Skin is our biggest organ. But, it is more than that. Our outer appearance is greatly defined by skin texture, tone, and condition. Therefore, taking good care of it is of high importance.
The exfoliator is an important step in any skincare routine, including the Korean routine.
With this step, you remove dead skin cells from the upper layer of your precious skin.
As it’s already probably familiar to you, Korean beauty products are (in most cases) more natural, containing less harsh chemicals. And, this is something you want, I’m sure.
In general, people who opt for Korean beauty products do so, because they want to use cleaner and safer products.
Harsh ingredients of regular skincare products and exfoliators may be irritating their skin, or they may simply be “too harsh”, causing breakouts, or other skin concerns.
And, this can make choosing an exfoliator, chemical or physical, even more overwhelming.
Reading all those labels (looking for non-toxic and non-irritating ingredients) can be quite time-consuming.
If you keep in mind that choosing the wrong exfoliator may do so much more harm than good to your skin, this gets more stressful, right?
Due to this reason, we made this research for you, presenting you with the safest, and only the best Korean exfoliators.
Furthermore, if you are looking for the best Korean peeling gel or best Korean face scrub, this article will be your guide!
11 Best Korean Exfoliators: Peeling Gels, Face Scrubs, Cleansers, Pads & Toners
If you are looking for the best and healthiest way to remove dead skin cells (and remove excess sebum, too) and improve your skin texture (and skin tone), while keeping your skin hydrated and looking great, try these Korean skin exfoliator options.
These 11 best Korean exfoliators are safe, and free from nasty chemicals. Most importantly, they will do their job nicely, and leave you with beautiful skin with that unique, natural glow.
1. O.R.G Peel Off Face Cleanser For Gentle Exfoliation
This mineral peeling spray contains natural brightening agents, making it a wonderful Korean exfoliator for those who have dark spots or uneven skin tone.
It cleans impurities and leaves you with a smooth skin texture afterward.
Among other ingredients, it contains retinol and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), making this product one of the best Korean exfoliators for oily skin and acne-prone skin, but due to other seed oils and extracts, it works great on all skin types.
Plus, it contains probiotics, which are very important for skin health and immunity.
Maybe even more importantly, it contains no harsh chemicals, so you can rest assured it will not give you skin irritation or leave you with any unwanted effects.
Why You Will Love It
- Easy to use
This Korean exfoliators’ packaging is designed as a spray. As such, it is very easy to use, and the process of this gentle exfoliation is very fast. So, if you have a busy schedule, this will be a great plus to incorporate into your skincare routine.
- All (skin types) love it!
According to product reviews of women who use(d) this exfoliator, this is a favorite part of skincare routine in many, leaving skin smooth and soft. Furthermore, it is interesting that they have different skin types (even with sensitive skin), but still – the product worked great for all of them.
- Skin only peel
This Korean exfoliator – among other advantages that women claim about this product – doesn’t stick to the little hairs on their face like some other peels do. And, it is very easy to rinse off the skin.
Keep In Mind
It contains retinol which means it will make your skin sensitive to the sun. Because of this ingredient you shouldn’t use it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Another thing is: this Korean exfoliator is great, without a doubt, but some costumers find it tad bit expensive.
2. TONYMOLY I’m Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser
This Korean exfoliator cleanses away dead skin cells effectively while also hydrating your skin.
It contains rice powder that is known for its ability of gentle exfoliation, and rice extract, that has anti-inflammatory properties. The latter is extremely important for soothing the skin.
So, sensitive skin types are also on the safe side with this exfoliator. Furthermore, it contains papaya enzyme which does exfoliate dead skin cells, but also improves skin texture and tone.
It’s, of course, free from artificial fragrances and colors, don’t worry about it.
Why You Will Love It
- Gentle, gentle, gently gentle
Among other good sides of this exfoliators, many women claim it is very gently, providing very light exfoliation of dead skin layers – and that it’s not harsh at all. This primarily came from those with dry or sensitive skin, that may find it difficult to find exfoliator so gentle like this one. And, yes, despite its gentle nature, it still works perfectly.
- Silky light
Women who have oily skin, or combination skin, may find some exfoliators too heavy on their face. However, for this particular exfoliators, they didn’t report such issues. It rather helped them improve their natural oils and make their skin feeling soft.
