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Washing your face can feel like a chore—until you add one of the best Korean cleansers to your routine and, suddenly, it feels like a mini spa moment. And with gifting season in full swing, skin care is topping everyone’s wish lists, and a luxurious, effective cleanser makes the perfect K-beauty gift (for a loved one or yourself). "Korean cleansers have gained popularity due to their gentle formulations and use of innovative ingredients," says Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Think derm-approved ingredients like Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) and polyhydroxy acid (PHA), paired with sensorial appeal—gels that transform into airy clouds of foam or buttery balms that melt into your skin. Our editors' picks are real complexion treats that improve the overall health of your skin, both short-term and long-term. Go forth and lather up!
Our Top Korean Cleansers
- Best Overall: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser, $14
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, $12
- Best for Oily Skin: Fully Green Tomato Clay Mask Cleanser, $24
- Best for Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser, $21
- Best for Combination Skin: Ma:nyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil, $22
- Best No-Mess Packaging: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, $23
- Best Cleansing Powder: Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder, $15
- Best for Large Pores: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil BHA, $27
- Best for Waterproof Makeup: Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm, $22
- Best Brightening: Ohui Miracle Toning Jelly Cleanser, $30
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Korean facial cleanser is the best?
- What is the Korean cleansing method?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
According to Erica Choi, esthetician and founder of Superegg, many K-beauty cleansers "reflect the Korean skin-care philosophy of prevention and maintenance rather than treatment." That means most contain soothing ingredients or lower concentrations of actives designed to work on a wide range of skin types. Still, the best Korean cleanser for someone with oily skin will differ from a good recommendation for dry skin. The good news: "Korean cleansers also come in various textures, making it easy to find one that matches your preferences," says Choi.
Check out our FAQs to get all your cleansing questions answered, and keep scrolling for the full breakdown of the best Korean cleansers for every skin type—perfect for upgrading your skincare routine or gifting to the beauty lovers in your life.
Best Overall: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
Etude
SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: You may know Etude for its long-lasting lip tints and smudge-proof mascaras, but this Korean beauty brand makes some excellent skin care, including but not limited to its popular SoonJung range. If you're not sure what Korean cleanser (in general!) to pick, this cloudlike SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser is a great pick for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It features a low pH of 6.5—which is less likely to disrupt your natural barrier function—and excludes any potential irritants that might trigger irritation or breakouts. Made with soothing ingredients like madecassoside (an ingredient derived from cica or Centella asiatica) and panthenol, this cuddly foam cleanser hydrates as it removes impurities.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"Even before I tried this cleansing foam out for myself, I saw a lot of hype on social media coming from people of all different skin types. It's so satisfying to use and I love how gentle it is—it is, after all, fragrance-free—especially after I've gone to town breaking down my makeup with a cleansing balm or oil. No complaints, no notes." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: panthenol, madecassoside, camellia sinensis leaf extract
- Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Cosrx
Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Han using the Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: While the name says "Good Morning," you can use this refreshing Cosrx Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser any time. Dr. Chang uses it both morning and nighttime after removing makeup." Made to refine your pores and keep your skin's sebum levels balanced, it's a great pick for deep cleansing. Dr. Chang specifically recommends this refreshing gel "for those with oily skin or acne-prone skin as it is formulated with beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and tea tree oil to reduce excess oil and clogged pores," adding you only need a small amount for your whole face and that it leaves her skin feeling softer, never stripped. While it's an effective everyday cleanser for most skin types, she does caution anyone with sensitive or reactive skin to conduct a patch test first: "I wouldn't use it as a makeup remover around the eyes to avoid irritation. It does have a tea tree oil scent, so those with sensitivities may want to avoid this product."
Tester feedback from Han
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"I love using this cleanser on heavy-makeup days. My skin acculumates a lot of gunk in my T-zone and this deeply refreshes my pores. I'm not the biggest fan of the medicinal-leaning scent but I can forgive that for something that's being promptly washed off. It's a long-standing favorite for a reason, a.k.a. achieving a squeaky-clean achievement." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: snowbell tree extract, tea tree leaf oil, lotus extract
- Who it's for: normal, combination, oily, acne-prone, and congested skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Fully Green Tomato Clay Mask Cleanser
Fully
Green Tomato Clay Mask Cleanser
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Skin in need of a reset? Fully's Green Tomato Clay Mask Cleanser doubles as a face mask, using six types of clay, green tomato, vitamin C, and a patented ingredient called Anti-Serum P to refine texture and pores, clearing excess sebum, blackheads, and all of the other nasties you can think of. Reach for it a few times a week, depending on your skin type, and leave it on for five minutes before emulsifying—it transforms into a rich, luxurious foam— and rinsing off.
