Best Korean Cleanser For Dry, Oily, Acne Skin & Cleansing Steps

Cleansing Guide for Healthy Skin & Best Korean Cleansers

Even though I suggest reading all recommendations to find the best fit for your skin type, if you prefer to check the top-rated Korean cleanser reviews first, click the image below to see the reviews directly.

What is a facial cleanser used for?

The surface of the skin is easily exposed to fine dust, sweat, waste, and makeup residues. It is important to use a cleanser to remove dirt and keep the skin clean to maintain normal physiological functions. However, washing too much can actually cause skin problems. The skin barrier is the outermost surface of the skin. It contains a natural moisturizing factor that holds moisture. Also, the skin barriers have ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. However, too much cleansing causes these ingredients to be washed away together, breaking down the skin barrier.

Best Korean Cleanser for Oily Acne-prone skin

Using a product that has a strong cleansing power because it contains a lot of sebum and oil can make the skin worse. If there is inflammation, it is better to wash it slowly while reducing irritation by creating a rich lather. Products with soothing or anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Tea Tree or Green Tea are good for oily acne skin, and natural exfoliating ingredients such as Willow Bark Extract and Sugarcane Extract are also helpful. Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine each have strong cleansing power and can irritate the skin. However, when these two ingredients are combined together, they can be used as a hypoallergenic cleanser, so a product with these two ingredients properly formulated for acne-prone and oily skin is effective in removing sebum.

K-beauty Product Recommendation & Review

By Wishtrend Acid-duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser 

• Acid-duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser
• 150ml
• $15 ~ $16
• Skin Type: combination, oily, acne-prone skin

Ingredients

BY WISHTREND Acid-Duo 2% Mild Gel Cleanser is a mild, hypoallergenic pH cleanser that helps exfoliate the skin and remove wastes. 1% Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) and 1% Gluconolactone (PHA), two very gentle acids that replace BHA and AHA, help cleanse the skin from dead skin cells, relieve acne and improve skin tone. This LHA + PHA mix also heals the skin faster and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Cleansing: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauramide DEA
• BHA – exfoliating and skin calming effect (Salicylic Acid, Willow) Bark Extract)
• PHA – less irritant and exfoliating effect (Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, Maltobionic Acid) 
• LHA – anti-inflammatory and peeling effect (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid)
• Soothing: Panthenol, Beta-glucan

Uses

For me, who has dry skin, this product feels a bit irritating. It is difficult to recommend as a daily cleanser for sensitive or dry skin because of its various exfoliating ingredients. I prefer to use it for good deep cleansing once a week. However, it was very effective for Irene, who is suffering from acne + dry skin. Let’s look at her review which states that she uses it 3-4 times a week. “Quick drying has improved and acne has also improved a lot. There was no irritation, so the skin texture became much softer and better. My skin condition has improved and I am very satisfied with it.”

Results

It is a hypoallergenic pH cleanser that treats pores and sebum with LHA 1% and hypoallergenic keratin PHA. A Non-Comedogenic formula for acne-prone skin using two hypoallergenic acids that effectively exfoliate. It is an effective gel cleanser for whitehead and blackhead removal.

Price

150ml $15 By wishtrend’s bestseller, it’s even cheaper if you buy it during a sale on wishtrend.com.

Clean Beauty

By Wishtrend focuses on developing formulations that minimize skin irritation while using highly functional ingredients. The names of the product include the main ingredients and the amount used so consumers can recognize what effects can be expected just by looking at the product name. It is a skincare brand that shows confidence in the ingredients, formulation, and results of use.

#alcohol-free #fragrance-free #essential Oil-free #paraben-free #sulfate-free #cruelty-free #vegan-friendly

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Best Korean Cleanser for Dry skin

For dry skin, it is recommended to use a mild cleanser. The standard is a cleanser that foams less and leaves a slightly slippery residue after washing, and there is no tightness after washing. Beta-glutan, Betaine, Hyaluronic Acid, etc. are good for moisturizing ingredients, and surfactants such as SLES can irritate the skin, so it is recommended to check the ingredient list before purchasing.

K-beauty Product Recommendation & Review

MAKEP:REM Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam

• MAKEP:REM Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam
• 150ml
• $16 ~ $20
• Skin Type: all skin types

Ingredients

It contains Marrubium Vulgare Extract to keep the skin healthy from the external environment, and Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, which is called a water reservoir, providing more moisture care. In addition, the Panthenol ingredient helps to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain healthy skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Cleansing: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
• Soothing: Panthenol, Raspberry Fruit Extract
• Hydrating: Glycerin, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Betaine

Uses

I liked that it gently cleansed my sensitive and dry skin without irritation. It foams better than expected and the cleaning power is good. I was surprised that it had less skin pulling compared to the high cleaning power. However, the container of the product is a little uncomfortable to use, so I’m a bit disappointed. I deducted one star because of this.

