papain works without abrasive particles.
- Tackles oily areas. Ears, paws, the area under the tail.
- No fragrance or colourants. Lower risk of irritation.
- Mild plant-based cleansers. A thick lather that cleans without over-drying.
- Caring ingredients. Aloe, collagen, betaine and allantoin.
- Cheap to try. Sold individually in 2 g sachets.
Cons
- Pricey for large dogs. The rate is 1 sachet per 2 kg, so a 10 kg dog needs 5 sachets per wash.
- Doesn't replace shampoo. It's an extra cleansing step before shampoo.
- Doesn't treat skin disease. Severe itching and dandruff need a vet's advice.
- Needs a gentle touch. Massage only with the fingertips, not the nails.
How to use
Wet the coat thoroughly with warm water and part it against the grain to expose the skin. Sprinkle the powder evenly onto the skin and massage gently with your fingertips — nails can scratch the skin. Work up a lather and rinse thoroughly. The manufacturer suggests using the powder first to remove dead skin, sebum and dandruff, then applying your usual shampoo to the coat only. Alternatively, dissolve the required amount of powder in warm water and bathe your pet in the solution. The scrub can be used after every bath or every other bath. The recommended amount is 1 sachet (2 g) per 2 kg of the dog's body weight.
Who benefits most
According to the manufacturer, the scrub is particularly good for short-haired breeds and terriers with dense, wiry coats, keeping the coat in good shape. Another common task is oily skin and odour: we look at the causes of "doggy smell" in how to get rid of dog odour. How to choose a shampoo and wash a dog properly is covered in dog shampoo: how to choose, and for cats — in how to bathe a cat.
Who it suits
Dogs and cats with dandruff, flaking, oily ears, paws and the area under the tail; especially economical for small dogs and cats. More from the brand is in the HYPONIC section, and shampoos and conditioners in the shampoos and conditioners section.
Verdict
Hyponic Scrub Powder is a delicate enzyme scrub: papain, mild plant-based cleansers and caring ingredients with no fragrance. Excellent for small pets and for targeting oily areas. For large dogs it gets expensive, and it doesn't replace treatment for skin disease.
FAQ
How is a scrub powder different from a shampoo?
It's an extra cleansing step: the papain powder removes dead skin, sebum and dandruff, and then the pet is washed with regular shampoo.
How many sachets are needed per wash?
1 sachet (2 g) per 2 kg of the dog's body weight.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, the scrub is intended for dogs and cats.
How often can it be used?
After every bath or every other bath.
Does it contain fragrance?
No, it contains no fragrances or colourants.
What is papain?
An enzyme from papaya fruit that gently exfoliates the skin and helps deal with sebum and dandruff.
Are there larger packs than one sachet?
Yes, the manufacturer offers 24 g sets (12 sachets of 2 g) and 100 g sets (50 sachets of 2 g).
Can the powder be dissolved in water?
Yes, dissolve the required amount in warm water and bathe your pet in the solution, gently massaging the skin with your fingertips.
Where is Hyponic made?
In South Korea.
