Diving headfirst into Korean skincare, I’ve tested a bunch of goodies, especially **face washes**. Curious about **top-notch** cleansers to kick off your journey? You’re in the right spot.
I’ll showcase my top 15 products and provide a brief overview of what I liked and didn’t like about each of them.
Table of Contents
Best Korean Face Wash
Korean face washes are known for their innovative formulas and gentle yet effective cleansing properties. Many contain natural and botanical ingredients such as green tea, snail mucin, or rice water, known to provide numerous benefits for your skin.
When scouting for a Korean face wash that best suits your skin, it’s essential to consider a few critical factors:
- Skin type
- Specific skin concerns
- Ingredients
- The product’s pH level
Best Korean Face Washes
I’ve gathered a list of the best Korean face washes for you to explore. These products will help you achieve smooth and glowing skin, so let’s dive in and find the perfect one for you!
Rice Foaming Face Wash
✅ Gentle exfoliation with 100% Korean Rice Powder
✅ Revives and brightens skin tone
✅ Deep cleanse without drying the skin
❌ Gritty texture may not suit everyone
The rice powder provides a gentle exfoliation that leaves my skin feeling clean and looking radiant. Even with my sensitive skin, I didn’t experience any irritation, which is a big plus for me.
Also, the plant-based formula ensures that it’s free from harmful chemicals, so I can feel good about using it every day.
Cosrx Gel Cleanser
✅ Gentle and effective for daily use
✅ Balances skin's natural pH level
✅ Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
❌ Tea tree oil scent might be strong for some
This cleanser is perfect for using both in the morning and at night, helping maintain a luminous complexion throughout the day and leaving my skin feeling silky and clean during the night.
I appreciate how it follows the skin’s natural pH level, preventing any irritation or imbalance caused by harsher cleansers.
One thing I noticed, though, is the tea tree oil scent, which might be a bit strong for some people. I don’t mind it, but if you have concerns about fragrance, it’s something to consider.
Rice Water Foam Cleanser
✅ Gently removes dirt and makeup residue
✅ Keeps skin moisturized without causing irritation
✅ Suitable for normal, combination, oily, and dry skin types
❌ The thick texture may require a bit more effort to rinse off
With continued use of THEFACESHOP Rice Water Bright Foam Cleanser, I didn’t experience significant hydration as some users might expect.
Despite this, I still found the cleanser to be a solid addition to my skincare routine – it effectively cleansed and brightened my skin, and the overall results were satisfactory.
Daily Care Gel Foam Cleanser
✅ Gentle low pH formula suitable for all skin types
✅ Soothing and strengthening effects
✅ Large size with pump design is convenient and cost-effective
❌ May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
Its low-pH formula successfully purifies my tired skin without causing any irritation. For people with combination skin, this cleanser can cater to both oily and dry areas without leaving your skin feeling stripped or tight.
What stands out about this Korean face wash are the Cica and Tea Tree extracts. These natural ingredients work wonders for soothing my rough and sensitive skin while reinforcing the skin barrier.
Mild Daily Face Wash
✅ Natural ingredients with proven benefits
✅ Unique BHA foam formula for gentle cleansing
✅ Effective against blackheads and excess sebum
❌ Scent may be too strong for some
Upon applying the cleanser, I noticed its unique BHA foam formula, which comes up automatically without water. I just had to mix a bit of water to transform it into a creamy-textured foam that was gentle on my skin.
I loved how it efficiently removed blackheads and excess sebum without causing irritations.
Snail Repairing Foam Cleanser
✅ Effective in removing sebum and dead skin cells
✅ Moisturizing and creates soft skin
✅ Contains snail mucin filtrate for vibrant skin
❌ May not work for everyone's skin type
❌ Slightly pricey compared to other options
The foam deeply cleans my pores without leaving my skin feeling stripped or dry. It removes excess sebum and dead skin cells, revealing a clearer and brighter complexion.
One of the most unique features of this cleanser is the inclusion of snail mucin filtrate, which is known for its skin-healing and regenerative properties. After using this Cleanser, my skin feels incredibly soft and moisturized.
Korean Facial Wash for All Skin Types
✅ Effective, deep cleansing with a smooth foam
✅ Suitable for sensitive and all skin types
✅ Infused with natural ingredients
❌ Might not be suitable for heavily acne-prone skin
I recently tried this cleansing foam and I must say, I’m genuinely impressed. The experience wasn’t like anything I tried before, starting with the creamy and delightful texture when the foam lathered on my face.
Made with natural ingredients, the Pyunkang Yul Cleansing Foam is designed to cater to different skin types, including sensitive ones. I have somewhat sensitive skin, so knowing this made me a lot more confident in trying it out.
Snail Mucin Gel Cleanser
✅ Snail mucin for regenerative effects
✅ Gentle gel-to-foam formula
✅ Suitable for all skin types
❌ Limited scent options
The snail mucin ingredient is well known for its regenerative properties, and I can definitely see a difference in my skin’s overall health and appearance.
One thing to note, though, is that it’s important to perform a patch test on your body before applying it to your face to ensure you don’t have any negative reactions to the product.
Cleansing Wash for Sensitive Skin
✅ Non-irritating whipped cream texture
✅ Vegan and hypoallergenic formula
✅ Low pH for skin barrier protection
❌ Might not remove heavy makeup
What I appreciate most about this gentle face wash is its vegan, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free formula. It’s important to me to use clean skincare products that minimize the risk of irritation or reactions, especially on my sensitive skin.
