10 Best Korean Cleansers For Acne-Prone Skin
These mild cleansers treat acne & other skin issues, offering you a soft, glowing look.
Expertise: Medical & Esthetic Dermatology, Venereology
Experience: 9 years
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Cleansing may be crucial, especially for acne-prone skin, and finding the best Korean cleanser for acne can be tricky in a market replete with K-beauty products. An effective acne cleanser works wonders to remove the grime, dirt, and sweat that clog the pores. It gives your skin space to breathe freely while bringing down acne. A basic cleansing-toning-moisturizing skincare regimen improves your skin texture and leaves you with a soft, glowing look. K-beauty cleansers are widely used for acne-prone skin. These acne-fighting cleansers are enriched with ingredients that cleanse the face gently without drying out the skin.
Check out our list of effective Korean cleansers for acne-prone skin, and take your pick! It’s time to bid farewell to your skin woes and fall in love with Korean beauty products.
Top Picks
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Ca Va Bien Face Powder Cleansing Powder $35 ON AMAZON Read More › $35 ON AMAZON - 5
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Lookatme Bubble Purifying Foaming Cleanser – Aloe Vera $16.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $16.99 ON AMAZON - 6
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Accoje Vital In Jeju Purifying & Peeling Cleansing Foam $17.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $17.99 ON AMAZON - 8
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VT Cica Mild Foam Cleanser $18 ON AMAZON Read More › $18 ON AMAZON - 9
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Saranghae Nourishing And Moisturizing Oil+ Foam Cleanser $19.2 ON AMAZON Read More › $19.2 ON AMAZON - 10
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In This Article
10 Best Korean Cleansers For Acne-Prone Skin
Care: Nel Egg White Pore Cleaning Cleansing Foam
Care: Nel Egg White Pore Cleaning Cleansing Foam is a deep cleansing face wash. The micro-bubbles gently remove the excess sebum without drying out the skin. It is fortified with egg yolk extract that tightens your skin, making it look firm and radiant. This brightening cleanser for acne scars is infused with egg whites that contain amino acids which cleanse the skin without stripping away its oils. The sebum-regulating cleanser also has the goodness of the skin-smoothening BSASM formula, a blend of specialized botanical ingredients that calm your irritated skin. “Pumpkin extract in the formula serves as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and helps improve fatigue. It can help with the redness and the flaking of dry skin,” says Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society.
Key Ingredients: Egg white and Vitamin C
Pros - Exfoliates the skin
- Reduces blackheads
- Brightens the complexion
- Mild fragrance
Cons
- May cause breakouts
Quick TipCosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This gel cleanser from Cosrx with a mildly acidic pH balance protects your skin from harsh environmental damage. It is fortified with the extracts of Styrax japonicus, tea tree oil, and plant-derived BHA that cleanse your pores and keep them hydrated. This oil-controlling cleanser has a gentle formula that is highly effective in getting rid of excess sebum without causing irritation or redness.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree leaf oil and Evening primrose flower extract
Pros - Deep cleansing formula
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Medicinal fragrance
CautionETUDE SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
The Whip Cleanser from ETUDE House is a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses and removes makeup, dirt, and impurities without leaving your skin feeling dry or stripped. This cleanser is infused with panthenol to help soothe and hydrate your skin while boosting its natural protective barrier. It is free from synthetic fragrances and additives and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The light and airy foam texture of this hydrating cleanser for acne-prone skin provides a gentle and delicate cleansing experience.
Pros - pH balance
- Hypoallergenic
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
Ca Va Bien’s cleansing powder is a complete solution for removing makeup, dirt, and grime from the skin. This cleansing powder, when mixed with water, turns into a foaming cleanser. It is fortified with the goodness of vitamin C, minerals, glucose, and fructose to keep your skin moisturized. These ingredients hydrate the skin and help maintain the pH balance.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Glucose, and Fructose
Pros
- Refreshes the skin
- Gentle formula
- Does not dry out the skin
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
This mild pore-clearing cleanser is a popular cleanser from Lookatme. It is infused with aloe extract that soothes irritation, hydrates the skin, helps fight acne, washes away impurities, and unblocks the pores. Extracts of lavender, peppermint, and tea tree protect your skin barrier without stripping away its natural oils. This soothing cleanser is fortified with plant-based ingredients and does not contain any synthetic additives.
Key Ingredients: Lavender, Peppermint, and Tea tree
Pros
- Gentle cleanser
- Formaldehyde-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Sulfate-free
- Triclosan-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- None
SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Clear Foam
Introducing SOME BY MI Miracle Acne Clear Foam, a gentle yet effective cleanser specially formulated for acne-prone skin. This facial cleanser is enriched with a natural-derived surfactant and the optimum combination of AHA, BHA, and PHA to effectively cleanse your skin and prevent acne. AHA refines skin texture and increases skin firmness, while BHA kills acne-causing bacteria. PHA is a mild exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells without irritation. In addition, it also contains cica to soothe the skin and improve the skin barrier. For best results, use morning and night to help keep your skin clear, healthy, and free from acne.
