The 9 Best Korean Cleansers We’ve Tried & Tested In 2025

A slapdash scrub of the face with a face wipe just doesn’t cut it in a skincare routine that actually delivers soothed and cleansed results, which is why we’re such fans of Korean cleansing oils and water-based Korean cleansers here at BEAUTY BAY. Wondering “why are Korean cleansers so good?” Many of them are packed with gentle, soothing, hydrating ingredients like heartleaf, Centella Asiatica, and rice water. And they get to work removing all traces of makeup, SPF, and other impurities to leave your skin refreshed, clear, and soothed… unlike said face wipe.

To help you find the best Korean cleanser for your skin type and needs, we’ve reviewed 9 of our favourites here at BEAUTY BAY. So get ready for a double cleansing routine that will transform your skin, and give those face wipes a long-awaited demotion.

How to Double Cleanse With Korean Cleansers

Step 1: Start by using a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to dissolve makeup, product build-up, and SPF. This step will also help unclog your pores and reduce sebum production.

Step 2: Follow with a water-based cleanser, like a gel or foam to gently clarify, cleanse, and remove any remaining impurities.

1. Best overall Korean cleanser: Purito Seoul From Green Cleansing Oil

2. Best Korean cleansing gel: COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

3. Best Korean cleanser for pores: ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

4. Best non-irritating Korean cleanser: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam

5. Best Korean cleansing balm: Belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

6. Best Korean cleansing oil for breakouts: haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil

7. Best Korean cleanser for combination skin: SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam

8. Best Korean cleansing oil: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

9. Best Korean cleanser for sensitive skin: Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

Rated: Best overall Korean cleanser

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: Melting away stubborn makeup, SPF, and impurities without too much elbow grease is top of our list for a cleansing oil, and the Purito Seoul From Green Cleansing Oil deeply cleanses and unclogs pores without too much effort. It’s powered by plant-based oils like olive oil and sunflower oil, which work together to form a natural moisture barrier over the skin and control sebum.

Name: Sophie Dickson

Skin type: Dry

Sophie’s review: “I typically love a good Korean Skincare cleansing oil as they are so gentle on the skin and don’t leave my skin thirsty for hydration. The Purito Seoul From Green Cleansing Oil is no exception, it breaks down any makeup or dirt on my skin so effortlessly but doesn’t leave you feeling stripped or tight – which for dry skin girlies is a must. The lightweight formula doesn’t clog the pores, allowing your skin to breathe while removing those nasty impurities. This cleansing oil is now a firm favourite within my skincare routine for both AM and PM.”

Rated: Best Korean cleansing gel

Best for: Dry, sensitive, and combination skin types

Why we love it: Some cleansing gels can strip the skin whilst removing makeup and impurities, but the COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser refreshes and clarifies without stripping the skin. Formulated with a low pH to support the skin barrier, it’s perfect for morning and evening use. Expect soft, smooth skin that feels clean but never tight.

Name: Phoebe Page

Skin type: Normal, Sensitive

Phoebe’s review: “The COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser claims to be super refreshing and gentle. My skin definitely felt refreshed and I like that it acts as an almost antioxidant which I have never found in a facewash before. I noticed my skin was definitely brighter and felt hydrated so I loved the results, but would use every few days due to the tea tree scent.”

Rated: Best Korean cleanser for pores

Best for: Oily, normal, blemish-prone, combination, and dry skin types

Why we love it: The ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil soothes irritation and controls excess oil thanks to one of favoruite Korean ingredients, heartleaf, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It also keeps the skin soft and hyddrated with a nourishing blend of jojoba seed, grape seed, and macadamia seed oils. And it went viral on TikTok for visibly lifting blackheads and whiteheads when massaged into skin.

Name: Chloe Carter

Skin type: Dry

Chloe’s review: “I’ve tried a few cleansing oils before, but the ANUA Cleansing Oil has quickly become my favorite! It stands out because it feels so gentle on the skin while being effective. Unlike some other cleansing oils I’ve used, this one didn’t feel too heavy or leave behind any greasy residue.

I love that it contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help to soothe redness and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much clearer my pores looked after using this oil consistently. It melts away makeup (even waterproof mascara!) and SPF effortlessly, making my evening routine so much easier.

My skin felt balanced and hydrated, never stripped. After seeing the results, this will definitely be a staple in my skincare routine. I can’t recommend it enough! Perfect for anyone looking for a gentle yet effective cleanse.”

Rated: Best non-irritating Korean cleanser

Best for: Oily and combination skin types

Why we love it: The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam packed with Centella Asiatica to calm and soothe, which is why it’s one of our favourite Korean skincare ingredients. It’s a cleansing foam that gently cleanses away dirt and impurities, whislt cacao extract adds antioxidant protection, and the pH-balanced formula ensures your skin stays soft, soothed, and hydrated.

