If you have dry skin, you surely know that demands really extra care, and choosing the right cleanser is paramount to avoid any irritation, skin peeling, additional drying out and stripping the skin off its natural oils.
So, people with dry skin (especially if it’s dry AND sensitive) should definitely stay away from ingredients that could exacerbate the condition of their dry skin. Avoid cleanser that contain alcohol or fragrances.
I’ve prepared a list of the best and safest face washes from Korea – which actually do the job, and contain exclusively safe ingredients.
PRO TIP: Do you like Korean products? The you may want to read my other articles where I share my favorite and safest choices, for example this post about the best K-Beauty cleansers with recommendations for all skin types.
Choosing Best Korean Face Wash For Dry Skin
If you want to wash your skin with the best cleanser, suitable for your skin’s needs, check out my favorite 6 best Korean cleansers for dry skin. Definitely, you will fall in love with (at least) one of them!
1. Haruharu Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel
My verdict: Overall best K-beauty cleanser for dry skin
Oh, the Haruharu Black Rice cleanser, my absolute favorite…
I have sensitive skin and often struggle with dry patches (especially during cold months) and since I started using this face wash, I haven’t experienced any dryness or irritation!
I’ve been using it already for a year and it’s been the MOST GENTLE cleanser I’ve EVER tried.
It is formulated with some of the most enriching ingredients, including black rice extract and Panax Ginseng root extract and bamboo extract, which work together to gently cleanse your skin, effectively removing makeup residues, impurities, and excess sebum without compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Being free from all the harsh chemicals, it’s safe for every skin type.
Why You Will Love It?
- Lightweight and gentle, yet effective
This wonderful and smooth gel cleanser will effectively remove all impurities, without making your skin feeling tight.
This cleanser doesn’t create tons of foam, but it leaves your skin feeling refreshed and moisturized, without any dryness – or heaviness!
- Clears away pores
According to product reviews, this cleansing gel – not only minimizes your pores but also clears them without clogging. So, if you are “lucky” to have dry, yet acne-prone skin, you will love it.
- Unscented
It has simple ingredients list and there’s no artificial fragrance added. Perfect for sensitive skin, prone to irritations.
Keep In Mind
If you’re often wearing heavy makeup, I recommend pairing it with Haruharu cleansing oil. It’s also safe for acne-prone skin. It also has super short list of ingredients, and thanks to its thicker oily texture it works amazing for waterproof makeup removal.
2. Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cleanser
My verdict: Awesome cleanser for compromised skin barrier & acne
The Round Lab Mugwort Calming Cleanser is made with mugwort extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and that is why this cleanser offers you a calming effect while effectively cleansing your skin. And – you will love it, as it also helps soften the skin.
Its gentle formulation makes it ideal for dry skin, ensuring a thorough cleanse without causing irritation or additional dryness and skin tightening.
Most importantly, this cleanser does not contain harsh ingredients – including EDTA or PEG, which is great for people with dry – and sensitive skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Strong enough with no skin barrier stripping and scrubbing
This gentle cleanser effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin.
And – although gentle and calming, it is effective enough to clean even the most stubborn impurities – without scrubbing.
- Feels like a calming cream
Based on the reviews of women using it, this moisturizing cleanser feels like a cream on your skin, providing a soothing, calming effect, making it perfect for sensitive skin, too. Its subtle herbal scent is an additional plus.
Keep In Mind
This cleanser may feel thicker than expected for a cleanser. So, some of you may not like it, especially if you prefer lighter textures.
PRO TIP: Did you know it is okay to skip the cleanser in your AM routine, especially during winter, and if your skin is dry?
It’s enough if you just splash it with water. Or you can use a simple cleansing water that doesn’t require rinsing off (for example: The SKIN HOUSE Rice Cleansing Water – it’s quite unique!).
Just put a few drops of it on a cotton pad, wipe off your face. It’s enough for morning routine to get rid of the impurities and prepare your skin for next step of your routine. This way you will avoid stripping your skin off its good oils.
3. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Cleanser
My verdict: Mild & moisturizing cleanser that regulates sebum
This Round Lab cleanser contains a perfect combination of several skin conditioning ingredients that thoroughly cleanse the skin of any impurities and residues, while leaving your (dehydrated) skin soft and – hydrated.
It foams gently, doesn’t strip skin and leaves it revitalized.
Why You Will Love It?
- Soothing and smoothing
The key ingredients of this cleansing face wash are: Birch Sap, hyaluronic acid, annual mugwort, and Scotch pine leaf oil that helps soothe and nourish your skin, making this one of the best cleansers for skin sensitivities and irritations.
Women reported their skin felt smooth, soft – and simply – incredible after use.
- Washes away dirt, without stripping
It washes off all the grime super easily -and doesn’t make your skin feel like it was stripped. It’s also good for dehydrated skin.
- Little goes a long way
Users say the tube lasts for quite a long time (even up to 3 months!), as you only need a little bit to wash your entire face and neck.
Keep In Mind
I do prefer cleansers with pump, not in a tube. But that’s just a personal preference and tiny complaint.
4. beplain Greenful pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam
My verdict: Affordable K-beauty cleanser
Beplain’s foam cleanser is a perfect for double cleanse routine. It contains Mung bean extract which helps remove impurities lodged (even deep) in your pores. It also helps restore the lost hydration, which is crucial for healthy skin.
Furthermore, Korean Mung bean powder in this cleansing foam works as a gentle exfoliant to eliminate dead skin cells and excess oil, to leave the skin deeply cleaned.
