Cleansing balms and oils have increased in popularity in recent years, mainly due to the popularity of double cleansing, which was made famous by Korean skincare. So many Korean cleansing balms and oils are accessible, so we’ll have a look at the 17 best Korean cleansing balms and oils available today.
Every skincare routine should begin with the Korean double cleansing, which is the most critical step. If the buildup of oil, grime, and other impurities on your face is not entirely removed, you run the danger of irritating your skin or clogging your pores. Starting with a cleansing balm before washing the face with the main cleanser is a good idea.
Using oil-based formulas, and cleansing balms effectively removes a day’s worth of makeup and other pollutants. They help to remove excess oil, making them an excellent choice for oily or acne-prone skin. Another advantage of cleansing balms is that they completely remove all signs of dirt without robbing skin of its natural moisture, making them ideal for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
Korean brands are well-known for their skincare innovations and their distinctive products and treatments. Korean skincare routines can be lengthy, as seen by the popularity of the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine, which consists of ten steps.
Best Korean Cleansing Balms and Oils
There are 17 Best Korean Cleansing Balms, and Oils are listed below:
1. Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Balm
Hanskin PHA Pore Cleansing Balm cleanses the pores with Polyhydroxy acids, which softly exfoliate dead skin cells to clear the pores. It employs plant-derived oils, such as olive oil and evening primrose oil to cleanse and condition the skin without feeling heavy or greasy.
This Korean cleansing balm is especially beneficial for those who have blackheads or skin that is uneven and rough in texture. Additionally, it is suitable for sensitive skin since polyhydroxy acids are less irritant than alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. It has a light scent and does not dry out your skin.
2. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is a best-selling Korean product that’s one of the first cleansing balms to make a big splash in the United States. This Korean cleansing balm removes the most stubborn face and heavy eye makeup, dirt and oil, even waterproof makeup.
When applied to the skin, this oil-based cleansing balm has a sherbet-like consistency that changes it into an oil. A healthy and balanced skin barrier is achieved by using Zero Balance Technology, which incorporates hot springs water, botanicals, Vit E, and Vit C.
Clean It Zero’s distinctive feature is that it cleanses and removes pollutants without drying out your skin. It hydrates effectively leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized after cleansing it. A double cleanse should always begin with this step, since it is suitable for most skin types, especially dry, combination, oily, skin types.
This Korean cleansing balm cleanser is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, polyethylene, alcohol, mineral oil, and artificial coloring.
This cleansing balm is available in the following variations:
- Purifying: 7 natural herbs provide balancing and relaxing effects.
- Revitalizing: Contains resveratrol and grape seed oil, which are antioxidants.
- Nourishing: Ginseng berries and royal jelly are used to moisturize the skin.
3. Neogen Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Oil
Neogen Real Cica Micellar Cleansing Oil is a deep cleansing oil that employs micellar technology to remove more dirt, grime, oil, and other pollutants than a traditional cleansing oil.
This best Korean oil cleanser includes cica, also referred to as Centella Asiatica extract, which is known for its ability to soothe and calm sensitive skin while also promoting wound healing. Skin brightening increased hydration and cellular repair are all possible advantages of using this product.
The oil emulsifies nicely and does not leave greasy or oily. Even eye makeup and sunscreen are removed with this product. K beauty oil cleanser with a thin consistency rinses cleanly but does not leave a film on the skin.
4. Mamonde Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser
Mamonde Petal Spa Oil to Foam Cleanser is a unique Korean oil-to-foam cleanser that is marketed as a “double-cleanse” in a bottle. The cleanser turns from a liquid oil that removes makeup and other residues to a light foam when it’s mixed with water. You’ll get a deep cleansing that’s thick and creamy and will leave your skin hydrated, silky, and supple.
If you like rose-scented products, you will enjoy this since it has a strong rose fragrance. It includes the antioxidant Rosa Damascena Flower Oil as well as fragrance, so please keep this in mind if you are sensitive to scents in products or if you have skin irritation to fragrances.
This oil-to-foam cleanser is mild, yet it effectively removes makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Although the scent may be a mood killer for some, this is a cleanser worth trying if you like rose or floral-scented products.
5. Heimish All Clean Balm
Heimish All Clean Balm is a lightweight, soft, and smooth texture that is easy to spread over the skin and immediately absorbed into the skin. Once applied, it transforms into an oil and, when water is added, it emulsifies completely. It effectively removes stubborn makeup, grime, oil, and other pollutants without leaving skin feeling sticky, oily, or stripped.
This oil-based cleansing balm is made with a white flower complex to brighten the skin’s tone, as well as shea butter and coconut extract to hydrate and condition the skin’s moisture barrier. This cleansing balm is hypoallergenic and free of parabens.
Please keep in mind that this Korean cleansing balm does include a fragrance that may irritate those sensitive to scents. It includes essential oils from citrus herbs, which have a relaxing and pleasant scent.
6. Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil has a mixture of oils that effectively remove dirt, makeup, and pollutants while washing away with ease and is the best Korean cleansing oil for acne-prone skin.
It includes natural oils derived from black beans, which help to control sebum production, improve skin elasticity, and calm the skin. Antioxidant properties are provided by black sesame oil containing linolenic acid, beta-carotene, and tocopherol (vitamin E).
Black currant seed oil is a moisturizer that helps to keep the skin hydrated. It also contains antioxidant qualities, which are attributed to a variety of minerals. It promotes cell regeneration and helps to improve the skin’s natural barrier.
When water is added to the oil, it transforms into milk that easily removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. This best Asian oil cleanser is especially beneficial for people who suffer from blackheads, dry patches, or excessive sebum production. It’s lightweight and has a faint tea-based fragrance that’s not overwhelming.
7. MIZON Cicaluronic Cleansing Balm
If you need a k-beauty cleansing balm that can remove waterproof eyeliner or mascara, MIZON’s Cicaluronic Cleansing Balm is a must-have. Because of its smooth and silky feel, you won’t have to worry about it pulling at your skin while using it. In this Korean cleansing balm experience, the combination of Centella Asiatica extract and hyaluronic acid provides a moisturizing cleansing sensation that also calms irritated skin.
8. Glow Recipe Papaya Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Glow Recipe’s Papaya Enzyme Cleansing Balm is their top product. When you open it, you’ll smell like you’re on a tropical island, surrounded by fresh papayas and mangos. It contains papaya enzymes, which are excellent for gently removing dead skin cells and refining the appearance of pores. The papaya seed extract is also excellent for providing an additional layer of moisture to your skin. Furthermore, the cleansing balm contains blueberries, which help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays and air pollution.
9. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Light Oil is a mild cleansing oil that gently removes makeup and dirt while hydrating your skin with jojoba oil, maintaining the skin barrier.
This product’s most notable ingredient is rice bran oil, which is high in antioxidants and contains fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the skin. It also includes vitamin E, which helps to protect the skin from pollution and protects it from the sun. This humectant provides moisturizing and soothing properties of Glycerin.
With its ultra-lightweight texture and consistency, this is my selection for the best Korean cleansing oil. It effectively removes heavy makeup without irritating and has a non-greasy feel. It is extremely lightweight, making it an excellent choice for individuals who do not want greasy or heavy oils. Please keep in mind that this washing oil has a light, fresh scent to refresh you.
10. Etude House Real Art Moisture Cleansing Oil
Using grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and apricot kernel oil, Etude House Real Art Moisture Cleansing Oil effectively removes caked-on makeup, grime, dead skin cells, and oil. It works with water to emulsify and clean the face without leaving any residue for a fresh cleansing while also leaving the skin hydrated and smooth after use.
In addition to being suitable for dry skin, this lightweight cleansing oil is also effective at removing waterproof makeup. It also works on hard eye makeup, like eyeliner and eyebrow color, which are difficult to remove. It has a mild, fresh fragrance and does not leave oily or greasy.
11. Fig Cleansing Balm
Try I’m from’s Fig Cleansing Balm if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly cleansing balm. This k-beauty cleansing balm, made with fig oil-water, gently removes any dirt from the skin without drying it out. Your double-cleansing experience will be more pleasant because of its sherbet-like texture that glides smoothly over the skin.
12. The beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
The Radiance Cleansing Balm from Beauty of Joseon has a sherbet-like consistency that melted into the skin to remove makeup, grime, and excess oil. An all-natural extract is used to formulate this cleansing balm for oily skin.
Rice water is also included in the formula, which is high in nutrients and fermented ingredients such as soybean ferment extract and lactobacillus ferment, which help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier while also brightening the complexion. Lavender has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Because chrysanthemum extract is rich in vitamins A and B, it can help to protect and soothe sensitive skin.
This Korean cleansing balm is appropriate for dry, mature, or sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly into the skin and emulsifies into a silky, milky wash. With a subtle, pleasant smell that is both calming and nourishing, it rinses cleanly, leaving skin nourished and smooth. This is the best Korean makeup remover balm.
13. COSRX Pure Fit Cica Smoothing Cleansing Balm
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Smoothing Cleansing Balm turns from a sorbet-like balm to a soft and silky oil to remove makeup, grime, oil, and residue from the skin, leaving it dewy, smooth, and moisturized.
This Korean cleanser includes COSRX’s Pure Fit Cica-7 Complex with shea butter to soothe sensitive skin. Sunflower, coconut, sweet almond, evening primrose, olive, avocado, and jojoba oils are all included in the cleanser, which also serves to nourish and hydrate the skin. Centella Asiatica extract is an anti-inflammatory shown to help soothe skin.
With its own plastic spatula, you can easily remove this Korean cleansing balm without making a mess. It rinses away cleanly and does not leave any makeup residue. A faint herbal scent is produced by using lavender and eucalyptus essential oils in the formulation.
