In search of a gentle yet effective cleanser? Try using Korean cleansing oil or balm! Usually, Korean cleansing products are formulated with gentle surfactants that can drive away impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. They're further infused with various nourishing ingredients to slow down the aging process and keep your skin healthy and vibrant. That's why we researched the best of the best to recommend to you!
We researched and picked 10 great K-beauty products. If you want to see our favs, keep scrolling down! We also put together a buying guide to give you useful tips for choosing the right Korean cleansing oil or balm for your skin.
Quick List - Top Korean Cleansing Oils And Balms
ma:nyo
Gentle Cleansing Oil That Melts Away Impurities and Balances Skin Moisture
ANUA
Gentle Cleansing Oil That Efficiently Removes Makeup and Sebum While Clearing Pores
Beauty of Joseon
Gentle Cleansing Balm That Melts Away Makeup and Impurities While Hydrating Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Now that we've shown you our favorite Korean cleansing oils and balms, let's proceed to some tips that can help you figure out which one is the most suitable for you. You'll have to consider the effectiveness of the ingredients, and of course, decide if you want a balm or an oil.
Cleansing balms and oils are both great choices to help you remove makeup and impurities while keeping your skin moisturized. Technically, their main difference is the texture, with oil being liquid and balm being solid. To find out which one works for your skin, check out this section!
Let's talk about what cleansing oils can do! Some people assume that they will make the skin feel greasy. But on the contrary, these products can attract and draw out all the impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells that congest your pores without taking away the natural moisture of your skin.
Also, Korean cleansing oils are often formulated with botanical oils like grapeseed oil, black bean oil, and sesame oil, which can rinse off easily without leaving behind any greasy residue. Hence, they're great for virtually all skin types, even oily and acne-prone skin.
However, working with oil can be messy, as you'll have to deal with some dripping. If you tend to wear heavy and waterproof makeup, balms are a better option as well.
Nonetheless, cleansing oils are very convenient to use since they often come in pump bottles. You can just dispense a certain amount of product without exposing it directly to heat and air, so don't worry about your cleansing oil getting spoiled or losing its effectiveness over time.
And to apply cleansing oil correctly, simply apply a small amount to your wet skin and massage for a minute or so. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and dry your skin with a soft towel.
Oils can penetrate the skin well. This means that they are effective at removing dirt, oil, and sebum from the pores. Be sure to rinse the cleansing balm thoroughly off your skin, to prevent outbreaks of milia, whiteheads, and blackheads. If you are acne-prone, reserve use of oil cleansers and balms for a few times a week.
When comparing cleansing balms and oils, you'll notice that they are formulated with somewhat similar ingredients.
The major difference that distinguishes those two is obviously the consistency. While oils are liquid, cleansing balms are crafted with polyethylene and waxes to get that solid and sherbet-like texture that can easily melt once getting in touch with your skin.
If you have dry or combination skin, balms are definitely a great choice. They can effectively remove dirt, impurities, and even the toughest makeup layers without drying your skin out thanks to their rich consistency and high oil content.
Still, compared to cleansing oils, balms can be a teeny bit more taxing to use. On a lazy day when you don't really want to spend too much time cleansing your face, the thought of opening a jar, scooping out some product, and massaging it onto your face doesn't sound that nice.
Some balms might also ask you to use a damp cloth to remove the product and dirt. Regardless, for those who travel frequently, cleansing balms are the way to go. Due to their solid texture, balms won't spill and are a mess-free option.
The main function of cleansing oils and balms is, of course, cleansing your face. So you'll want to make sure that your product contains all the effective cleansing agents that can slough away impurities and even makeup.
Usually, Korean products harness the power of naturally-derived surfactants such as ethylhexyl palmitate, cetyl ethylhexanoate, and caprylic triglyceride. They are gentle on the skin but extremely tough on daily grime and even stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara.
When screening the ingredient list of Korean cleansing balms and oils, you'll find that many contain fruit enzymes that have powerful exfoliating properties and can drive away dead skin cells and excess oil to unclog your pores. Some of the most popular fruit enzymes include papaya, lime, and strawberry.