Results

It is a hypoallergenic cleanser that gently cleanses sensitive skin with its soft foam that leaves the skin moist without tightness. The skin-friendly ph5.5 mildly acidic cleansing foam maintains moist skin balance and reduces the slippery finish that existing weakly acidic cleaners have. It cleans not only ultra-fine dust but also base makeup with light color tones. It is a good product for sensitive skin and oily skin lacking moisture.

Price

Since it is a foam cleanser that foams well with a small amount, 200ml is enough to use for several months. I think it is an appropriate amount for good ingredients and great cleaning power.

Clean Beauty

Makeprem is a pragmatic clean beauty that makes skincare products using only good ingredients that can be used even for sensitive skin. This product is also alcohol-free /fragrance-free /essential Oil-free /paraben-free /sulfate-free with a clean-beauty score of 5! In addition, it is an eco-beauty brand that has made efforts to reduce unnecessary packaging. They use eco-packaging materials and convert them to recycled paper so that healthy skin benefits everyone including the planet.

#alcohol-free #fragrance-free #essential Oil-free #paraben-free #sulfate-free #cruelty-free #vegan-friendly

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Best Korean Cleanser for Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you can say that it is a skin type that is easily stimulated from the outside because the skin barrier is weak. For those with sensitive skin, when using a cleanser that has ingredients to remove waste, the trouble occurrence rate is higher. Therefore, it is better to use a cleanser that is less irritating to the skin. We recommend a cleanser with these ingredients (Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Coco Glucoside, etc.) For a stronger skin barrier, look for ingredients with Panthenol, Allantoin, Ceramide NP, and Cholesterol. 

K-beauty Product Recommendation & Review

Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

• Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser
• 50ml
• $16 ~ $21
• Skin Type: all skin type

Ingredients

Panthenol, which strengthens the skin barrier and helps to retain moisture, has a soothing effect on skin irritation caused by hypoallergenic dryness. Also, Madecassoside, a skin damage care ingredient, is a mild cleanser that can be used safely even on sensitive skin.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Cleansing: Lauryl Glucoside, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
• Soothing: Panthenol, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Madecassoside
• Hydrating: Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol

Uses

I have sensitive skin and even redness, so I prefer hypoallergenic products, but this product is really gentle. Since it is a foamy formula, it is very convenient to use immediately after pumping. However, since it is a weakly acidic cleanser, it does not have excellent cleaning power, so it is not suitable for removing makeup. In my case, I use it on days without makeup or as a morning face wash. As it is said to be hypoallergenic, it is near non-irritating, so it doesn’t cause any trouble on the skin, and it doesn’t pull at all after washing, and it’s moist and comfortable to use.

Results

It contains Panthenol and Madecassoside, which are effective for skin soothing, to calm the skin irritated by the external environment. The rich foam created by pumping minimizes friction on the skin and gently cleanses the skin. It is a weakly acidic ph product similar to the acidity of healthy skin and makes the skin balanced and comfortable. However, the cleansing power is weak, so it is suitable for morning and second cleansing. Suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, and skin types prone to dermatitis.

Price

As with Etude House products, it is highly recommended as a cleanser with safe ingredients at an affordable price.

Clean Beauty

Etude House Soon Jung Line is a clean skincare line designed to be used safely even on sensitive skin. Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is alcohol-free /fragrance-free /essential oil-free /paraben-free /sulfate-free, and it is a cleanser loved by many people because it has good cleaning power.

#alcohol-free #essential oil-free #paraben-free #sulfate-free #fragrance-free #clean-beauty

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Can I use cleanser daily?

For dry and sensitive skin, if you do not apply anything to your skin before going to sleep, you can wash your face with only water. But it is possible that skin residue remains in the morning because your face comes in contact with your pillows or blankets during sleep. The probability is high. Therefore, it is more beneficial to the skin to use a mildly acidic cleanser in the morning to wash away the waste products remaining on the skin. If you have oily skin, sebum secretion is active, so you need to properly remove the remaining sebum to keep your skin healthy. Sebum cannot be washed off only with water, so if you have oily skin, you must wash your face with a cleanser.

How do you cleanse with cleanser?

The main purpose of cleansing is to remove wastes, and if you do too much cleansing, even normal moisturizing factors can be removed. So, too frequent cleansing can damage the skin barrier, making it dry or sensitive. In addition, the cleansing method and frequency vary depending on the strength of makeup as well as skin type.

