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In K-beauty’s hallmark 10-step routine, the best Korean cleansers are a critical first step, setting the tone for all the serums, essences, toners, and ampoules to follow. Whether you’re after something hydrating for dry winter skin or a gentle option for sensitive conditions like eczema or psoriasis, there’s a formula for you. Most Korean cleansers are suitable for all skin types, but many are tailored to specific concerns like dryness or excess oil, making it easy to find one that fits your needs. They’re also sensorial delights, with balms, oils, and powder formulas all in the mix.
Ahead, two board-certified dermatologists share their favorite Korean cleansers, tips for choosing the right formula, and how to double cleanse. Once you’ve found your match, consider pairing it with other Korean skin-care products that deliver a glass-skin effect for a complete routine.
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Cleansers
Featured in this article
In This Story
- How to choose a Korean cleanser
- What Korean cleanser is best?
- What is the Korean cleansing method?
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: Makeup, no matter how intense, doesn’t stand a chance against this gentle cleansing foam—especially when paired with the brand’s cleansing oil for a thorough double cleanse. I’m not alone in my praise: Board-certified dermatologist Christina Chung, MD, is also a fan, noting that this foam has become a favorite for everyone in her family, from teens to elders. “Sulwhasoo products are generally ginseng based and fabulous for sensitive-skin types,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Hydra Capture Complex, mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 200 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Leaves skin hydrated post-cleanse, non-stripping, helps clear out pores | Not ideal for acne-prone skin |
Best Gentle Cleanser: Innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: Innisfree is a K-beauty staple, known for offering affordable yet effective products. Of its lineup, Chung recommends the Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam for its gentle and soothing qualities, attributing this to the absence of sulfates and the antioxidant properties of green tea. It’s suitable for all skin types. Says board-certified dermatologist Alexandra Bowles, MD, “This cleanser contains green tea water, which helps with skin hydration, while its amino acid complexes cleanse the skin gently.”
- Key Ingredients: Green tea water, amino acid complex.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 150 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle, non-stripping, affordable | May sting the eyes |
Best Viral: CosRx Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
- Why We Love It: If a snail mucin serum is already part of your skin-care collection, you’ll be pleased to know that CosRx also offers a gel cleanser formulated with the viral ingredient. Fortunately, this cleanser shares many of the same benefits as the renowned serum, such as hydration and skin repair, while also working to clean the skin and wash away impurities. It’s safe for both dry and sensitive skin types, so there’s no need to worry if you’re new to K-beauty. “I like to recommend it for daily use because it balances effective cleansing with hydration and barrier support,” says Bowles.
- Key Ingredients: Snail mucus filtrate.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 150 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Supports acne-prone skin, helps restore the skin barrier | Has a noticeable chemical scent |
Best for Rosacea: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Foaming Face Wash Cleanser
- Why We Love It: The Cicapair line from Dr. Jart is specifically formulated to reduce visible redness, making it ideal for those with rosacea, a skin condition typically associated with increased sensitivity. Comprised of soothing agents like glycerin and centella asiatic extract (also known as tiger grass), this also helps calm irritation and repair damage, which is why it’s my go-to when my skin flares up or can’t tolerate harsh actives. Bowles recommends this cream-to-foam cleanser, too, noting that it helps “promote hydration without drying it out.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, cocoa extract, centella asiatica extract.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 100 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle on skin, effectively removes daily debris and impurities | Can feel slightly drying |
Best for Oily Skin: The Face Shop Rice Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Not only does Chung love this product, but so does her teenage daughter. She explains that it’s particularly great for teenagers with active oil glands, as it deep cleanses their skin without causing irritation and comes at a great price point. (However, anyone can enjoy its rich lather and luxurious feel.) The formula features beneficial ingredients like rice water extract and soapwort extract. “Rice water is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients that contribute to brighter, cleaner skin,” says Bowles.
- Key Ingredients: Rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 150/300 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Brightens the complexion, leaves skin soft to the touch | May feel stripping on sensitive or dry skin |
Best for Dehydrated Skin: Peach Lily Power Gel Cleanser
- Why We Love It: This cleanser is popular choice for all skin types as it’s soothing and non-stripping and helps balance the skin’s pH. Bowles explains that it can be particularly beneficial for sensitive or dehydrated skin. Paired with the brand’s other products, such as its cleansing oil—which removes makeup in seconds without tugging—you’ll notice the desired glass-skin effect, especially if you commit to all 10 steps.
- Key Ingredients: Camellia extract, chamomile flower extract, cucumber extract.