ETUDE’s SoonJung line checks all those boxes, and the addition of Panthensoside (a blend of Panthenol and Madecassoside) helps soothe the skin and maintain a healthy moisture barrier.
Hydrating Face Wash
✅ Purifying, hydrating, and exfoliating
✅ Suitable for all skin types
✅ Unique blend of fermented ingredients
❌ Miniature size might not be enough for some
The texture of the gel was smooth and easy to apply to my face. I particularly appreciated the blend of fermented ingredients, such as pear, soybean ferment, and pomegranate ferment, which I found to be quite beneficial for my skin’s appearance.
The travel size might be a drawback for those looking for a larger product; however, I found it to be a perfect size if you want to test the cleanser before committing to the regular version.
Snail Cleanser Face Wash
✅ Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
✅ 99% naturally derived ingredients
❌ Slightly drying, needs to be followed with a moisturizer
This face wash has a unique blend of snail mucin, natural salicylic acid, and tea tree extract which together fight acne and provide a clear and radiant skin.
Due to its gentle formulation, my sensitive skin did not face any irritation or redness after using this face wash.
Though it’s slightly drying, pairing it with a moisturizer quickly solves that problem. I appreciate that this face wash doesn’t clog my pores, allowing my skin to breathe freely.
Reviving Rose Infusion Cream Cleanser
✅ Hydrating and gentle on the skin
✅ Beautiful rose fragrance
✅ Cruelty-free and vegan formula
❌ May irritate sensitive eyes
What truly sets this cleanser apart is its organic Damask rose water and rose oil ingredients, which not only provide a heavenly scent but also help to firm and revitalize the skin.
Furthermore, the super berry complex and marigold extract work together to create a nutrient-packed formula that leaves my skin feeling lively and dewy.
Hyaluronic Acid Face Cleanser
✅ Creamy, non-drying foam
✅ Hydrating without stripping skin
✅ Rich in antioxidants and amino acids
❌ Less noticeable green tea scent
The first time I used this Innisfree cleanser, I couldn’t believe how soft and refreshed my skin felt afterward. The creamy foam lathered up nicely and washed away dirt and impurities without leaving my skin feeling tight or dry.
I especially appreciate that it’s formulated with antioxidants and amino acids, which help maintain my skin’s natural moisture balance.
Gentle Cleansing Foam
✅ Luxurious lather
✅ Hypoallergenic and paraben-free
✅ Suitable for all skin types
❌ Smaller container size
I immediately noticed the rich and luxurious foam that made my skin feel pampered. It has a light and pleasant scent that adds to the enjoyable experience of using this product.
The cleanser works effectively in removing dirt and makeup without causing any dryness or irritation on my skin.
Face Cleansing Oil
✅ Effectively cleanses sensitive, normal, and oily skin
✅ Hydrates and brightens the skin
✅ Plant-based and pleasant lemon scent
❌ Scent might be strong for some
After using it for a while, I can confidently say that this face wash has become an essential part of my skincare routine. The gentle formula works effectively on my skin, removing all dirt, oil, and impurities without causing any irritation or dryness.
One of the things I love the most about this product is its lemon scent, which gives a refreshing feel while applying the cleanser. Also, the fact that it’s plant-based is a big plus for me, as I prefer using more natural skincare products.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best Korean face wash, there are a few factors you should consider before making a purchase. I’ll explain these below and provide tips to help you find the perfect product for your skincare needs.
Skin Type
First and foremost, consider your skin type. Different face washes are formulated to cater to the unique needs of various skin types.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Oily skin: Look for a cleanser with a gel or foam texture that can effectively break down excess oil and control sebum production.
- Dry skin: Choose a cream or lotion-based cleanser to provide extra hydration and help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Sensitive skin: Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free face wash that won’t irritate your skin. A cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile will be a bonus.
- Combination skin: You might need a balancing cleanser that can address both your dry and oily areas. Foaming cleansers can help remove oil from the T-zone, while creamy cleansers can hydrate the drier patches of your skin.
Do you have problems with dry skin? Check out our article on korean skincare for dry skin.
Ingredient Quality
Look for cleansers with gentle surfactants (the agents responsible for removing dirt and oil) to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
Avoid harsh chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
| Ingredients to look for | Ingredients to avoid |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid | SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) |
| Green tea extract | Parabens |
| Ceramides | Synthetic fragrances |
Functionality and Formulation
Consider the specific functions you want your face wash to achieve. Are you looking for a cleanser that can remove makeup? Do you need a gentle exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells?
Keep this in mind while scanning through your options.
- For makeup removal, you may want to try an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm.
- For exfoliation, look for a cleanser with gentle physical exfoliants like rice bran or a mild chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid.
FAQ
What do Koreans use to clean their face?
Koreans typically use oil-based cleansers followed by foam or gel cleansers for a thorough double-cleansing routine. This helps remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities, ensuring clean and refreshed skin.
Which are the best Korean skincare brands?
Popular Korean skincare brands include Laneige, COSRX, Innisfree, Etude House, and Klairs. Renowned for effective and innovative products, these brands offer a range of skincare solutions, from hydrating creams to targeted treatments, contributing to the global popularity of K-beauty.
Why Korean skincare is better?
Korean skincare is often praised for its emphasis on hydration, gentle formulations, and innovative ingredients. The multi-step routine and focus on prevention contribute to achieving healthy, radiant skin.
How to get Korean glass skin?
Achieving Korean glass skin involves a diligent routine: double cleansing, exfoliating, and applying toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Hydration is key, emphasizing lightweight layers. Incorporate products with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for a radiant complexion.
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