The majority of Korean products will also integrate various oils with strong cleansing powers such as apricot oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and safflower oil.
These can deliver needed nourishment to leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized. Most are packed with fatty acids that can help strengthen the skin's protective barrier and improve its texture for a younger-looking appearance.
Fermented grains are also frequently found in Korean cleansing products. The fermentation process releases lactic acid, a gentle exfoliating agent. With antibacterial properties, it can treat and prevent bacterial skin infections. Black sugar is another ingredient you don't want to miss. It can remove debris to brighten your skin.
Many cleansers can be harsh on the skin and strip the skin of natural oils, which we need to maintain the skin barrier and health. The benefit of Korean cleansers is that they are effective at removing impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. If you have a history of rosacea, avoid plant-based and fruit-based ingredients as these can sometimes exacerbate these conditions.
Many Korean cleansing balms and oils are formulated with nourishing ingredients including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to support the health of your skin and solve some particular skin issues. So consider your skin condition and choose ingredients that can improve it.
In this section, we'll introduce various ingredients that are widely used in Korean cosmetics and can help solve certain skin problems.
All cleansing oils and balms are formulated with oil ingredients, so they will provide you with a certain level of hydration.
But for those with dehydrated skin, you'll want something that can prevent moisture loss. Moringa oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, and grapeseed oil are some commonly found ingredients in Korean products that can do wonders for dry skin.
They are ultra-hydrating ingredients that work well even in desert climates or harsh winter weather. In addition, all of them contain strong anti-aging properties to help deliver a youthful glow to your skin and prevent skin blemishes.
Oil cleansers are the way to go for dry skin. They can be hydrating since they aid in repairing the skin barrier. If you are acne-prone, stay away from coconut oil as this ingredient can trigger acne outbreaks, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Cleansing oils and balms can work wonders for oily and acne-prone skin since they help remove dead skin cells and sweep away excess oil. However, some products might be infused with heavy ingredients like coconut oil which is incredibly nourishing to your skin but might end up clogging your pores and causing breakouts.
So you should go for products labeled as non-comedogenic since they are formulated without any pore-clogging ingredients that might block your pores. You might also want to choose ingredients that can help regulate sebum secretion and shrink your enlarged pores such as moringa seed oil, black bean oil, and so on.
Pretty much all Korean cleansing balms and oils are infused with antioxidants to help brighten your complexion and slow down the aging process. After all, Korean beauty products are well-known for their effective formulas that can delay the signs of aging, aren't they?
So what are some of the common antioxidants in Korean products? The answers are vitamins A, B3, C, and E. They can fight off free radical damage and promote collagen synthesis to give you silky-smooth and plump skin. You might already be familiar with those vitamins since they are quite common in American beauty products.
But have you ever heard of resveratrol? It's found in red wine, grape skin, and berries, and can stimulate the production of antioxidants in the skin. It can also regulate melanin production and prevent hyperpigmentation.
If you have hyperpigmentation, look for a balm with vitamin C as this can help fade dark marks on the skin as well as prevent further darkening since it helps prevent UV damage from the sun. Niacinamide is a great ingredient to look for if you have red and inflamed skin or red marks left over from acne lesions.
If you have sensitive skin, you won't want to use anything that is harsh and can trigger an allergic reaction. Fortunately, most Korean cleansing oils and balms have a gentle formula with various natural ingredients that are less likely to irritate your skin.
But still, you should still take caution with potential irritants such as fragrance, parabens, and mineral oils. Most people are fine with them, but in some cases, they can cause redness, rashes, and itching to those with highly sensitive skin.
Also, ingredients with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties can do wonders for sensitive skin. Rose extract, chamomile extract, tea tree oil, and lavender oil are a few ingredients well-loved by the K-beauty community as they can calm irritation and even treat skin blemishes.
But anyway, if you have sensitive skin, the safest choice is to do a patch test before actually applying the product to your skin.