Pros - pH balanced
- Mildly exfoliating
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
- Can be slightly drying
This Accoje cleansing foam is a complete solution for acne-prone skin. The dermatologist-recommended cleanser is formulated with plant-based ingredients like red beet and cactus fruit collected from Jeju Island. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that manage acne and rejuvenate your skin. Green tea and aloe in this purifying cleanser protect your skin from the harmful UV rays and keep it hydrated.
Key Ingredients: Red beet and Cactus fruit
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Dermatologist-tested
- Cruelty-free
- CDSCO-certified
- Paraben-free
- Benzophenone-free
- Imidazolidinyl urea-free
- No tar pigments
Cons
- Expensive
VT Cica is a deep cleaning foam that balances your skin tone and prevents premature aging. This natural foam contains cicaliao and cicahyalon that help in moisturizing your skin. The patented Greenol Herbal Mix contains six ingredients – lavender, freesia, chamomile, bergamot, peppermint, and rosemary – that moisturize and soothe your skin. The natural formula helps in removing impurities and improves skin texture. This moisturizing cleanser can be used daily and suits all types of skin.
Key Ingredients: Cicaliao, Cicahyalon, Lavender, Freesia, Chamomile, Bergamot, Peppermint, and Rosemary
Pros
- Rich lather
- Absorbs sebum
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- None
This Saranghae foaming cleanser helps remove makeup and impurities from the skin surface for a clean and refreshed feeling. The unique 2-in-1 formula helps in removing oil-based and waterproof products. It is fortified with white truffle and green tea extracts that help repair damaged skin to provide an even skin tone. The goodness of olive oil combined with coconut and sunflower oils clears dirt and keeps your skin hydrated for a supple look.
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, Olive fruit oil, Coconut oil, Sunflower oil, and White truffle extract
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Removes toxins
Cons
- Expensive
Oseque Silky Bright Enzyme Powder Facial Wash
Oseque Silky Bright Enzyme Powder Facial Wash is an extra-gentle, deep-cleansing formula that gives you a smooth and nourished look. The amino acid complex in this exfoliating cleanser for acne reduces skin damage and improves its elasticity. The goodness of papaya and pineapple brings down redness and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. Red clay helps in exfoliating your skin and helps in removing impurities.
Key Ingredients: Papaya, Pineapple, Amino acids complex, Ginseng, and Green tea
Pros - Hypoallergenic
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Reduces inflammation
- Protects the skin
Cons
- Not sulfate-free
Most beauty enthusiasts are obsessed with Korean skincare products, and for a good reason! If you have acne-prone skin and want to give Korean cleansers a try, these are the things you should keep in mind before making a purchase.
Things You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Korean Cleanser
Go for cleansers that are free of harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and phthalate. Since you have acne-prone skin, your first priority should be to avoid ingredients that can further damage your skin. Opt for ingredients including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and tea tree oil that offer great benefits to acne-prone skin and are effective in acne treatment. In addition, look for anti-inflammatory cleansers to avoid irritating your skin.
Acne is commonly found in oily skin, however, this is not always true. You can have dry or sensitive skin and have breakouts. That is why it is important to choose an oil-free cleanser that would suit your skin type, otherwise it can make your acne issue worse.
Most people with acne avoid using exfoliators because they can irritate the skin. But it shouldn’t be a concern if you opt for the right product. Go for a cleanser that gently exfoliates while removing blackheads and dead skin. It is important to keep the pores clean as the accumulation of dirt can cause fresh breakouts.
It is a good idea to go for fragrance-free products even if you have no skin issues – but if you have acne-prone skin, you don’t need the added chemicals in your life! Focus on products that have a naturally pleasant smell or no fragrance at all.
Korean products are mostly priced reasonably, but a few of them could be a bit expensive. Don’t focus on the price though as expensive does not always mean that the quality is better. Check the ingredients list, choose a product you think will suit your skin, and get it.
Infographic: Tips To Buy The Best Korean Cleanser For Acne-Prone Skin
Choosing a face cleanser is not easy for those with acne-prone skin. However, washing the face is more than just picking a face cleanser. From the type of formulation to the ingredients, many factors come into play.
Check out the infographic below for some tips that can help you easily purchase the best Korean cleanser for acne-prone skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
Korean beauty products are gaining immense popularity these days. To remove dirt and clogged pores, and eliminate acne from the skin’s surface, you need the best cleanser for acne. Adding the best Korean cleaners to your skin care routine will help in improving your skin texture and keep your skin soft and hydrated. These Korean cleansers are cruelty-free, paraben-free, and vegan. Some of them are made of organic ingredients and do not dry out the skin. However, you might want to avoid products that have an overwhelming fragrance.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and makeup enthusiast. She has conducted thorough research of online reviews and also gone through the ingredients in detail to pick the best Korean cleansers for acne-prone skin. These K-beauty cleansers can cleanse your face gently without drying out your skin. They improve skin texture and impart a glowing look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Korean cleanser get rid of acne?
Yes. Korean cleansers are gentle and get rid of excess oil and dirt without drying the skin. They contain soothing ingredients with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
How do Korean cleansers treat hormonal acne?
Korean cleansers remove dirt, sebum, and debris that clog the pores. Salicylic acid, green tea, and tea tree in Korean cleansers help treat hormonal acne.
Should I wash my face with hot or cold water for acne?
Always wash your face with cold water for acne.
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