Hailed as the backbone of the famed double-cleansing ritual, the best Korean cleansing oils make the dreaded task of removing makeup, SPF, and any impurities an absolute breeze – leaving skin hydrated, balanced, and never stripped.
Looking back at my own journey into the world of K-beauty, cleansing oils were one of my very first Korean skincare discoveries, and they’ve remained a mainstay in my routine ever since. Instead of that uncomfortable squeaky-clean feeling that I’d become so accustomed to, I was met with nourishing yet surprisingly lightweight formulas that taught me cleansing doesn’t have to come at the expense of my skin barrier.
From a marshmallow cleanser to a TikTok-viral exfoliating bean essence.
As a bonus, I also found that Korean cleansers can be extremely therapeutic—almost like treating yourself to a mini spa ritual before bed. Nothing quite compares to that silky and cocooning feel when you’re massaging in the formula, and it melts away even the most stubborn product residue (yes, even waterproof mascara). And as you’re rinsing it all off, the oily formula turns into a soft milky emulsion that gently slides while leaving your complexion velvety smooth.
Ahead, the very best Korean cleansing oils that deliver on their promises—and might just turn cleansing into your favourite part of the day.
The best Korean cleansing oils, at a glance
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Best Overall: HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Feels lightweight on the skin; unscented; vegan; non-irritating; reasonably priced
- Cons: Nothing of note
This cleansing oil emerged as a clear winner for all skin types. “It excels at keeping your skin hydrated and nourished while cleansing, in addition to effectively removing makeup and Korean sunscreen,” says Christine Hall, K-beauty expert and general practitioner in medical aesthetics. It features a clever blend of five botanical oils, including black rice bran, jojoba seed, macadamia seed, sunflower, and olive oil.
Testing notes: As someone who has sensitive skin, I appreciate that this formula is unscented and free of irritants,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet. In fact, after each cleanse, my skin felt soothed and nourished—none of that tight feeling. After all, there’s a reason why it’s become a non-negotiable step in my nighttime routine: I can always rely on it to effectively remove every drop of makeup residue in seconds.
Best for Oily Skin: Man:yo Pure Cleansing Oil
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- Pros: Incredibly nourishing; pleasant citrusy scent; effectively removes makeup
- Cons: Not fragrance-free
This cleansing oil is one of the best-selling products at South Korea’s largest beauty retailer, Olive Young, and rightfully so. Enriched with 14 types of plant-derived oils, such as jojoba seed oil and argan oil, this nourishing formula makes easy work of dissolving any impurities or dirt buildup, leaving you with silky-smooth skin. Plus, its noncomedogenic nature and lightweight formula make it perfect for acne-prone or oily skin types.
Testing notes: I’ve been testing this cleansing oil for the last two years now, and it’s never let me down. It strikes that perfect balance of being purifying yet incredibly lightweight and non-pore-clogging. Even on days when I’m wearing a full face of smudge-resistant makeup and waterproof mascara, it melts everything away seamlessly.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Offers the most lightweight formula; fragrance-free
- Cons: May not feel nourishing enough on extremely dehydrated skin
If your skin leans more sensitive or is prone to irritation and flare-ups, this cleansing oil from Beplain is definitely worth considering. Infused with soothing mung bean extract (a staple in traditional Korean formulas), it works to calm and purify the skin while delivering a gentle cleanse. What makes this formula a true standout is its featherlight texture that doesn’t even feel like oil in the first place.
Testing notes: “Since I have rosacea, I’m no stranger to dealing with sudden flare-ups or reactive skin, which is exactly why I tend to gravitate to ultra-gentle formulas like this oil from Beplain. Since it’s also fragrance-free, it doesn’t irritate my eyes, and once it’s rinsed off, my skin feels softer than ever—never tight or red,” Denise says.
Best for Dry Skin: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Has a nourishing feel; great for dry skin; free of parabens
- Cons: Not fragrance-free
When your complexion is parched, the last thing you want is a cleanser that strips away that much-needed moisture. Whether your skin is naturally on the drier side or it feels a bit dehydrated as a result of a damaged skin barrier, think of this best-selling formula from Anua as the missing puzzle piece to your hydration-boosting regimen. Featuring heartleaf extract to calm and nourish the skin, it’s bursting with other anti-inflammatory properties and replenishing plant oils to effectively remove makeup without stripping the skin.