Heavy Makeup

• Normal skin:
  Thoroughly cleanse with a product dedicated to lip and eye makeup → Double face wash (Cleansing Milk + Cleansing Foam)
• Dry and sensitive skin:
  Thoroughly cleanse with a product dedicated to lip and eye makeup → Cleansing Cream or Cleansing Oil → (2nd cleansing) Cleansing Foam
• Oily and combination skin:
  Thoroughly cleanse with a product dedicated to lip and eye makeup → Cleansing milk → (Double cleansing) Cleansing gel or Cleansing Foam

No Makeup

• Normal skin:
  Wash with one of the following products: Cleansing Milk, Cleansing Foam, or Cleansing Water
• Dry and sensitive skin:
  Wash with either a cleansing cream or a cleansing foam
• Oily and combination skin:
  Wash with one of the following products: Cleansing Milk, Cleansing Water, Cleansing Gel or Cleansing Foam → Occasionally use a gentle exfoliator

What is the best way to clean your face at home? 

Makeup Cleansing

1. Erasing Eye Makeup – Put eye makeup remover on the puff and a cotton swab. Cover both eyes and the puff under the eyes and press gently for 5 seconds to absorb it sufficiently. Wipe the eyelashes, roots, and mucous membranes once more with a cotton swab. Even if you do not wear eye makeup make sure to wash carefully around your eyes to remove foundation and other makeup.
2. Eyebrows – Put the eye remover on the puff and gently wipe it along with the texture of the eyebrows.
3. Lips – Put the remover on the puff and gently press on the lips for absorption, then gently wipe along with the texture.
4. Cleansing Milk/Cream/Oil – Take an appropriate amount on the palm of your hand and spread evenly over the entire face except around the eyes, and gently rub from the center of the face towards the ears. Gently wipe off the residue with a tissue.
5. Cleansing Foam – After lathering enough on your hands, rub your face with your fingertips, centered on the T zone, as if massaging. Instead of wiping with your hands, wash your face as if you were pouring water on it, and gently press with a towel to wipe off the water.

Water-proof Physical Sunscreen Cleansing

Because the waterproof sunscreen is strong against sweat and water, it cannot be erased by washing with water alone. It can cause trouble by clogging pores when left on the skin. Clean for 90 seconds with warm water. If it is not waterproof, using cleansing toner or cleansing gel is sufficient. (within 3 minutes in total)

Water-proof Chemical Sunscreen Cleansing

In the case of waterproof chemical sunscreen, it is difficult to remove cleanly with only the first cleansing, so first, gently roll with cleansing oil and then wipe gently with a tissue. Second, pour it into the palm of your hands such as a cleansing foam or gel with lukewarm water, and lather it gently with your fingertips. If you massage lightly while drawing a circle, it will be easier to discharge waste products from the pores. To finish, rinse your face gently with cold water several times and then gently press it with a clean towel to remove the moisture. A face wash is just a face wash, but if it stays on the skin for a long time, it will dry out and damage the skin. Rinse it cleanly in a short time with as little irritation as possible. (within 3 minutes in total)

Deep Cleansing

As we age, the overall cycle of regeneration and exfoliation of the skin slows down. This gradually slows down the intensity of the exfoliation, which is stimulated through the physical method of exfoliation, thereby stimulating the regeneration of new cells in the skin. If your skin condition is not the same as before, deep cleansing can be one of the ways to prevent skin aging. No matter how good your daily exfoliation is, you must do deep cleansing once or twice a week to keep your skin healthy for a long time. Deep cleansing should be done with gentle ingredients, but since the skin around the eyes is very thin, it is easy to wrinkle when stimulated, so be careful.

Types of Deep Cleansers

• Scrub – This is a granular exfoliation method. After moistening the face with water, gently roll it in a circular motion except around the eyes. Choose products with fine granules so that there is no irritation to the skin.
• Gommage – Apply a mud-type exfoliant on your skin and gently push it away before it dries. Be sure to apply it except around the eyes and push it off before it dries. Gently push outward to avoid wrinkles on the face and wash with warm water.
• Enzyme – This is a hypoallergenic deep cleansing method that uses an enzyme extracted from fruit to remove dead skin cells with proteolytic enzymes. It can be used on all skin types.
• AHA – It is a chemical deep cleaning method that is applied to the skin and rinsed off. It does not irritate the sebaceous glands, so it is good for oily or combination skin. Depending on the concentration, it may irritate the skin, so it is best to avoid sensitive skin.

What is the best facial cleanser? 

The reason that you need to use a cleanser with a weak pH is that the pH index of the skin surface is weakly acidic. It is important to keep the skin in a weakly acidic state because it helps with hydration. However, if you use a weakly acidic cleanser, the irritation is small, but it does not foam well and the cleaning power is poor. A good cleanser is a product that does not irritate the skin while wiping away wastes and contaminants cleanly and neatly. It is good to have a cleanser that maintains and stabilizes the pH of the skin surface in a slightly acidic form with relatively little irritation. Using a gel, bubble, or milk-type cleanser is a good way to have both cleansing power and skin protection at the same time.

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