Discover the ultimate secret to achieving healthier, more radiant skin with my top picks of the best Korean cleansing oils!
If you’re already familiar with the easy 5-step Korean skincare routine, then you’re well aware of the importance of choosing the right type of facial cleanser.
While water-based cleansers may be your go-to, don’t overlook the growing popularity of oil-based cleansers, especially when it comes to Korean double cleansing.
Personally, I’ve found that using cleansing oils is an excellent way to dissolve and remove face makeup before washing my face.
They effectively break down long-wearing makeup for cleaner skin, making them an indispensable part of my skincare routine.
While some cleansing oils claim to be a one-stop-shop for cleansing the skin without the need for double cleansing, I find that using a combination of a cleansing oil and low pH cleanser is the most effective method.
Having experimented with various Korean cleansing oils and balms, including ma:nyo, The Face Shop, Celimax, and Banila Co, I’ve discovered that each of them performs exceptionally well on my skin type.
So, if you’re on the lookout for the perfect cleansing oil, I’m excited to share my personal experience and top picks with you.
In this post, I’ve rounded up the best Korean cleansing oils and balms.
My Top Picks for Korean Cleansing Oils and Balms
Here is a short list of my favorite Korean cleansing oils for removing dirt, makeup, and impurities. These game-changers will leave your skin refreshed, silky smooth, and oh-so radiant!
- Best for Dry Skin: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil ($10 at YesStyle, $9 at Style Korean, $13 at Amazon)
- Best for Oily Skin: Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil ($9 at Style Korean, $17 at YesStyle, $13 at Jolse)
- Best Overall: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil ($26 at Stylevana, $29 at Amazon)
- Best Korean Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero ($18 at YesStyle, $19 at Style Korean, $24 at Amazon)
If you’re in the market for K-beauty products, I suggest taking a look at these online stores. They offer the best prices and are my preferred shopping destinations for Korean skincare.
- YesStyle: Click here to get your coupon for 10% off!
- Style Korean: Click here to get your coupon for 5% off!
- Jolse: Click here to get your coupon for $7 off!
To learn more, you can check out my full reviews about the sites here.
4 Favorite Korean Cleansing Oils and Balms
So, here’s a thorough breakdown of my top picks for Korean cleansing oils. Get ready to experience the ultimate cleansing with my top recommendations!
1. Best for Dry Skin: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil
- Key Ingredients: Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil
- Ideal Skin Type: Combination/Dry Skin
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil is the option best suited for combination/dry skin.
For quick reference, the Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil is best for oily skin and has a bit of a lighter texture. I’ve found that both have similar formulas so that they don’t have big differences.
I like the Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil because it’s effective, gentle, and super affordable as well.
The texture is runny and thin, so it applies well to the face without feeling irritating.
The product emulsifies on the skin after being massaged. It cleanses well with water and gives the skin a fresh feel without leaving any greasy residue behind.
When it comes to its cleansing ability, it removes all traces of makeup, including eyeshadow, waterproof mascara, and sunscreen, effortlessly.
I’m very impressed with how well it gets rid of heavy makeup without any film. I’ve also found this one works well with mellow blackheads, which is a huge plus.
The only additional thing I wish this one had is no fragrance.
It has a typical perfume scent that may annoy those who have sensitive skin types. Other than this one, a great, budget-friendly Korean cleansing oil pick is available.
2. Best for Oily Skin: Celimax Derma Nature Fresh Blackhead Jojoba Cleansing Oil
- Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil
- Ideal Skin Type: Oily Skin
Celimax Fresh Cleansing Oil is another favorite. This oil cleanser has a medium-thin texture and is just as gentle as the Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil.
It is designed to remove blackheads and dirt from pores and has a bit of a citrus scent, which makes me feel good when cleansing the face.
For my skin, it felt gentle enough to use every day and effective at melting away makeup and blackheads.
I’ve found that this one is a bit slow to emulsify compared to the Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil, but it easily melts away with water and cleans the face well.
Packed with six natural oils, it doesn’t clog the pores or burn my eyes when removing eyeliner and mascara, either. I think it’s suitable for every skin type, but it has alcohol in it, so I’d recommend this one for oily skin.
The only change I would make to this product is to design it with a taller pump, as the height of the pump is really low and can cause spillage when dispensing it.
Other than the bottle design, it is a great and effective cleansing oil that I would recommend to all of my friends.
3. Best Overall: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
- Key Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Hazel Seed Oil, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Grape Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil
- Ideal Skin Type: All skin types
The ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil is among the most gentle but effective cleansing oils I’ve tried and almost used up.
I really love this one because it’s nourishing and leaves the skin feeling super soft and smooth without any residual film.
This oil cleanser has a lightweight formula filled with nutrient-rich natural oils such as argan kernel oil, soybean oil, and jojoba seed oil to cleanse, nourish, and replenish the moisture in skin.
It indeed does a good job and cleanses the skin entirely.
It removes all traces of makeup nicely, including sunscreen, foundation, and concealer, but in terms of mascara removal, it takes a bit more time.
