The 10 Best Korean Cleansers For Glowing Skin In 2023
Cleanse your skin and get one step closer to achieving that perfect Korean glass skin.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician
Expertise: Makeup & Skin Care
Experience: 21 years
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
Expertise: Makeup & Fashion
Experience: 2 years
Srijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
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The best Korean cleansers are made with skin-friendly ingredients and feature a gentle, pH-balanced composition that eliminates grime and traces of makeup without stripping your skin of moisture or disrupting its natural microflora. We all know that sticking to a strict skin care routine is the best approach to get happy, beautiful skin. And regular cleansing is the first step in any excellent skin care regime. K-beauty products lead the way when it comes to cleansers. Hillary Clark, a Medical Esthetician says, “The rise of the Korean cleansing ritual has dramatically decreased the problems that I otherwise saw when cleansing was just an afterthought. Skin is far more balanced, blackheads are next to nil, and the treatment products can penetrate better.” That’s why we have compiled a list of the best Korean cleansers for every skin type. Scroll down!
In This Article
The 10 Best Korean Cleansers For All Skin Types in 2023
1. Best Overall: The Face Shop Rice WaterBright Cleansing Foam
Rice water is one of the most common ingredients in Korean skin care products due to its amazing skin clarifying properties. This cleanser by The Face Shop is loaded with the moisturizing, detoxifying, and brightening properties of rice water extracts to brighten and nourish dry skin. It is the best Korean water-based cleanser. It also contains soapwort extract, a gentle cleanser for sensitive and dry skin types. The cleanser minimizes moisture loss and leaves your skin refreshed without feeling stretchy or tight. To get a better understanding of the The Face Shop Rice WaterBright Cleansing Foam , you can check out this video on YouTube.
Suitable For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Rice water and Soapwort extracts
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Tar colorant-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
- Paraffin-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Talc-free
Cons
- Might be drying for some
Fun Fact2. Best For Sensitive Skin: Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser
This product is specially formulated for dry and sensitive skin types, but it works perfectly on all skin types. It has a super-gentle formula with a low pH level to help protect the natural moisture barrier of your skin. It also contains mild acids and botanical extracts that can remove makeup and residue from your skin effectively without irritating it. Check out the review of Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser for more information.
Note: Avoid this product if you are allergic to tea tree oil.
Suitable For: All skin types, especially sensitive and dry skin
Key Ingredients: BHA and Tea tree oil
Pros
- Low pH
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- No fragrance
Cons
None
3. Best For Makeup Removal: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm removes every trace of makeup and dirt effortlessly without affecting the natural moisture balance of your skin. It contains vitamin E and vitamin C to make your skin healthy and glowing. The company has replaced the mineral oils in this product with natural ester oil. In addition, it contains green tea extracts that give you a fresh feeling after application. Massage this oil cleanser gently over your face to loosen dirt, sebum, and makeup before washing it off with a foam cleanser. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm.
Suitable For: All skin types
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C and Green tea extracts
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Alcohol-free
- No artificial colors
Cons
None
Pro Tip4. Best For Oily Skin: Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser
The Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser is a must-try product for anyone who has acne-prone, oily, and combination skin. It contains fermented green tea extracts (you can see the tea leaves inside the bottle) that calm inflammation. This Korean face cleanser creates a gentle foam that removes impurities from your face effectively. It has a pH of 8, so it will not irritate your skin.
Suitable For: Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
Key Ingredients: Green tea extract
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Clinically tested for effectiveness
- No harmful chemicals
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Quick Tip5. Best For Wrinkles: MIZON Snail Repairing Foam Cleanser
The Mizon Snail Repairing Foam Cleanser helps remove excess sebum and dead skin cells to decongest the pores. The formula is enriched with snail mucus filtrate that restores damaged skin, Centella asiatica extract to soothe your skin, green tea extract to protect your skin, and peptides to minimize wrinkles. This soothing and hydrating cleanser revitalizes your skin and prevents blackheads.
Suitable For: Oily and acne-prone skin
Key Ingredients: Snail mucus filtrate
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May leave residue
6. Best Hypoallergenic: Dear, Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
Image: Klairs Cosmetics Sensitive skin is tough to care for and requires a specialized cleanser. The Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser by Dear, Klairs contains amino acids and is gentle on sensitive skin. It keeps your skin moisturized while thoroughly cleaning each pore. In addition, it is rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and olive oil that nourish your sensitive skin without irritating it.
