If you have been in search for the best Korean cleansers, you have stumbled upon the right place!
Having a good cleanser or face wash in your skincare routine is crucial for removing impurities and sebum effectively from your face without stripping away its natural oils.
Choosing the best Korean face wash can be quite a task since you need to find something that gets the work done without being too harsh on your skin.
It’s crucial to avoid ingredients like SLS, SLES, alcohol, fragrance and others that can clog your pores or lead to irritation and breakouts.
That’s why I did the research for you and carefully checked 70+ Korean cleansers and studied all those ingredients lists!
Without further ado, here’s my list of TRULY the safest and best Korean cleansers to make things easy for you!
Choosing The Best Korean Facial Wash For Your Skin Type
When it comes to skincare, it all pans down to the right product for your skin concerns. I’m going to share with you my favorites among Korean skincare products for cleansing, that contain only skin-friendly ingredients.
Are you ready to find the best Korean facial wash for your skin type?
1. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cleansing Gel Unscented
My verdict: Best overall Korean face cleanser
This gel cleanser is a treat, especially for people with sensitive and dry skin types.
The black rice extract in this facial cleanser provides deep moisture to the skin and gently removes dead skin cells and excess oil.
Meanwhile, the fermented bamboo shoots help in soothing irritated skin and improve the complexion.
This fragrance-free cleanser has a mildly acidic formulation so it maintains the skin’s pH balance.
The best part? It contains natural surfactants (coconut) instead of synthetic ones, making it the best Korean cleanser for sensitive skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Washes off easily
It is such a lightweight cleanser and I love how easily it washes off without any residual film or layer on my face.
- Great for sensitive skin
Enriched with 95% natural ingredients, your skin will thank you for this gentle cleansing action without stripping its moisture barrier.
- Calms irritated skin
No other face wash can calm inflammation and reddened skin like this little guy does, If you have dry and sensitive skin like me, this is an excellent choice.
- Moisturizes the skin
Its active ingredients nourish dry skin by delivering moisture and antioxidants while keeping inflammation at bay.
I have a skin prone to dryness, but with this Korean face wash, my skin feels hydrated even before applying moisturizer!
- Good price
Usually Korean beauty products are quite expensive, but Haruharu is more affordable brand! If you’re looking for the best gel cleanser that won’t cost you a fortune, this is your best bet!
Keep In Mind
I would prefer to have it in a bottle with pump, but that’s a minor thing!
PRO TIP: Remember about double cleansing in your PM routine! Pair your foam/gel cleanser with one of the best Korean oil-based cleanser as the first step of the double cleanse method. You can also choose a cleansing balm for removing makeup.
2. Rovectin Gentle Cleansing Gel
My verdict: Awesome gel cleanser for normal and oily skin
![[ROVECTIN] Cleanser](https://youarebeautie.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GelCleanser.jpg)
This cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and glycerin for moisturizing touch.
I love its convenient bottle with pump!
Why You Will Love It
- Removes all dirt & makeup residue
This cleansing gel perfectly removes impurities and even waterproof makeup, without irritating the skin.
Afterwards the skin is super clean, but doesn’t feel tight (because this gel doesn’t strip off skin’s natural oils).
If you like wearing lots of makeup – Rovectin is a great option for you.
- Hydrates the skin
It’s mostly recommended for oily and combination skin with oily T zone and dry cheeks.
People with oily skin love how hydrating it feels for them, and reveals healthy and plump skin.
- Balances the pH of the skin
Thanks to the coconut-based surfactant in this foaming cleanser, the pH of your skin is balanced, which gives you a healthy fresh look.
Keep In Mind
Use a small amount for cleansing, otherwise you will have to use a lot of water to rinse it off!
PRO TIP: If you’re struggling with skin oiliness & acne, or want to tackle those pesky blackheads, I recommend you a different Rovectin foam cleanser that contains charcoal powder and natural AHA, BHA and PHA for gentle exfoliation.
