The use of Korean cleansing oils is on the rise in the beauty industry, this is because they are great for removing not only makeup but also sunscreen, blackhead, and dirt.
Korean cleansing oils are oil-based cleansers that emulsify when in contact with water to clean your skin of any dirt.
This is the first step to the double cleansing method, using Korean cleansing oils or cleansing balms before going in with a water-based cleanser if you like.
I know some of you may say I am oily skin and using oils will only make my pores clog and cause more breakouts, but these Korean cleansing oils are also good for your skin too although there are some things to check for which I will be explaining as next.
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how to choose the best Korean cleansing oils
There are so many Korean cleansing oils in the market so you have to choose the best according to your skin type.
Ingredients: Based on the ingredients there are two main types of Korean cleansing oils, we have the ones with main ingredients as plant-based cleansing oils and synthetic cleansing oils.
For the plant-based cleansing oils, we have non-comedogenic oils like sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oils, black current oil, etc. The plant oils are in high proportion and are usually the first ingredient on the list.
While for synthetic oils we have ingredients like Caprylic Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, etc, there are still some plant oils used but the synthetic oils are in high proportion and the first on the list.
They both work well but if you are particular about the ingredients or if one irritates you you can use the other.
Texture: Korean cleansing oils have a different texture to them, some are heavy while some are light. If you have normal skin to dry skin you will need Korean cleansing oils with viscosity.
They have a thick texture and will leave your skin feeling hydrated without feeling any dryness.
While for oily skin to combination skin you will need Korean cleansing oils with a light texture and good spreadability, this will leave your skin with a light feel and finish.
You will also need to choose Korean cleansing oils that emulsify easily so you don’t feel like there is any leftover oil on your face that can cause breakout or acne.
Oil Type: Korean cleansing oils that are rich in linoleic acid like argan oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil, rice bran oil, rose hip oil, and hemp seed oil are good for oily skin and acne-prone skin types.
While for dry skin types, Korean cleansing oils rich in oleic acid are the best as they are thick. They include avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, macadamia nut oil, almond oil, coconut oil, sea buckthorn oil, and olive oil.
How To Use Korean Cleansing Oils
- Pump the oil on your dry hands, 3 pumps will be sufficient but you can add one extra if you have makeup on, and apply it to your face.
- Massage your face for about 30sec in a circular motion, this will make the Korean cleansing oil get into your pores and mix well to remove impurities and sebum.
- Add a bit of water to your hands and emulsify the oil, it will turn into a white, milky texture.
- Continue massaging your face for another 30 sec, this will take out the impurities and sebum to the surface of the skin.
- Then properly rinse and go in with your water-based cleansers and the rest of your skincare routine.
Note: If you have oily skin, combination skin, or acne-prone skin, avoid oil blends or single oil that do not contain emulsifiers or surfactants.
Best Korean Cleansing Oils
1. Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
The Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil is plant-based, it is a gentle yet powerful cleansing oil that melts away blackheads and whiteheads without clogging pores.
It is lightweight with a pleasant herbaceous scent from the ingredients.
This Korean cleansing oil contains 14 plant oil ingredients (Soybean oil, Hazel Seed oil, Grape seed oil, Olive fruit oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Jojoba seed oil, Sunflower seed oil, Rice bran oil, Lavender oil, Orange oil, Tea tree oil, Argania oil, Orbignya oil, Camellia Japonica seed oil).
Lipophilic oil and hydrophilic foam cleanse the skin, sebum as well as makeup, and fine dust through emulsion and lock in moisture for the skin.
The Ma: no Factory Pure Cleansing Oil is infused with jojoba seed oil and argan oil, which melts away makeup, dirt, and impurities without drying out the skin.
The formula also contains rice ferment filtrate to balance skin oil and water levels. Rice bran oil helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, reducing the look of large pores while rinsing clean.
The Ma: no Factory Pure Cleansing Oil is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
2. THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil completely removes skin impurities and deep makeup with its refreshing and light texture.
It has a light watery texture, brightens the skin, and removes oil-based impurities like sebum, SPF, makeup, etc.
The main ingredients are synthetic oils like Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, while the plant-based ingredients are rice bran oil and jojoba oil.
It also contains rice water loaded with vitamins A, B, and E that all help brighten and nourish dry skin.
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil is recommended for all skin types.
3. Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA]
![Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA]](https://ogeenyi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/image-2-1440x1440.png)
Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil PHA is formulated for sensitive skin. It is a deep cleansing oil that purifies the skin, gently exfoliating and melting makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
The Polyhydroxy acids(PHA) help dissolve dead skin cell build-up and protect against external irritants, revealing calmer, brighter, more hydrated skin.
Contains Sunflower Oil a lightweight facial oil that is gentle on sensitive skin. Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that gently resurfaces & hydrates sensitive skin
And also Lavender Oil which is a soothing essential oil that calms redness and skin irritation.
Depending on your skin type there is the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil BHA for oily skin and combination skin.
Also the Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil AHA for dry skin.
4. TONYMOLY Wonder Apricot Seed Deep Cleansing Oil
Wonder Apricot Deep Cleansing Oil easily breaks down the base, lip, and eye makeup while also removing impurities so skin can look and feel its cleanest.