Testing notes: Personally, I love this cleansing oil for its rich yet silky texture. Once emulsified into a lovely milky blend, it leaves my skin supple and hydrated—acting as a great first step to my barrier-loving regimen. In fact, after using it consistently for two months, I noticed a sizeable improvement to the quality of my skin and hydration levels.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Iunik Calendula & Jojoba Oil-Infused Vegan Cleansing Oil
- Pros: Helps with clogged pores and blackheads; luxury feel; simple yet effective formula; no artificial fragrances
- Cons: May not feel nourishing enough on dehydrated skin
Contrary to popular belief, oil cleansers don’t clog pores or make acne worse. In fact, the right formulas can help balance sebum production and support a healthier skin barrier, and this calendula-infused cleansing oil from Iunik does exactly that. Featuring just six ingredients, this straightforward formula is designed to help melt away blackheads and unclog pores, which is exactly what makes it great for oily or acne-prone skin types.
Testing notes: Its lightweight consistency is where it truly shines. Rather than feeling heavy or greasy, it has a lightweight and refreshing feel that doesn’t feel too overwhelming when it’s massaged into the skin. As someone who has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is prone to hormonal breakouts, I found that this cleansing oil has been instrumental in perfecting my acne-friendly routine. After rinsing off, I usually follow up with a foaming cleanser to rid the skin of any leftover impurities before using my trusty Korean retinol serum for gentle resurfacing.
Best for Barrier Repair: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil
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- Pros: Formulated to help repair a damaged skin barrier; has a lightweight texture; nongreasy
- Cons: Has a subtle but evident scent
Looking for a quality formula to help reinforce your skin barrier? Allow us to introduce you to SKIN1004, a brand that has a whole product lineup dedicated to barrier repair, and this cleansing oil is one of its standout formulas. Infused with centella asiatica extract (which is one of the most hailed Korean ingredients for barrier repair), this oil is formulated to help soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and restore the skin’s hydration levels—all while effortlessly lifting away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities.
Testing notes: I rely on this formula whenever I’ve overdone it with my retinoids or other active ingredients to instantly soothe my skin without leaving a tight feel. It’s not often that I’ll find a cleansing oil that ends up doing its job while also caring for my skin’s long-term health. About the only qualm I have with this formula is that it’s not entirely fragrance-free, which could be an issue for those of us with sensitive eyes. However, it’s worth noting that the fragrance is mild and not at all overwhelming.
Frequently asked questions
How are Korean cleansing oils different from western ones?
While the concept of an oil cleanser isn’t exclusive to K-beauty, Christine Hall shares that in contrast to Western formulas that prioritise deep cleansing, “Korean cleansing oils prioritise gentleness, hydration, and barrier support while minimising irritation and nourishing the skin even during cleansing.”
“Although both effectively remove makeup and impurities, Korean formulas often double as skincare treatments, whereas Western ones tend to be more functional and straightforward,” Christine says.
Elsewhere, Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You, says that “Korean cleansing oils are also typically more lightweight, emulsify more cleanly, and rinse off easily without that heavy, greasy feeling” that you might experience with Western formulas.
What are some of the key ingredients found in Korean cleansing oils?
According to Christine, some of the “most common ingredients found in Korean cleansing oils include fermented extracts to boost absorption, hyaluronic acid for hydration, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, and peptides for anti-ageing support.”
“Meanwhile, soothing botanicals like heartleaf will help calm inflammation, while ginseng provides antioxidant protection and revitalises the skin,” she says.
What are the benefits of using a cleansing oil?
“The formulations tend to be gentler on the skin while still delivering an effective cleanse from product buildup like makeup, lotions, SPF, or any dirt and debris from the day,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.
“They’re also great for all skin types, but especially for those with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, as they will also cleanse excess oil without stripping your skin of essential oils,” she says.
According to Charlotte, “Cleansing oils are particularly game-changing as the first step in your double-cleanse routine.”
“Once any impurities are lifted away with a cleansing oil, a water-based cleanser can then remove sweat, pollutants, and other water-soluble debris, which results in a far more thorough cleanse than using one type of cleanser alone,” says Christine.
What’s the correct way of using a cleansing oil?
“Start with dry hands and a dry face,” says Charlotte. Next, she recommends “massaging roughly one to two pumps of cleansing oil into your skin using gentle circular motions.”
“Really take your time around areas with more buildup, like the nose or jawline. Then emulsify with warm water—this turns the oil milky—and rinse thoroughly before following with a water-based cleanser,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Christine Hall, K-beauty expert and general practitioner in medical aesthetics
- Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician based in New York City and cofounder of Then I Met You skin care brand and Soko Glam online beauty retailer
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
This article originally appeared on Glamour US.