Plant-based products can sometimes make skin redness worse, especially if you have rosacea. It may lead to a burning and stinging sensation on the skin. Skip plant-based products if your skin is easily irritated. The benefit of using these ingredients in an oil balm form is that they tend to be less irritating because the oil base is very soothing and hydrating
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Form | Effective Cleansing Agents | Key Ingredients | Fragrance Free | Volume | Vegan | Cruelty-Free | |||||
1 | ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Gentle Cleansing Oil That Melts Away Impurities and Balances Skin Moisture | Oil | Argan Oil, Vitamin E | 6.7 fl oz | |||||
2 | ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil | ![]() | Gentle Cleansing Oil That Efficiently Removes Makeup and Sebum While Clearing Pores | Oil | Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-3O Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate | 6.76 fl oz | |||||
3 | Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm | ![]() | Gentle Cleansing Balm That Melts Away Makeup and Impurities While Hydrating Skin | Balm | Rice Bran, Vitamins | 3.38 fl oz | |||||
4 | Heimish All Clean Balm | ![]() | Gentle, Multi-Purpose Cleansing Balm Suitable for All Skin Types | Balm | Shea Butter, Coconut Extract | 3.38 fl oz | |||||
5 | Pyunkang Yul Deep Clear Cleansing Balm | ![]() | Deep Cleansing Balm That Effortlessly Removes Makeup While Nourishing and Hydrating Skin | Balm | Green Tea Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil | 3.38 fl oz | |||||
6 | Aprilskin Carrotene IPMP™ Hydromelt Cleansing Balm | ![]() | Cleansing Balm That Effectively Removes Makeup and Impurities While Improving Skin Texture | Balm | Coconut Oil, Carrot Seed Oil | 3.04 fl oz | |||||
7 | Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm ™ | ![]() | Melt Away Oil-Based Impurities While Nourishing Your Skin with Antioxidants and Essential Fatty Acids | Balm | Grape Seed, Olive & Seaberry Oil | 3.17 fl oz | |||||
8 | Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm | ![]() | Experience Gentle, Non-Greasy Cleansing with Hydrating and Soothing Ingredients | Balm | Madecassoside, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil | 1.7 fl oz | |||||
9 | Ongredients Heartleaf Perfect Melting Cleansing Balm | ![]() | Experience Effective Cleansing and Optimal Moisture Balance for Sensitive Skin | Balm | Jojoba Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Panthenol | 3.04 fl oz | |||||
10 | Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm | ![]() | Melt Away Makeup and Impurities While Retaining Essential Moisture | Balm | Eucalyptus Oil & Vitamin E | 2.3 fl oz |
Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Vitamin E |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
This cleansing oil is designed to effectively remove makeup, blackheads, and impurities while maintaining the skin's natural moisture and pH balance. Infused with 14 plant-derived oils including Argan and Jojoba, it transforms into a milky emulsion upon contact with water, ensuring thorough yet gentle cleansing. Suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, it helps unclog pores and restore skin hydration without causing tightness or irritation.
Clinical tests confirm its efficacy, with the oil removing a significant percentage of pollution and dust from the skin. The formulation is free from common irritants such as sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it a suitable choice for sensitive skin. Regular use can enhance skin clarity and comfort, providing both effective makeup removal and nourishing benefits.
Product Form | Oil |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-3O Tetraoleate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
This cleansing oil is formulated to effectively dissolve makeup, sebum, and dirt, making it an ideal choice for those who follow a double cleansing routine. Its blend of mild ingredients, including Heartleaf Extract and various nourishing oils, ensures gentle yet thorough cleansing without irritation. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it maintains skin hydration while clearing clogged pores and removing makeup residue.
The product offers a refined cleansing experience by first applying the oil to dry skin, followed by massaging to break down impurities. It then emulsifies with water to wash away residue, leaving the skin prepared for a subsequent water-based cleanser. This process helps achieve clear, revitalized skin while preventing pore congestion and ensuring the cleansing routine does not compromise skin comfort.