14. AROMATICA Orange Cleansing Sherbet
In case your face gets built up with dirt and dead skin cells, use AROMATICA’s Orange Cleansing Sherbet to get rid of all of them! This Korean cleansing balm, formulated with plant-derived ingredients such as canola oil and organic babassu seed oil, efficiently removes makeup while not irritating sensitive skin.
Innisfree Apple Seed Cleansing Oil is a cold-pressed apple seed oil specially created to remove stubborn makeup, grime, and other surface debris from the skin. The skin is completely clean and fresh. The unsaturated fatty acids included in apple seed oil nourish and maintain the skin.
Innisfree’s exclusive apple extract is high in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin as well as natural alpha-hydroxy acids, which restore the skin’s natural moisture.
Thanks to the oil’s ability to dissolve it easily, it takes minimal rubbing or pulling to get rid of thick eye makeup and foundation. The oil is delicate, and it leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated without leaving any signs of greasiness on the surface. As you can expect, it has a distinct apple scent to it.
15. BABREA Intensive Spa Care Cleansing Balm
Do you want to indulge yourself in a relaxing, pampering day at home? Give BABREA’s Intensive Spa Care Cleansing Balm a try if you want to have a spa-like experience. This elegant Korean cleansing balm is packed with natural oils, like camellia japonica seed oil, that clean impurities while being gentle on skin, resulting in no tight or dry sensation afterward.
16. Nature Republic Forest Garden Chamomile Cleansing Oil
This natural chamomile cleansing oil from Nature Republic Forest Garden is suitable for sensitive skin since it contains only natural chamomile. This visually attractive bottle of cleansing oil effectively removes makeup without leaving behind a greasy residue or a greasy sensation. Natural chamomile water protects delicate skin from external irritants while moisturizing the skin, making it smooth and supple.
When combined with water and applied to the skin, the oil transforms into a milky cleanser. It has a subtle chamomile scent and is effective in removing makeup, sunscreen, grime, and oil from the skin. It’s a really mild formula that also looks great on your vanity!
17. THANK YOU, FARMER Pollufree TM Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Because of THANK YOU FARMER, you don’t have to be worried about the effects of pollution on the skin. Infused with the brand’s unique anti-pollution and plant-derived ingredients, the Pollufree Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm purifies, nourishes, and protects the skin from the effects of environmental stressors while removing makeup. You can rely on this Korean cleansing balm to remove impurities without causing moisture loss.
Benefits of Cleansing Balm as Your First Cleanse
If you simply wash your face once a day at the end of the day, it is likely that you will have some leftover makeup, grime, and oil on your face. A double cleansing routine will be more effective at removing the tough and caked-on base, eye makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and other impurities that have built up on your face during the day.
If you use mineral sunscreens that include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, a first cleanse is also recommended since these ingredients might be more difficult to remove than other ingredients.
Double cleansing is particularly crucial for acne-prone skin since cleansing twice will better remove makeup, debris, and oil that may clog pores and create breakouts. The pores on your skin are cleaner after you double cleanse, allowing the skincare actives that are part of the skincare routine to penetrate your skin. Let’s have a look at how to use cleansing balms in your skincare routine.
Double Cleanse Your Skin
To clear the makeup and impurities that have collected on your skin during the day, use a double cleanse once a day in the evening. A water-based cleanser should be sufficient in the morning to remove the skincare, grime, and oil that has collected on your skin overnight. Only double cleansing once a day helps to keep your skin bacteria balanced and the skin barrier protected.
First Cleanse: Massage the cleansing balm or oil into dry skin for up to one minute. Continue to massage for a few seconds after adding water to emulsify the oil. Rinse using lukewarm water or a warm, moist washcloth.
Second Cleanse: Use your regular cleanser made for your skin type, whether it’s a cream, milk, gel, or foamy cleanser. Rinse and pat your skin dry. Proceed to the following step in your morning skincare routine.
For Oily Skin
Cleansing an oily face using oil-based cleansers as the first step of a double cleanse provides some advantages for oily skin. Cleansing your skin just once may leave some leftover makeup and grime in your pores, leading to breakouts and pimples.
Because oil attracts oil, utilizing a mild oil-based cleanser before your standard cleanse will help remove ingredients that might exacerbate acne. Look for cleansing balms that include purifying agents like charcoal to remove oil.
For Dry Skin
Over-cleansing might dry up your skin if you have dry skin, so only double cleanse once a day. Look for cleansing balms and oils that include moisturizing and soothing ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil.
If you have dry skin, double cleansing might cause irritation and weaken your skin barrier, particularly during the wintertime; therefore, you should stick to a single cleanse. Apply a moisturizer after your cleansing routine.
These Korean cleansing balms and oils are great for removing dirt, oil, makeup, pollutants, and other impurities with a double cleanse. If you have dark spots and hyperpigmentation, then read our article on Best Face Washes For Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation.
