7 Best Korean Cleansing Oils: Tested & Reviewed (2023)
Discover the top 11 Korean cleansing oils for 2023. Perfect for double cleansing, these oils dissolve makeup and impurities while nourishing your skin.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts & enthusiasts.
One evening, while scrolling through my social media feed, I stumbled upon an amazing Korean beauty influencer. She spilled the beans on her 10 step Korean skin care routine and I was hooked. Her skin was next-level radiant, glowing from the inside out. And you know what she credited it to? Double cleansing. Intrigued, I delved deeper into this skincare secret.
If you’re a skincare enthusiast like me, chances are you’ve heard of “double cleansing.” The concept is simple yet powerful – cleanse your skin twice, first with a cleansing oil and then with a water-based one. This two-step process ensures thorough removal of makeup, sunscreen, and grime, allowing your skin to breathe and absorb the goodness from other skincare products.
In this blog post, we dive into my favorite Korean cleansing oils. I’ll walk you through what they are, how they work, and how to choose the perfect one for your skin type. Whether you’re new to double cleansing or looking for new cleansing oil to try, there’s something here for everyone.
My Top 3 Korean Cleansing Oils
Check out my top 3 Korean cleansing oils!
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Price: ~$14
Best for: Sensitive, Acne-prone or oily skin because it helps reduce breakouts. But works well for all skin types too!
Pros:
- Removes waterproof make up easily
- Got rid of the sebaceous filaments and whiteheads
- Reduced my breakouts
- Gentle exfoliator that didn’t irritate or damage my skin
- Texture is super light
- Cute packaging
Price: ~$20
Best for: Great for all skin types, even sensitive skin! This product is perfect if you want to reduce enlarged pores.
Pros:
- Slightly acidic (low pH) to prevent skin barrier damange
- Reduce pore size
- Removes blackheads and whiteheads
- Skin feels soft and hydrated
- Removes waterproof makeup
- Subtile citrus scent
- Lasts a long time
Price: ~$15
Best For: All skin types, even sensitive skin. It’s great for those dealing with dullness, tiredness, and congested pores.
Pros:
- Melts into the skin quickly and rinses off easily
- Effectively removes makeup and unclogs pores
- Leaves skin feeling bright, soft and clean
- Comes with a spatula for easy application
- Citrus herb scent
What Are The Best Korean Cleansing Oils?
Now that you know what to look for, let’s get into the good stuff: my top 11 picks for the best Korean cleansing oils in 2023!
Key Ingredients
- Plant-based oils (jojoba, olive fruit and grape seed oils) clear skin impurities.
- Heartleaf extract: helps keep irritations at bay.
My Experience & Results
This Korean cleansing oil is seriously my absolute favorite! I swear by it and use it every single night to effortlessly take off my makeup and get rid of all the dirt and grime from the day. It’s seriously amazing at removing even waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and it leaves my skin feeling so refreshed and hydrated. I can’t even tell you how much my skin has improved since I started using it – no more breakouts! It also removed the sebaceous filaments and whiteheads from my nose and chin. I’m already on my third bottle and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Seriously, it’s the best!
What I Loved
- Removes waterproof make up easily
- Got rid of the sebaceous filaments and whiteheads
- Reduced my breakouts
- Gentle exfoliator that didn’t irritate or damage my skin
- Texture is super light
- Cute packaging
What Could Be Better
- I have no complaints about this Korean oil cleanser.
Who It’s For
- This Korean cleansing oil is great for folks with acne-prone or oily skin because it helps reduce breakouts. But hey, it works well for all skin types too!
Key Ingredients
- 14 different plant-based oils, including the hydrating argan and stone bean oils, this easily emulsifies into a milky texture that melts makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum.
- Rice bran oil : Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, reducing the look of large pores while rinsing clean
My Experience & Results
I’m on my second bottle of this amazing cleansing oil. It’s the perfect first step cleanse, getting rid of sunscreen and oil-based impurities. Plus, it’s a fantastic as a makeup remover. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way and it leaves my skin feeling so incredibly soft and hydrated. Since I’ve started using this cleansing oil, my blackheads have significantly reduced. It also has a pleasant, subtile citrus cent I love.