It’s free from harsh ingredients and has a foamy consistency which is really convenient for fast cleansing of your dry skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Glowing skin
Women who used this cleansing foam on their skin claim it made their skin glow. The combination of ingredients that helps you achieve clean skin – but also leaves the skin hydrated and nourished is responsible for this glowing effect!
- Great deal
Considering the fact this cleanser is really great and helps improve your skin in so many ways – the price is absolutely acceptable. It’s definitely budget-friendly.
Keep In Mind
While this cleanser definitely cleans the skin perfectly and helps you nourish the skin, it’s not acne skin friendly.
It can cause some acne breakouts in acne-prone individuals. So, it may not suit just any skin type. In this case, you should opt for another cleanser.
PRO TIP: Remember that all steps of your skincare routine should include products that are formulated specifically for your skin type. Here are my recommendations of the best Korean facial creams that soothe dry skin.
5. B_LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser
My verdict: Refreshing & gently brightening cleanser
B_LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser is a wonderful cleansing foam for dry and sensitive skin.
It contains green tea extract and Centella-cica which helps soothe the skin and restore skin barrier and natural water-oil balance – and has so many other benefits for the skin.
Furthermore, hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and glycerin also provide extra moisture and protect the skin, too.
Since it’s clinically proven to be hypoallergenic and clean – it’s really suitable for any skin type, from oily skin to dry skin.
Why You Will Love It?
- Refreshing feeling
Many women who used this foam cleanser reported that their skin felt extremely clean and refreshed afterward.
Some even reported they noticed some skin brightening – and less acne with this cleanser. It helps moisturize the skin without clogging the pores. A great choice for people with acne-prone skin, as well!
- A little goes a long way
Thanks to its consistency, it foams up beautifully, and you need just a little bit of the cleanser to keep your face skin clean.
Keep In Mind
This cleansing foam is sprinkled with little bits of grains – but it happens that you find some big chunks of it.
This can be too rough for the skin, as it may remind you of a physical exfoliant. If your skin is sensitive, it may strip your skin – and you won’t like it.
6. Skin1004 Centella Ampoule Foam
My verdict: Super gentle, soothing and hydrating cleanser
This foam is pack with 84% Cica extract, as well as sodium hyaluronate to calm and hydrate your skin. It’s gentle, but effectively washes away impurities and excess sebum.
It doesn’t leave your skin with that unpleasant tight feeling.
Its lightweight formula, without fragrance is clean and completely safe, which makes it a suitable choice for those of you concerned about harmful chemicals, ensuring you a gentle yet thorough cleanse for dry skin types.
Why You Will Love It?
- Awesome choice for sensitive & acne prone skin
It doesn’t lead to breakouts or redness.
This foam cleanser leaves the skin soft and refresh, all thanks to soothing and nourishing benefits of Centella.
- No stripping
It has a creamy, thick texture, that works perfectly for dry skin. It is mild and doesn’t strip your skin, making it a perfect part of your gentle skincare routine.
Keep In Mind
While this cleanser is definitely worth trying – some women may find it too expensive.
Final Decision: What Is The Best Korean Cleanser For Dry Skin?
If I had to choose one of these cleansers as the best Korean cleanser for dry skin – that would definitely be the Haruharu Black Rice Cleansing Gel.
It is safe and beneficial for every skin type, its formula is simple – yet powerful, and most importantly, it contains only skin-safe, natural ingredients. Those ingredients are perfect for dry skin. For example, the formula includes Korean black rice bran natural oil, for additional skin strengthening.
But in general, whichever cleansing oil or cleanser from this list you choose, you will be a winner in any case! The final choice depends only on you and your skin type.
Is Korean Skincare Good For Dry Skin?
Absolutely, Korean skincare can be extremely beneficial for dry skin. The thing is that the Korean skincare routine often emphasizes hydration, which can be particularly advantageous for those of you dealing with dry skin concerns.
How To Choose Korean Cleanser For Dry Skin?
If you are looking for the best Korean cleanser for your skin, there are a few things to consider.
First of all, an absolute must is – a hydrating formula, with hydrating, moisturizing, and nourishing, gentle ingredients that will not strip your skin barrier and disrupt natural oil content. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and aloe vera, are a great start.
Furthermore, try to find a cleanser with a pH level of around 5.5 to maintain the skin barrier.
It is also important to avoid harsh ingredients, like alcohol, sulfates, fragrances, and others. Remember about patch testing!
What Causes Dry Skin?
Well, dry skin can stem from various internal and external factors and can be affected by your skincare choices.
Dry skin can be caused even by weather conditions – cold, dry air which can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, or excessive exposure to sunlight and heat.
Then, hot showers, aging, genetics, and medical conditions may all predispose you to dry skin. But – did you know that even harsh soaps and cleansers can have such effect, too? If they deplete natural oil content from your skin – voila – the result is dry skin!
Tips For Cleansing Dry Skin
Dry skin skincare can seem challenging – but, mostly, it’s pretty simple. Cleansing dry skin requires a delicate balance to remove impurities while maintaining its moisture.
In cleansing, the first rule is – not to over-cleanse. You should opt for lukewarm water and avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin of natural oils.
Furthermore, choose a hydrating, cream-based, or oil-based cleanser specifically designed for dry skin, with mild, clean, and sulfate-free formulas that won’t further dry out your skin.
After double cleanse (or just regular face washing), gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously, and be gentle. Of course, follow up cleansing with a moisturizer.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority. This article contains affiliate links.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
Sources of other pictures: Round Lab, COSRX, beplain, B_LAB and Skin1004 brands.