Time to get rid of that sebum and grime! Just keep in mind that exfoliants should be used only 1-2 per week, not everyday!
3. Axis-Y Quinoa One Step Balanced Gel Cleanser
My verdict: Soothing cleanser for sensitive skin with acne
It contains a variety of natural components such as tea tree oil, camellia, calendula and sweet almond extracts, plus Cica and allantoin to soothe a skin irritated from acne.
Tea tree oil is great for greasy skin, as it can regulate oil production and fight against acne-causing bacteria.
Other moisturizing ingredients help lock in moisture, yielding plump and healthy skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Great for oily skin type
It helps to control sebum production, leaves the skin feeling light and irritation-free. Women with acne-prone skin who’ve been using it, claim that it never broke them out.
- Bye-bye acne
Among the advantages users mentioned, the most reported benefit is how this cleanser helps to reduce acne, unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.
- Super effective but not drying
I went thought dozens online reviews of Axis-Y cleanser and users agree that it removes even makeup and sunscreen! At the same time, it’s hydrating and gentle so it doesn’t have drying effect on the skin.
Keep In Mind
It contains geranium oil, which not every skin tolerates!
PRO TIP: If you have very sensitive skin or compromised skin barrier, I recommend you to add Axis-Y Artichoke Ampoule to your routine. It’s perfect for strengthening skin barrier and brings relief to irritated skin.
4. Kaine Kombu Gel Cleanser
My verdict: Gentle cleanser for oily skin with acne, clogged pores and blackheads
It contains small % of AHA, but enough to gently remove excess sebum and dead skin cells, and help to get rid of blackheads.
There is also glycerin, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, to soothe and hydrate the skin simultaneously.
The best part? It does not contain any synthetic surfactants, it is paraben-free and fragrance-free.
Why You Will Love It
- Helps to reduce acne and unclog pores
Lots of girls state it helped them with skin texture and reduced acne breakouts! It has green tea leaves that help in proper cleansing and getting rid of dead skin cells.
- Controls oil production
Kaine cleanser is great for people who struggle with excessive oil production and skin oiliness. All thanks to niacinamide.
- Non-irritating
Most girls love how this cleanser leaves their skin feeling clean and refreshed without being overly dry. It is non-stripping!
Keep In Mind
This cleanser may be too strong for dry skin, because of the AHA in it. I also recommend to use it sparingly – your skin doesn’t need exfoliation every day!
Remember to use sunscreen in the end of your routine, as AHAs make your skin photosensitive.
5. Skin1004 Centella Ampoule Foam
My verdict: Hydrating & soothing foam cleanser
I included Skin1004 foam in my ranking of the best cleansers for dry skin, because it is so gentle and doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped or tight.
It comes in a light foam formula that feels so pleasantly soft on skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Hello, hydration!
Most women believe this is the best hydrating cleanser in the Korean skincare routine. Jampacked with moisturizing elements (especially hyaluronic acid), it leaves the skin soft and hydrated.
- Centella Asiatica to the rescue!
Cica is well-known for its calming benefits, reducing redness and irritation. And this cleanser contains 84% Centella extract!
- Reduces acne-related irritation
This foam is perfect choice is your skin is sensitized and you’re struggling with acne.
Its soothing power will help to bring relief to your irritated skin. It can be used everyday.
Keep In Mind
For PM routine use it as a second cleanser.
6. JUMISO Pore Purifying Salicylic Acid Foaming Cleanser
My verdict: Powerful cleanser for fighting with blackheads and acne
If you’re looking for the best Korean face wash for your oily & acne skin that gently removes gunk from clogged pores, this foam cleanser might be just the one for you.
It contains salicylic acid that exfoliates the skin and reduces acne and sebum production. If you have acne-prone skin or oily skin, or persistent blackheads, this might be the best K-beauty cleanser with exfoliating power for you.