Suitable For: Sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Amino acids, Ceramides, and Hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Sulfate-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Eco-friendly preservatives
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
7. Best For All Skin Types: MANYO FACTORY Pure Cleansing Oil
The Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil, a blend of 14 plant oils, effectively eliminates blackheads and pimples. It is a light, nutritious, and cleansing oil high in essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins. The oil’s texture allows it to enter deep into the pores, dissolve and push impurities away, and activate the skin’s deep cells, boosting the protective layer, minimizing wrinkles, and improving tone. This multipurpose cleanser removes makeup and skin impurities while simultaneously replenishing moisture levels, leaving skin rejuvenated and hydrated. Argan kernel oil, which is high in vitamin E, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and soothing properties, maintains the skin’s moisture and pH balance.
Suitable for – All skin types
Key Ingredients– Argan oil and Vitamin E
Pros
- Deep pore cleansing
- Effectively treats blackheads
- Balances pH level
- Nourishes the skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
8. Best Travel-Friendly: Innisfree Green Tea Pure Cleansing Foam
This cleansing foam from Innisfree is suitable for most skin types and contains Jeju green tea extract that removes all dirt and impurities, leaving the skin hydrated and refreshed. It also has Jeju green tea root that cleanses pores gently using microbubbles. It removes all traces of makeup, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
Suitable For: Dry, normal, combination, and oily skin types
Key Ingredients: Jeju green tea extract and Jeju green tea root
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Creamy texture
- Travel-friendly
Cons
None
9. Best Lightweight: AHC Aqualuronic Purifying Foam Cleanser
The AHC Aqualuronic Purifying Foam Cleanser is a hydrating liquid foam face wash best suited for dry skin. It is infused with triple hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and French seawater that deeply cleanse the skin, remove impurities, and replenish its natural moisture barrier. The lightweight foam feels gentle on the skin and keeps it refreshed and nourished.
Suitable For: Dry skin
Key Ingredients: Triple hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, and French seawater
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Lathers well
- Non-drying
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
10. Best For Daily Use: TonyMoly Clean Dew Lemon Foam Cleanser
This foam cleanser from TonyMoly creates a rich lather that cleanses the skin gently, leaving it healthy and glowing. The formula contains lemon extract that brightens, witch hazel water that tones, and tea leaf extract that soothes the skin. It also contains tea tree oil to prevent acne and future breakouts. This cleanser is ideal for daily use.
Suitable For: Oily, Combination, and Acne-prone skin
Key Ingredients: Lemon extract
Pros
- Gentle
- Rich lather
- Refreshing fragrance
Cons
None
Korean skincare products are the Holy Grail for flawless skin, and are available in abundance to choose from. Picking the right Korean skin cleanser, depending on its properties and your skin type, is ideal to ensure you get the maximum benefits of the cleanser, and to indulge in that ideal glow. To help you out, here’s a guide along with a few features to consider in order to choose the best Korean cleanser for glowing skin.
How To Choose The Best Korean Cleanser For Glowing Skin
Formula
Korean cleansers are mainly of two types of formulations: oil based and water-based. Oil-based cleansers come in the form of cleansing oils and balms, which helps loosen oil, dirt, heavy make-up and sunscreen. Water-based cleansers are extremely foaming, and help loosen the remaining makeup residue, sebum, dirt and leftover impurities. You can either choose one of the following cleansers depending on your skin type, or use a combination of both for practicing the Korean double cleansing method.
Skin Type
The first and crucial step to consider when choosing a Korean skin cleanser is your skin type. Almost all Korean skin cleansers in the market are specifically formulated for specific skin types as well as issues, so it is easy to pick the right product if you know what your skin type is.
- Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, your skin can feel tight, and flaky. In this case look for a hydrating cleanser with soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. You can also go for soap-free formulas, as they do not strip your skin off its natural moisture.
- Oily Skin: Shiny, greasy, acne prone skin with enlarged pores are common features of oily skin. In this case, look for an oil control face wash with potent ingredients like AHAs and BHAs, tea tree oil, activated charcoal, green tea extract, witch Hazel, Jeju volcanic ash or clay. These ingredients unclog your pores, soothe your skin, and regulate oil production effectively.
- Sensitive Skin: For sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and redness, opt for soothing ingredients like aloe vera and willow bark. Also, choose a formula that is pH balanced and lightweight. Avoid cleansers with artificial-fragrances and parabens.
- Combination Skin: If you have combination skin, choose a cleanser with mild chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Also consider ceramides and amino acids that help maintain the skin barrier.
Pack On Antioxidants
Antioxidants repair sun damage and the skin in general. So, look for antioxidant-rich ingredients in your cleansers like green tea, witch hazel, vitamins C and E, niacinamide, etc., which slows down aging and repairs your skin, leaving behind a healthy glow.