It removes all traces of heavy makeup and purifies and replenishes skin. Wonder Apricot Deep Cleansing Oil is a synthetic oil cleanser with mineral oil as the main ingredient.
Contains Apricot Seed Oil which not only works to erase makeup but also removes pore-clogging impurities for a cleanse that goes beyond the skin’s surface.
Also, it has pomegranate seed oil, jojoba seed oil, macadamia seed oil, and meadowfoam seed oil that leaves the skin moisturized and hydrated.
Because of the Mineral Oil, I will recommend the Wonder Apricot Deep Cleansing Oil for dry skin.
5. SIORIS Fresh Moment Cleansing Oil
SIORIS Fresh Moment Cleansing Oil is a lightweight cleansing oil that immediately melts away all traces of makeup and impurities, leaving no greasy residue behind.
It has a mild formula that infuses plant-based oils and naturally-derived surfactants, which won’t cause any irritation.
The main ingredient is Safflower seed oil, high in oil-balancing linoleic acid, to gently dissolve away makeup, sunscreen, and other daily debris while keeping the skin barrier protected and hydrated.
It also contains sweet almond oil that helps to calm and protect the skin, reducing the appearance of acne and lessening the appearance of fine lines,
While Jeju camellia oil helps to further soften and nourish with omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, plant collagen, and squalane.
SIORIS Fresh Moment Cleansing Oil is recommended for all skin types including sensitive skin.
6. iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is a plant-based cleansing oil. It has a velvety texture and easily emulsifies the skin
It is lightweight and gives a deep cleansing effect to your pores, removing makeup remnants and blackheads for clean, smooth skin.
iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is highly effective at removing dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup, your skin is left soft, cleansed, and hydrated.
It contains Sunflower Seed Oil which provides moist and gentle protection against dry skin. Canola Oil that gives a fresh and light feeling while deeply moisturizing the skin.
Contains Calendula Flowers Extract relaxes and calms sensitive skin stressed from external stimuli.
And Cananga Odorata Flower Oil not only does it relaxes the body and mind it helps control sebum production.
iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil is recommended for all skin types.
7. PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil
PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil is a gentle cleanser that is excellent for removing heavy, oily makeup and sunscreen without irritation and stinging sensation.
This oil emulsifies perfectly, it gently breaks down any makeup along with impurities and sebum, that are deep in the pores.
PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil is plant-based with Olive oil as its main ingredient. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, Olive Oil creates a barrier that keeps the skin moisturized and hydrated.
It has Sunflower Seed Oil contains essential fatty acids and lecithin that help control sebum production and soothe the skin.
Jojoba Seed Oil is rich in vitamins and minerals, this ingredient moisturizes skin while protecting it from environmental stressors.
Jojoba oil controls sebum production breaking down whiteheads and blackheads inside the pores removing not only makeup but also impurities deep under the skin.
Sweet Almond Oil has a great moisturizing effect and helps to improve dry, itchy, and irritated skin and Grape Seed Oil absorbs impurities in the pores and helps clean the face.
PURITO From Green Cleansing Oil is recommended for dry skin types.
8. Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil is lightweight, it deeply removes external impurities and skin waste inside your pores while locking moisture into the skin, leaving the skin feeling moisturized after cleansing.
It is a synthetic cleansing oil and it is fragrance-free.
Saponaria leaf extract and Portulaca Oleracea extract which are natural cleansing ingredients give light cleansing without a dry and irritating feeling.
Jojoba Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil penetrate deep inside the pores, removing the makeup residues.
Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol attract nearly 1000 times the actual weight of water to keep profoundly hydrated and nourished skin.
Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, and Sweet Almond Oil provide the skin feeling moisturized.
Centella Asiatica and Tea Tree extracts, well known for soothing ingredients, help to calm and moisturize sensitive skin.
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil is recommended for all skin types including sensitive skin.
9. Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil provides gentle deep cleansing without irritating the most sensitive skin. It maintains the skin’s moisture even after cleansing.
The main ingredient is synthetic oils, it contains Black bean oil which helps to control sebum production, increases skin elasticity, and provides a soothing effect.
Black sesame oil prevents dehydration and skin aging while providing powerful antioxidant effects through various useful components.
Black Current Seed Oil strengthens the skin’s protective layer to prevent the evaporation of moisture from the skin. It promotes skin cell regeneration and provides antioxidant effects.
Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil has a thick texture and is recommended for dry skin types if you have oily skin you should use the Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil.
There you go with the 9 best Korean cleansing oils I recommend don’t forget these are not the only ones on the market but I just picked out this one.
Let me know in the comments section if you have tried any of these or if you are planning to try one.
What are the best Korean cleansing oils?
- Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil [PHA]
- iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil
Which Korean cleansing oil is best for acne-prone skin?
Should You Double Cleanse for Oily Skin?
Yes. If you have oily skin go in with your cleansing oil then a water-based cleanser.
How often should you use Korean cleansing oils?
Every day, morning and night are perfect but if you don’t want to you can use it only at night.
Looking for more skincare posts? Check out my other Korean skincare content here
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