As this is the best Korean face wash with foam formula, it is of course free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Why You Will Love It
- Double action
Most women that use this Korean face cleanser love how they do not need to incorporate an extra exfoliant in their skincare routine as Jumiso does both: cleanses and exfoliates.
- Good riddance acne!
This Korean face wash has been shown to reduce acne breakouts in people with acne-prone skin. Women with oily skin love how they do not have to worry about excess sebum.
- More even skin complexion
There’s also ascorbic acid (vitamin C) – which means this us one of the best Korean cleansers for fighting skin discoloration.
I would say Jumiso is everything that acne skin needs because it reduces breakouts and with vitamin C it also reduces visibility of post-acne marks!
Keep In Mind
Remember to only use it once or twice per week.
PRO TIP: If this foam cleanser is too harsh for you, but you’re still looking for something to tackle acne and blackheads – check out the COSRX Good Morning Gel Cleanser. It contains tea tree and betaine salicylate which is gentler than salicylic acid but is also effective at diminishing breakout and blackheads.
Final Decision: What Is The Number 1 Korean Cleanser?
Korean face washes that I picked are gentle and nourishing, but without compromising on quality.
Hence, this makes K-beauty face washes better choice than many over the counter cleansers. Are you ready to find out which of these 7 best Korean cleansers is my absolute favorite?
From my list, the number 1 Korean cleanser has to be the Haruharu Black Rice gel face wash. I love it for being gentle on reactive and sensitive skin. I’ve never experience redness or irritation while using it (which unfortunately happens with many gel cleansers)!
If your facial skin is oily type and prone to acne (and those nasty blackheads) you may want to try one of the two awesome and “stronger” cleansers: Kaine Kombu Cleanser or even more powerful Jumiso Salicylic Acid Foam Cleanser.
They are 2in1 cleansers and exfoliators and they should be used 1-2 per week.
How To Choose The Right Korean Cleanser?
To choose the best Korean face wash, you need to pay attention to your skin type, skin concerns, as well as carefully check ingredients (avoid harmful elements such as alcohol, harsh preservatives, and artificial fragrances).
Oily Skin
Foam cleansers and gel cleansers are great for oily skin (that is also prone to acne and blemishes). They effectively remove skin debris and impurities and give it a clean fresh feel.
Korean foam cleansers often have nourishing or hydrating agents added to them, so your skin does not feel too tight or dry after use.
Acne-Prone Skin
For acne-prone skin, the best Korean face wash should clean excess oil and clogged pores while reducing acne flare-ups. This skin can benefit from cleansing oils, cleansing foam, gel-type cleansers, and balms.
Another thing to look for in the best Korean face wash for acne is the salicylic acid – it gently exfoliates skin buildup while reducing acne.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, you can benefit from cream cleansers, oil cleansers (cleansing oils and balms), and milk cleansers. Dry skin needs moisturization the most, and this is exactly what oil-based cleanser and cream cleansers deliver.
If you want gentle exfoliation too, opt for a cleanser with gentle exfoliator (AHA or even better – PHA).
Combination Skin
Combination skin can be cleansed perfectly using Korean cleansing oil paired with cleansing foam or gel cleanser.
Sensitive Skin
The best Korean face wash for delicate skin is one that is non-irritating and gentle on the skin. These kinds of cleansers are often full of soothing natural ingredients.
You can opt for Korean cleansers formulated particularly for sensitive skin, with simple and short ingredients list.
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:
- Pictures of Rovectin Cleanser belong to Rovectin Brand. Source: https://rovectin.com/
- Pictures of Jumiso Pore Purifying belong to Jumiso brand. Source: https://jumiso.us/
- Pictures of Skin1004 Foam belong to Skin1004 Brand. Source: https://skin1004.com/
- Pictures of Axis-Y Quinoa Gel Cleanser belong to Axis-Y Brand. Source: https://www.axis-y.com/