The list contains a mix of oil cleansers, water-based, and foaming cleansers. Cleansing is crucial in the Korean skin care routine and a two-step process known as double -cleansing. Here is a guide to the Korean double cleansing method.
A Guide To The Korean Double Cleansing Method
A double cleanse is a two-step routine that involves:
Step 1: Using an oil-based cleanser (cleansing balm or cleansing oils) to loosen the makeup, dirt, oil, and sunscreen.
Step 2: Using a water-based cleanser (foaming face washes) to cleanse the loose makeup residue, dirt, sebum, and impurities.
Picking the right Korean skin cleanser is not difficult if you know your skin type. It is because Korean cleansers are customized according to the skin type and issues. Hence, determining your skin type is the key to picking the right product. Here is a guide.
How To Pick The Right Korean Cleanser For Your Skin Type
1. Determine Your Skin Type
- Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, look for ingredients that address oily skin issues like large, visible pores, excess greasy, shiny skin, and acne. Look for an oil-control face wash with ingredients like activated charcoal, witch hazel, tea tree oil, green tea extract, and Jeju volcanic ash. These ingredients dig deep to decongest pores, regulate oil production, and soothe the skin.
- Dry Skin
Dry skin often feels itchy, flaky, or generally tight. Look for a cleanser with hydrating and soothing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Go for soap-free formulas.
- Normal Skin
Normal skin is not problematic and picky. Choose a potent, non-drying cleanser with anti-aging, toning, and hydrating ingredients.
- Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is prone to redness and irritation, especially after shaving or cleansing. Look for cleansers with dense, creamy foams and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, willow bark, and witch hazel. A pH-balanced formula is also important. If possible, avoid using heavily sudsy products.
- Combination Skin
Combination skin has an oily T-Zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) with dry cheeks. Find a formula that provides deep cleansing without drying. Pick products with ingredients similar to oily and dry skin types. A face wash that protects skin’s lipid barrier, locking in natural moisture while cleansing surface oil, will be an ideal pick.
2. Check For Antioxidants
Korean cleansers are formulated with many skin-friendly ingredients that you can look out for. Look for antioxidant ingredients like Centella asiatica, madecassoside, and green tea extracts. These ingredients aid skin cell repair, slow down signs of aging, and minimize acne inflammation without irritating the skin.
Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Green tea extract is a well-known antioxidant. Antioxidants in skin care and cosmeceuticals help inhibit and prevent the development of free radicals, work to diminish accelerated aging, and help to prevent the inflammatory process. It also smells great, and it’s very soothing to have botanical extracts within a product. Definitely, green tea has been determined to be medicinal, and many dermatology products such as face washes are enriched with green tea extracts.”
Infographic: A Background On Korean Cleansers – Ingredients & Routine
Korean skin care products are all the rage right now! According to Statista, South Korea’s revenue in the skin care segment has amounted to $7.85 billion in 2023.
Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, look for cleansers that keep your skin naturally healthy and free of toxins, pollutants, or sebum.
Click on the infographic below to learn about the ingredients used in Korean cleansers. Also, get ready to delve into the various steps in a Korean skin care routine, including cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Keep scrolling! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic 
Korean products are at the top of all skin care and beauty trends. Everyone is switching to a Korean skin care routine, whether they are insta celebrities or celebrities from the beauty industry. The best Korean cleansers have a special place in the beauty industry. These cleansers are specially formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that balance the skin’s pH and provide you with radiant skin. The products listed in our article detoxify the skin, hydrate the skin, and brighten your skin. However, consider investing in hypoallergenic cleansers that are paraben-free so that it does not alter your skin’s natural elasticity and pH balance.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
A certified skincare expert, Oyedrila Kanjilal, loves all things beauty. She reviews skin care products, and with the help of thousands of user reviews, product guidelines, and feedback, she has put together this list of the best Korean cleansers. These products listed above are gentle on the skin and do not strip it of its natural moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about Korean skin care?
Korean skin care focuses on maintaining healthy, well-hydrated, and nourished skin. That is why Korean products contain gentle and skin-nourishing ingredients instead of harsh chemicals.
Which Korean cleanser is the best for pimples?
Some of the best Korean products for pimples are Neogen Real Fresh Foam Green Tea Cleanser and TonyMoly Clean Dew Lemon Foam Cleanser. They have a gentle formula for sensitive and acne-prone skin and work efficiently in cleansing the pores and soothing irritation.
Can Korean foaming cleansers provide age-defying benefits on the skin?
Using a gentle Koren foaming cleanser like the MIZON Snail Repairing Foam Cleanser can effectively minimize signs of aging and give it a youthful glow. However, also use an anti-aging serum or moisturizer laden with antioxidants to get premium results.
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