Keep In Mind
Although this product doesn’t contain artificial fragrances and perfumes, due to its formula, it may seem like it has some sour milk smell.
Keep in mind that this smelly smell doesn’t indicate a spoiled product that will make a skin damage.
3. Meebak Cica Gel To Foam Cleanser
Among the best Korean cleansers is surely Meebak Cica Gel to Foam Cleanser. What’s so great about it?
It’s oil-based, with a very mild gel formula with natural ingredients – and it turns into a rich foam to clean your face and peel away dead skin cells.
This exfoliator contains Centella asiatica – cica that soothes your skin.
Furthermore, white willow bark extract in this product clear your pores and promote healthy oil balance (willow bark water is great for unclogging pores!).
Tea tree extract is also one of the ingredients, being great for acne-prone skin, and soothing sensitive skin, too.
Interestingly, this chemical exfoliators contains gluconolactone, that may help you fight skin flakes. So, if you have flaky skin, this product will be your friend.
Why You Will Love It
- Foam it away
It lathers into a rich foam that enables you to clean even hard-to-reach parts of your face and removes dead skin cells easily.
Besides, thanks to willow bark water, it clears (clogged) pores and prevents blackheads and whiteheads from forming.
- Clean does not mean dry
This exfoliator deep-cleans your face – but it doesn’t leave your face feeling dry.
According to women who used this exfoliator, it does a really great job on oily skin – but it does not dry out the face.
Because of it, it can be used even for dry skin type, as the ingredients help you moisturize skin, too.
Keep In Mind
While this is a great exfoliator, according to some reviews, it has a strong scent. So, if you are a fan of more neutral scents, this might not be your product of choice.
4. Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
This exfoliator blends together ingredients like glycolic and mandelic acid that dissolve dead skin cells buildup on your skin gently. It, therefore, leaves your skin nicely clean.
Thanks to gluconolactone and alpha hydroxy acid, vitamin C, and fruit enzymes, your skin texture and skin tone become more even and bright.
It is entirely clean from harsh ingredients, including sulfates, parabens, Phthalate, fragrance, or artificial colors, so you can rest assured it’s completely safe for your skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Skin so soft (and hydrated)
This is an exfoliator that will make your skin clean by removing dead skin cells – but, at the same time, it doesn’t dry out your skin. Instead, it keeps your skin hydrated the whole day.
- Shine bright like a diamond
This brightening peeling gel exfoliator will make your skin brighter. Thanks to the blend of ingredients and fruit extracts, it will make your skin
Keep In Mind
This exfoliators contains konjac jellies which may give it the ‘chunky’ gel-like texture some women don’t really like.
Plus, being a jelly cleanser, it doesn’t lather as much as a foam or gel cleanser might.
5. Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Balm
This deep cleansing balm contains plant-based ingredients that melt away dead skin cells, stubborn makeup, and deep pore (even enlarged pores) impurities as it comes in contact with the skin.
Among other ingredients, it contains polyhydroxy acids, which makes it a great choice for reactive and sensitive skin.
Namely, these acids don’t disrupt reactive skin types. It contains natural ingredients only, so – zero harsh chemicals.
Why You Will Love It
- On the go
This Korean chemical exfoliator is solid in texture, so it’s spill-proof and mess-free. Therefore, you can take it with you anywhere, as it’s travel-friendly.
- Deep clean
According to reviews of women who used it, it really deep-cleans the face skin. The texture is obviously contributing to this.
Keep In Mind
Some women were bothered by the oily residue this exfoliator leaves. However, every skin is different so you may still want to give it a try!
6. SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
When it comes to (Korean) physical exfoliators, it can be pretty difficult to choose the one that won’t dry off your (maybe already dry) skin.
Skinfood black sugar mask wash-off performs physical exfoliation with organic black sugar granules that remove dead skin cells and excess sebum from the skin’s surface.
However, it also contains macadamia seed oil and shea butter for nourishing and moisturizing skin.
Why You Will Love It
- Perfect scrub
Women who have been using this exfoliator claim that it gives you just the right amount of scrub to sluff off dead skin and the right amount of hydration (thanks to macadamia oil and shea butter) that makes your skin feel refreshed.
- Price!
This gentle physical exfoliator is very affordable, and the packaging lasts long. So, it is a great deal.
Keep In Mind
If you have dry and sensitive skin, this might not be your exfoliator of choice, as this type of physical exfoliation might be too much for your sensitive skin.