Product Form | Oil |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Rice Bran, Vitamins |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
This cleansing balm features a solid texture that transforms into a silky oil upon application, effectively removing makeup, excess sebum, and impurities without causing dryness or irritation. Enriched with rice bran and a variety of grain extracts, it ensures deep hydration and maintains skin moisture, drawing from historical Korean skincare traditions where rice bran was used as a key ingredient for its moisturizing properties.
The balm's formulation includes rice bran oil and other nourishing ingredients that provide essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to support skin health and hydration. The product is designed to be non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin types and avoiding any smudging or residue. To use, simply massage the balm onto dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water for a clean and refreshed complexion.
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Coconut Extract |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
This balm-based cleanser transforms from a sherbet-like texture into oil upon application, effectively removing waterproof makeup, dirt, and blackheads without the need for double cleansing. Formulated with skin-soothing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut extract, and a blend of natural essential oils, it cleanses thoroughly without leaving any residue or causing skin tightness. Its low-irritation, vegan-certified formula makes it particularly suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and even pregnant individuals.
Designed for ease of use, the product comes with a spatula to scoop the balm, which melts as it is massaged into the skin and emulsifies upon rinsing with water. Its inclusion of herbal oils such as lavender and eucalyptus provides a spa-like experience without lingering on the skin. Certified cruelty-free and vegan, this product offers a balance between effective cleansing and skin nourishment while being mindful of sensitive skin needs.
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Green Tea Seed Oil, Rice Bran Oil |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil, Carrot Seed Oil |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Grape Seed, Olive & Seaberry Oil |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
The *Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm™* is a sorbet-textured oil cleanser designed for the first step of a double cleanse routine. It effectively dissolves oil-based impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and sebum while infusing the skin with beneficial ingredients. Formulated with a blend of antioxidant-rich oils such as seaberry, olive, and grape seed, it provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin barrier. The balm is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of mineral oil, alcohol, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it suitable for all skin types.
This balm’s key ingredients include sea buckthorn oil, known for its high content of fatty acids and carotenoids, and persimmon extract, which helps brighten the skin and regulate sebum production. The gentle formula supports anti-aging effects, reduces hyperpigmentation, and restores the skin's natural barrier, while offering a sensorial experience with subtle rosemary and grapefruit fragrance notes.
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Madecassoside, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Jojoba Seed Oil, Witch Hazel, Panthenol |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
Key Ingredients | Eucalyptus Oil & Vitamin E |
---|---|
Fragrance Free |
Product Form | Balm |
---|---|
Effective Cleansing Agents | |
Vegan | |
Cruelty-Free |
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Dr. Levy also took the time to answer some commonly asked questions about cleansers.
Dr. Levy says, "Oil cleansing or double cleansing has become a popular way to wash your face over the past several years. First, apply an oil-based cleanser or balm to your face. Then you wash it off with either a cloth or your hands.
After using the oil-based cleanser, you should use a cream-based or gel-based cleanser, which completes the double cleansing method. After the double cleansing, you can use your other skincare products. If your skin is dry, you can skip the second wash and just use the oil balm or cleanser."
"Oil cleansing is good for dry skin and combination skin," Dr. Levy explains. "However, if your skin leans towards the oilier side or you are acne-prone, skip oil cleansing daily. You may only want to oil cleanse anywhere from one to three times a week.
You may also choose to use an oil cleansing balm for days where you are wearing heavy makeup or after workouts when there tends to be a buildup of sweat and sebum."
If you are going to follow the Korean skincare routine, you'll need more than just a cleansing oil or balm. For many, there are a whopping 10 steps in total! Check out our buying guides for the latest Korean beauty products to add to your skincare regime.
No. 1: ma:nyo |Pure Cleansing Oil
No. 2: ANUA |Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
No. 3: Beauty of Joseon|Radiance Cleansing Balm
No. 4: Heimish|All Clean Balm
No. 5: Pyunkang Yul|Deep Clear Cleansing Balm
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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