I don’t know about you, but washing my face is the highlight of my day, and I’ve come to realize nothing beats the magic of the best Korean cleansers. They deliver a proper cleanse without compromising my skin barrier, unlike other formulas I’ve tested (and trust me, as a longtime beauty journalist, I’ve reviewed hundreds of skin care products in my lifetime).
Be it a nourishing balm, a gentle cleansing oil, or a purifying foaming option, quality K-beauty formulas never miss the mark. They’re designed to be gentle yet effective, often focusing on skin-balancing while thoroughly cleansing without stripping the skin, says Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer. Unlike Western cleansers, which often rely on harsh surfactants or astringent ingredients, Korean ones maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and natural pH balance, says Cho. Think: Centella asiatica, ginseng, rice extract, vitamin C, niacinamide, and ceramides—a.k.a. the ingredients that you’ll often find in other barrier-strengthening Korean skin care products.
To help you find your pick, I asked K-beauty experts and dermatologists to share their favorite products, and tested them firsthand on my dry and sensitive skin, as well as tapped fellow beauty editors with different skin concerns to share what they love. One product stood out above the rest: the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. This gentle option works well on all skin types, balancing oil while also leaving skin soft and prepped for the next steps in your routine. Looking for other options? Enter: your definitive guide to the most hype-worthy Korean cleansers.
The best Korean cleansers, at a glance
- Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, $13
- Best for Dry Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean, $28
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Gentle pH-Balancing Foaming Cleanser, $21
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser, $16
- Best for Oily Skin: Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, $13
How we tested Korean cleansers
Since becoming a beauty journalist half a decade ago, I always gravitated toward K-beauty products for their efficacy and innovation. And as far as Korean cleansers go, over the years, I’ve tested dozens of the most popular formulas, including everything from cleansing balms to gels, foams, and oils.
When reviewing each formula, I always aim to make note of its ingredient list to determine whether or not it will: (1) cause any irritation for sensitive-skin types; (2) disturb the skin barrier; or (3) strip the skin of its natural moisture. Alongside Glamour editors, I also point out any pros and cons objectively to help our readers make the most informed decision. Plus, I always aim to consult with industry professionals and dermatologists when curating each skin-care-related edit while also keeping in mind my own expertise.
Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
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- Pros: Doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture; suitable for all skin types; refreshing feel; barrier-friendly formula
- Cons: Nothing of note
Our best overall pick goes to this gentle daily cleanser, which we’d recommend for any skin type: dry, combination, oily, and sensitive. It features a slightly acidic formulation to avoid compromising your skin’s moisture barrier and stripping it of its natural oils while effectively removing dirt and impurities. It’s also infused with soothing, antioxidant-rich plant extracts including green plum, mung bean, and green tea.
“I have combination skin and it’s sensitive, so I usually swap out cleansers depending on what phase my skin is in,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “In the past, I’ve used more hydrating formulas when my face feels dry, sebum-targeting ones when it gets greasy, and extra-gentle ones when I’m having redness and irritation. This is one of the rare cleansers that can handle all three scenarios with ease. The clear gel feels so refreshing and turns into a mild lather that doesn’t strip my skin or cause irritation. It helps balance my sebum levels and thoroughly cleanse but still leaves my complexion feeling hydrated, soft, and prepped for my Korean toners and serums.”
Best Cleansing Balm: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
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- Pros: Great for thorough makeup removal; feels nourishing on the skin; brightens the skin over prolonged use
- Cons: May not be best for those with sensitive eyes as it has an apparent scent
Suitable for all skin types (including oily skin), this cleansing balm is full of antioxidants and skin-loving ingredients, including seaberry oil, vitamin E, and persimmon extract. Apart from its cleansing abilities, it also has a handful of long-term benefits. From brightening and evening out your skin tone to protecting your skin against free radicals and ensuring lasting hydration, it’s safe to say that your skin barrier will be well taken care of. It starts off as a rich balm, then transforms into a luxurious face oil with an uplifting citrusy scent. Did we mention that it’s also cruelty-free and doesn’t feature any parabens and sulfates?