7. Benton PHA Peeling Gel
Benton Peeling Gel is the gentle peeling gel that provides you best of physical and chemical exfoliation types.
Besides exfoliating away dead skin cells, it also helps you replenish moisture and soothe your skin.
This is possible thanks to ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and chrysanthemum morifolium flower extract.
Although it’s a gentle Korean chemical exfoliator, it is very effective, and absolutely safe, even for dry and sensitive skin. It’s free from all that harsh chemicals.
Why You Will Love It
- Scent of unscented
This gentle peeling gel is completely natural and – unscented. If you are not a fan of (strong) scents in your skincare routine, you will definitely love this physical/chemical exfoliator.
- Bye, bye, dull skin
Thanks to hyaluronic acid in this brightening peeling gel, your skin will be hydrated and moisturized, with that beautiful, healthy glow.
Keep In Mind
While it’s a good thing that this product is really among most mild physical exfoliators and also being a gentle physical exfoliator, for some women, it is just too mild.
8. NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Polish White Rice & Sugar
Finding the right physical exfoliator when you have dry skin or sensitive skin can be quite difficult.
Neogen’s Dermatology Real Polish White Rice and Sugar exfoliator has fine sugar particles that gently remove dead skin layers.
Additionally, Korean rice extract, together with vitamin tree fruit extracts, and glutathione provide you that natural glow on your skin, without irritation.
This exfoliator is also free from those harsh chemicals.
Why You Will Love It
- Immediate glow
Among the reviews and experiences with using this product, you can read that it gives immediate results, right after using it
- Lips so soft
You can use this exfoliators for exfoliating lip dead skin cells at times.
Keep In Mind
There is also another exfoliating product from this Korean brand, called NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Fresh Cleansing Stick Green Tea. It is effective, but contains fragrance, so it’s not suitable for sensitive skin.
Other Products For Exfoliation
Here are a few more products that you can use for daily gentle exfoliation, like toners and pads.
9. COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pad
Peeling pads are very popular way to exfoliate dead skin in everyday skincare routine of many women.
COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pad allows you to strongly moisturize your skin at the same time, as it contains lots of moisturizing ingredients, such as Alaska Glacier Water, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and panthenol.
Therefore, dry skin will benefit most from it.
It also contains betaine salicylate that actually results from the combination of salicylic acid and betaine. So, it is great for oily skin, prone to acne – too!
Why You Will Love It
- Size of the pores going down
Many women who use this product say it reduced their (enlarged) pores significantly, and their skin started to purge and my shine bright. And – moreover – these results were quite immediate.
- Feels and smells like freshness
Being extremely hydrating to your skin, it makes you feel fresh immediately. But, it also has very mild, light natural scent, that smells like that you’re feeling – fresh.
Keep In Mind
Some women reported that the peeling pads peeled a few times.
PRO TIP: For those of you with sensitive skin, experiencing blackheads, whiteheads, or having enlarged pores, there is another option, with less ingredients: this COSRX BHA Cleansing Pads, containing beta hydroxy acid only. Less ingredients means less chances for triggering skin reaction.
10. Heimish All Clean Green Pore Toner Pads
These pore toner pads are great for cleaning away excess sebum, makeup residues, and impurities in pores while also restoring oil and moisture balance. As such, they work great for all skin types.
Knowing that these pads contain only natural ingredients, including barley extract and witch hazel that calm and balance your skin, you may use them even if your skin is sensitive.
Citric acid (one of the best chemical exfoliants) will help exfoliate all the impurities, without causing irritation.
And yes, it is hypoallergenic, and has low pH, contains zero silicones, no ethanol.
Why You Will Love It
- Easy to use
The pads come with tweezers to be able to pull each pad off easily. The size of the container is also great and travel-friendly.
- Soak it in
According to reviews of women using these pads – the pads are very saturated, allowing one pad to clean your face, neck, and even chest.
Some of them felt guilty about “soaking” in the product.
Keep In Mind
The product looks great, but the price is rather on the higher end.
11. COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner from COSRX is great option for beginners to exfoliation. It offers very gentle exfoliation.
It contains willow bark water and apple fruit water, both of which are gentle chemical exfoliants that help reduce acne breakouts.
Besides, glycolic acid helps exfoliate skin’s surface while softening and smoothing skin texture.
