If you’re looking to enter the world of K-beauty, might we suggest starting with the best Korean cleanser? While you could dive in head first with a detailed 10-step routine, a simpler approach is to begin with a good Korean face wash, which typically focus on soothing, gentle ingredients that simultaneously deliver ample hydration—making them a great first step.
Most Korean cleansers are suitable for all skin types, though are formulated to address dry or oily skin concerns, so you can choose one based on your specific needs.Ahead, two board-certified dermatologists share their favorite cleansers, tips on choosing the right one, and an explanation of the double cleansing method. Once you’ve selected one of the top picks below, we recommend pairing it with a high-quality cleansing oil to fully embrace the Korean cleansing method.
Vogue‘s Favorite Korean Cleansers
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Best Overall: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: Makeup, no matter how intense, doesn’t stand a chance against this gentle cleansing foam—especially when paired with the brand’s cleansing oil for a thorough double cleanse. I’m not alone in my praise: board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christina Chung is also a fan, noting that this foam has become a favorite for everyone in her family, from teens to elders. “Sulwhasoo products are generally ginseng-based and fabulous for sensitive skin types,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Hydra Capture Complex, mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 200 mL
Best Gentle Cleanser: Innisfree Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: Innisfree is a K-beauty staple, known for offering affordable yet effective products. Of its lineup, Chung recommends the Green Tea Amino Acid Cleansing Foam for its gentle and soothing qualities, attributing this to the absence of sulfates and the antioxidant properties of green tea. Suitable for all skin types, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles adds, “This cleanser contains green tea water, which helps with skin hydration while its amino acid complexes cleanse the skin gently.”
- Key Ingredients: Green tea water, amino acid complex
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 150 mL
Best Viral: CosRx Advanced Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
- Why We Love It: If a snail mucin serum is already part of your skin-care collection, you’ll be pleased to know that CosRx also offers a gel cleanser formulated with the viral ingredient. Fortunately, this cleanser shares many of the same benefits as the renowned serum, such as hydration and skin repair, while also working to cleanse the skin and wash away impurities. It’s safe for both dry and sensitive skin types, so there’s no need to worry if you’re new to K-beauty.
- Key Ingredients: Snail mucus filtrate
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 150 mL
Best for Rosacea: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Foaming Face Wash Cleanser
- Why We Love It: The Cicapair line from Dr. Jart is specifically formulated to reduce visible redness, making it ideal for those with rosacea, a skin condition typically associated with increased sensitivity. Comprised of soothing agents like glycerin and centella asiatic extract (also known as tiger grass), this also helps calm irritation and repair damage, which is why it’s my go-to when my skin flares up or can’t tolerate harsh actives. Bowles recommends this cream-to-foam cleanser, too, noting that it helps “promote hydration without drying it out.”
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, cocoa extract, centella asiatica extract
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Deep Cleansing: Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: There’s something about coming home after a long day and having to wash off your makeup that can feel like a massive chore, especially if you packed on the foundation and waterproof mascara. Thankfully, this cleansing foam is specially formulated for deep cleansing—not to mention, it leaves the skin feeling refreshed without stripping moisture, thanks to a blend of hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
- Key Ingredients: 10 floral complex, ceramide, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 100/ 200 mL
Best Cleansing Gel: Erborian Cleansing Gel
- Why We Love It: A great daily gentle cleanser packed with centella asiatica and squalane, Bowles says Erborian’s Cleansing Gel will help remove the last traces of dirt and makeup while keeping the skin smooth and hydrated. It’s equally as effective at removing SPF, which is typically harder to wash off with traditional cleansers. The secret lies in its super lightweight, water-based gel formula that can easily be paired with another oil or balm for a double cleanse.
- Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, squalane, 7 herbs complex
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 30/180 mL
Best for Dry Skin: Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Ideal for dry skin, this wash boasts a rich, hydrating texture typically found in face creams. “This gel-to-foam cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and avocado to soothe and hydrate, while ceramides and pre-/post-biotics help strengthen the skin barrier,” Bowles notes. The lather on this one is especially good, making it great for someone who appreciates sensorial qualities in a face wash.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides:, colloidal oatmeal and avocado oil, hyaluronic acid
- Best For: Dry, combo, normal skin
- Size: 150 mL
Best for All Skin Types: Superegg Gentle Elements Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: For those newly introduced to Superegg, the brand was founded by lifestyle influencer and licensed esthetician Erica Choi, inspired by the Korean beauty philosophy and the egg’s nutritional benefits for the skin. True to its name, this cleanser is gentle and supports delicate skin types. The formula is packed with botanical extracts and antioxidants that help cleanse the skin and remove daily impurities.
- Key Ingredients: Moringa oleifera seed oil, ascorbic acid, citric acid, tremella mushroom, adenosine, rice extract
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
- Why We Love It: Balancing facial oils can feel like a full-time job, which is why we recommend this cleansing foam from the popular K-beauty brand Anua. With 0.5% BHA, the Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam is excellent for anyone with acne-prone or oily skin as it helps control sebum and soothe inflammation. It effectively cleanses without stripping, a common issue with cleansers formulated for oily skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Quercetinol, anti-sebum P, 0.5% BHA
- Best For: Oily, combination
- Size: 150 mL
Best for Oily Skin: The Face Shop Rice Foaming Facial Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Not only does Chung love this product, but so does her teenage daughter. She explains that it’s particularly great for teenagers with active oil glands, as it deep cleanses their skin without causing irritation and comes at a great price point. (However, anyone can enjoy its rich lather and luxurious feel.) The formula features beneficial ingredients like rice water extract and soapwort extract. “Rice water is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients that contribute to brighter, cleaner skin,” says Bowles.
- Key Ingredients: Rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 150/300 mL
Best for Dehydrated Skin: Peach & Lily Power Gel Cleanser
- Why We Love It: This cleanser is popular choice for all skin types as it’s soothing, non-stripping, and helps balance the skin’s pH. Bowles explains that it can be particularly beneficial for sensitive or dehydrated skin. Paired with the brand’s other products, such as their cleansing oil—which removes makeup in seconds without tugging—you’ll notice the desired glass skin effect, especially if you commit to all ten steps.
- Key Ingredients: Camellia extract, chamomile flower extract, cucumber extract
- Best For: Dry, normal, oily skin
- Size: 100 mL
How to Choose a Korean Cleanser
When choosing a cleanser—not just a Korean one but anyone—Bowles emphasizes the importance of understanding the ingredients. “Everyone’s skin is unique, and when trying new products, you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.” From there, she suggests determining your specific skin concerns. For oily skin, she recommends looking for foaming or gel cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to control sebum production. For dry skin, on the other hand, a hydrating or oil-based cleanser with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid is ideal. For combination skin, a gentle or sensitive cleanser that can address both oily and dry areas is best.
What Korean cleanser is best?
“Best” is subjective, so it really depends on your skin type. Chung recommends that those with oily skin opt for Korean foams and gel cleansers while avoiding cream cleansers. For dry, sensitive skin types, cream cleansers that don’t lather too much are a good choice. “Aside from this, it’s a matter of trial and error, just like with any other beauty product on the market!”
What is the Korean cleansing method?
The Korean cleansing method is a two-step regimen also known as the double cleanse. Bowles explains that the first round of cleansing involves an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and any other oil-based impurities from the face without stripping the skin. The second round uses a water-based cleanser to eliminate any remaining residue, sweat, and dirt, while addressing specific concerns like dryness, sensitivities, or acne. Chung notes that this step is considered a deeper cleanse, akin to what Americans might refer to as the soap and lather part. Once complete, your skin and pores are left feeling gentle, yet thoroughly cleansed.