“I’m a sucker for a quality cleansing balm for my double-cleanse routine, and this formula from Then I Met You is my ultimate go-to. In fact, I’ve already emptied at least six of these,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet. “I love how effortlessly it removes my makeup (even waterproof mascara and fake lash glue) without causing any flare-ups or irritation.”
Best Cleansing Oil: HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
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- Pros: Unscented; feels gentle on the skin; impressive when it comes to makeup and sunscreen removal
- Cons: May not be the best fit for oily skin
Featuring a simple yet effective blend of naturally derived jojoba-seed, olive, and rice-bran oils, the HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is an Amazon bestseller for a reason. It delivers thorough cleansing and lasting moisture without compromising your delicate skin barrier. Simply apply a few pumps onto dry skin and gently rub your face in circular motions for at least 30 seconds. Once done, make sure to emulsify it with water, massage it once more, and rinse away. You can also use a handy washcloth for an added exfoliating effect.
“As far as cleansing oils go, the HaruHaru formula will always be my top recommendation. Having used it for roughly three weeks, I noticed how it visibly helped improve the quality of my skin, delivering a great base for a hydrating skin care routine,” says Primbet. It melts away makeup, grime, and SPF with ease, resulting in zero irritation (and that’s coming from someone with sensitive eyes).”
Best Two-in-One Formula: Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
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- Pros: Unscented formula; doubles as a face mask; gently resurfaces the skin
- Cons: Nothing of note
Featuring rice water for brightening, lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, and ceramides for barrier-strengthening purposes, this clever formula offers a non-stripping cleanse, making it suitable for most skin types, particularly those with sensitive skin. Not only is it free of artificial fragrance, but it’s also bound to last longer, considering that you only need the smallest amount of powder to activate with water. The result? A clearer, smoother-looking, and brightened complexion and a healthy moisture barrier.
“I first tried this cleanser when I visited the Anua offices in Seoul last year. I couldn’t get enough of the marshmallow texture and have been using it ever since,” says Wu. “I add more water when I use it as a daily cleanser and a little less to turn it into a weekly face mask. Whichever way I use it, it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and radiant.”
Best for Dry Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean
- Pros: Delivers a deep cleanse; feels hydrating on the skin; effectively takes off makeup
- Cons: May not be the best fit for those who prefer a more purifying gel-like formula
This deeply nourishing cleansing oil is “formulated with noncomedogenic oils to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Featuring replenishing yet deep-cleansing properties, this lightweight oil is ideal for anyone who wants to prioritize barrier repair while ensuring that the skin is thoroughly cleansed from dirt buildup, makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Thanks to the clever blend of grape-seed, lavender, and sunflower-seed oils, this formula can remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup without persistent rubbing. This vegan cleansing oil is fragrance-free and pairs well with all skin types, making it a safe bet for just about anyone. Simply dispense a few pumps onto your face, gently massage the oil into the skin, and watch all the impurities melt away.
Best for Combination Skin: Biodance Collagen Mask to Foam Cleanser
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- Pros: Great for everyday use; leaves the skin soft without resulting in a tight feel
- Cons: Nothing of note
Looking for a foolproof everyday cleanser that will remove excess sebum and rid your skin of impurities, all while leaving it silky smooth? We’ve got you covered. This stretchy gel-to-foam face wash from Biodance is nothing short of impressive. The elastic formula feels like a cross between a snail mucin cream and traditional gel cleanser, then transforms into foam when you wet it. Sensorial bonus aside, it’s also a top pick for combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin types, says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City and founder of sunscreen brand Lightsaver. “It’s gentle but effective, and cleanses the skin without over-stripping,” he says. “It also has a slightly acidic pH, which is helpful for not damaging the skin barrier. It’s a great cleanser for the summer.” While it does a thorough job of deep cleansing and purifying pores, Dr. Kim says the addition of hyaluronic acid ensures your complexion stays hydrated.