Another beneficial ingredient is the mixture of betaine and salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid has so many benefits for (especially acne-prone) skin. It is free from harsh chemicals!
Why You Will Love It
- Say bye, bye to dark spots
Among other benefits of this exfoliator – and according to sincere women’s reviews – it helps with hyperpigmentation. So, it may help you get rid of these boring dark spots.
- Best of both worlds
If you have both blackheads and whiteheads, buying this option with two-in-one makes sense – and makes your life easier.
Plus, this exfoliator seems to be absorbed quickly. Otherwise, you can buy COSRX toners with only AHA or only BHA, for whiteheads, and blackheads and spots, respectively.
Know your skin type and get most benefits out of your skincare products.
Keep In Mind
Some women with dry skin reported getting a little flaky skin after using this toner every day. However, applying it every other day server dry skin perfectly!
Final Decision: What Is The Best Korean Exfoliator?
Choosing the right exfoliator can be pretty challenging, and it all depends on your skin type.
However, this O.R.G Peel Off Face Cleanser seems to be great for all skin types by providing gentle exfoliation, while also containing probiotics for your skin health.
What Is The Best Korean Exfoliator For Dry Skin?
Containing so many moisturizing ingredients, these COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pads seem to be the best Korean exfoliator for dry skin.
What Is The Best Korean Face Exfoliator For Oily Skin?
In my opinion, the best Korean face exfoliator for oily skin is this TONYMOLY I’m Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser. it’s light and regulates skin’s natural oils.
What Is The Best Korean Exfoliator For Acne-Prone Skin?
I think that this cica-based Meebak Gel To Foam Cleanser is the best Korean exfoliator for acne-prone skin, because it has has soothing properties and helps to fight blemishes thanks to tea tree extract.
Otherwise, if you have both blackheads and whiteheads, this COSRX AHA/BHA Toner is your exfoliator of choice.
PRO TIP: If you’re unsure what kind of exfoliator your skin actually needs, check out my tips for choosing the right Korean exfoliator, depending on your skin type.
This way you can make sure the exfoliation will improve your skin texture, instead of causing skin irritation or flaking.
Types Of Exfoliators
There are two main types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators.
The first ones, you apply topically and wash off when done. Second ones are usually formulations with a physical “peeling and scrubbing” effect.
But, what’s interesting – exfoliator doesn’t necessarily have to be a peeling, it can be a toner or pad as well.
Do Koreans Exfoliate Their Face?
Yes, yes, yes. Koreans do exfoliate their face. Exfoliation is actually part of the Korean skincare routine (which includes 10 steps) – and it’s there for a reason.
Benefits Of Using Korean Exfoliators
Here are the main benefits of using Korean exfoliator:
- Improved skin texture,
- Hydrated and moisturized skin,
- Brighter complexion,
- Reduced appearance of pores,
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,
- The best Korean exfoliators contain awesome natural ingredients that are safe for various skin types.
Keep in mind that using an exfoliator is just as important on your face, as on the rest of your body. The main benefits of exfoliating your skin with sugar or salt scrub is that it helps with ingrown hairs, removes dead skin cells and relieves smoother skin.
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 O.R.G Peel Off Face Cleanser belong to O.R.G Skincare Brands. Source: https://www.orgskincare.com/
- Pictures of TONYMOLY I’m Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser belong to TONYMOLY Brand. Source: https://tonymoly.us/
- Pictures of Meebak Cleanser belong to Meebak Brand. Source: https://meebak.com/
- Pictures of Hero Cosmetics Jelly Cleanser belong to Hero Cosmetics Brand. Source: https://www.herocosmetics.us/
- Pictures of Hanskin PHA Balm belong to Hanskin Brand. Source: https://kajabeauty.com/
- Pictures of SKINFOOD Mask Wash Off belong to SKINFOOD Brand. Source: https://theskinfood.us/
- Pictures of Benton PHA Peeling Gel belong to Benton Brand. Source: https://bentoncosmetics.com/
- Pictures of NEOGEN DERMALOGY Real Polish belong to NEOGEN Lab Brand. Source: https://neogenlab.us/
- Pictures of COSRX Pad belong to COSRX Brand. Source: https://www.cosrx.com/
- Pictures of Heimish Pads belong to Heimish Brand. Source: https://heimish.us/