Tester feedback from Han
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“I have combo skin so my T-zone is usually a disaster zone by the end of the day. While I don't use Fully's Green Tomato Clay Mask Cleanser every day, I reach for it around two or three times a week as a quick leave-on mask to suck all of the gunk out of my pores. I also follow up with an exfoliating toner to really lean into the exfoliation. Unlike other clay masks, my skin doesn't feel the least bit tight. It's a great express, no-fuss treatment.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: tomato extract, vitamin C, glycerin, bentonite, kaolin, cica
- Who it's for: anyone with clogged pores
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
Aestura
Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
Amazon
Sephora
Olive Young
Allure contributor Sarah Y. Wu using the Aestura Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser
Sarah Y. Wu
Why it's worth it: Aestura is a household name in South Korea, where it's become the number-one derma cosmetic brand. The brand's Atobarrier line is especially popular for dry, sensitive skin, and this frothy foam Atobarrier365 Bubble Cleanser is an excellent example of why. Infused with moisturizing, soothing ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, and green tea extract, it thoroughly cleanses dry and reactive skin without triggering irritation. It's not designed to remove makeup, so you'll have to take care of that with a cleansing oil, balm, or makeup remover first, but it's a great pick for clearing your skin of buildup and pollutants in the gentlest, most hydrating way possible.
Tester feedback from contributor Sarah Y. Wu
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"I have mild rosacea and a lot of dry patches on my midface, and I immediately swap to Aestura's cleanser when they flare up," says Allure contributor Sarah Y. Wu. "I test a lot of beauty products so whenever I get a flare-up, I strip my routine back to the basics: no serums, ampoules, or peels—just a very basic moisturizer, sunscreen when I go outside, and this cleanser. The first time I used it, I loved how creamy and fluffy the bubbles felt. From a practical standpoint, it's easy to coat my entire face evenly because of the bubbly texture, but it also just feels really nice. More importantly, this cleanser always leaves my skin incredibly smooth, soft, and soothed. I hate the prickly, stinging feeling some cleansers give me when my skin is dry and sensitive but this always leaves my face feeling better after a quick rinse." —Sarah Y. Wu, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, tocopherol (vitamin E), green tea extract
- Who it's for: all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Combination Skin: Ma:nyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil
Ma:nyo Factory
Pure Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Ma:nyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil
Lily Wohlner
Why it's worth it: This no-nonsense Ma:nyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil—which quickly melts off waterproof makeup without stripping your skin—is a steady best seller in South Korea—and has gained traction statewide recently. Oh, and it's a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner! A signature blend of 14 plant oils—including rice bran oil, soybean oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil—leaves your complexion feeling baby-soft and smooth. The medium-weight formula emulsifies into a lightweight cleansing milk once you wet it and dissolves sunscreen and makeup while keeping your sebum levels balanced. Because the brand selects oils with low comedogenic profiles, it won't clog your pores or cause whiteheads and blackheads to form.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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"By the time I’m ready to take off my makeup, I’ve usually had it on all day—so the moment I walk through the door, it needs to come off fast and easily. This cleansing oil melts off my makeup in just a few swipes without irritating my acne-prone skin. It’s made with 14 plant-based oils, all non-comedogenic (so they won’t clog your pores), and while it’s fragrance-free, the natural scent from the oils gives off a subtle, spa-like vibe that’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day out and about." —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 14 plant oils including rice bran oil, evening primrose oil, lavender oil, orange oil, soybean oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil
- Who it's for: all skin types and anyone who wears makeup, provided you're not sensitive to essential oils
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Large Pores: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil BHA
Hanskin
Pore Cleansing Oil BHA
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Why it's worth it: Dr. Chang highly recommends Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil BHA for oily and acne-prone skin, as well as clogged pores. "It contains a blend of salicylic acid and non-comedogenic oils to cleanse the skin without clogging the pores," she says. Salicylic acid, a popular acne-fighting ingredient, acts as an anti-inflammatory exfoliant on blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. It's paired with a blend of non-comedogenic olive and jojoba oils that leave your skin feeling smooth and looking clear. (Note: Hanskin also makes this cleansing oil in AHA and PHA versions. The former sweeps away dead skin cells and brightens dull skin, while Dr. Chang recommends the latter if you're sensitive to exfoliants since it's a much gentler acid.)