Name: Chloe Tebbutt

Skin type: Oily, Acne-prone

Chloe’s review: “I’ve used a few K-beauty products in my skincare routine before and have always been impressed, so when it came time to find a new cleanser, I decided to try the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam, and it really delivered.

It cleanses thoroughly without leaving my skin feeling tight or dry. I’ve noticed my skin feels hydrated after use and any redness looks much more settled, which I’ve never had with a cleanser before! It’s gentle, soothing, and doesn’t disrupt my skin barrier, so it’s earned a spot in my daily routine. Definitely a new go-to!”

Rated: Best Korean cleansing balm

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: We love a Korean skincare product we can have a little fun with, like the Belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm which transforms from solid balm to oil to milky liquid. It leaves skin feeling moisturised and hydrated as it’s infused with natural ingredients like Lotus Flower to repenlish skin moisture levels. Plus, Marsh Mallow Root Extract that helps lock in moisture into sensitive skin and dehydrated skin.

Name: Rachel Brown

Skin type: Dry

Rachel’s review: “This is my first time using a Korean cleansing balm and I am converted. I am up for trying anything that will take off my makeup, cleanse my skin, and not dry out my skin, and this balm delivered!

The Belif Aqua Bomb Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm melts into an oil so quickly, which means I don’t need to use a lot to cover my whole face. Even more impressively, I felt like I had just moisturised when I washed it off! I also really like the calming botanical scent. It helps me feel relaxed at the end of the day.”

Rated: Best Korean cleansing oil for breakouts

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: Designed to melt away makeup, SPF, and other impurities without irritation, the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil is made with just five plant-based oils, making it super gentle on skin. The main ingredient is rice bran oil, which is rich in antioxidants to help brighten and protect your skin. 

Name: Chloe Wise

Skin type: Combination, breakout-prone

Chloe’s review: “I think a lot of people with breakout-prone skin are scared by oil-based products, but this one from haruharu wonder is proof that the right type of oil can actually help, not harm. This cleansing oil breaks down makeup, SPF, and impurities without clogging pores or leaving a greasy film. It rinses off clean and leaves my skin soft, calm, and balanced. Since using it, I’ve noticed fewer congested pores and less irritation overall. It’s a perfect first step in a double cleanse – gentle, effective, and totally breakout-safe.”

Rated: Best Korean cleanser for combination skin

Best for: Oily and combination skin types

Why we love it: Although the SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Acne Clear Foam is designed for those with breakouts, it can also be really helpful for anyone wanting to balance oils and sebum production without stripping their skin. As it features three chemical exfoliants (AHA, BHA, and PHA), it dissolves dead skin cells, deeply decongests pores, and prevents moisture loss whilst also reducing breakouts.

Name: Orin Stocks

Skin type: Combination

Orin’s review: “During the hotter months I get a very oily T-zone, and this cleanser claims to clear my skin with a blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA ingredients. The product feels lovely on the skin and when washing my face, I noticed a difference within a couple of days. My skin was feeling nourished, and my T-zone and pores were looking clear. I was worried at first since my skin is very sensitive to a lot of cleansers but with the SOME BY MI AHA-BHA-PHA cleanser my face felt cleansed, less irritated and a bit of my redness was gone too. Will be repurchasing for the summer months!”

Rated: Best Korean cleansing oil

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: Lightweight and silky, the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil uses micellar technology and soybean oil to break down makeup, SPF, and impurities, while ginseng seed oil soothes and protects the skin. It’s gentle, effective, and smells like freshly cut grass – a little moment of calm in your routine. If you don’t believe us, it’s got 129 5* customer reviews here at BEAUTY BAY.

Name: Kodie Pollit

Skin type: Dry, Blemish-prone

Kodie’s review: “As a big lover of Korean skincare, I was so excited to try out the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil. Not only is the product great, but the packaging is also so clean and feels expensive, even at the affordable price point. After using this for a few weeks, I can see and feel that my skin has a smoother texture, and my pores are less noticeable. It also has a super relaxing natural scent, which really adds to the luxurious feel. 

I am going to be using this is my skincare routine going forward as part of a double cleanse, and I can’t wait to see how this further improves my skin!”

Rated: Best Korean cleanser for sensitive skin

Best for: All skin types

Why we love it: It can be hard to find a good cleansing balm that thoroughly melts makeup and SPF away with leaving skin tight, but the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm hits the mark. Powered by nourishing ginseng root and brightening rice oil, it leaves your skin looking refreshed, more youthful, and even. Plus, it even removed waterproof mascara.

Name: Rebecca Fitzroy

Skin type: Dry, Sensitive

Rebecca’s review: “WOW, my skin doesn’t usually take well to new products due to being sensitive, but after using the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm, my makeup melted away so easily and my still felt so rejuvenated afterwards. It was moisturised and it felt so clean.

My favourite thing about this product was the fact that my skin didn’t feel stripped after using it unlike most other cleansing balms I have tried in the past. After using this my skin felt so fresh and plump. It also melted my makeup faster than any other cleansing balm ive used in the past.”