10 Best Korean Cleansing Oils and Balms of 2024 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)

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. 

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.

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. 

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 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.