Tester feedback from Dr. Chang
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"I use this cleansing oil as the first step of my double cleanse," says Dr. Chang. "I use two to three and massage it onto my face, including around my eyes. It has a lightweight, thin consistency that makes it easy to apply. The BHA version can be used in those with oily, acne-prone skin as the salicylic acid will go deep into the pores to reduce whiteheads and blackheads. It's another of my favorites for oily and acne-prone skin and leaves my skin feeling hydrated but clean at the same time." —Dr. Chang
More to know
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- Key ingredients: jojoba oil, salicylic acid
- Who it's for: oily skin, acne-prone skin, combination skin, and anyone with clogged pores
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Cleansing Powder: Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder
Tirtir
Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder
Amazon
StyleVana
Wu using the Tirtir Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder
Sarah Y. Wu
Why it's worth it: Enzymes exfoliate your skin by dissolving dead skin cells—but only on the surface level, so there's less potential for irritation. Tirtir's travel-friendly Hydro Boost Enzyme Cleansing Powder, infused with enzymes, probiotics, and mild PHA, is a dry powder that activates when you wet it. Formulated as a true cleanser (not a face scrub), it foams into a milky cleanser with just a few drops of water. Rice extract and probiotics help keep your skin moisturized, and while it's designed to clear buildup and refine pores, it does so with especially gentle ingredients that work for a wide range of skin types.
Tester feedback from Wu
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"I have combination skin that's very dry and sensitive in my midface, but prone to excess oil and blackheads in my T-zone," says Wu. "I usually take a very targeted approach to exfoliants and make sure they only touch my T-zone to avoid irritating the rest of my face. But this cleanser is so gentle, I've found that it also works great as an allover face wash and exfoliant in one. Most powder cleansers I've used in the past turn into a sort of gritty paste texture when I wet them. Not this one! It transforms into a creamy, super smooth foam as soon as I add water. It doesn't feel like a face scrub; instead, the powdered enzymes lightly exfoliate and clear my pores so that my face feels baby-soft when I rinse it off." —Sarah Y. Wu, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice extract, enzymes, probiotics, PHA, mung bean powder
- Who it's for: normal, oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Waterproof Makeup: Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm
Banila Co.
Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Han using the Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Dr. Chang, Cho, and Allure editors all rave about Banila Co's iconic cleansing balm. Dr. Chang particularly loves the Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm version, which comes in a purple tub and includes soothing ingredients like Centella asiatica and madecassoside. The soft, silky balm scoops out easily and melts into oil when it meets skin. It's formulated to melt stubborn waterproof makeup without tugging and pulling to avoid irritating the delicate skin around your eyes. It also doesn't sting your eyes, which is essential when you're massaging off waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
Tester feedback from Dr. Chang
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"I use this for my evening cleanse when I want to remove all the dirt, makeup, and oil that accumulated throughout the day. I love the soft, milky texture of the balm and how it leaves the skin feeling smoother and more hydrated. It also does a great job at removing even the most stubborn of eyeliners and mascaras. It also does not irritate my eyes or skin." —Dr. Chang
Tester feedback from Cho
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"This is the O.G. Korean cleansing balm that started it all for me and my skin-care journey. I prefer a cleansing balm over a cleansing oil because it doesn't drip down my arms while cleansing my face. Just a little scoop goes a long way, and it removes my makeup and impurities effortlessly!" —Cho
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, madecassoside, olive oil, jojoba oil
- Who it's for: all skin types and anyone who wears makeup, especially waterproof makeup
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best No-Mess Packaging: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Dr. Althea
Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Wu using the Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Sarah Y. Wu
Why it's worth it: A cleansing balm that works like a pencil sharpener? K-beauty made it. Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm is a TikTok favorite and newly crowned 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, no big deal. Unlike most cleansing balms, which come with plastic spatulas, this one has a built-in dispenser that churns out ribbons of balm like thin sheets of pasta. The balm itself is formulated to remove both sunscreen and waterproof makeup without leaving any oily residue on your skin. It's infused with soothing centella and madecassoside to accommodate sensitive and acne-prone skin types and cleanses with a blend of camellia sinensis seed and grape seed oils.