“I was immediately obsessed with the fun texture, but the formula is what kept me coming back,” says Wu. “This feels like the perfect cleanser for my combination skin; it’s refreshing and keeps my pores clear but still hydrates and softens. Since it’s a water-based cleanser, it’s not meant for removing makeup, but I love pairing this with the Biodance Collagen Cleansing Oil for an evening double cleanse.”
Best Cleansing Gel: CosRx Low pH Good Morning Gel Face Cleanser
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- Pros: Features a pH-balancing formula; reasonably priced; suitable for all skin types
- Cons: Nothing of note
You may be familiar with CosRx for its viral snail mucin range, but trust us when we tell you that this K-beauty brand has a lot more in store for us skin care obsessives. Take this gel cleanser, for one. Not only does this formula do a superb job at removing any traces of makeup, sunscreen, or dirt buildup, but it also supports a natural pH level of five to six so as not to disturb your skin barrier. This allows for the botanical ingredients to effectively cleanse without stripping the skin. The tea tree oil is there to soothe and reduce inflammation, while mild acids encourage gentle exfoliation to reveal a smooth and healthy-looking complexion.
“I’ve been using this CosRx cleanser for a bit over a month now, and I can confidently say that it’s exceeded my expectations. It delivers a proper cleanse without making my skin tight and dry, leaving me with supersoft skin,” says Primbet.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Gentle pH-Balancing Foaming Cleanser
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- Pros: Gentlest cleanser we tested; has soothing properties; feels nourishing; barrier-friendly
- Cons: May not be the best fit for oily skin types that want added sebum control
Aestura is known as the top derma brand at Olive Young, South Korea’s largest beauty retailer. The brand is especially popular for its gentle Atobarrier365 line, which focuses on repairing sensitive, reactive, dry, and dehydrated skin. Out of all the K-beauty cleansers we tested, this was by far the gentlest, and an easy pick if you’re shopping for sensitive skin. “This is a great gentle cleanser, and unlike most foam cleansers, this one is not drying at all,” says Dr. Kim. “It’s free of fragrance or artificial color, and packed with glycerin and green tea extract to hydrate, calm, and keep your skin barrier intact while gently cleansing.”
“Whenever I have a rosacea flare-up or dryness on my face, I immediately reach for this cleanser,” says Wu. “It feels like the fluffiest, most cloudlike foam that melts right into my skin without requiring any rubbing. It also rinses off easily, so I don’t need to scrub and risk further irritation. I’ve tried a lot of gentle cleansers geared toward sensitive skin, but I’ve never found anything better than this for when my skin’s freaking out.”
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea Green Relief Amino Gel Cleanser
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- Pros: Great calming and balancing properties; soothes inflammation; deep cleans
- Cons: Nothing of note
This refreshing gel cleanser from Korean beauty brand Dr. Althea features a multitasking formula that deep-cleans pores while keeping your skin soothed thanks to calming ingredients like heartleaf. With its mildly acidic pH, it delivers a gentle, barrier-friendly cleanse that won’t further irritate active breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties from green tea extract and betaine to help keep acne-prone skin healthy and balanced.
“I’ve had too many bad experiences from supposedly acne-friendly cleansers that left my face dry and irritated,” says Wu. “I personally prefer to use a gentle formula like this one that targets pores while still prioritizing hydration with hyaluronic acid and birch sap. The gel turns into a mild lather once I wet it and helps keep my complexion balanced and calm, so breakouts heal faster instead of getting worse.”
Best for Oily Skin: Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
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- Pros: Unscented; deeply purifying; non-stripping
- Cons: May not be the best choice for sensitive, mature, and dry skin
Every K-beauty lover knows that Anua skin care products are top-tier, and with good reason. A firm bestseller across practically all K-beauty retailers, this deeply purifying foaming cleanser is a solid contender for oily and combination skin. The fragrance-free, non-stripping formula is enriched with 0.5% BHA for gentle exfoliation, as well as quercetinol (yes, a mouthful, we know) and plant-derived extracts to leave your skin dolphin-smooth. It also has a very interesting thick texture, but you only need a pea-size amount for your entire face.
