Cleansing

Korean face cleansing is the first step of every K-Beauty routine: a cleansing oil or balm dissolves sunscreen and make-up, then a gentle foam or gel cleanser removes water-soluble residue. Here you will find both stages of double cleansing from brands such as Anua, Beauty of Joseon, SKIN1004 and ma:nyo, matched to dry, oily and sensitive skin.

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Guide: Cleansing

Which cleanser suits your skin?

Korean cleansers are usually pH-balanced and designed to be gentle so the skin barrier does not dry out. Dry and sensitive skin does best with a cleansing oil and a creamy, low-foaming cleanser. Oily and combination skin benefit from gel cleansers with heartleaf or tea tree, which lift sebum without tightness. If you wear sunscreen or make-up, cleanse in two steps in the evening.

Double cleansing: the right order

  1. Oil-based: massage cleansing oil or balm onto dry skin, emulsify with a little water and rinse.
  2. Water-based: apply foam or gel cleanser to damp skin, massage for 30 to 60 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water.
  3. In the morning, lukewarm water or the water-based cleanser alone is usually enough.

Typical ingredients

Our guide to the Korean skincare routine explains the full order of steps.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need two cleansing steps?

In the evening, yes, if you wear sunscreen, make-up or waterproof products: oil dissolves oil-soluble residue and the water-based cleanser removes the rest. In the morning one step is usually enough.

Is a cleansing oil suitable for oily skin?

Yes. A well-emulsifying cleansing oil rinses off without residue and removes excess sebum without drying the skin. Follow with a light gel cleanser.

How do I recognise a gentle cleanser?

By a slightly acidic pH around 5.5, mild surfactants such as cocoyl glutamate or glucosides, and skin that does not feel tight after rinsing.

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