- Best For: Dry, normal, oily skin.
- Size: 100 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Helps reduce redness and irritation, clears congested pores | Leans drying |
Best Gel: Erborian Cleansing Gel
- Why We Love It: A great daily gentle cleanser packed with centella asiatica and squalane, Bowles says Erborian’s Cleansing Gel will help remove the last traces of dirt and makeup while keeping the skin smooth and hydrated. It’s equally as effective at removing SPF, which is typically harder to wash off with traditional cleansers. The secret lies in its super-lightweight, water-based gel formula that can easily be paired with another oil or balm for a double cleanse.
- Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, squalane, 7 herbs complex.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 30/180 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Leaves skin looking luminous, refreshing gel texture | Not as effective at removing makeup |
Best Oil: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: One of the most popular K-beauty cleansing oils, Ma:nyo’s fragrance-free formula dissolves makeup and sunscreen without the need for harsh rubbing—making it a favorite for anyone interested in double cleansing. “Its nourishing plant oils leave skin soft while maintaining barrier health. I recommend it for anyone who wears heavier makeup or wants a gentle, effective first step in their cleansing routine,” says Bowles.
- Key Ingredients: Argan oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 6.7 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free | Not ideal for acne-prone skin |
Best Whipped: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
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- Why We Love It: With its easy-to-use pump, this whipped cleanser pairs a low pH with soothing ingredients like panthenol and madecassoside. “It cleans gently without irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin,” says Bowles. “I often suggest it to patients who want a mild, calming cleanser that protects the skin’s natural barrier.”
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, madecassoside.
- Best For: Sensitive, irritated skin.
- Size: 150 mL
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Heals damaged and irritated skin, fragrance-free | Not great at removing heavy makeup |
Best Balm: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
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- Why We Love It: This cleansing balm starts as a solid that melts into an oil, making it ideal for breaking down even the most stubborn makeup (yes, including waterproof eyeliner), sunscreen, and excess sebum. According to Bowles, it’s designed to cleanse thoroughly while leaving skin soft and comfortable—an excellent choice for anyone seeking a gentle yet effective first step. “I like it for patients who need deep cleansing without dryness or irritation,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Grape-seed oil, madecassoside, camellia sinensis-seed oil.
- Best For: Normal to dry skin.
- Size: 1.69 Fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating, deeply cleansing | Can irritate contacts |
Best Powder: Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
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- Why We Love It: “Anua’s powder cleanser uses rice-derived enzymes to gently exfoliate and brighten dull skin,” says Bowles. “I like it for adding radiance and smoothness without irritation.” You can control the intensity by adjusting the amount of water, making it suitable for sensitive or normal skin. It can get a bit messy, so we recommend using it in the shower or rolling up your sleeves to avoid staining clothing.
- Key Ingredients: Rice powder/extract, alpha-arbutin, ceramides, lactic acid.
- Best For: All skin types.
- Size: 1.41 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Brightens the complexion, provides gentle exfoliation | Can be messy to use |
Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose a Korean Cleanser
When choosing a Korean cleanser, the right option often depends on your skin type and skin-care goals. “Gentle, hydrating ingredients like glycerin or panthenol are ideal for sensitive or dry skin, while mild enzymes or exfoliating acids can brighten dull or uneven skin,” explains Bowles. “Foaming or whipped cleansers provide light hydration, while oil cleansers are best for breaking down makeup and sunscreen, and powder cleansers let you control the level of exfoliation. I also recommend choosing a formula with a mild pH to support the skin barrier and prevent tightness,” she adds.
What Korean cleanser is best?
“Best” is subjective, so it really depends on your skin type. Chung recommends that those with oily skin opt for Korean foams and gel cleansers while avoiding cream cleansers. For dry, sensitive skin types, cream cleansers that don’t lather too much are a good choice. “Aside from this, it’s a matter of trial and error, just like with any other beauty product on the market!” says Chung.
What is the Korean cleansing method?
The Korean cleansing method is a two-step regimen also known as the double cleanse. Bowles explains that the first round of cleansing involves an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and any other oil-based impurities from the face without stripping the skin. The second round uses a water-based cleanser to eliminate any remaining residue, sweat, and dirt, while addressing specific concerns like dryness, sensitivities, or acne. Chung notes that this step is considered a deeper cleanse, akin to what Americans might refer to as the soap and lather part. Once complete, your skin and pores are left feeling gently yet thoroughly cleansed.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Christina Chung is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia.
- Dr. Alexandra Bowles is a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.