What I Loved
- Slightly acidic (low pH) to prevent skin barrier damange
- Reduce pore size
- Removes blackheads and whiteheads
- Skin feels soft and hydrated
- Removes waterproof makeup
What Could Be Better
- I have no complaints about this Korean oil cleanser.
Who It’s For
- Great for all skin types, even sensitive skin! This product is perfect if you want to reduce enlarged pores.
Key Ingredients
- Shea Butter, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Coconut Fruit Extract
- Plant based oils – Orange Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, Grapefruit peel oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil.
My Experience & Results
I absolutely love this Korean oil cleanser! It’s seriously amazing because not only does it remove all your make-up, but it also leaves your skin feeling so incredibly soft and clean. It’s a solid balm that transforms into this silky oil cleanser that takes off all my makeup without stripping away my skin’s natural oils.
This cleansing balm comes with a handy spatula that sticks to the lid, making it super easy to scoop out and apply to your skin. I also love the subtle, citrus herb oil fragrance. Using this Korean cleansing balm has made such a noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and appearance. When I travel, I always take this cleansing oil with me. I can’t recommend it enough!
What I Loved
- Melts into the skin quickly and rinses off easily
- Effectively removes makeup and unclogs pores
- Leaves skin feeling bright, soft and clean
- Comes with a spatula for easy application
- Citrus herb scent
What Could Be Better
- I have no complaints about this Korean cleansing balm.
Who It’s For
- All skin types, even sensitive skin. It’s great for those dealing with dullness, tiredness, and congested pores.
Key Ingredients
- A complex of 4 herbal ingredients, Spirodela Polyrrhiza, Coix, Citrus Unshiu/Satsuma Orange Peel, and Chestnut to help skin stay hydrated even after cleansing.
- A complex of Apricot Kernel Oil, Black Sesame Oil, Pine Nut Oil, Camellia Oil, Plum seed Oil and Lotus Seed Extract helps create a luxurious texture and leaves the skin feeling nourished and soft.
- Squalane helps moisturize and nourish skin
My Experience & Results
I really enjoyed using this Korean oil cleanser! The texture is so silky and luxurious, making my skin feel incredibly fresh and supple. Plus, the herbal scent is so invigorating – it’s like having a spa treatment every time I use it. It effortlessly removes my makeup and sunscreen, leaving my skin feeling super soft, hydrated, and moisturized. The only downside is that it’s not the best at removing waterproof mascara. Anytime I want a “treat myself” spa day, I’ll reach for this oil cleanser.
What I Loved
- Texture feels silky & luxurious
- Removed makeup & sunscreen
- Skin felt soft, hydrated and moisturized
- Strong herbal scent
- Gentle and didn’t irritate or strip my skin
- Didn’t break me out
What Could Be Better
I wear waterproof mascara every day and this doesn’t take it off.
Who It’s For
- Perfect for all skin types, except if you have sensitive skin. It helps to moisturize and hydrate your skin while giving it a good cleanse.
Key Ingredients
- Seaberry oil, which gives the balm its bright yellow color, works wonders to soften and protect your skin.
- Persimmon extract, olive oil, and vitamin E, it effectively cleanses while leaving your skin feeling incredibly soft and moisturized.
My Experience & Results
I’m totally in love with the scent of this Korean cleansing balm! It reminds me of orange sherbet from my childhood days. This amazing, buttery balm effortlessly removes my waterproof makeup and sunscreen. It’s super gentle on my skin and leaves it feeling incredibly soft and hydrated. This was the first cleansing balm I’ve ever used, and it will continue to be a staple in my skincare routine.
What I Loved
- Oragne sherbert scent
- Buttery and rich texture
- Removes my waterproof makeup & sunscreen
- Leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated
What Could Be Better
I’ve got no complaints about this cleansing balm, but some users might find the scent a bit too strong. Also, it’s a tad pricey compared to other oil cleansers.
Who It’s For
- Perfect for all skin types! It helps to moisturize and leaves your skin feeling super soft and silky.
Key Ingredients
- Camellia Oil: A cherished Japanese beauty secret, Camellia oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It nourishes, softens, and protects the skin against free radical damage.
- Omega 3, 6, and 9: These essential fatty acids help to moisturize and fortify the skin’s natural barrier, ensuring hydration is locked in.
- Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, it helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and provides anti-aging benefits.
My Experience & Results
When I tried the Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil, it felt so fancy on my skin. The texture was super smooth, velvety, and lightweight. It took off all my makeup while leaving my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and glowing. This oil cleanser turned into a milky texture that easily melted my makeup away. It didn’t irritate my sensitive skin or make me break out. It totally felt like I was using a fancy, high-end skincare product.
What I Loved
- Luxurious velvety texture
- Removed my waterproof makeup
- Left my skin feeling soft, hydrated and radiant
What Could Be Better
- More pricey compared to other oil cleansers. Might be too rich for oily skin types.
Who It’s For
- Perfect for people with dry and sensitive skin or those who adore indulgent, high-end skincare.
Key Ingredients
- Papaya Extract is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells for a brighter, radiant complexion.
- Acerola Extract, rich in Vitamin C, brightens and protects against free radicals.
My Experience & Results
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is the OG of Korean cleansing balms. When I put it on my skin, this sherbet-like balm magically turns into a silky oil. It easily melts away my makeup and sunscreen, leaving my skin feeling super soft, clean, and hydrated. After using it for a few weeks, I even noticed that my skin texture got more even and my breakouts reduced. The only thing is, it doesn’t come with a spatula, so you gotta use your fingers to scoop it out of the container.
What I Loved
- Sherbert-like texture that turns into a silky oil
- Melts away my makeup and sunscreen
- Skin feels soft, clean and hydrated
- Improved my skin texture
- Reduced my breakouts
- Cost effective & lasts a long time.
What Could Be Better
- It doesn’t come with a spatula, so you gotta use your fingers to scoop it out of the container.
Who It’s For
- Perfect for all skin types in search of a reliable and budget-friendly Korean oil cleanser.
Key Ingredients
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHA), a gentle type of acid ideal for sensitive skin. PHA gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and impurities without irritation.
- Tea tree oil to combat breakouts
- Jojoba seed oil, olive oil, grape seed oils, apricot seed oil, and aloe vera extract to maintain all-day skin hydration.
My Experience & Results
Whenever I use this product in my skincare routine, my skin feels super hydrated, noticeably softer, and my acne just magically clears up! It’s gentle enough to use even when my skin is acting up. For years, I’ve relied on oil cleansing to fight acne and easily remove makeup.
But now, with a daily PHA in my routine, my skincare game has reached a whole new level. It gives gentle exfoliation without any irritation. With this product, I don’t even need a separate chemical exfoliator anymore. As someone with sensitive skin, I can confidently say that this product has caused absolutely no problems at all.
What I Loved
- Effectively removes makeup
- Gently exfoliates my skin
- Helps fight and control breakouts
- Don’t need to use a separate chemical exfoliator when using this product
- Skin feels hydrated and softer
- Noticed decreased acne and breakouts.
What Could Be Better
Make sure to rinse it off completely, especially around the eyes, to avoid irritation. Sometimes my skin feels a bit tight after using it.
Who It’s For
- Ideal for those with sensitive, acne prone or oily skin
Key Ingredients
- Calendula Extract: Renowned for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s a savior for irritated skin.
- Plant-based Oils: These oils not only cleanse but also fortify the skin’s barrier, ensuring it remains hydrated and resilient.
My Experience & Results
I’m totally obsessed with this Korean cleansing oil! I’ve bought multiple bottles because it’s just that good. It effortlessly melts away my makeup without any greasy residue. Plus, it has a subtle clean scent that’s not too overpowering – kind of like baby oil. Another thing I noticed is that it gently removes excess oil from my t-zone without drying out my skin, leaving it feeling super hydrated and moisturized. Love it!
What I Loved
- Removes makeup
- Subtle clean scent
- Gently removes excess oily from my t-zone
- Leaves my skin feeling hydrated and moisturized
What Could Be Better
- The pump sometimes leaks and drips.
Who It’s For
- Great for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Korean cleansing oils are seriously amazing for all skin types – they’re a must-have in any skincare routine! They work wonders by removing makeup, getting rid of impurities, and keeping your skin nourished and hydrated.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite Korean Cleansing Oil is – It’s always great fun discovering new gems!
