Cleansing is one of the most important steps in any Korean skincare routine. Whether you’re after a Korean cleansing oil or a water-based Korean cleanser (or both – hello, double cleansing), we’ve got you covered. Our deep dive into the best Korean cleansers will help you find your perfect match. Get ready to say hello to the clean, glowing, glass skin Korean skincare is known for.
How to Use Korean Cleansers
Double cleansing is a popular K-Beauty step – and for good reason. The method involves two steps: first, an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and product build-up, followed by a water-based cleanser to target pores and any lingering impurities. This two-step approach ensures super clean, clear skin, without compromising moisture levels.
Start with an oil cleanser to melt away makeup, SPF, and excess sebum. Then follow up with a foam, gel, or cream cleanser to gently exfoliate, clarify, and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. Whether your skin is dry, sensitive, or blemish-prone, we’ve rounded up the perfect options below.
The Best Korean Oil Cleansers
Don’t be put off by the idea of using oil on your face – Korean oil cleansers are lightweight, nourishing, and won’t clog your pores. In fact, they’re game changers when it comes to dissolving makeup, SPF, bacteria, and dirt that builds up throughout the day. By emulsifying on contact with water, these cleansers deeply cleanse your pores without stripping your skin, leaving it clean, soft, and balanced. These are the Korean oil cleansers we swear by to kickstart our skincare routines.
ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Best for: Oily, normal, blemish-prone, combination, and dry skin types
Cleanser Type: Oil cleanser
This pore-clearing oil cleanser is infused with 10,000ppm of anti-inflammatory heartleaf to soothe irritation, melt away blackheads, and control excess oil. A nourishing blend of jojoba seed, grape seed, and macadamia seed oils ensures skin stays soft and hydrated without feeling greasy. Bonus: massage it in to visibly lift blackheads and whiteheads – so satisfying.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Best for: Sensitive, oily, and blemish-prone skin types
Cleanser Type: Oil cleanser
Lightweight and silky, this cleansing oil uses micellar technology and soybean oil to break down makeup, SPF, and impurities, while ginseng seed oil soothes and protects the skin. It’s gentle, effective, and smells like freshly cut grass – a little moment of calm in your routine.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
Best for: Sensitive, blemish-prone, and combination skin types.
Cleanser Type: Oil cleanser
Formulated with soothing centella asiatica and plant-derived oils, this gentle cleansing oil effortlessly removes waterproof makeup while calming irritation. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and leaves your complexion clean, soft, and balanced.
Best for: Sensitive and dry skin types
Cleanser Type: Oil cleanser
Enriched with fermented bean extracts (think soybeans and barley), this lightweight oil nourishes, refreshes, and delivers vitamins to tired, dry skin. It quickly dissolves makeup and impurities without leaving any residue behind, making it an essential for dry skin.
Beauty Of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Best for: Sensitive, oily, and combination skin types
Cleanser Type: Cleansing balm
This solid cleansing balm melts into a luxurious oil to break down stubborn makeup, SPF, and impurities. Powered by rice bran water, it gently cleanses and leaves skin feeling soft, fresh, and glowy.
The Best Korean Face Washes & Cleansers
After your oil cleanse, it’s time to follow up with a water-based cleanser. Whether you prefer a foaming formula, a hydrating gel, or a creamy wash, we’ve rounded up the best Korean face washes to suit your skin type from all the best Korean skincare brands.
COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Best for: Dry, sensitive, and combination skin types
Cleanser Type: Gel cleanser
This gentle gel cleanser refreshes and clarifies without stripping the skin. Formulated with a low pH to support the skin barrier, it’s perfect for morning and evening use. Expect soft, smooth skin that feels clean but never tight.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam
Best for: Dry, sensitive, and combination skin types
Cleanser Type: Foam cleanser
This foam cleanser is packed with centella asiatica to calm and hydrate while gently cleansing away dirt and impurities. Cacao extract adds antioxidant protection, and the pH-balanced formula ensures your skin stays soft, soothed, and hydrated.
COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
Best for: Oily and blemish-prone skin types
Cleanser Type: Cream cleanser
Ideal for tackling acne and oiliness, this creamy cleanser contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate, clear pores, and remove dead skin cells. It’s non-drying, so you’ll be left with skin that’s clean, soft, and refreshed.
ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
Best for: Oily, combination, blemish-prone, and sensitive skin types
Cleanser Type: Foam cleanser
This heartleaf-powered foam cleanser deeply cleanses and exfoliates without irritating the skin. Salicylic acid and quercetin soothe inflammation, reduce blackheads, and control oil production, leaving skin looking clear and calm.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Best for: Oily and blemish-prone skin types
Cleanser Type: Gel cleanser
Inspired by traditional Korean techniques, this water-based gel cleanser uses green plum water (a natural AHA) to gently exfoliate, smooth, and brighten skin. It controls sebum, soothes irritation, and helps prevent breakouts.
An effective double cleansing routine is the backbone of any great skincare routine, and Korean cleansers are some of the most effective and gentle around. So whether you’re starting fresh with an oil cleanser or following up with a water-based foam, these must-have K-Beauty picks will leave your skin clean, refreshed, and glowing.