Tester feedback from Wu
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"I'm going to go ahead and say this is the best packaging I've ever seen for a cleansing balm," says Wu. "When Evelyn Lee, the cofounder of the brand, first showed it to me, I told her I wish I thought of it myself. Yes, I can scoop out cleansing balms with my fingers or a spatula but this just rolls out the perfectly smooth, thin ribbon you can apply in an even layer. It never gets clogged or blocked either; it's just genius packaging. Of course, none of that would matter if the actual balm didn't work well, but it's equally impressive. It can dissolve my waterproof 3CE and Clio mascaras in one go, which is my ultimate test for any makeup remover—and it never irritates my eyes or makes me break out." —Sarah Y. Wu, contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, madecassoside, camellia senensis seed oil, grape seed oil
- Who it's for: all skin types and anyone who wears makeup
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Brightening: Ohui Miracle Toning Jelly Cleanser
Ohui
Miracle Toning Jelly Cleanser
Amazon
Revolve
Why it's worth it: Cleansers that leave your skin more radiant are worth the coins, and Ohui's Miracle Toning Jelly Cleanser is our top pick. This gently exfoliating wash is packed with vitamin C, pineapple extract, AHA, and PHA to boost cell turnover and improve overall tone. We find that the jelly-to-foam texture is very delightful and refreshing, especially in the mornings, and the citrusy scent lends a mood-boosting experience. (That being said, if you're sensitive to fragrances, you may want to skip.)
Tester feedback from Han
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“I adore a gel cleanser for my combination skin. This one in particular helps clear debris from my stubborn, clogged pores without leaving my skin feeling raw. Instead, my complexion feels soft and bouncy. I like the Miracle Toning Jelly Cleanser for the mornings in particular, because I find that it gives my dull skin a bit of a brightening boost.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, AHA (citric acid), PHA (gluconolactone), pineapple extract, vitamin C
- Who it's for: anyone who wants a gentle exfoliating cleanser
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Korean facial cleanser is the best?
The better question here is: Which Korean facial cleanser is best for your skin type? "Korean cleansers come with a variety of active ingredients that can help with multiple skin types," says Dr. Chang. "This allows you to customize your skin-care routine based on your skin needs."
If you like perusing ingredient lists, Dr. Chang has a few additional tips to match your skin type to a suitable cleanser." For oily skin, it's important to look for ingredients that help control excess sebum production, reduce clogged pores, and reduce inflammation without stripping the skin of its natural moisture," she says. "Key ingredients to look for include beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), tea tree oil (which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties), green tea, and niacinamide." If you have dry skin, she recommends hydrating and barrier-boosting ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter. Those with sensitive skin should search out "gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free cleansers" with ingredients like Centella asiatica (cica), green tea extract, allantoin, colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract, and niacinamide.
If your skin type doesn't sound like a perfect match for a cleanser but you're still curious to try, there's room for experimentation. "Korean cleansers tend to be gentle," says Dr. Chang. "Even if they include chemical exfoliants, the percentages tend to be low and are typically combined with other skin-calming and -repairing ingredients." Choi agrees. "Korean cleansers are known for being hydrating and gentle, making them suitable for most skin types without being stripping," she says. "Many Korean cleansers are formulated to be pH-balanced, typically around 5.5, matching the skin's natural pH level. This helps maintain the skin's acid mantle, which is crucial for protecting against bacteria and environmental stressors." Still, if you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test first.
What is the Korean cleansing method?
The Korean cleansing method, also known as double cleansing, is "a foundational step in the Korean skin-care routine that has gained worldwide popularity," says Dr. Chang. "Double cleansing refers to a two-step face cleansing technique, which involves using an oil-based cleanser and a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from the skin." The first cleanse melts away your oil-based impurities, like sebum and makeup. The second takes care of the remaining sweat and dirt.
"In Korea, everyone is obsessed with how to properly cleanse their skin because it's the first step to the final goal: dewy, soft skin," explains Cho. "It's not just a K-beauty staple; many dermatologists recommend the double cleanse as a way to first lift dirt and grime and then properly wash it all away." Our list above contains both oil- and water-based cleansers so you can build your own double-cleansing duo.
Meet the experts
- Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
- Charlotte Cho is a licensed esthetician and cofounder of Then I Met You and Soko Glam.
- Erica Choi is a licensed esthetician and founder of Superegg.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Korean cleansers, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists, estheticians, and brand founders. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