After the first cleansing with this oil cleanser, I prefer to follow up with a low pH cleanser to ensure every residue is removed.
It’s gentle and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. And it’s not irritating at all.
If you have super sensitive skin or want something more gentle, I think this will be a great option for you.
4. Best Korean Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero
- Key Ingredients: Acerola Extract, Herbal Extracts, and Vitamin C
- Ideal Skin Type: All Skin Types (Except for acne-prone skin)
Last but not least, as a fan of the Banila Co Clean It Zero, I picked this as the best Korean cleansing balm.
It’s a typical cleansing balm-type product that turns to an oil-like texture when applied to skin.
The application is super easy, and it feels ultra silky-smooth when I massage it into my face. It literally melts away dirt, impurities, and even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, like the Etude House Curl Fix Mascara, effortlessly.
This one works the best when removing heavy makeup among the list, and I really love it!
I also like that it doesn’t require too much soaking and requires repeating steps. It’s mild enough to use every day and doesn’t sting my eyes or leave a greasy feeling behind.
Whenever I need a deep, thorough cleanse, I reach for this and normally follow up with my low pH cleansers like the Innisfree Blueberry Cleanser.
Korean Cleansing Oils: FAQ
1. What Exactly Is Oil Cleansing?
If you’re new to the world of skincare, you might be wondering what oil cleansing is all about.
Put simply, oil cleansing involves using an oil-based cleanser to gently and effectively remove debris such as excess dirt, oils, and makeup from your skin.
Unlike traditional water-based cleansers, oil cleansers work by attracting and dissolving the impurities on your skin, leaving it feeling clean and nourished.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine, oil cleansing might just be the secret to achieving the healthy, radiant skin you’ve always wanted!
2. Why Is Oil Cleansing Important for Skincare?
When it comes to skincare, oil cleansing is a game-changer.
Unlike traditional facial cleansers that rely on surfactants to cleanse your skin, cleansing oils work by gently melting away oil-based impurities such as excessive sebum and makeup.
This makes them highly effective at removing stubborn dirt, without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
In addition to their superior cleansing abilities, oil cleansers also offer additional benefits for your skin.
They provide much-needed moisture and softness, leaving your skin feeling nourished and refreshed.
And the best part? They’re suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as long as they don’t contain any fragrances.
So, if you’re looking for a gentle yet effective way to improve your skincare routine, incorporating an oil cleanser could be just what you need to achieve that radiant, healthy-looking complexion you’ve always wanted.
3. Is Double Cleansing Always Necessary?
While double cleansing can be an effective way to remove impurities and achieve healthier, clearer skin, it may not be necessary for everyone.
Based on personal experience, double cleansing as part of the Korean skincare routine is a gentle and effortless way to achieve clean, nourished skin without leaving it dry or stripped of natural oils.
That being said, whether or not you need to double cleanse on a daily basis depends on your skin type and the products you use.
If you wear makeup and/or SPF during the day, double cleansing at night may be necessary to ensure that you thoroughly remove all the buildup on your skin.
On the other hand, if you don’t wear makeup or SPF, a gentle low pH foam cleanser in the morning may be enough to keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Ultimately, it’s important to find a skincare routine that works for you and your unique skin needs.
4. How to Use Cleansing Oil in Your Skin Care Routine
Now that you have a better understanding of how oil cleansing works, you may be wondering how to incorporate cleansing oils into your skincare routine. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Apply oil cleanser to your dry skin. Most Korean cleansing oils are best applied to dry skin, but some may work better on damp skin. Be sure to read the instructions on the product to determine the best application method.
- Step 2: Massage the cleansing oil into your skin using circular motions.
- Step 3: Wet your face with lukewarm water to emulsify the cleansing oil and remove impurities. You will notice the cleansing oil turning white as it mixes with the water.
- Step 4: Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the cleansing oil.
- Step 5: Optional double cleanse. Depending on the cleansing oil you use and how much makeup you wear, you may need to double cleanse. Use a low pH cleanser to remove any remaining oil and debris from your face.
By following these steps, you can effectively incorporate cleansing oils into your skincare routine and achieve clean, healthy, and nourished skin.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, incorporating a Korean cleansing oil into your skincare routine can provide numerous benefits for your skin.
By effectively removing makeup, dirt, and impurities while also moisturizing and softening the skin, cleansing oils are a great option for all skin types.
And with my recommended Korean cleansing oils, you’ll be able to find an option that suits your specific skin needs.
Whether you try the popular Banila Co Clean It Zero, the skin-friendly ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil, the affordable and effective Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rich Cleansing Oil, or the nourishing Celimax Fresh Cleansing Oil, you won’t be disappointed.
So go ahead and give one a try, and let me know in the comments what you think!
Further reading on KbeautyAddiction.com: Want to learn more about Korean skincare trends?
If you’re a true K-beauty fan, let’s keep exploring and discovering the best Korean skincare products together!
- 4 Best Korean Cleansing Oils and Balms I’m Loving Right Now
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Last Updated on 06/18/2023 by Elle Kim