“I’ve yet to find a cleanser that leaves my skin just as smooth and purified as this unique formula from Anua. I’m not usually one who prefers foaming face washes, but I still find myself reaching for it whenever I feel that my skin is in need of a deeper cleanse,” says Primbet.
Frequently asked questions
What are some of the most effective ingredients found in Korean cleansers?
According to Dr. Kim, “Some of the most common and effective ingredients that are often present in Korean cleansers are glycerin, cica (Centella asiatica), and salicylic acid.”
Cho points out that each ingredient serves a different purpose and it’s important to understand their main benefits before ultimately choosing your cleanser.
- Centella asiatica extract soothes irritation and strengthens the skin barrier
- Green tea extract is a powerful antioxidant that calms and protects the skin against free radicals
- Rice water brightens and hydrates, leaving the skin soft and supple
- Mugwort is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial component that’s perfect for acne-prone skin
- Probiotics help balance the skin’s microbiome and strengthen its natural defenses
- Fermented ingredients nourish and hydrate, improving skin elasticity over time
- Glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin for a hydrated, plump finish
What are the best Korean cleansers for each skin type?
Both Dr. Kim and Cho agree that choosing a cleanser based on your exact skin type is key to ensure long-term benefits. To do this, you must consider your skin’s needs and know what to look for and avoid when considering each formula.
- For sensitive skin: Dr. Kim recommends cleansers with Centella asiatica (otherwise known as cica) for soothing and calming the skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. “In terms of the type of cleanser, gels are the best bet as they are gentle and very effective without over-stripping the skin,” he says. Cho also suggests sticking to “low-pH, cream, or milk cleansers with cica, chamomile, or probiotics to soothe and reduce irritation. Avoid harsh surfactants (like sulfates) and artificial fragrances,” she says.
- For dry skin: According to Cho, those with dry skin should “opt for nourishing oil-based cleansers (such as Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm) infused with olive oil, rice water, or honey to replenish moisture,” she says. Meanwhile, Dr. Kim points out that “glycerin is a great ingredient for dry skin because it’s gentle on the skin, and since it’s a humectant, it draws moisture to the skin to prevent dryness. The gel formulation is gentle and ideal as a face wash for dry skin, but you can also look for those with a creamy texture as well,” he says.
- For oily skin: “Look for foaming cleansers with tea tree, clay, or charcoal to absorb excess sebum and deep-clean pores. Ingredients like salicylic acid help gently exfoliate and prevent breakouts,” says Cho.
- For acne-prone skin: As far as ingredients go, Dr. Kim suggests considering cleansers with salicylic acid. “[It]’s ideal for acne-prone skin as it clears the pores. It’s a chemical exfoliant that can penetrate deeper into the pores, removing dead skin cells and oil build up that may lead to breakouts. Foaming cleansers typically work best for oily and acne-prone skin because they help eliminate excess oil or sebum,” he says. Cho also recommends mugwort and licorice root extract, as they “can calm inflammation and prevent post-acne hyperpigmentation.”
- For combination skin: Cho strongly suggests using “balancing cleansers with probiotics, rice water, or green tea to hydrate while controlling oil.”
What is a water-based cleanser?
Some of the Korean cleansers on this list are water-based, while others are oil cleansers. You can use both in your Korean skin care routine and even combine them for double cleansing. “Water-based cleansers typically come as a gel or foam and are much lighter in texture,” explains Dr. Kim. “They do a good job of removing sweat and sebum. Oil-based cleansers typically have higher concentration of oil and are much better at removing makeup; because makeup typically has oil-based ingredients, it’s helpful to use an oil-based cleanser.” To double cleanse, start with an oil cleanser like Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil, then follow it with a water-based cleanser like Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanse to leave your face completely clean and prepped for skin care.
Meet the experts
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City and founder of sunscreen brand Lightsaver
- Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer
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